Mountain Biking Tibet Tour Lhasa to Kathmandu and Everest Base Camp Tibet

Q: Is there a risk of altitude sickness?

This is one of the most often asked questions - how will I cope with the altitude. To be honest, this is an unknown factor as no-one can predict how your body will cope at altitude. People who have been to altitude many times in the past without problems, may on one climb suddenly develop problems. There are many factors that play a role. The only way to help combat this is to take all of the necessary precautions, and walk slowly, acclimatize correctly, don't ascend too quickly and drink plenty of water.

Mountain Biking Tibet Tour

This mountain bike tour offers one of the world's longest and steepest descents - a non-stop downhill that begins on the Tibetan Plateau and winds 1500 kms down to the fertile rice fields of Nepal (an unbelievable 4600m descent!). We will ride more than 1,100 km through Tibet on crushed stone roads and over spectacular mountain passes. The high point of the journey comes when we arrive at the monastery of Rongbuk and see Mount Everest Base Camp (5200m). This is the only trip in the world where you can visit Everest Base Camp with a bicycle! This mountain bike experience will also bring you into contact with three religions (Buddhism, Lamaism and Hinduism) and act as an introduction to the mysticism of Tibetan culture, the friendliness of the people and the daily culture in villagers' lives. General Information Distances travelled per day will vary, between 40 and 100km. It is important to remember that this route is over mountain passes at high altitude. As such, cyclists must be fit and have undergone training.

LHASA TO KATHMANDU CYCLE TOUR

Day-1: Kathmandu

Day-2: Kathmandu

Day-3: Kathmandu to Lhasa (3660m)

Day-4: Lhasa

Day-5: Lhasa

Day-6: Cycle to foot of Kamba Pass (3700 m)

Day-7: Kamba Pass

Day-8: Karo Pass base

Day-9: Karo Pass to Gyantse

Day-10: Shigatse

Day-11: Gyachung Monastery

Day-12: Lhatse

Day-13: Shegar

Day-14: Pang Pass

Day-15: Rongbuk

Day-16: Rongbuk

Day-17: Base Camp

Day-18: Cycling to Old Tingri

Day-19: Peokutso Lake

Day-20: Foot of Gontala Pass

Day-21: Cycling to Kerong Town

Day 22: Cycling till Syabrubesi, drive to Kathmandu

Day 23: Departure

Day-1: Kathmandu

Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel

Day-2: Kathmandu

Explore the Kathmandu Valley and visit some of the world heritage sites.

Day-3. Kathmandu to Lhasa (3660m)

Transfer to the airport for the hour-long flight across the main Himalayan range. Afternoon at rest to acclimatise to Lhasa's high altitude.

Day-4: Lhasa

We will visit Lhasa's many monasteries and sites, such as the Sera Monastery, and the Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama.

Day-5: Lhasa

We visit the Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery founded in the 14th century, and once the largest in the world, with a population of around 10,000 monks. The afternoon, is a time to relax or further explore the area.

Day-6: Start the Bike Tour

Finally, your trans-Himalayan biking adventure begins. Our journey towards Everest starts with the Friendship Highway as it heads out across the plateau. We leave Lhasa and cycle along the Tsangpo River to foot of the Kamba Pass (3700 m). (Total cycle: 85 km).

Day-7: Kamba Pass

Our first mountain pass. A strong uphill climb along a tar road of several switchbacks, reaches a summit lavishly adorned with prayer flags (4794m). After descending we continue alongside Lake Yamdruk, at the far side of which we set camp (4490m). Overnight accommodation in tents. (Total cycle: 55 km)

Day-8: Karo Pass base

Leaving the beautiful lake behind, we cycle along the Friendship highway which soon becomes a gravel roadway, through a ravine and up to the foot of the Karo Pass (4750m, where our tented village will be prepared for the night. Overnight in tents. (Total cycle: 54 km)

Day-9: Karo Pass to Gyantse

A significant day on the tour, as we have to get up early to climb the high Karo Pass (5010m). Around us we can see glaciers stretching down to 6000m and beautiful lakes. You are rewarded for your effort with a night in a top hotel in the city of Gyantse (3980m). Overnight at Gyantse Hotel.

