Tibet: 24d Mountain Biking Friendship Highway in Tibet

  • Easy

Tibetan Plateau is a land of unparalleled superlatives: it is the largest and highest plateau on our planet, averaging 15,000 feet (4500m) in altitude. It is buttressed along its southern flank by the world’s greatest mountain range, the Himalayas. For many people, Tibet conjures images of barren windswept plains. And while this is true for regions of Northern Tibet, other regions are rich in diversity.

The plateau is dotted with thousands of lakes and extensive grasslands. And these are utilized by nomadic herders to graze yaks. Large tracts of forest in Eastern Tibet are regarded by China as their second most important source of timber. The glaciers and snowmelt of the Tibetan highlands initiate four of Asia’s greatest rivers. The river includes the Indus, the Brahmaputra, Karnali & Sutlej including several major sources of the Ganges, the Salween, the Mekong, the Yangtse, and the Yellow Rivers.

This tour guarantees to be a high point (in more ways than one) in any mountain biker’s life. And this rugged, remote, and beautiful country lies hidden behind Mt. Everest. And also many more of the world’s highest peaks in the Great Himal range.

Only a few brave cyclists have dared to ride along its inhospitable plateau. And forge a passage through these mystic lands into Kathmandu via Everest Base camp. The reward being the longest downhill in the world as you enter into Nepal, dropping an unimaginable 4500-m over 156kms. At a breathless average altitude of around 4450-m (14,596ft). So this expedition is not for the faint of heart. But for sure made for the pioneer in the spirit that is fit and feels at home on a bike. With 15days of biking over 1104kms, you’d want to be!!

Day to day schedule to Tibet: 24d Mountain Biking Friendship Highway in Tibet

  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu o/n in hotel +D

    Pick up from the international airport, transfer to hotel and welcome dinner.

  • Day 2: Mountain bike to Chisapani via Nagi Gompa (30 minutes drive, 31KM ride, 7/8hrs ride, 2195m, 100% offroad, 845m ascend) o/n in Guesthouse +B+L+D

    After breakfast we will be start our Mt bike tour around 9-10am. Today we go to the Budhanilkantha, a holy site for Hindus where Lord Vishnu is sleeping on the bed of snakes. Following the valley rim, we then push our way on jeep-track uphill through thick forest of Shivapuri. When you climb the hills you will enjoy a beautiful view of the valley. You follow a single track towards Nagi Gompa, a Buddhist nuns monastery where we spend some time to exploreTibetan culture and Monastery then continue ride to Chisapani with clear views of Jugal Himal, Ganesh Himal and the spectacular Langtang mountain range. This fascinating land surrounded by high mountains is a real paradise for mountaineers and trekkers.

  • Day 03: Mountain bike to Dhulikhel (1550m, 45km, 4/5hrs, 75%off road, 25% black road) o/n in Hotel +B+L+D

    After breakfast we bike to the Newar town of Dhulikhlel offers a traditional atmosphere along with spectacular views of the Himalayan range including the world’s highestpeak, Mt. Everest. We pedal through the dense jungle of Shivapuri National Park and the route to the Helambu trekking trail. We start first slow uphill ride up to Jhule around 15km, flow hill down ride up to Kartike bhanjyang around 14km, climb up to Nagarkot around 3km, other flat and down ride to Dhulikhel. During our ride we will pass through the village of Nanglabhari, Jaharsing Pauwa. We then ride 9 KM uphill into the north-east corner of the valley, then we head on to a mix of single and jeep track to wind our way to Dhulikhel and in good weather we can see spectacular views of the Himalayan range – with views of peaks like DorjeLakpa( 6966 m), Gauri Shankar ( 7,145 m) and Langtang ( 7,324 m).

  • Day 04: Mountain bike to Panauti via Namabuddha and back to Kathmandu (24km ride, 33km drive, 1350m, 2/3hrs ride, 1 and half hour drive, Black top ride, 100% rideable) o/n in Hotel +B

    This day after breakfast, we ride to Namobuddha, known by Tibetans as Tag-mo Lu-jin. This means the place where the Buddha offered his body to the hungry mother tigress. It is renowned for Shakyamuni & act of compassion upon encountering a hungry mother tigress he offered her his body so that she could feed her cubs. There are a couple monasteries and one ancient Stupa erected nearby in which one can make offerings, pray, meditation and light butter lamps. Then, we ride to Panauti. Panauti is wedged between two streams, Punyamata and Roshi. The village is shaped like a triangle with a serpent idol standing at each of its three corners to protect from floods. After exploring Panauti pack our bike and drive back to Kathmandu.

