The border between Tibet and Nepal is closed until further notice. Please contact the office if you are interested in this tour and we will keep you informed of any developments regarding the trip status.
Cycling in the Tibetan Plateaus from Lhasa to Kathmandu is an awe-inspiring experience and a must for adventure cyclists. Our Tibet cycle tour travels from between two of Asia’s most exotic cities. On the tour we will mountain bike over 5 major passes above 5000m and traverse a distance of 1000km over the backbone of the Himalayas.
The tour includes the world’s longest downhill ride from just over 5,000m at Thang La, cycling down to below 700m in Nepal – around 4,400m in just over 160km of breath taking descent.
Starting in Nepal, with a couple of days exploring Kathmandu we then take a dramatic flight across the great Himalayan range to Lhasa, capital of Tibet. This is one of the most interesting, remote and spectacular parts of the world. We have 4 days of sightseeing and acclimatizing before mountain biking across a beautiful landscape of snow-capped summits. All around us are scenes of religious devotion; flags fluttering on the tallest mountain passes and processions of devout pilgrims travelling to the numerous monasteries and temples.
Cycling to Everest Base Camp is a spectacular feature of our tour, and another major cycling challenge, as the road climbs almost fifty hairpin bends over the Pang La Pass. Here at 5,150m we see the magnificent views of the Himalayas, and of Mt. Everest itself. Finally reaching Base Camp is an experience few will ever forget.
The Tibet cycling holiday offers some great physical challenges with extreme mountains biking through breath taking scenery as you cycle “the Roof of the World”
Detail itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu
After arrival in Kathmandu you will be transferred to the hotel. This evening we will make our introductions and have a group chat followed by a meal together.
Accommodation: Hotel
Sleeping altitude: 1314m
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
After breakfast there will be a tour of the main sights in Kathmandu: Monkey Temple, Durbar Square and Kumari Bahal. In the afternoon you will be free to explore this charming city.
Accommodation: Hotel
Sleeping altitude: 1314m
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3: Fly to Lhasa
This morning we fly to Lhasa. On arrival you will be met by our local Tibetan guide. You will be presented with a Kada (a white scarf which is a symbol of good luck and happiness in Tibetan culture) and transferred to hotel. Later this afternoon you have time to explore the local area and acclimatize to this high altitude city.
Accommodation: Hotel
Sleeping altitude: 3514m
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4: Sightseeing in Lhasa
Today we visit the Sera monastery. One of Tibet’s ‘great three’ university monasteries, the Sera was built in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty. It was named Sera, meaning rose, because the hill behind it was covered in wild roses in bloom when it was undergoing construction. This afternoon we see Lhasa’s principal landmark: The Potala Palace, a structure of immense proportions. First built in 641, since them it has been expanded many times. Nothing can compare to your first sight of this ‘wonder of the world’.
Accommodation: Hotel
Sleeping altitude: 3514m
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 5: Sightseeing in Lhasa
In the morning you have the option to visit the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual centre of Tibet. Pilgrims from all over Tibet trek here to worship. To Tibetans the Jokhang is the most important and most sacred temple in Tibet. Along with the Potala Palace it is part of a UNESCO world heritage site and a popular tourist destination in Lhasa. This afternoon we can build our bikes in preparation for tomorrow.
Accommodation: Hotel
Sleeping altitude: 3514m
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6: Lhasa – short ride out of Lhasa
Our first ride takes us to visit the project, Braille without Borders. In the summer of 1997 Sabriye Tenberken, who is blind herself, travelled to Tibet to investigate the possibility of providing training for Tibetan blind and visually impaired people, as, at the time, there were no programs educating and rehabilitating blind people in Tibet.
In conjunction with her partner Paul Kronenberg, Sabriye then took the initiative, establishing a school for the blind. Their work has helped alter traditional negative attitudes towards blind people, who for centuries have been viewed as outcasts. Our cycle here will be the first time we are aware of ‘riding at altitude’.
Accommodation: Hotel
Maximum altitude: 3622m
Sleeping altitude: 3514m
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7: Lhasa to the base of the Khamba La pass
We leave our hotel in convoy out of Lhasa, stopping outside the Potala Palace for a group photograph to mark the start our epic journey. Once outside Lhasa you can take advantage of the flat roads and go at your own pace, with the opportunity to stretch your legs and get warmed up for the climbs to come! The route follows the deep green water of the Kyi Chu (Lhasa River), with hills forming a picturesque backdrop as we head towards Chusul. The road pulls away from the river as we pass the recently constructed bridge and tunnel to Lhasa airport and gain our first views of snow-capped mountains ahead.
We stop for some lunch and then it’s on towards Daga where we cross onto the south bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River; the highest major river in the world, with an average elevation of about 4000 meters. The route continues on the south bank some 10 km to our camp at the base of the Khamba La pass. We have a short walk to the river to freshen up before dinner is served by our Nepalese cooks.
