Mountain Bike Tour: Lhasa to Kathmandu

Depart from Kathmandu (KTM) and take a direct flight to Lhasa, Tibet. Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport (3,650 m), transfer to your hotel. Rest and acclimatize to the high altitude. Light activities only. Early night recommended to prepare for the upcoming cycling expedition.

Spend the day exploring the spiritual and cultural heart of Lhasa. Visit iconic landmarks, including:

• Potala Palace – The former winter residence of the Dalai Lama.
• Jokhang Temple – Tibet’s most sacred temple and a center of pilgrimage.
• Barkhor Street – A vibrant market encircling the temple, perfect for cultural immersion.
• Optional visit to Sera Monastery – Famous for monk debates and traditional Tibetan architecture.

Focus on sightseeing and light walking, allowing your body to continue acclimatizing to the high altitude. Overnight in Lhasa.

Dedicate the day to final sightseeing in Lhasa and preparing for the cycling expedition ahead. Activities include:

• Visiting Sera Monastery (if not visited on Day 2) and observing traditional monk debates.
• Exploring local markets and streets to experience Tibetan culture and pick up any last-minute essentials.
• Bike and gear preparation: Check and adjust your mountain bike, pack necessary supplies, and review the route with guides.
• Rest and hydration to ensure proper acclimatization at high altitude.

Start your cycling journey from Lhasa toward Khambala Phedi. Today’s ride covers approximately 65 km with lunch en route.

• The route gradually climbs out of Lhasa, offering scenic views of the Tibetan Plateau.
• Enjoy stops for photos and short breaks along the way.
• Arrive at Khambala Phedi in the late afternoon. Check into camp or local accommodation.
• Evening at leisure to rest and recover for the next day’s longer ride.

Begin an early morning ride from Khambala Phedi toward Nachatse. Today is a challenging high-altitude ride covering approximately 77 km.

• Climb 24 km to Khambala Pass (4,850 m): Start early to tackle the long ascent while the weather is cool. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding plateau and mountains.
• Lunch: Stop approximately 32 km into the ride for a well-deserved break and refreshment.
• After the pass, descend gradually toward Nachatse, passing scenic valleys and highland landscapes.
• Arrive at Nachatse in the afternoon for overnight stay and rest.

This is a key day for acclimatization and building endurance for the upcoming high passes.

Depart from Nachatse and cycle approximately 57 km toward Rolung Gumba.

• Climb 7 km up to Rolung La Pass (5,085 m): A moderately challenging ascent with breathtaking views of the Tibetan highlands.
• Lunch: Stop along the way to recharge and enjoy the scenery.
• After the pass, continue a short descent or rolling terrain toward Rolung Gumba.
• Overnight: Camp near Rolung Gumba and rest for the next day’s ride.

This day combines scenic high-altitude riding with moderate climbing, preparing you for longer rides ahead.

Depart from Rolung Gumba and cycle approximately 63 km to Gyantse.

• Lunch: Stop around 50 km into the ride to rest and refuel.
• The route offers a mix of rolling terrain and gradual descents, with scenic views of highland valleys and Tibetan countryside.
• Arrival: Reach the historic town of Gyantse in the afternoon. Explore local attractions such as Gyantse Fortress or nearby monasteries if time permits.
• Overnight: Stay in Gyantse and rest for the next day’s longer ride.

Depart from Gyantse and cycle approximately 97 km to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city.

• Lunch: Stop around 55 km into the ride for rest and refreshments.
• The route passes through open Tibetan plateaus, small villages, and scenic valleys, offering a mix of gradual climbs and descents.
• Arrival: Reach Shigatse in the late afternoon. Optional sightseeing includes local markets or Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama.
• Overnight: Stay in Shigatse to rest and prepare for the next day’s ride.

Depart from Shigatse and cycle approximately 97 km toward Resa.

• Lunch: Stop around 55 km into the ride to rest and recharge.
• The route offers vast Tibetan plateau landscapes, rolling hills, and high-altitude plains, with opportunities for photography and short breaks.
• Arrival: Reach Resa in the late afternoon. Set up camp or check into local accommodation.
• Overnight: Rest and prepare for the following day’s ride to Laptse.

