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Mountain Biking Tour
Lhasa To Kathmandu Mountain Biking

Aventure Type: Moutain Biking
Duration: 23 days
Cost: US $3295 Per Person



Our experienced western guide will lead you on a mind blowing mountain biking experience from Lhasa to Kathmandu and much of the surrounding attractions. We will follow the main route which runs westward, parallel to the majestic Himalayan range. Along the way we will cross six major passes and traverse a high arid plateau area. Spectacular monastery towns and ancient settlements provide many wondrous sites throughout our trip. We will also take a detour away from the main route in order to reach the Pang La pass, which allows for extensive views of the Himalayas. The highlight of the trip for many is our stop over at Everest Base Camp. Gazing up at the sheer monstrosity of Everest is an unforgettable experience. After staying one night at the base camp we go back to the main Kathmandu route.

We cross one more high pass as we reach the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. After the Thang La pass we cruise down a 4600 meter descent. The descent ends at the valley of the sun Kosi River in Nepal. A final easy day’s traveling brings us back to Kathmandu. Along the entire way a truck, Sherpa staff, and 4 wheel drive Land cruisers support our journey. Experience the real natural high! Come mountain biking in Nepal and Tibet!

ITINERARY

DAY 01 - ARRIVAL KATHMANDU
Arrive in Kathmandu. Our staff will pick you at the airport and transfer you to Hotel Dynasty.

DAY 02 - SIGHTSEEING IN KATHMANDU
Our first full day in Nepal will be spent seeing sights throughout the wondrous city of Kathmandu. Attractions range from bustling markets to Kathmandu’s ancient Durbar Square. This square is home to many beautiful Temples. In the afternoon we will visit the amazing temples in Patan's Durbar Square. Lastly, we will also experience Buddhist culture at the large Buddhist stupa at Swayambhunath. Swayambhunath is often referred to as the monkey temple because of the large numbers of monkeys that now reside there.

DAY 03 - FLIGHT TO LHASA
After flying a long time to Nepal I am sure you dread another day of flying. However, this remarkable flight last only an hour while crossing the Himalayan range. As you may expect the striking mountain views surround you the entire time. Once you arrive at Gonggar airport, an easy two hour drive will take you to your final destination of the traditional Dhood Gu Hotel. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing and exploring some of the many sights in Lhasa.

DAY 04 - IN LHASA
Haven't you always dreamed of visiting the ancient Tibetan monasteries? Our knowledgeable English speaking guide will show you everything there is to see in some of these renowned sights. First off we will explore the beautifully preserved Sera Monastery. Many of the pictures you see of Tibet are of these buildings with their white washed walls and golden roofs. To this day several hundred monks live and study in this architecture. The afternoon will be spent exploring the Jokhang temple and Norbulingka. The Norbunglinka is another astounding piece of architecture and was once the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang Temple will provide you one of your first sights of devout Tibetans, as hundreds visit this sacred shrine each day. The central market of Lhasa, the Barkor, surrounds the Jokhang Temple. In these cobbled streets you can experience more Tibetan culture and even purchase some amazing crafts.

Day 05 – Further Exploration of Lhasa
To explore some of the ancient quarters of the Dalai Lama we will visit Potala Palace in the morning. Be prepared for astonishment as this grand palace has been around since before the 17th century. It is a vast building with much to explore. Those who wish to do so can ride their bikes around the city for the first time.

DAY 06 - LHASA OUR FIRST DAY ON THE BIKE
Our sixth day will be another easy one as we cruise around Lhasa on our bikes. Both the Sera and Drepung Monastery will be visited for another taste of Tibetan culture. . To add even more history and culture we will also visit Drepung Monastery. Once home to over 10,000 monks, the Drepung Monastery is still a beautiful sight to see. Miraculously it was one of the few sights to escape the Cultural revolution without widespread damage.

DAY 07 - LHASA - CHUTSU
Our life changing journey officially begins today as we pack up the trucks and prepare for departure. It is essential that we take only what we need with us. Our first stage to Chutsu is fairly level and easy. We will ease you into the journey so it is even more enjoyable for you.

DAY 08 - CHUTSU - NAMDROK TSO
Our first major pass is encountered today as we cross Khamba La. We will take the pass slow and even hop in the trucks if necessary as we are all not acclimatized yet. The views form the pass stretch out for miles and miles. We are able to see numerous rivers and the turquoise waters of Namdrok Lake. The night will be spent at a campsite below the lake after descending the pass.

