Home   »   Mountain Biking   »   Lhasa - Kathmandu Biking Tour

The high road between Lhasa and Kathmandu, with a 4-day off-road excursion to the stunning north face of Mount Everest, this is one of our toughest bike trips. Flying to Lhasa, we allow 3 days for essential acclimatization in the mystical Tibetan capital and have plenty of time to explore its numerous attractions, including the fabulous Potala Palace. Then, setting out across the Tibetan Plateau, our overland route to Kathmandu takes us over 6 major passes and by way of the spectacular monastery towns of Gyantse, Shigatse and Shegar.

En route, wherever there is a suitably scenic and tranquil location, we will set up our camp. Beyond the last of the passes, the Thang La (5200m./17056 ft)we begin the longest road descent in the world, an almost unbelievable 4600 meters (15088ft) to the valley of the Sun Kosi River in Nepal. A fitting end to this trip of superlatives.

Now is the time to witness at first hand the mystery of Tibet - as modern life begins to encroach on this once forbidden land. Biking starts from serene Lhasa, with its wide streets, encircling mountains and sense of living religion manifestly woven into everyday life through centuries of devotion. We ride through picturesque valleys and camp wherever scenic locations and access to water happily coincide. This is not technical biking, but the trip demands a high level of fitness if you want to ride the whole route - something very few other companies offer. The rewards are incomparable views of Everest and the Nepal Himalaya. The endless descent into verdant Nepal offers an incredible contrast to the arid Tibetan Plateau. If you've got the legs we've got the trip – it won't disappoint!

Itinerary

Day 01. Arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel.
Day 02. Free day in Kathmandu. Hotel.
Day 03. Fly Kathmandu to Lhasa. Hotel.
Day 04. Lhasa sightseeing /acclimatizing. Hotel.
Day 05. Lhasa sightseeing /acclimatizing. Hotel.
Day 06. Lhasa sightseeing /acclimatizing. Ride to Sera Monastery.
Day 07. Ride to a campsite (12746ft) at the bottom of Khamba La.
Day 08. Cross the Khamba La (15728ft) and descend to Ngartse Village (14682ft).
Day 09. Cross the Karo La (16453ft) and descend to a campsite (14354ft) below the Simi La.
Day 10. Cross the Simi La (14206ft) to Gyantse (13304ft). Hotel.
Day 11. Visit the impressive Kumbum and then ride on a good stretch of road to Shigatse (12730ft). Hotel.
Day 12. Sightseeing day in Shigatse. Visit to Tashilunpo monastery complex. Hotel.
Day 13. Ride to a campsite below the Tso La (14075ft).
Day 14. Cross the Tso La (14764ft) and ride via Lhatse to halfway up the Gyamtso La. Camp at 15617 feet.
Day 15. Cross the Gyantso La (17126ft) to the town of Shegar and then ride to a campsite (14403ft) beneath the Pang La.
Day 16. Ride to the Pang La (16896ft) and descend to Choesang (13583ft) beyond Phadu.
Day 17. Ride to Rongbuk Monastery. (c.16400ft).
Day 18. Rest day at Rongbuk.
Day 19. Drive to the Lamma La, ride to the Lhasa/Kathmandu Highway. Drive to camp at Tingri hot springs (14173ft).
Day 20. Ride to a campsite (14944ft) below Lalung La.
Day 21. Cross the Lalung La (16811ft) and Thang La (16568ft) to Nyalam (12139ft).
Day 22. Descend 6600 plus feet to the Nepal border
Day 23. Drive or bike to Kathmandu. Hotel.
Day 24. Depart Kathmandu