Depart from Resa and cycle approximately 62 km to Laptse.
The route features rolling terrain and scenic highland views, allowing a moderate day of riding.
Lunch: Take a break along the way to rest and refuel.
Arrival: Reach Laptse in the afternoon.
Overnight: Stay in Laptse to rest and prepare for the next challenging day to Shighar.

Depart from Laptse for a challenging ride of approximately 76 km to Shighar.

• Climb: Tackle the 23 km ascent to Ghyachyola Pass (5,200 m), a high-altitude climb offering breathtaking Himalayan views.
• Lunch: Stop approximately 60 km into the ride for a well-deserved break.
• After the pass, enjoy the descent and rolling terrain toward Shighar.
• Overnight: Camp or stay at local accommodation in Shighar to rest and recover from the day’s strenuous ride.

This day is one of the most demanding rides of the tour, combining altitude, distance, and spectacular scenery.

Depart from Shighar and cycle approximately 76 km to Pasum.

• Climb: Ascend 22 km to Kyau La Pass (5,150 m), one of the high points of the tour, offering panoramic views of the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding mountains.
• Lunch: Stop en route at a scenic point to rest and refuel.
• Overnight: Camp at Pasum after the climb. This is a day of high-altitude challenge and spectacular scenery, essential for preparing for the final stages of the tour.

Start the day cycling from Pasum toward Rombuk Monastery, the gateway to the Mount Everest region.

• Morning ride: Reach Rombuk Monastery and take time to explore the monastery and the surrounding valley, enjoying views of Everest’s northern face.
• Afternoon ride: Continue approximately 54 km from Rombuk Monastery to After Tashizong. The route offers rolling terrain, highland villages, and stunning Himalayan scenery.
• Overnight: Camp or stay in After Tashizong, preparing for the next day’s ride to the hot springs.

Depart from Tashizong and cycle approximately 60 km toward the hot spring area.

• The route passes through remote Himalayan valleys and scenic highland terrain, offering opportunities for photography and short breaks.
• Lunch: Stop along the way to rest and refuel.
• Arrival: Reach the natural hot springs in the afternoon. Relax and soak in the warm waters after the ride.
• Overnight: Stay near the hot springs, recovering and preparing for the next long ride to Pikyu Tso Lake.

Depart from Hot Spring for the longest ride of the tour, covering approximately 110 km to Pikyu Tso Lake.

• The route crosses high-altitude plateaus, remote valleys, and open Tibetan landscapes, offering stunning scenery throughout the day.
• Lunch: Stop at a suitable point along the way to rest and refuel.
• Arrival: Reach Pikyu Tso Lake in the late afternoon. Enjoy the serene alpine lake surrounded by mountains—a perfect spot for photography and relaxation.
• Overnight: Camp or stay near Pikyu Tso Lake, resting for the next day’s ride toward Upper Kerung.

Depart from Pikyu Tso Lake and cycle approximately 76 km toward Upper Kerung.

• The ride passes through high-altitude valleys, plateaus, and remote Tibetan villages, offering scenic views and opportunities for photography.
• Lunch: Take a break en route to rest and refuel.
• Arrival: Reach Upper Kerung in the afternoon.
• Overnight: Camp or stay in local accommodation, preparing for the next day’s ride to Kerung City.

Depart from Upper Kerung and cycle approximately 65 km to Kerung City.

• The route follows highland valleys and rolling terrain, passing through small villages and remote landscapes.
• Lunch: Stop along the way to rest and refuel.
• Arrival: Reach Kerung City in the afternoon. Explore the town briefly if time allows.
• Overnight: Stay in Kerung City, preparing for the final ride to the Nepal border.

Begin the final ride from Kerung City to the Nepal border, covering approximately 45 km.

• The route passes through border towns and scenic highland terrain, with opportunities for photos along the way.
• Border formalities: Complete customs and immigration procedures before entering Nepal.
• Drive to Kathmandu: After crossing the border, transfer by private vehicle to Kathmandu, concluding your epic mountain bike adventure.
• Overnight: Stay in Kathmandu. Celebrate the completion of the 18-day high-altitude journey.