Day-10: Shigatse

First we will visit the Gyantse Dzong and Gyantse Kumbum. The Dzong is a fort dating from the 14th century and the Kumbum, a large gold-domed stupa with several small chapels, containing an impressive collection of Tibetan Buddhist murals. We then head out on the highway towards Shigatse. Although today involves a longer distance, the highway is tarred and flat. In the afternoon we will arrive in Tibet's second largest city, Shigatse (3860m). Accommodation at Shigatse Hotel. (Total cycle: 94 km)

Day-11: Gyachung Monastery

We leave Shigatse and ride over two small passes and through several small Tibetan villages. We will cycle past the isolated Gyachung Monastery and camp. Tents at around 4100m. (Total cycle: 75 km)

Day-12 : Lhatse

The route lead us through picturesque valleys before the long route begins which leads over the Tso-La (4520m). After lunch we head towards Lhatse past the hot springs and camp about 10km outside of town. Accommodation in tents. (Total cycle: 95 km)

Day-13 : Shegar

Today we view the stunning canyon of the 5220m Gyatso-La. On a clear day you will be rewarded for your effort with your first view of Mount Everest.After a 40 km ride through flat prairie towns, you will arrive in the town of Pelbar, often referred to as Shegar. Shegar, is a popular stopover for anyone heading to the Everest region. Today will be a long and grueling ride through the canyon.Overnight accommodation in Hotel Quomolongma. (Total cycle: 75 km)

Day-14: Pang Pass

Just outside of Shegar, we will divert off the main Lhasa-Kathmandu highway and head towards the world's highest peak, Everest. After passing through the border control point, you will be faced with 20km'sof uphill switchbacks (42 hairpin bends in total!) before you reach the summit of the Pang Pass (5150m). Your reward will be some of the most magnificent views of Everest and her surrounding peaks. Enjoy lunch as you gaze over Makalu (8463m), Shishapangma (8012m), Cho Oyu (8210m), Lhotse (8516m), Everest (8850m) and several other breathtaking peaks. Then a 20-kilometer downhill follows to the Rongbuk Valley (4200m), where we camp. Overnight accommodation in tents. (Total cycle: 67 km)

Day-15 -16 :Rongbuk Monastery

A bumpy road winds up through the Rongbuk valley a slow gradient until the majestic Mount Everest appears before you. We will camp beside the monastery with the unforgettable sight of the 8848m peak in front of your eyes. We will stay here for two days. One your second day, you can either read a book or get even closer to Everest by taking a walk, cycling or hopping on a donkey and cart ride to Everest base camp, which is 8km from the campsite. Overnight accommodation in tents (5150m). (Total cycle: 35 km)

Day 17: Cycling to Everest Base Camp [about 2 km]

A day to relax. However, you will definitely want to get as close as you can to Everest. You can walk, cycle or even take a donkey and cart ride to the base camp which is 2 km from the campsite. Back to Rongbuk Overnight accommodation in camp.

Day 18 : Cycling to Old Tingri (Chamda) [approx. 86 km]

Leaving Rongbuk, we head back down the bumpy road then take a 'short-cut' into the mountains. Another bumpy trail takes us over a canyon and down into Tingri (4340m). Overnight accommodation in tents.

Day 19: Cycling to before Peokutso Lake - Camping (approx 73 km)

After breakfast in Tingri, we will then start our ride to the Peokutso Lake. Peokutso Lake Paiku (or Peiku, Tibetan: Paiku-Tso or -Tsho) is a lake at 4,591 meters (15,062 ft) elevation on the Tibetan Plateau at south of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River. The lake is 27 kilometers (17 mi) long and 6 kilometers (3.7 mi) wide at its narrowest. It is surrounded by mountains reaching 5,700 to 6,000 meters (18,700 to 19,700 ft). Streams fed by glaciers cascade to the valley floor, but most sink into alluvial deposits before reaching the lake. The surrounding catchment is an endorheic basin with no outlet. It would overflow into the Yarlung Tsangpo with a water level about 100 meters (330 ft) higher. The lake's brackish water is evidence that it has not overflowed in hundreds if not thousands of years.

Day 20: Cycling to the foot of Gontala Pass [74km Downhill Cycling] [4750 m]

Gyirong Town (Chinese: and Kerung in Nepali) is situated in the southern part of Gyirong County in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It is located 70 kilometers (43 mi) south of the county seat Zongga on the bank of Gyirong Zangbo river, a tributary of the Trishuli River. The town has an elevation of 2,700 meters (8,900 ft), with a subtropical mountain monsoon climate, meaning reasonable precipitation and warm weather. In 1961, Gyirong was established as a port of entry by the Chinese government. Gyirong Town is an important town in the cross-border trade between China and Nepal. Historically it was a major thoroughfare. In December 2014, the port of entry between China and Nepal was opened. This route between China and Nepal is considered to be more reliable than one through Zhangmu. In Gyirong Town, there is a village of ethnic Nepali referred to as Daman people. They are descendants of Nepalese Gurkha army centuries ago. Previously stateless, they were granted Chinese citizenship in 2003.