  • Day 05: Flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, (3650m) o/n in a hotel +B

    Morning transfer to Kathmandu airport and fly to Lhasa, you will have 1-hour 10minutes, Trans Himalayan Flight to Lhasa, considered one of the most beautiful flights in the world, takes us over Everest (8848m) and Kanchenjunga (8536m). You will meet by our Tibetan guide at Gonggar airport. After immigration formalities, a 1.5-hour drive along 93 km road you will reach Lasha. It’s advisable to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day due to Lhasa’s altitude.

  • Day 06: Sightseeing around in Lhasa, o/n in a hotel +B

    today will be spent visiting several of Lhasa’s many monasteries in the company of a guide and interpreter. One of these is the Sera Monastery, one of the best-preserved monasteries in Tibet. Within its whitewashed walls and golden roofs, several hundred monks live and study. After lunch we’ll visit the Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, A visit to the Drepung Monastery this afternoon will complete a truly awe- inspiring day. Founded in the 14th century, this monastery was once the largest in the world with a population of around 10,000 monks. These days that figure is down to several hundred, but there is still much here of interest as it was left relatively unscathed during the Cultural Revolution.

  • Day 07: Sightseeing around in Lhasa, o/n in a hotel +B

    This morning we will visit the Potala Palace, which dominates the city of Lhasa. A spectacular building, it contains the private quarters of the Dalai Lama as well as numerous grand staterooms and many important chapels. There has been a palace on this site since the 5th or 6th century, but the present palace was constructed in the 17th century. As well as the Jokhang Temple. This temple is possibly the most sacred shrine in Tibet and there is always a procession of devout Tibetans through the complex. Surrounding the Jokhang is the Barkor – a maze of narrow cobbled streets that is the central market of Lhasa.

  • Day 08: Mountain bike to Khamba La(85km, 3700m, 5/6hrs) o/n in Camp +B+L+D

    We leave Lhasa and cycle along the Tsangpo River to the foot of the Kamba la Pass.

  • Day 09: Mountain bike to Ngartse (4400m,74km)o/n in Camp +B+L+D

    A strong uphill climb reaches a summit of Khamba la pass lavishly adorned with prayer flags (4794m). After descending we continue alongside Lake Yamdrok and again ride to Ngartse.

  • Day 10: Mountain bike to Lungmar via Karo Pass(54km) o/n in camp +B+L+D

    A significant day on the tour, as we have to get up early to climb the high Karo Pass (5010m). By now you will be feeling in good physical condition. Around us we can see Karola glaciers of 6000m and beautiful lakes.

  • Day 11: Mountain bike to Gyantse (3980m, 59km) o/n in Hotel +B+L+D

  • Day 12: Mountainbike to Shigatse (5/6hrs, 3,900m, 94km) o/n in Hotel +B+L+D

    Today after having breakfast we do sightseeing around in Gyantse, including Pholkor&Kumbum Monastery. And ride to Shigatse is flat all the way on a very well paved road.

  • Day 13: Mountain bike to Tso La Pass (4056m, 94km) o/n in Camp +B+L+D

    This day we visit Tashilump monastery and ride with the typical view of the Tibetan landscape offering sheer feeling of standing on the roof of the world and weather permitting breathtaking panorama of beautiful Himalayan ranges including Mt. Everest etc.

  • Day 14: Mountain bike to Lhatse (5/6hrs, 4050m, 75km) o/n in Hotel +B+L+D

    We ride above two small passes and all the way through several small Tibetan settlements. Then the extended track starts which takes us over the Yulong pass at 4520m. Then, we will head to Lhatse (3,860m). Also we will pass through a hot springs.

  • Day 15: Mountain bike to Tingri (75km) o/n in Hotel +B+L+D

    Today we will pass via the eye-catching canyon located at the 5220m Lakpa Pass. If it is a clear day you will be greeted by the first view of the almighty Mt Everest. After riding for 40 km through plain towns, you will reach in the town of Pelbar also known as Shegar.

