Lhasa - Kathmandu Mountainbike Tour
One of the most remote regions in the world, the cycling pilgrimage from Lhasa, Tibet to Kathmadu, Nepal will, quite possibly, be a ‘life changing’ journey through time, spirits, scenery and physical demands. Our fully-supported mountain bike tour takes us across the Friendship Highway to the vast ‘Roof-Top of the World’, Everest Base Camp, the world’s longest descent, the highest high and the former home of the Dalai Lama. Starting in Lhasa at 11,300 feet, we traverse 1,000 kilometers over six panoramic passes exceeding 14,500 feet, finishing in the Kathmandu Valley where the oxygen is rich and the lands fertile. Depending upon your individual tastes and strengths, we’ll cycle 14 full days and 2 half-days averaging 55 km/day. Support vehicles are available for more or less riding. The terrain is 5% sealed road, 95% non-technical off-road and 100% adventure! Undoubtedly, this is the EPIC BIKE JOURNEY of the world! Nothing in the Alps, nothing in the Pyrenees, nothing in the world even compares.
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| Day 1 |
Kathmandu, Nepal. Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Arriving at Kathmandu International Airport, we’ll transfer to our luxurious hotel in central Thamel, a city alive with energy, adventure-seekers and the exotic. This evening you will meet your guides and support team before our welcome dinner and tour briefing.
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| Day 2 |
Kathmandu, Nepal While we obtain the necessary visa endorsements, you can sleep off any remaining jet-lag. After breakfast, we’ll fit/assemble bikes and shake out our legs on an optional loop ride on the lush trails connecting the sacred villages of Kathmandu Valley. Afternoon is free to roam the streets of Kathmandu, buy last minute supplies, exchange money, use the internet and soak in the stimulating culture. (roughly 25 km).
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| Day 3 |
Lhasa, Tibet. Fly to Lhasa, the sacred place of Buddhas and gateway to the most fascinating place on earth. Sitting at 11,300 feet, the next two days are spent touring the sacred monasteries around the Lhasa valley and acclimating to the altitude. Optional afternoon city tour by foot and lessons on the finer points of Yak tea. Sunset kora and drinks at Barkhor Square before our first Tibetan feast.
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| Day 4 |
Lhasa, Tibet. Ride the wide streets of Lhasa vying for position with the local bicycle rickshaws on our way to visit the Jokhang and Sera monasteries. Albeit a relatively easy ride, our lungs will feel it more than our legs. Dinner on your own.
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| Day 5 |
Lhasa, Tibet. Following the main road past the Potala Palace, we’ll test our legs on the short climb to the outskirts of Lhasa to visit the Deprung Monastery, the largest monastery in all of Tibet. Once home to over 10,000 monks, the Deprung monastery sits like a Morocaan kasbah cascading down a small hill overlooking the Lhasa valley. From there, we’ll return to Lhasa with a side trip to the Potala Palace, the former home of the Dalai Lama and a remarkable survivor of the Chinese war on religion.
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| Day 6 |
Chusul, Tibet. Easing our way into the saddle, enjoy the remarkably superb sealed roads along the scenic Lhasa River to Chusul, our home for the evening.
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| Day 7 |
Nagatse, Tibet. Today’s highlights include the Khamba La pass (4794 m /14861 feet), the beautiful Yamdruk Lake for lunch and spectacular scenery on our way to Nagatse.
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| Day 8 |
Gyantse, Tibet . More spectacular scenery, more climbing/optional sag ride over Karo La (5010 m/15531 feet) before descending into the city of Gyantse, an important junction town for pilgrims, travelers and nomads.
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| Day 9 |
Shigatse, Tibet. We’ll start the day shuttling over the nastier stretches of flatlands to enjoy the spectacular snow-capped peaks and descent to the city of Shigatse, a 600 year old city and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, one of the two prestigious spiritual leaders in Tibet. Although it’s still home to 97% Tibetans, Shigatse has undergone tremendous modernization. Enjoy the last of city life, walk the old quarter and take the sunset pilgrimage with local monks and Tibetans clockwise around the gildred roof-top of the Tashilhunpo Monastery. The views are spectacular and the local culture fascinating.
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| Day 10 |
Lhatse, Tibet. The vastness of Tibet sets in today as we continue east-west across the plateau. The stark landscape is offset by colorful Tibetan accoutrements to their homes and hair.
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| Day 11 |
Xegar, Tibet. The highest high! At 16,275 feet, Gyatso La is the highest pass we’ll conquer on the Friendship Highway pilgrimage to Nepal. Ride or drive as much as you want, soaking in the raw friendliness of nomadic tribes and celebrating the accomplishment at the superstitious monument of prayer flags at the summit. Adrenaline will compensate for the lack of oxygen as we continue on to finish the day in Xegar.
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| Day 12 |
Tashi-Zong, Tibet. It’s true. You’re sitting on top of your saddle and on top of the world as the unbelievable views of Everest and the Himalayan chain unfolds before our eyes from the summit of Pang la pass. We’ll descend into the Rongbuk valley and overnight in Tashi Zong and rest up before the day ahead.
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| Day 13 |
Rongbuk Monastary. The ride to Rongbuk Monastery is challenging, but inspiration keeps our legs alive. We’ll ride to the famous Rongbuk Monastery (16,500 feet), only 7 km from the North side of Mt. Everest Base Camp where we will dine and spend the night in the monastery.
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| Day 14 |
Tashi-Zong, Tibet – Everest Base Camp. A highlight of your life, the trip to Everest Base Camp is as incredible as it is high. We’ll ride to base camp, spend some time taking photos, drinking warm tea and basking in the shadow of one of the natural wonders of the world. Descend to Tashi-Zong for a hearty meal and a relaxing evening at lower altitude.
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| Day 15 |
Tingri, Tibet. Leaving the valley there are panoramic views back at Everest and Cho Oyu as we move along narrower tracks over Pang la to the small town of Tingri.
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| Day 16 |
Nyalam, Tibet. Today’s ride takes us over some monumental and lung searing passes. Lalung-la provides us with amazing views before beginning what’s reputed to be the world’s longest descent from the Tibetan plateau to Kathmandu. Overnight in Nyalam.
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| Day 17 |
Dhulikhel, Nepal. The lushness of Nepal is a welcoming warm sight as we continue the downhill thrill across the Friendship Bridge the border connecting Tibet and Nepal. We’ll have lunch before cycling to Dolalghat and then van transfer to our hotel in Dhulikhel.
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| Day 18 |
Kathmandu, Nepal. Welcome home! Ride the outstanding pilgrimage along the Kathmandu Valley rim into Nala and the ancient city of Bhaktapur for a an incredible Nepalese lunch. The bustle of Kathmandu city life is both comforting and shocking at the same time. Transfer to Kathmandu hotel. Farewell dinner and celebration. You did it!
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| Day 19 |
Departure. Breakfast, good-byes and transfers to the airport as necessary.
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| Day 20 |
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Optional Day
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| Required Skill Level |
Open to All
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| Required Equipment |
Included
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Mountain Biking Skills & Disciplines |
Road Cycling |
Urban Terrain |
Lap Racing |
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Offroad Biking |
Cross-country |
Hill Climb |
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Downhill |
FreeStyle |
Dirt Jumping |
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Basics & Backgrounds
in Dutch
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