1100K Lhasa-Kathmandu Cycling Tour

22 Days

Price from: £1899.00

A Trans-Himalayan biking expedition across the roof of the world...

Home Packages 1100K Lhasa-Kathmandu Cycling Tour

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Featuring some of the tallest and most iconic peaks in the world, visiting fascinating Nepalese villages whilst riding along a cyclist's dream of a dirt track - this 1100 kilometre trip will push you mentally and physically to the limit.

Highlights
World's longest descent
Everest BC experience
Rich cultural history tour
Scenic mountainous location
Ideal for hardcore cyclists

This mountain bike tour offers a fantastic ride along the highest road in the world giving you a real sense of isolation and the chance to view some awe-inspiring scenery. Best of all it features the world's longest and steepest descent – a non-stop downhill stretch beginning on the Tibetan Plateau and winding 120km down to the fertile rice fields of Nepal (an unbelievable 4600m drop in height)! We will ride more than 1100km through Tibet on crushed stone roads and over spectacular mountain passes.This is the only trip in the world where you can visit Everest Base Camp with a bicycle! This mountain bike experience will also bring you into contact with three religions (Buddhism, Lamaism and Hinduism) and act as an introduction to the mysticism of Tibetan culture, the friendliness of the people and the daily culture in villagers' lives.

Activity Information

Originally an artery of the famed Silk Road of the Middle Ages, this windswept trail once facilitated trade between China and India, but the huge span of barren desert and abominable snowy mountain passes meant that only the most resolute attempted the journey. The cold lonely plateau was left in relative isolation for centuries until the Chinese invasions of 1951 and 1959 and as the tanks rolled into Lhasa, tens of thousands of Tibetans - the Dalai Lama included - fled by foot or mule across the Himalayas to find sanctuary in Nepal and India. Nowadays, the "Chinafication" of Tibet is almost complete: the campaign for independence all but a lost cause and the streets of Lhasa and Shigatse swarm with Chinese consumer goods.

However, the Chinese colonists vilified as they may be - have opened the region to tourism and have introduced good hotels and restaurants, and invested in road construction. Fortunately, for those with a passion for mountain biking, permits are now available to cycle the entire way from Lhasa to Kathmandu. Be sure to bring clothes for all conditions as you are often above the clouds and it can be very sunny in this region but it can also snow, rain, hail and become very cold at the drop of a hat. Along the route you will witness children carrying baskets of yak dung home for use as insulation on the walls of their house and, come winter, will be burnt as fuel.

After eight or nine days and 600km of pedalling, you should find yourself around the town of Pelbar and the entrance to the Everest National Park. It's here that you will probably leave Highway 318 for a few days and head south to Everest Base Camp. After no less than 42 switchbacks and a rise of 900m in altitude, you finally reach the cairn at the top of the pass, adorned in colourful Buddhist prayer flags. Suddenly the curtain is pulled back to reveal the row of Himalayan peaks you have been chasing.

You are now feeling physically and mentally ragged. Those last four or five hairpin bends were accomplished on willpower alone. You might well find an emotional tear freezing on your weather-beaten cheek as you finally dismount and gaze at the mountains before you, almost close enough to touch: Makalu (8463m); Lhotse (8516m); Jachonggangri (7985m); Cho Oyu (8210m); Shishapangma (8012m); and the one that Tibetans have for centuries been calling Chomolungma ("Mother Goddess of the World"), at 8850 metres above sea level - Mount Everest.

To reach Everest Base Camp you must manoeuvre through a bone-shaker of a road and the north face of the world's highest mountain remains agonisingly out of view until you are very close to Rongbuk Monastery (5150m), a popular stopover and only 8km from Base Camp. Rejoining Highway 318 at the town of Tingri you'll be grateful to be back on a simple dirt track. It's only another 100km now and then you'll be freewheeling down the longest descending road on the planet. First you have just two more passes to surmount: the Lalung La and the Thang La, which lie back to back under the shadow of Shishapangma.

The 120km downhill stretch begins at the top of the Thang Pass. The twisting road itself is corrugated and often endures a swirling Himalayan headwind, but could just be what you've been waiting for. Wave goodbye to the goat herds and the lunar landscape, for you are now about to fall no less than 4000m until you finally level out in the Nepali town of Dolaghat. The world suddenly turns overwhelmingly lush and tropical again. Waterfalls spill overhead from cloudy ravines and you swing deliriously along on the rollercoaster ride of a lifetime. You will have to brake for border formalities and then you re-emerge into a Hindi fairytale of gorges, rivers, cascades and dinky Nepalese villages; however, by the time you reach the chaotic city of Kathmandu, you should be beaming with pride and joy with the satisfying afterglow of an adventure well done.

In a few years Highway 318 will be fully paved and although this will make for easier cycling, it will also allow access to tour groups, buses and trucks and will never quite be the same... so now is the time to enjoy the tranquility and the primitive beauty of this trail, one of the planet's last great road trips.

