Cycling across the high altitude Tibetan Plateau from Lhasa to Kathmandu is an awe-inspiring experience and a must for adventure cyclists
Cycling across the high altitude Tibetan Plateau from Lhasa to Kathmandu is an awe-inspiring experience and a must for adventure cyclists
Cycling across the high altitude Tibetan Plateau from Lhasa to Kathmandu is an awe-inspiring experience and a must for adventure cyclists
The cycling tour from Lhasa in Tibet to Kathmandu in Nepal is regarded as one of the toughest cycling challenges in the world. It is a high altitude cycling tour that takes you all the way to Everest Base Camp.
If you are an adventure cyclist then this is a tour worth
looking at. 80-90% of this cycle ride is over 4000m above sea level. It covers
a distance of around 1100km across the plateau along the friendship highway and
crosses five high altitude passes over 5000m. It then drops from 5050 to just
over 540m over a short distance of around 150k. If this is not epic, what is?
And the highlight is a visit to Everest Base Camp.
This cycling expedition allows for plenty of time to explore
the heart of Kathmandu and its famous landmarks as well as enjoying a short
cycle in Kathmandu. On the Tibetan Plateau there is time to explore many of Lhasa’s
stunning monasteries while we slowly acclimatise to the altitude, before
heading out on the tour. We have a support vehicles all the way to carry equipment
and give riders a break when they need it.
The cycling tour across Tibet requires fitness, endurance
and stamina, as you will be cycling up high mountains and along undulating
plains. There are major 5 passes above 5000m. Kamba
La is one of the most difficult as well as Panga La (5150m), which are the high
points of journey and offer with superb views. The distances given each day are
estimates as they depend on camp points and road deviations.
One of the highlights of the journey,
apart from the stunning mountain lakes is to finally reach Rongbuk
Monastery after a long day of cycling. It is the last long slow uphill after
Pang La to reach base camp. You have a chance to cycle to base camp on your
second day or take in some well earned rest.
The highest monastery in the world is here at 5,000 meters
above sea level, the Rongbuk Monastery which is part of the Nyingmapa Sect of
Tibetan Buddhism, and is unique in that both monks and nuns live together in
the same monastery.
If you are looking for answers to specific questions, read here or go here to see
some of our blog posts
FIXED DEPARTURES FOR 2022
20 April 2022 - 12 May 2022
04 May 2022 - 26 May 2022
18 May 2022- 09 June 2022
13 June 2022 - 05 July 2022
13 July 2022 - 04 August 2022
10 Aug 2022 - 01 Sep 2022
05 Sep 2022 - 27 Sep 2022
14 Sep 2022 - 06 Oct 2022
19 Sep 2022 - 11 Oct 2022
05 Oct 2022 - 27 Oct 2022
Day-1: Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel
Day-2: Full day Guided sightseeing around Kathmandu valley.
Day-3: Morning cycling
This morning we drive to Mutku and then cycle to Budanilkantha, where we are collected and driven back to Kathmandu. Here we do a gear check and collect our passports from the embassy.
Day-4: Kathmandu to Lhasa (3660m)
Transfer to the airport for the hour-long flight across the main Himalayan range. Afternoon at rest to acclimatise to Lhasa’s high altitude.
Day-5: Lhasa
We will visit Lhasa’s many monasteries and sites, such as the Sera Monastery, and the Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama.
Day-6: Lhasa
We visit the Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery founded in the 14th century, and once the largest in the world, with a population of around 10,000 monks. The afternoon, is a time to relax or further explore the area.
Day-7: Cycle to Kampa Pass
Today you start your cycle tour across the Tibetan Plateau. The first riding day is short and easy as you head out along the Friendship Highway. The road is in good condition and relatively flat. The trip will take you along the Tsangpo River to foot of the Kamba Pass (3700 m). When you arrive at the camp you will find tents, latrines, shower tent and facilities ready. Accommodation in tents [Cycling distance +/-: 85 km].
Day-8: Kamba Pass
Our first mountain pass. A strong uphill climb along a tar road of several switchbacks, reaches a summit lavishly adorned with prayer flags (4794m). After descending we continue alongside Lake Yamdruk, at the far side of which we set camp (4490m). Overnight in tents. [Cycling distance +/-: 55 km]
Day-9: Karo Pass
Leaving the beautiful lake behind, we cycle along the Friendship highway which soon becomes a gravel roadway, through a ravine and up to the foot of the Karo Pass (4750m), where our tented village will be prepared for the night. Accommodation in tents. [Cycling distance +/-: 54 km]
Day-10: Karo Pass to Gyantse
A significant time on the tour, as we have to get up early to climb the high Karo Pass (5010m). Around us we can see glaciers stretching down to 6000m and beautiful lakes. You are rewarded for your effort with a night in Gyantse (3980m). Hotel.