Day 21: Cycling to Kerong Town (110km)

After the breakfast in Upper Kerong, we will start cycling to Kerong border and will camp in the beautiful scenic campsite and stay overnight there. Hence the campsite is located in an extraordinary site you are encouraged to make the most of this day either cycling around or exploring the beautiful vicinity. We will cycle around 70km before arriving at this campsite today.

Day 22: Morning cycling till Syabrubesi [45km] and drive back to Kathmandu

After the breakfast at our beautiful campsite, we will start cycling until the lunchtime in Syburbesi where a pickup vehicle will be waiting for us to transfer back to Kathmandu Overnight at Hotel Thamel Eco Resort (Kathmandu)

Day-23:

Final Departure from Nepal.

End of services

Fixed departures

22 April 2020 (Wednesday) 14 May 2020 (Thursday) Kathmandu Joining

06 May 2020 (Wednesday) 28 May 2020 (Thursday) Kathmandu Joining

20 May 2020 (Wednesday) 11 June 2020 (Thursday) Kathmandu Joining

10 June 2020 (Wednesday) 02 July 2020 (Thursday) Kathmandu Joining

15 July 2020 (Tuesday) 06 August 2020 (Thursday) Kathmandu Joining

26 Aug (Wednesday) 17 Sep 2020 (Thursday) Kathmandu Joining

2 Sep 2020 (Wednesday) 24 Sep 2020 (Thursday) Kathmandu Joining

21 Sep 2020 (Monday) 13 Oct 2020 (Tuesday) Kathmandu Joining

7 Oct 2020 (Wednesday) 29 Oct 2020 (Thursday) Kathmandu Joining

Your Questions Answered

When is the best time to do the Tibet mountain bike tour?

The best season to go on this trek is from August to October and mid-March to mid-April. This is the peak time of the year to go on this trek, and you will find many other trekkers along with you on the journey. With May being summit season it will be very busy and also the time of year when trekkers are restricted.

Is the mountain biking tour difficult?

The actual day to day cycling is not difficult if it were at low altitude but given that you are cycling high passes at hgh altitudes, it makes it hard going. The roads are mainly paved except from just past Shegar onwards to Rongbuk and then back to the main road.

Do I have to carry my own gear?

No you only need to carry your day pack or paniers as a porter will carry your gear for you.

What type of bike should I take?

The first days of cycling until just part Shegar to the fork to Mt. Everest Base Camp is tarmac. From there is it mostly gravel and the final three days back to Kathmandu is paved. For this reason a gravel bike is better as a road bike would be rough on the gravel and a mountain bike would be slow and inefficient.

Can I choose my own departure dates?

Yes you can and we can easily plan your trek on dates that suit you. However given the cost fo the trek it is best to go on a group departure date

Is there a risk of altitude sickness?

This is one of the most often asked questions - "how will I cope with the altitude". To be honest, this is an 'unknown' factor as no-one can predict how your body will cope at altitude. People who have been to altitude many times in the past without problems, may on one climb suddenly develop problems. There are many factors that play a role. The only way to help combat this, is to take all of the necessary precautions, and walk slowly, acclimatise correctly, don't ascent too quickly and drink plenty of water.

What is the accommodation like on the trek and before?

The tour part uses hotels throughout until Rongbuk where a guesthouse may be used. The rest of the hike is a camping trip.

What distance does the hike cover?

The hike is about 32km which is short but high altitude trip.

Do I need a Visa to travel to Tibet?

Tibet is new to tourism and as such, you may often encounter things running a little differently to the way they do in the west. Time adherence can be slow and facilities e.g. some restaurants and public toilets seriously "wanting." The roads are also prone to wash ways causing delays or detours and often sections of a road will be closed without prior notice. As such, a good degree of patience is required when travelling to Tibet. We do however, endeavour to make your journey run as smoothly as possible despite these issues. When entering Tibet from Nepal, Chinese Visas cannot be used. As such, the visa for Tibet must be obtained from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. As visa's are only issued on Mondays, Wednesday's and Thursdays (except if they fall on a Chinese Holiday), tours need to be arranged to suit these visa issue dates, i.e. any one going on a tour departing for Tibet from Nepal, needs to arrive in Kathmandu at least three days before entering Tibet. When you confirm your trip with us, we will organize your Travel Permit for Tibet, Visa Approval Documents and apply to the Chinese embassy to obtain your visa. We will thus require your full passport details, 3 weeks prior to your arrival at Kathmandu. The final documentation will be done on arrival in Nepal. Please note that visa for Tibet obtained elsewhere has still got to be endorsed by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.