Itinerary

Day 1	Arrive in Nepal - Pick-up from airport and transfer to Thamel Eco Resort Hotel in Kathmandu (H, D).
Day 2	Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour - Start full days sightseeing after breakfast at hotel. You will visit the following locations: Kathmandu Durbar Square - Durbar Square Classic Tour takes you to famous palaces which have housed kings from different dynasties and temples displaying fine Hindu and Buddhist architecture. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) - Visit one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chaityas dating back more than 2000 years. Swayambhunath, "The Self-Created One", is a collection of small stupas (shrines). Bouddhanath - This colossal stupa, one of Kathmandu's holiest sites, attracts pilgrimages from as far as Tibet, India and Bhutan. It is said to hold the remains of Kasyapa - an ancient Buddha and wise man. The stupa rises to 36 metres tall and it is painted with the 'all seeing eye' which represent's God's watch over humankind. Pashupatinath - Just a small walk takes you the temple of Lord Siva-Pashupatinath, famous for its superb Newari architecture situated near the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. Entrance to the temple is permitted for Hindus only, however visitors can clearly see the temple from the riverside. Pashupati, "Lord of the Animals" is the patron deity of Nepal. In the evening you will receive a special welcome dinner with a live Nepali cultural show at a traditional restaurant. Afterwards, head back to hotel for overnight stay (H, B, D).
Day 3	Take a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa - We take the 09:30 flight to Lhasa and soar across the highest mountains in the world. Arriving in the Tibetan capital (3680m) you will be given plenty of time to relax and adjust to the high altitude. In the afternoon you can unpack your bicycle and explore this legendary city. Overnight at Hotel Himalaya, one of Lhasa's top hotels (H, B).
Day 4	Lhasa Sightseeing - Enjoy a full day of sightseeing. We will visit Dshokhang Temple and the local market, but the highlight of the day will undoubtedly be the visit to Potala Palace, former residence of the Dalai Lamas which dominates the city. Overnight accommodation at Hotel Himalaya (H, B).
Day 5	Lhasa Sightseeing - After breakfast we'll visit the monastery of Drepung. In the afternoon you will be free either to explore the remaining attractions or prepare for the next day's biking. Enjoy an evening meal with Tibetan cultural show. Overnight accommodation at Hotel Himalaya (H, B).
Day 6	Start the Bike Tour - Distance: 85km We leave Lhasa and cycle along the Tsangpo River to the foot of the Kamba Pass (3700m). When you arrive you will find tents, latrines, shower tents and facilities ready. Overnight accommodation in tents (C, B, L, D).
Day 7	Kamba Pass - Distance: 55km Your first mountain pass. A strong uphill climb reaches a summit lavishly adorned with prayer flags (4794m). After descending we continue alongside Lake Yamdruk, at the far side of which we set up camp (4490m). Overnight accommodation in tents (C, B, L, D).
Day 8	Karo Pass - Distance: 54km Leaving the beautiful lake behind, we cycle through a ravine and up to the foot of the Karo Pass (4750m), where our tented village will be prepared for the night. Overnight accommodation in tents (C, B, L, D).
Day 9	Gyantse - Distance: 79km 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 glaciers of 6000m and beautiful lakes. You are rewarded for your effort with a night in a top hotel in the city of Gyantse (3980m). Overnight accommodation at Hotel Gyantse (H, B, L).
Day 10	Shigatse - Distance: 85km First we will take an hour to visit the Palkhor Monastery and the old part of Gyantse town. Although today involves a longer distance, the highway is paved and flat. In the afternoon we will arrive in Tibet's second largest city, Shigatse (3860m). Overnight accommodation at Hotel Shigatse (H, B, L).
Day 11	Gyachung Monastery - Distance: 75km 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. Overnight accommodation in tents at around 4100m (C, B, L, D).
Day 12	Lhatse - Distance: 95km The route leads us through picturesque valleys. Then the long ramp begins which leads over the Yulong pass (4520m). After lunch we head towards Lhatse (3860m). Just before this town there are hot springs. We will camp approx. 10km past Lhatse. Accommodation in tents (C, B, L, D).
Day 13	Shegar - Distance: 75km Today we head through the stunning canyon of the 5220m Lakpa Pass. On a clear day you will be rewarded for your effort with your first view of Mount Everest. After a 40km ride through flat prairie towns you will arrive in the town of Pelbar, often refered to as Shegar. This town is a popular stopover for anyone heading to the Everest region. Overnight accommodation in Hotel Quomolongma (H, B, L).
Day 14	Pang Pass - Distance: 67km It's now time to divert from the Lhasa-Kathmandu highway and head towards the world's highest peak. First you are faced with 20km of uphill switchbacks (42 hairpin bends in total!) before you reach the summit of the Pang Pass (5150m). Enjoy lunch as you gaze over Makalu (8463m), Shishapangma (8012m), Cho Oyu (8210m), Lhotse (8516m), Everest (8850m) and several other breathtaking peaks. Then a 20km downhill stretch leads to the Rongbuk Valley (4200m) where we camp. Overnight accommodation in tents (C, B, L, D).
Day 15	Rongbuk Monastery - Distance: 35km Now you should be at peak fitness and very 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 8850m peak in front of your eyes. We will stay here for two days. Overnight accommodation in tents (5150m). (C, B, L, D).
Day 16	Everest Base Camp - Distance: 8km A day to relax. However, you will definitely want to get as close as you can to Everest. You can walk, cycle or even take a donkey and cart ride to the base camp which is 8km from the campsite. Overnight accommodation in tents (C, B, L, D).
Day 17	Tingri - Distance: 76km Leaving Rongbuk, we head back down the bumpy road then take a "short-cut" into the mountains. Another bumpy trail takes us over a canyon and down into Tingri (4340m). Overnight accommodation in tents (C, B, L, D).
Day 18	Lalung Pass - Distance: 75km This day begins with a 40 to 50km flat ride before lunch. Then we tackle the gradual incline of the Lalung Pass (4990m). From here you will feel like you are as high as the peaks around you, including Shishapangma (8012m). Overnight accommodation in tents in the valley between two passes (C, B, L, D).
Day 19	Cross Thang Pass and the Ultimate Downhill Stretch - Distance: 117km Now get ready for one last kick uphill. You will climb Thang Pass (5050m). You will be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayan chain as you freewheel down. Stop and pat yourselves on the back because from here on down to the Nepalese border it's all downhill. From the town of Nyalam you will notice that the scenery is starting to turn green again. Spiral on down past countless waterfalls to the border town of Zhangmu (2300m). This will be our last day in Tibet. Overnight accommodation in Hotel Zhangmu (H, B, L).
Day 20	Back to Nepal - Distance: 97km From Zhangmu we have to pass through customs and into Nepal. Once you are in the Nepali town of Kodari the downhill continues for the next 50km. Suddenly it is tropical and humid and green again. After you reach the town of Dolalghat you must climb up to Dhulikhel (1600m). Accommodation in Dhulikhel Lodge Resort (H, B, L).
Day 21	Bhaktapur and Kathmandu. Free day for shopping etc. - Distance: 35km What a wonderful way to end this trip with a big breakfast at sunrise and the spectacular panorama of the Himalayas. You will certainly enjoy the last few kilometres as we freewheel down to Bhaktapur. Here you will stop to see some of the town's several century old famous temples before riding into busy Kathmandu again. For the remaining time you can relax, shop or go sightseeing. In the evening we invite you to a farewell dinner at Rum Doodle Bar. Stay overnight at Hotel De L'Annapurna (H, B, L).
Day 22	After breakfast transfer to airport and fly back to UK.

