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Lhasa to Kathmandu:
Mountain biking on the roof of the world

Introduction:

This fantastic Trans-Himalayan trade route forms the basis of our long and demanding ride on a road which has become something of a classic trip for mountain bikers.

Flying in to Lhasa (3600m), the worlds highest capital city, allows us to spend a leisurely but vital few days acclimatizing to the altitude of the dry Tibetan Plateau. In and around Lhasa there is much to see, including the incredible Potala Palace, the Jorkhang Temple and surrounding markets of Barkor. Being on bike means that the group can easily combine acclimatisation with interesting tours of the many temples and religious sites that dominate this fascinating city.

From Lhasa we strike out on our main objective; the six major passes of the main Lhasa to Kathmandu route. Running parallel to the chain of the Greater Himalaya, we trace the natural boundary between Tibet and Nepal. The traverse of the high plateau will take us through the ancient monastery towns of Gyantse, Shigatse and Shegar, and we are sure to encounter many nomadic settlements as we make our remarkable journey towards Kathmandu.

In order to keep up with our ambitious itinerary, we will have a support vehicle following us throughout the trip.


Grade:   AdventurousMaximum Altitude: 5220 m at Gyatso-La.
Lhasa to Kathmandu approx.:  1000 kms.Tour-Departure:   Minimum 4 -6 person.
Biking: 14 daysSeason: April to October.
On Biking Tour: Approx.: 850 kms.Average distance per day:   Approx. 70-80 kms.

Price:
6-9 Pax:10 & Above
US$ 2,995US$ 2,360
Plus,
Flight Kathmandu / Lhasa    US$ 273Single Supplement:  US$ 475
Tibet Entry Visa Fee           US$ 75Bike hiring charge:   US$ 465
 
Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu, meet and transfer to respective Hotels. O/N Hotel.
Day 02: Free day in Kathmandu, a guided tour is easily arranged on request. O/N Hotel.
Day 03:Fly to Gongar Airport, from there it’s a 2 hour drive to Lhasa. O/N Hotel.
Day 04: Bike tour in and around Lhasa. O/N Hotel.
Day 05:Tour & preparation for the long ride. O/N Hotel.
Day 06:Starting from Lhasa, we head out on fairly good roads to our first camp-site near the Khamba-la (4794 m). Approx. 6-7 hours ride.O/N Camp.
Day 07:Bike over the Khamba-la pass and descend towards lunch at the beautiful Yamdrok lake. An afternoon’s cycling brings us to our camp just outside of Nagartse. Approx.: 6-7 hours. O/N Camp.
Day 08:Bike over the Karo-la (5045), then passing through many colourful villages to camp near the Simi-la (4,330m). Approx. 6 hours. O/N Camp.
Day 09:Bike over the Simi-la, then it’s a pleasant gradual ride to Gyantse town. Approx.: 4-5 hours. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to visit the monasteries and stupas contained within this historical town. O/N Gyantse Hotel.
Day 10:A long days ride will take us across vast stretches of flatland to Shigatse, Tibet's 2nd biggest city in the province of Tsang. Approx. 7-8 hours. O/N Hotel.
Day 11:Rest day for tour of the Tashilhunpo Monastery complex, ruined fortress and market place in Shigatse. O/N Hotel.
Day 12: Long day ride lunch break beside the Ra Chu River, then we cycle on to our camp below the Tso-la (4500). Approx. 6-7 hours O/N Camp.

Day 13:

Bike over the highest pass of this trip at Gyatso-la 5220m and descent towards near Shegar. O/N Camp. Approx. 6-7 hours.
Day 14:Today a drive of 3 hours takes us to the Pangla pass (5200m). From here a suburb panorama from Makalu to Shishapangma can be seen from this very spot. Bike downhill towards the camp at the nearby village before Rongbuk. O/N Camp. Approx. 3-4 hours (biking).
Day 15:Bike to Everest Base Camp past Rongbuk monastery. Approx. 6-7 hours. O/N Camp.
Day 16:Rest day at Everest Base Camp for local excursion. O/N Camp.
Day 17:Drive and bike to Tingri. Approx. 2 hours bike ride. O/N Camp.
Day 18:Bike on the highway to camp near below the Lalung-la (5124m) and the Thang-la (5050). Approx. 5-6 hours. O/N Camp.
Day 19:Today the bike ride takes over the pass of Lalung-la which offers spectacular view of Gaurishankar, Dorje Lhakpa, Shishapangma and Langtang. From here another 6 hours bike bring us to camp near Nylam. Approx. 7-8 hours. O/N Camp.
Day 20:Our last day in Tibet, free wheel it down hill towards the border towns of Zangmu & Kodari. Approx. 3-4 hours biking. O/N Lodge.
Day 21:From Kodari bike on the main highway to Dhulikhel before Kathmandu. Approx. 6-7 hours. O/N Camp.
Day 22:The last day of our biking trip bring us to the hustle, bustle Kathmandu. Approx. 3-4 hours. O/N Hotel.
Day 23:At leisure in Kathmandu for independent activities.
Day 24:Transfer to Airport for international departure.

What the price includes:


Mountain Biking Tour backed by Professional Mountain Biking Guide on full board, 4 nights Hotel Marshyangdi or similar on BB in Kathmandu, twin sharing accommodation at Hotel Himalaya or similar in Lhasa and other enroute hotels on full board, Camping arrangement backed by our sherpa crew on full board, applicable permit and entry fees, airport transfers in Kathmandu & Lhasa, Guided sightseeing tour of Lhasa as per itinerary and support vehicles.

What the price does not include:

Hiring charge of Mountain Bike, Personal clothing including sleeping bags and down jackets, Medical Kit, lunch & dinner while in Kathmandu, Travel / Medical Insurance, Rescue evacuation in case of emergency, airport taxes and expenses of personal nature.



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