DAY 09 - NAMDROK TSO - RALUNG
Our first stop after leaving the campsite takes us to the small town of Nagartse. We will visit the highly revered Samding Monastery. Many Tibetans believe that this monastery is the home of the earthly incarnation of the goddess Dorje Pagmo. After Nagartse we climb our second major pass, Karo La. It is an awe-inspiring site the see the massive glaciers rising nearly straight up from the road. Our night will be spent below the pass in the small village of Ralung.

DAY 10 - RALUNG - GYANTSE
This is another fairly easy day as we cruise downhill to Gyantse. While in Gyantse we will visit man historic sites. The sites range from ancient military forts to beautiful monasteries. The Kumbum monastery, a large gold roofed stupa, has much to explore in its intricate buildings. Even if you are not an art connoisseur you will appreciate the wondrous murals to be found in this monastery. We will spend the night in the Gyantse hotel. Relax and enjoy the hot showers!

DAY 11 - GYANTSE - SHIGATSE
Our destination, shigatse is 94 kilometers away. If we want to reach it by nightfall we must r\get in our back up vehicles. Don’t worry though; all of the beautiful sections of this stretch will be viewed on bicycle. After finally reaching Shigatse we will spend the night in one of two first rate hotels.

DAY 12 - SIGHTSEEING AND REST IN SHIGATSE
Today will be spent exploring Tibet's second largest city! There is much to see in this town, but the highlight for most is our visit to the Tashi Lhumpo Monastery. High walls surround this intricate maze of shrines, prayer wheels, rock inscriptions, and Tibetan pilgrims. Excellent views are seen once again from the top of the Shigatse fortes. Once again we will spend the night at one of two first rate hotels in Shigatse.

DAY 13 - SHIGATSE - TSO LA
Today we head towards our third major pass, Tso La. We must ride for nearly 115 kilometers before we reach our final campsite before the pass.

DAY 14 - TSO LA - LHATSE
From this challenging pass we are rewarded with our first views of Everest in the distance. The night will be spent in the small town of Lhatse.

DAY 15 - LHATSE - SHEGAR
On our fifteenth day we cross yet another pass, Gyamtso La. Our night will be spent in Shegar, only a few kilometers away from the main road and our pat to Rongbuk valley.

DAY 16 - SHEGAR - PANG LA
Our goal today is to bike ten kilometers off the main road to the Pang La pass and ascend this pass before nightfall. We will spend the night is a small settlement on the south side of the pass. Along the way, wondrous views of Makalu, Everest and numerous other peaks can be seen.

DAY 17 - PANG LA - RONGBUK
Our route splits off to the south as we encounter Phadruchi, a decently sized town after the pass. The majority of today's ride is flat as we head toward Rongbuk. However, we must climb a steep 10 kilometers before we reach Rongbuk Monastery. It is such a relief to see Everest come into view as we end this long day.

DAY 18 - REST AMD EXPLORATION DAY AT RONGBUK
Today is a much needed rest and sightseeing day in Rongbuk. We will explore the numerous destroyed and revitalized monasteries which inhabit this high altitude area. What a historic and moving sight they are! The Everest base camp lies only two hours from here!

DAY19 - Rongbuk- Tingri
Today is an amazing today as we cycle to Tingri and end our day with a dip in the natural hot springs. It is a quiet yet beautiful countryside.

DAY 20 - TINGRI - THANG LA
Today we cycle towards our last and highest pass of the trip, Thang La. We must make camp before this daunting pass.

DAY 21 - NEGOTIATING THANG LA
Today is another challenging day as cross this amazing pass. We are all in excellent shape by now. However, it is still a feat to climb this high pass. Camp is made in a campsite below Shishapangma.

DAY 22 - THANG LA - CAMPSITE IN NEPAL
Finally we are able to cruise nearly 4600 meters downhill! What an adrenaline rush today is as we head towards the Nepal border. Our easy ride down is complimented with beautiful scenery along the way. After going through the border we set up camp in Nepal.

DAY 23 - CAMPSITE - KATHMANDU
Our last day is a long yet easy ride as we cycle to Kathmandu. A bittersweet last night is spent in the Hotel Dynasty in Kathmandu. What a relief these hot showers and beds are!

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