Day-11: Shigatse
First we will visit the Gyantse Dzong and Gyantse Kumbum. The Dzong is a fort dating from the 14th century and the Kumbum, a large gold-domed stupa with several small chapels, containing an impressive collection of Tibetan Buddhist murals. We then drive on the highway towards Shigatse. Although this involves a longer distance, the highway is tarred and flat. In the afternoon we will arrive in Tibet’s second largest city, Shigatse (3860m). [Cycling distance +/-: 94 km]
Day-12: Gyachung Monastery
We leave Shigatse and ride over two small passes and through several small Tibetan villages. We will cycle past the isolated Gyachung Monastery and camp. Accommodation in tents at around 4100m. [Cycling distance +/- 75 km]
Day-13: Lhatse
The route lead us through picturesque valleys before the long route begins which leads over the Tso-La (4520m). After lunch we head towards Lhatse past the hot springs and camp about 10km outside of town. Accommodation in tents. [Cycling distance +/- 95 km]
Day-14: Shegar
We view the stunning canyon of the 5220m Gyatso-La. On a clear day you will be rewarded for your effort with your first view of Mount Everest. After a 40 km ride through flat prairie towns, you will arrive in the town of Pelbar, often referred to as Shegar. Shegar, is a popular stopover for anyone heading to the Everest region. This is a long and grueling ride through the canyon. [Cycling distance +/- 75 km]
Day-15: Pang Pass
Just outside of Shegar, we will divert off the main Lhasa-Kathmandu highway and head towards the world’s highest peak, Everest. After passing through the border control point, you will be faced with 20km’s of uphill switchbacks (42 hairpin bends in total!) before you reach the summit of the Pang Pass (5150m). Your reward will be some of the most magnificent views of Everest and her surrounding peaks. Enjoy lunch as you gaze over Makalu (8463m), Shishapangma (8012m), Cho Oyu (8210m), Lhotse (8516m), Everest (8850m) and several other breathtaking peaks. Then a 20 kilometer downhill follows to the Rongbuk Valley (4200m), where we camp. Overnight accommodation in tents. [Cycling distance +/- 67 km]
Day-16-17: Rongbuk Monastery Everest Base Camp
Now you should be at peak fitness and excited about the approach of Everest Base Camp. A bumpy road winds up through the Rongbuk valley until the majestic Mount Everest appears before you. We will camp beside the monastery with the unforgettable sight of the 8848m peak in front of your eyes. We will stay here for two days. One your second day, you can either read a book or get even closer to Everest by taking a walk, cycling or hopping on a donkey and cart ride to Everest base camp, which is 8km from the campsite. Accommodation in tents (5150m). [Cycling distance +/- 35 km]
Day-18: Tingri
Leaving Rongbuk, we drive back down the bumpy road and then take a "short-cut" into the mountains. Another bumpy trail takes us over a canyon and down into Tingri (4340m). Overnight in tents. [Cycling distance +/- 86 km]
Day 19 Cycling to before Paiku-Tso Lake (BLD)
After breakfast in Tingri we will then start our ride to the Paiku-Tso Lake. Paiku-Tso Lake is a lake at 4,591 meters on the Tibetan Plateau at south of the Yarlung River. The lake is 27 kilometers long and 6 kilometers wide at its narrowest. It is surrounded by mountains reaching 5,700 to 6,000. Streams fed by glaciers cascade to the valley floor. Today is a long day of cycling but the rewards of the lake are worth ever second. Overnight accommodation in tents [Cycling distance +/- aprox 95 km]
Day 20: Cycling to Upper Kerong (Gyirong )
Today we cycle mainly downhill to Gyirong Town at 2,700 meters. It is an important town in the cross-border trade between China and Nepal and serves as the border between China and Nepal. Overnight accommodation in tents). [Cycling distance +/- 100 km]
Day 21: Cycling to Kerong border
After breakfast in Gyirong we will start cycling to the Kerong border and camp for the night. It is a beautiful scenic campsite and you can use the rest of the day to explore the area. Overnight accommodation in tents). [Cycling distance +/- 70 km]
Day 22: Morning cycling till Syburbesi DRIVE to Kathmandu (140 KM)
After the breakfast, we will start cycling until around midday when we should reach Syburbesi where a vehicle will be waiting to transfer back to Kathmandu Overnight accommodation in hotel).
Day 23: Final Departure from Nepal.
End of services
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