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 3617m
Sleeping Altitude: 3608m
Distance: 84.5km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Base of the Khamba La passes to Nakartse
Today marks the first of our major climbs – 23 km to the Khamba La pass at 4807m. The climb is eased by recent tarmac surfacing of the road, but it will still be a tough day’s cycling as our bodies continue to adapt to the high altitudes. You will be rewarded for your exertions on this morning’s challenging climb with the sight of the stunning, turquoise waters of the Yamdrok Tso (lake), this is a sacred lake to Buddhists. You will also be treated to views of the snow-capped Nazin Kang sa (7252m) in the distance. We now make a fast descent (500 m) to the lake below and onto the Tibetan plateau. We will stop for lunch after about 5km. This afternoon we complete the last 38 km into camp along flat but tough terrain.
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 4807m
Sleeping Altitude: 4296m
Distance: 73.5km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Nakartse to Lungmar
As we leave our camp today on the tarmac road we head west and climb to cross the Karo La (5032m). The first of the passes above 5000m, this is a challenging but enjoyable ride to the top of the pass, from where you will see an imposing glacier. Karo La is where Francis Young husband fought a battle with Tibetans in 1903 to reach Lhasa.
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 5032m
Sleeping Altitude: 4516m
Distance: 52.1km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Lungmar to Gyantse
Today begins with a gentle climb of 15km to the top of the Simi La followed by an easy ride of 35km, mostly downhill to Gyantse. The town is home to some magnificent military and religious sights dating back to the 15th C. The most famous of its monasteries is the Kumbum, a gold-topped pyramid barely touched by the passage of time and one of the most spectacular buildings in Tibet. You will be free this afternoon to enjoy looking around Gyantse.
Accommodation: Hotel
Maximum Altitude: 4516m
Sleeping Altitude: 4048m
Distance: 59km
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 11: Gyantse to Shigatse
A Comfortable rides to Shigatse on a nice tarmac road. As we follow the Nyang Chu River, we turn one corner after another along a series of bends in the road. Unusually for this trip we are on flat road all day.
Accommodation: Hotel
Maximum Altitude: 4048m
Sleeping Altitude: 3852m
Distance: 93.4km
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 12: Rest day in Shigatse
Today is a rest day, with the option of a tour of the Tashi Lhunpo monastery led by our Tibetan guide. The Tashi Lhunpo Monastery is seat to the Panchen Lama, the second most important spiritual leader of Tibet and was founded by the 1st Dalai Lama in 1447. It is one of the four great monasteries of Central Tibet and was supervised and looked after by the Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas of the Gelugpa, or Yellow Hat tradition.
Accommodation: Hotel
Maximum Altitude: 3852m
Sleeping Altitude: 3852m
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 13: Shigatse to the base of the Tso La pass
We leave Shigatse in convoy, climbing steadily up 125m in the first 8km at the start of a long day’s cycling. After some 35 km we cross the barely discernable Tso La pass (4050m). The undulating terrain takes us through a landscape of fields where children will shout “Hello!” and run to greet you if you stop to take a break. The surrounding mountains close in on us as we enter into a river valley before reaching our camp a short distance before the Tso La pass.
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 4160m
Sleeping Altitude: 4160m
Distance: 95.5km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Base of the Tso La passes to base of Gyatso La
A steady 8km climb takes us to the Tso La pass (4580m), followed by a fast downhill descent of 425m over 29 km, and a flat stretch into Lhatse. Lhatse is reminiscent of a Wild West frontier town; children here are both friendly and inquisitive and not afraid to interact with us strangely dressed cyclists! We head out of Lhatse and into the Chusar Chu valley, where we camp at a very picturesque spot along the riverside.
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 4533m
Sleeping Altitude: 4145m
Distance: 64.5km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Base of Gyatso La to Shregar
The day starts with a 24km climb on sealed roads to the highest pass – the Gyatso La (5220m). You will be rewarded with stunning views of the snow-capped mountains either side of the pass and the offer of a cup of Yak tea from the solitary tent alongside the fluttering prayer flags. We drop down 10km, out of the wind, to our lunch stop. The gradual descent takes through small villages and past Stupas down to the Lolo River. You may well be greeted by excited children from a roadside school at the foot of the descent, before you reach camp at a picturesque site next to the river.
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 5253m
Sleeping Altitude: 4408m
Distance: 65.7km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16: Shregar to Tashi Dzong
A fast descent from camp takes us through a checkpoint and to the turn-off for the highlight of the tour: Everest! The early morning sun softens the rugged appearance of the landscape bathing the snow-dusted mountains around us in light. The terrain changes abruptly as we leave the main road towards Everest and the switchback-climb to the top of the Pang La (5200m) is slow going. On a clear day you will enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas at the top of the pass, with Everest directly in front of you. Another fast descent of endless hairpin bends takes us through settlements where local people group together in the fields drinking Yak tea and making bricks. We drop further onto an almost desert-like valley floor surrounded by rugged mountains cycling on to our campsite for the night
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 5205m
Sleeping Altitude: 4213m
Distance: 80.km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17: Tashi Dzong to Rongbuk
We climb gradually through villages where children rush to greet us, eager for any photo opportunity. They may even be keen to take a test-ride on your bike! Jagged snow-capped peaks confront us as we start our climb to Rongbuk. Your anticipation will increase at the turn of every corner as prospect of seeing Everest draws ever closer. We reach our camp just beyond the monastery at Rongbuk, the awe-inspiring backdrop of Everest is a just reward for the challenges of the last few days.
