Lhasa to Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour

Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu. Meet our representative and transfer to the hotel. After check into the hotel, our representative will explain the program briefly. Rest time is free for the final preparation of the trip. Late evening, proceed to the typical Nepalese restaurant for the live ethnic cultural show followed by dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Dinner

Today after breakfast, proceed for guided tour to the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Breakfast

After breakfast proceed to the airport to fly to Tibet. This is one of the world’s most spectacular flights, with a one hour flight over the incomparable Himalayas that keeps our eye out for Everest! Upon arrive at Gongkar airport meet our Tibetan Guide who will transfer to the hotel in Lhasa’s beautiful Tibetan Quarter. After checking in the hotel, go for a walk around the Barkhor Square, the spiritual heart of Tibet. Barkhor has a lively market for souvenir shopping.

Breakfast

After breakfast, have an easy visit to Sera Monastery- the second largest Gelugpa university monasteries in Tibet, is the well preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. After then visit Norbulingka- the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Finally, visit Jokhang Monastery and Barkhor Market- Jokhang Monastery is the most revered and sacred shrine in all of Tibet and is constantly bustling with devotees. Barkhor Market is a very ancient round street surrounding the Jokhang Monastery and is a good place to purchase souvenirs.

Breakfast

Today tour begins with a visit to Potala Palace- the highest palace in the world and is Lhasa’s cardinal landmark which offers an awesome view of the entire city. It is the ideal example of architectural work and is mostly renowned as a residence of the Dalai Lama lineages. Later visit Drepung Monastery- the largest monastery among the great three Gelugpa university monasteries which was used to be the residence of the Dalai Lamas until the Great Fifth Dalai Lama constructed the Potala Palace. Evening is free. Overnight at Lhasa.

Breakfast

Today, the first day of biking adventure begins. Leave Lhasa from Drepung Monastery, the outskirts of Lhasa. The journey towards Everest starts with the Friendship Highway as it heads out across the plateau that leads down the Lhasa Valley and to the guesthouse in Chusul.

Breakfast

After breakfast, move on to tackle the 25km climb up to the pass of Kamba La which is the first mountain pass of this trip. This tough climb will take 3-4 hours, but the views from the prayer-flag-strewn summit at 4794m are spectacular. After then descend to the turquoise Yamdrok Lake one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Have lunch and enjoy the beauty of the lake. After lunch, make a gentle and scenic road journey to the small town of Nagatse.

Breakfast

After breakfast, there is the opportunity to tackle the first and (fortunately) ‘lowest’ of the high passes – the 5045m Karol La. This climb will take approximately 3hours and from there can see glaciers stretching down to 6000m and beautiful lakes. Further, descend over 1000 m will lead to Gyantse. There is plenty to see including the Palkhor Chode Monastery- houses Sakyapa, Kadampa and Gelugpa sects together and has combined characters of Han, Tibetan and Nepali architecture; the magnificent Kumbum Stupa – a fantastic tiered structure that is now unique in the Buddhist world; and beautifully located Gyantse Dzong- one of the best preserved dzongs in Tibet, situated high above the town of Gyantse on a huge grey brown rock.

Breakfast

Although today is long cycling day, the 94 km scenic gentle road across beautiful plains with a dramatic mountain backdrop will make journey enjoyable. At mid-ride, stop for lunch and then continue across the plains into Shigatse, Tibet’s second largest city and home to the controversial Panchen Lama, whose home is traditionally at the Tashilunpo Monastery.

Breakfast

Today is the rest day at Shigatse. Visit huge Tashilhunpo Monastery- one of the six big monasteries of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism and the home of the Panchen Lama, which is located on the hillside overlooking Shigatse northwest of the town. The main structures found here are the Maitreya Chapel and Kelsang Temple. Today get the necessary permits for visiting Everest Base Camp.

Breakfast

After breakfast start a gentle ride through rolling terrain across the Shigatse Plains. The route goes through picturesque valleys, Gyachung Monastery, hot spring and two small passes Tra La (4050m) and Tsuo La (4520m) to Lhatse. After passes, there is a fantastic descent which flattens out before arrive at the guesthouse at Lhatse.

Breakfast

Today be ready to ride over the Gyatse La pass (5,240m) which is the highest pass on the Friendship Highway. The steady effort will be rewarded with the stunning first view of Mt. Everest from Gyatso La (view depend upon weather). After the 40 km ride through flat route finally reach Shegar. Shegar is a popular stopover for anyone heading to the Everest Region. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast

From today riding is a little tough for the road condition is not as good as that of the past days. After breakfast divert off the flat highway just outside of Shegar and turn south towards world’s highest peak, Everest. After passing through the border control point, ride 20 km uphill to reach Pang La (5,200m) and rewarded with the magnificent views of Mt. Everest (8,848m), Makalu (8463m), Shishapangma (8012m), Cho Oyu (8210m), Lhotse (8516m) and other several peaks. Then the 20 km decent from the pass is fast and twisty will leads to the Ronghuk Valley and to the guesthouse in Tashi Zom.

Breakfast

Today, ride on a jeep trail with full view of Everest’s North Face approaching both the mountain itself and the Rongbuk Monastery. Even the ride is short today it will take long because of off-road and thin air. Finally reach Rongbuk Monastery and enjoy the marvelous, unique and face to face view of Mt. Everest with the famous Rongbuk Glacier (one of the largest glaciers) nearby, which would be definitely the great lifetime experience. Remaining time is free for acclimatization. Overnight at camp.

Breakfast

After breakfast, ride and head slowly up the gravel jeep trail to Everest Base Camp. The route is only 8km, but because of off road, thin air and enjoying spectacular views along the route might add quiet more hour. The views from Base Camp are stunning and offer a 360 degree panorama of the high Himalaya. After enjoying the ambience of Base Camp, return to tented accommodation and lunch. The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the incredible surroundings.

Breakfast

Leaving Rongbuk, head back down the bumpy road and then take a shortcut into the mountains. Another bumpy trail takes us over a canyon and down into Tingri, a little town overlooking the sweeping plains.

Breakfast

Today ride begins with a flat ride and then double passes of Lalung La (4950m) and then Shung La (5200m), the last pass in Tibet from where the breathtaking view of the Himalayan chain can be seen. After then steep descend down to Nyalam crossing countless waterfalls and beautiful greenery. Spend last overnight in Tibet at Nyalam.

Breakfast

Start pleasant ride from today passing Zhangmu towards Nepal, crossing the famous Friendship Bridge at Kodari. Then via Barabise head to Dhulikhel. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast

After a fine breakfast at Dhulikhel, ride through the greenery towards the Kathmandu Valley via the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Bhaktapur. Visit the beautiful Durbar square. From there, short and pleasant ride leads to the hotel. Refresh and relax. In the late evening celebrate farewell dinner. Overnight in hotel.

Breakfast

Today is the departure day. After breakfast, free till departure time. If time permits can do some shopping or sightseeing. Transfer timely to the airport for onward journey.

Breakfast