MOUTAIN BIKING
Kathmandu
- Lhasa to Kathmandu Downhill Cycling Tour- 21 DaYS
Trip Summary
The worlds longest downhill, ancient Monasteries, Everest Base
Camp, Altitude, two mystical cities, make Lhasa to Kathmandu THE
worlds most EPIC bike ride.
Description
One of the most remote regions in the world, the cycling pilgrimage
from Lhasa, Tibet to Kathmadu, Nepal will, quite possibly, be
a ‘life changing’ journey through time, spirits, scenery
and physical demands. Our fully-supported mountain bike tour takes
us across the Friendship Highway to the vast ‘Roof-Top of
the World’, Everest Base Camp, the world’s longest
descent, the highest high and the former home of the Dalai Lama.
Starting in Lhasa at 11,300 feet, we traverse 1,000 kilometers
over six panoramic passes exceeding 14,500 feet, finishing in
the Kathmandu Valley where the oxygen is rich and the lands fertile.
Depending upon your individual tastes and strengths, we’ll
cycle 14 full days and 2 half-days averaging 55 km/day. Support
vehicles are available for more or less riding. The terrain is
5% tarmac road, 95% non-technical off-road and 100% adventure!
Undoubtedly, this is the EPIC BIKE JOURNEY of the world! Nothing
in the Alps, nothing in the Pyrenees, nothing in the world even
compares.
 
This expedition is for adventurous cyclists wishing to immerse
themselves in the rawness of this vast plateau and the spirit
of local Tibetans at a deeper level. We visit the significant
monasteries giving rise to Buddhism and come to understand the
deep connection between Tibetan culture, religion and the inaccessibility
of their homeland. Check out our day-to-day itinerary and join
us for our annual pilgrimage to a sacred land you’ll never
forget.
 DAY
TO DAY ITINERARY - 21 Days/ 20 Nights |
Day
01
|
ARRIVAL
KATHMANDU
Arrive in Kathmandu. Our staff will pick you at the
airport and transfer you to Hotel Hotel Manang |
| Day 02: |
SIGHTSEEING
IN KATHMANDU
Our first full day in Nepal will be spent seeing sights
throughout the wondrous city of Kathmandu. Attractions
range from bustling markets to Kathmandu’s ancient
Durbar Square. This square is home to many beautiful
Temples. In the afternoon we will visit the amazing
temples in Patan's Durbar Square. Lastly, we will also
experience Buddhist culture at the large Buddhist stupa
at Swayambhunath. Swayambhunath is often referred to
as the monkey temple because of the large numbers of
monkeys that now reside there. |
| Day 03: |
FLIGHT TO LHASA
After flying a long time to Nepal I am sure you dread
another day of flying. However, this remarkable flight
last only an hour while crossing the Himalayan range.
As you may expect the striking mountain views surround
you the entire time. Once you arrive at Gonggar airport,
an easy two hour drive will take you to your final destination
of the traditional Dhood Gu Hotel. The remainder of
the day can be spent relaxing and exploring some of
the many sights in Lhasa. |
| Day 04: |
IN LHASA
Haven't you always dreamed of visiting the ancient Tibetan
monasteries? Our knowledgeable English speaking guide
will show you everything there is to see in some of
these renowned sights. First off we will explore the
beautifully preserved Sera Monastery. Many of the pictures
you see of Tibet are of these buildings with their white
washed walls and golden roofs. To this day several hundred
monks live and study in this architecture. The afternoon
will be spent exploring the Jokhang temple and Norbulingka.
The Norbunglinka is another astounding piece of architecture
and was once the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang
Temple will provide you one of your first sights of
devout Tibetans, as hundreds visit this sacred shrine
each day. The central market of Lhasa, the Barkor, surrounds
the Jokhang Temple. In these cobbled streets you can
experience more Tibetan culture and even purchase some
amazing crafts. |
| Day 05: |
FURTHER EXPLORATION
OF LHASA
To explore some of the ancient quarters of the Dalai
Lama we will visit Potala Palace in the morning. Be
prepared for astonishment as this grand palace has been
around since before the 17th century. It is a vast building
with much to explore. Those who wish to do so can ride
their bikes around the city for the first time. |
| Day 06: |
LHASA OUR FIRST
DAY ON THE BIKE
Our sixth day will be another easy one as we cruise
around Lhasa on our bikes. Both the Sera and Drepung
Monastery will be visited for another taste of Tibetan
culture. . To add even more history and culture we will
also visit Drepung Monastery. Once home to over 10,000
monks, the Drepung Monastery is still a beautiful sight
to see. Miraculously it was one of the few sights to
escape the Cultural revolution without widespread damage. |
| Day 07: |
LHASA - CHUTSU
Our life changing journey officially begins today as
we pack up the trucks and prepare for departure. It
is essential that we take only what we need with us.