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 5009m
Sleeping Altitude: 5009m
Distance: 33.1km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 18: Rongbuk to Everest Base Camp – to the bottom of the pass
We embark on the final leg to our closest point to Everest Base Camp. This is a steady 8km ride taking us to the base of the North Face for a truly spiritual experience – simply unforgettable.
We return to Rongbuk for lunch and then cycle back down the valley, retracing our tracks from the previous day. For the more technically minded riders there are some excellent sections of stony single track, with Everest as your backdrop! Faster smoother tracks wait at the bottom of the descent with the option to cross a couple of streams as we turn left from our original path towards our camp by the river’s edge.
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 5168m
Sleeping Altitude: 4350m
Distance: 32km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 19: Zamphuk to Tingri
Today brings us a superb off-road ride along smooth mountain tracks with the occasional rough sections that are a challenge even to our hardy support vehicles. With the Himalayas forming a backdrop this is another superb day’s cross-country mountains biking. We reach a maximum altitude of 5101m before descending along a mixture of rough sections mixed with free-flowing dirt tracks and stream crossings on into the barren plains ahead of Tingri, where we re-join the Friendship Highway to our camp just outside the town.
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 5101m
Sleeping Altitude: 4355m
Distance: 62.5km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 20: Tingri to the Lalung La
Today’s cycling is predominantly flat although headwinds may hamper an otherwise comfortable day! The ride will take us through a landscape of monasteries, fortresses and clear mountain rivers. We will climb the Lalung La Pass (5009), the penultimate challenges of our trip, where we are rewarded with views of Shishapangma.
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 4563m
Sleeping Altitude: 4560m
Distance: 73km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 21: Lalung La to Nyalam
We embark on our final climb of today to the Thang La. The Thang La Pass gives you amazing views from within the midst of the Himalayas; a vivid reminder that you are crossing the world’s highest mountain range on your journey into Nepal. An additional challenge today is the strong headwind we have to contend with over undulating terrain. We begin our descent into Nepal with a succession of sweeping corners weaving our way through the Himalayas on a well surfaced road. The change in our surroundings is noticeable as we enter more verdant landscapes. We reach our camp 12km before Nyalam.
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 5149m
Sleeping Altitude: 3775m
Distance: 50km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 22: Nyalam to beyond Kodari
On emerging from your tent you may well be greeted by the sight of mountains cloaked in early morning cloud. Today is all about descent as we undertake the world’s longest downhill ride, leaving the barren Tibetan Plateau behind and entering lush scenery of Nepalese jungle. We cycle over bridges and across streams that flow from waterfalls carrying water off the mountain walls. You will stay close to the mountainside as there are steep drops on the opposite side of the road. As we reach the border town of Zangmu the surroundings change suddenly and long lines of trucks await passage into Nepal. This is where we leave behind our Tibetan staff and enter into “no man’s land” – a 7km descent to the Nepalese border town of Kodari.
We stop for lunch in Kodari and finish the day with a relaxing ride through the Nepalese countryside, where we will be greeted by local children. Our final camp is by the riverside; tonight we will have the customary party with our Nepalese guides to celebrate their return to Nepal. Locals from surrounding settlements often join us – a truly memorable cultural exchange.
Accommodation: Camping
Maximum Altitude: 3776m
Sleeping Altitude: 1065m
Distance: 74km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 23: Beyond Kodari to Dhulikel
Today starts with an undulating ride through small villages, where we encounter inquisitive locals. We enjoy picturesque views of the tree-covered mountainsides, dotted with houses. The weather is noticeably warmer now by contrast with the altitudes of Tibet as we face the challenge of the 25km climb into Dhulikel. We will make a stop for lunch after 10km. We stay tonight in a beautiful lodge where it may be possible to discern the Himalayan mountain range if the mist is not too dense.
Accommodation: Hotel
Maximum Altitude: 1535m
Sleeping Altitude: 1535m
Distance: 64km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 24: Dhulikel to Kathmandu
Our final day’s cycling takes us from Dhulikel to Kathmandu, where our journey began 3 weeks ago. We pass children on their way to school and the roads become increasingly more hectic as we approach Kathmandu; you need your wits about you, to negotiate traffic at the same time as enjoying the scenes of early-morning life all around you. We group up close together in convoy, following our support vehicle on the outskirts of Kathmandu and cycle all the way to our original hotel. Once at the hotel we will pack up the bikes and have lunch. There is time this afternoon to see more of Kathmandu and do some shopping. In the evening we get together for that all important and well-deserved celebratory meal!
Accommodation: Hotel
Maximum Altitude: 1535m
Sleeping Altitude: 1314m
Distance: 32km
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 25: Departure
Tour ends, flight home.