  • Day 16: Mountain bike to Tashi Dzong(4350m, 80km, 5-6 hrs) o/n in Camp +B+L+D

    Today we start our ride on a paved road up to check post. After finishing all the formalities in check post we held forward to Everest region where our guide will sort out the permits for the Everest region. From here the path will be the toughest of bumpy roads. The road takes us to the Pang la pass (5200m), a rocky uphill. From here a superb panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu can be seen on a clear day. We will bike downhill towards the river where after crossing it we will face the windiest place of our tour. We will cycle to Tashi Zong village.

  • Day 17: Mountain bike toRongbuk (4,980 m, off road, 33km) o/n in guesthouse +B+L+D

    Scenic bike to Rongbuk through the beautiful Tibetan countryside, Explore Ronbuk Monastery (highest monastery in the world)

  • Day 18: Explore Everest BC (5,150m, 8km) o/n in guesthouse +B+L+D

    Ride to Everest BC and explore BC with the highest peak right in front of you as if communicating with you have been able make it to the base camp of the Mt. Everest. Back to Rongbuk.

  • Day 19: Mountainbike to Old Tingri , (4390m, 75km) o/n in Hotel +B+L+D

    We ride towards OldTingri. This is a delightful ride as the road is not in good enough condition for motor traffic so bikers have it to themselves and can enjoy the scenery. There are remote villages and meadows with yaks and sheep. We now follow the river gently downhill to Tingri, a beautiful town with fine views of Everest and Cho Oyo.

  • Day 20: Mountain bike to Lalung La (62km) o/n in Camp +B+L+D

  • Day 21: Drive and Mountain bike to Kyirong(135km) o/n in hotel +B+L+D

  • Day 22: Drive and bike to Kathmandu (125km, 1350m) o/n in a hotel +B

    From Kerong, we have to pass through customs and into Nepal. After finishing Border formalities/leaving Tibet, drive to cross Friendship Bridge by foot, entry formalities to Nepal, and drive back to Kathmandu.

  • Day 23: Free day in Kathmandu o/n in hotel +B

    You can enjoy the leisure day in Kathmandu, with shopping for souvenirs for yourself, family and friends.

  • Day 24: Departure +B

    This day after breakfast, leisure and free time until the time of your departure. And transfer to the International airport in Kathmandu for your onward destination.

What is included?

  • Pickup and drop from the international airports in Kathmandu and Lhasa
  • Hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu and Lhasa
  • Sightseeing with cultural guide around in Kathmandu and Lhasa
  • All permits and entrance fees in Tibet
  • Local staff daily wages, pension fund and insurance
  • Jeep (Toyota Land cruiser) and truck
  • Accommodation in hotel, guesthouse, and tent
  • Full board except Lhasa and Kathmandu
  • Full board for out of Lhasa and Kathmandu
  • All camping service
  • Airfare from Kathmandu to Lhasa
  • Mountainbike guide

What is excluded?

  • Personal Insurance
  • Nepal re-entry visa fee
  • Personal insurance and helicopter rescue in case of emergency
  • Tips for local staff
  • Mountainbike rent, here we are ready to serve you our new branded bikes in different models as per your interest
  • Extra weight charge then the limit in the plain including mountainbike
  • Satellite phone to rent
  • Personal exp., personal gears like, sleeping bag, T-short, half paint, sleeper, Extra transport and personal insurance incase of landslide or emergency rescue, Tips and other expenditure which is not mention above
  • Lunch and dinner in Lhasa, Last resort and Kathmandu
  • Personal expenses

Trip Customization

Nepal Trekking

Looking for a tailor-made travel experience? At Himalayan Leaders since 1993, we have a wealth of experience in organizing customized tours to meet your unique needs and preferences.

We believe that our programs are just the beginning of what’s possible! We’re here to work with you to make your dream trip a reality. Simply send us an email with your personal desires and we’ll be glad to help you plan the perfect itinerary.

Don’t wait any longer to embark on the adventure of a lifetime with Himalayan Leaders!

Email: info@himalayanleaders.com
WhatsApp/Viber: +977‭9 851047789‬
Office: +977 1 5312359

 

Make an Inquiry

  • Fields marked with a * are mandatory
  • Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, gif.