Our first stage to Chutsu is fairly level and easy.
We will ease you into the journey so it is even more
enjoyable for you. |
| Day 08: |
CHUTSU - NAMDROK
TSO
Our first major pass is encountered today as we cross
Khamba La. We will take the pass slow and even hop in
the trucks if necessary as we are all not acclimatized
yet. The views form the pass stretch out for miles and
miles. We are able to see numerous rivers and the turquoise
waters of Namdrok Lake. The night will be spent at a
campsite below the lake after descending the pass. |
| Day 09: |
NAMDROK TSO
- RALUNG
Our first stop after leaving the campsite takes us to
the small town of Nagartse. We will visit the highly
revered Samding Monastery. Many Tibetans believe that
this monastery is the home of the earthly incarnation
of the goddess Dorje Pagmo. After Nagartse we climb
our second major pass, Karo La. It is an awe-inspiring
site the see the massive glaciers rising nearly straight
up from the road. Our night will be spent below the
pass in the small village of Ralung. |
| Day 10: |
RALUNG - GYANTSE
This is another fairly easy day as we cruise downhill
to Gyantse. While in Gyantse we will visit man historic
sites. The sites range from ancient military forts to
beautiful monasteries. The Kumbum monastery, a large
gold roofed stupa, has much to explore in its intricate
buildings. Even if you are not an art connoisseur you
will appreciate the wondrous murals to be found in this
monastery. We will spend the night in the Gyantse hotel.
Relax and enjoy the hot showers! |
| Day 11: |
GYANTSE - SHIGATSE
Our destination, shigatse is 94 kilometers away. If
we want to reach it by nightfall we must r\get in our
back up vehicles. Don’t worry though; all of the
beautiful sections of this stretch will be viewed on
bicycle. After finally reaching Shigatse we will spend
the night in one of two first rate hotels. |
| Day 12: |
SIGHTSEEING
AND REST IN SHIGATSE
Today will be spent exploring Tibet's second largest
city! There is much to see in this town, but the highlight
for most is our visit to the Tashi Lhumpo Monastery.
High walls surround this intricate maze of shrines,
prayer wheels, rock inscriptions, and Tibetan pilgrims.
Excellent views are seen once again from the top of
the Shigatse fortes. Once again we will spend the night
at one of two first rate hotels in Shigatse. |
| Day 13: |
SHIGATSE -
TSO LA
Today we head towards our third major pass, Tso La.
We must ride for nearly 115 kilometers before we reach
our final campsite before the pass. |
| Day 14: |
TSO LA - LHATSE
From this challenging pass we are rewarded with our
first views of Everest in the distance. The night will
be spent in the small town of Lhatse. |
| Day 15: |
LHATSE - SHEGAR
On our fifteenth day we cross yet another pass, Gyamtso
La. Our night will be spent in Shegar, only a few kilometers
away from the main road and our pat to Rongbuk valley. |
| Day 16: |
SHEGAR -TINGRI
Our goal today is to bike ten kilometers off the main
road to the Pang La pass and ascend this pass before
nightfall. We will spend the night is a small settlement
on the south side of the pass. Along the way, wondrous
views of Makalu, Everest and numerous other peaks can
be seen. |
| Day 17: |
TINGRI - THANG
LA
Today we cycle towards our last and highest pass of
the trip, Thang La. We must make camp before this daunting
pass. |
| Day 18: |
NEGOTIATING
THANG LA
Today is another challenging day as cross this amazing
pass. We are all in excellent shape by now. However,
it is still a feat to climb this high pass. Camp is
made in a campsite below Shishapangma. |
| Day 19: |
THANG LA -
CAMPSITE IN NEPAL
Finally we are able to cruise nearly 4600 meters downhill!
What an adrenaline rush today is as we head towards
the Nepal border. Our easy ride down is complimented
with beautiful scenery along the way. After going through
the border we set up camp in Nepal. |
| Day 20: |
CAMPSITE -
KATHMANDU
Our last day is a long yet easy ride as we cycle to
Kathmandu. A bittersweet last night is spent in the
Hotel Hotel Manang in Kathmandu. |
| Day
21: |
FINAL DEPARTURE |
|
| OTHER
TIBET TOUR OPTIONS |
|
|