Reference

This itinerary is only intended as a guide. Timings may be dictated by road and bridge conditions, and the location of good camp spots. The drivers, guides and sherpas decide where we camp so the itinerary serves only as a basic guideline. Sections of this trip take place at high altitude and every one responds differently to these conditions. More or less time may be given for sufficient acclimatisation to occur and this is very important in ensuring that the trip is successfully completed. This trip ordinarily begins in Kathmandu but you can also join it in Lhasa. The programme will take its final shape once dates are confirmed.
Key
H - Hotel, C - Campsite, B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner

Dates and Prices Info

This package is available between the months of April and October and it features 15 full days of biking with full logistical support. The dates listed below are for arrival and departure from Kathmandu, not departure/arrival in the UK. Prices are based on groups of 4-16 people.

What's Included?

Full event planning and client liaison
Private airport pick-up/drop-off
All other transfers by private vehicle
Welcome dinner with live Nepali cultural show in Kathmandu
Kathmandu sightseeing tour (including guide, private transfers and entrance fees)
10 night's accommodation in campsites
11 night's accommodation in hotels
Tibet Travel Permit
Sightseeing tours in Tibet (including all entrance fees while visiting monasteries and temples)
Hotels in Tibet as mentioned in itinerary (twin sharing, including breakfast)
World class camping equipment (including tents, mattresses, kitchen utensils etc.)
Everyday meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) while camping
One support truck and one escort land cruiser
Experienced local mountain biking guide
Cook and helpers (including daily wages and necessary expenses)
Farewell dinner
Outdoor clothing discount for Cotswold Outdoors and Montane

Not Included

Mountain Bike (See Availability Information below*)
International flights
Kathmandu-Lhasa flight (approx 379 USD)
Visa fees (Tibet - 114 USD, Nepal - 40 USD)
Excess baggage charges and airport taxes
Personal expenses like bottled drinks, bar bills, laundry, telephone etc.
Travel insurance and medical expenses
Rescue and emergency evacuation expenses
Meals unspecified in the itinerary (not always full-board at hotels)
Expenses caused by delays because of natural events like landslides
Bhaktapur entrance fees (10USD)
Expenses incurred if you leave the trip early

Information

* Bike hire is not included in this package. They can be rented in Kathmandu for $15-$20/day or a new one can be bought in Lhasa for about $380. The second option is preferable so as to avoid paying excess baggage charges on Kathmandu-Lhasa flight.

Ask Activus

If you have any questions about this activity please do not hesitate to ask.