Tibet Bicycle Tour
Tibet is a rich and beautiful land with an average altitude of over 4,000m. There are about 2,000,000 of population, mainly Tibetans, and an area of 1.2 million sq. km. The Tibetans have a wonderful culture developed over centuries of isolation. There are great temples and monasteries where robed monks still wear their traditional yellow hats.
Tibet is also known as the land of snows, which is land of ancient Buddhist culture having awesome landscapes, artistic monasteries and century's old caravan trails. Tibet is a sacred land of myths and mysteries inhabited by the ever smiling people has greatly exerted magnetic spell upon travellers for centuries. The main highlights of this Tibet’s Bicycle Tour are, having the panoramic view of Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Pelkor Choede & Gyantse Kumbum, Tashilungpo Monastery etc.
The Bicycle Tour is a very popular way to explore Tibet. During the Bicycle Tour we follow the classic route across the high Tibetan plateau from Lhasa to Nepal border. We negotiate 6 major passes, traversed the backbone of the Himalaya & visit some of the most fascinating towns, villages, nomad camps, monasteries enrooted. Throughout the trip there will be vehicle support provided for emergencies as well as a team of Sherpas for camping. Biking in Tibet is non-technical as the route is along hard-packed roads, but the altitude is always a factor as we cross six passes at over 5000m. The route is also remote and the weather often cold, so the journey is not for the faint-hearted. The route does, however, finish with a long downhill finish to reach Nepal.
Itinerary |
- Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to Annapurna Hotel.
- Day 02: Full day of guided sightseeing around the Kathmandu valley including visits to Durbar Square and the temples of Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Guheshwari and Pashupatinath. . Overnight at Hotel.
- Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa
Morning transfer to the airport for the hour-long flight to Tibet. This spectacular flight, on a China Southwest Airlines Boeing 757, takes us right across the main Himalayan range and provides us with magnificent mountain views. After landing at Gonggar Airport and meeting our Tibetan guide, it is a further 2-hour drive by Land cruiser jeep to Lhasa where we will check into the Hotel. It's advisable to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day due to Lhasa's altitude. Overnight at Hotel.
- Day 4-5: We will spend two full days visiting the major temples and monasteries in Tibet, to include the beautiful Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery and Potala Palace, former residence of the Dalai Lamas, which dominates the city, as well as the Jokhang Temple with scores of pilgrims prostrating themselves in worship outside. We will also spend time wandering through the local markets and shopping for goodies to take home or to just take in the atmosphere of the square. Later you will have time to prepare your bike for the trip. Overnight at Hotel.
- Day 06: Start the Bike Tour! Finally, your trans-Himalayan biking adventure begins. Our journey towards Everest starts with the Friendship Highway as it heads out across the plateau. We leave Lhasa and cycle along the Tsangpo River to foot of the Kamba Pass (3700 m).
When you arrive at the camp you will find tents, latrines, shower tent and facilities ready. Overnight accommodation in tents [Total cycle: 85 km].
- Day 07: Kamba Pass
Our first mountain pass. A strong uphill climb along a tar road of several switchbacks, reaches a summit lavishly adorned with prayer flags (4794m). After descending we continue alongside Lake Yamdruk, at the far side of which we set camp (4490m). Overnight accommodation in tents. [Total cycle: 55 km]
- Day 08: Karo Pass base
Leaving the beautiful lake behind, we cycle along the Friendship highway which soon becomes a gravel roadway, 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. [Total cycle: 54 km]
- Day 09: Karo Pass to Gyantse
A significant day on the tour, as we have to get up early to climb the high Karo Pass (5010m). Around us we can see glaciers stretching down to 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 Gyantse Hotel.
- Day 10: Shigatse
First we will visit the Gyantse Dzong and Gyantse Kumbum. The Dzong is a fort dating from the 14th century and the Kumbum, a large gold-domed stupa with several small chapels, containing an impressive collection of Tibetan Buddhist murals. We then head out on the highway towards Shigatse. Although today involves a longer distance, the highway is tarred and flat. In the afternoon we will arrive in Tibet's second largest city, Shigatse (3860m). Overnight accommodation at Shigatse Hotel. [Total cycle: 94 km]
- Day 11: Gyachung Monastery
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. [Total cycle: 75 km]
- Day 12: Lhatse
The route lead us through picturesque valleys before the long route begins which leads over the Tso-La (4520m). After lunch we head towards Lhatse past the hot springs and camp about 10km outside of town. Accommodation in tents. [Total cycle: 95 km]
- Day 13: Shegar
Today we view the stunning canyon of the 5220m Gyatso-La. On a clear day you will be rewarded for your effort with your first view of Mount Everest. After a 40 km ride through flat prairie towns, you will arrive in the town of Pelbar, often referred to as Shegar. Shegar, is a popular stopover for anyone heading to the Everest region. Today will be a long and gruelling ride through the canyon. Overnight accommodation in Hotel Quomolongma. [Total cycle: 75 km]
- Day 14: Pang Pass
Just outside of Shegar, we will divert off the main Lhasa-Kathmandu highway and head towards the world's highest peak, Everest. After passing through the border control point, you will be faced with 20km’sof uphill switchbacks (42 hairpin bends in total!) before you reach the summit of the Pang Pass (5150m). Your reward will be some of the most magnificent views of Everest and her surrounding peaks. Enjoy lunch as you gaze over Makalu (8463m), Shishapangma (8012m), Cho Oyu (8210m), Lhotse (8516m), Everest (8850m) and several other breathtaking peaks. Then a 20-kilometer downhill follows to the Rongbuk Valley (4200m), where we camp. Overnight accommodation in tents. [Total cycle: 67 km]
- Day 15 -16: Rongbuk Monastery
Now you should be at peak fitness and 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 8848m peak in front of your eyes. We will stay here for two days. One your second day, you can either read a book or get even closer to Everest by taking a walk, cycling or hopping on a donkey and cart ride to Everest base camp, which is 8km from the campsite. Overnight accommodation in tents (5150m). [Total cycle: 35 km]
- Day 17: Tingri
Leaving Rongbuk, we head back down the bumpy road and 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. [Total cycle: 86 km]
- Day 18: Lalung Pass
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. [Total cycle: 77 km]
- Day 19: Cross Thang Pass the ultimate downhill
Today, we tackle our last up hill, as we cycle up the incredible Thang Pass to 5050m. You will be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayan chain as you freewheel the most incredible non stop downhill, all the way to the Nepalese border. You will be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayan chain as you freewheel down.
From the town of Nyalam you will notice that the scenery starts to turn green again. You will cycle down past countless waterfalls and pine tree lines roads, with waterfalls practically crashing over you, to the border town of Zhangmu (2300m). This will be our last day in Tibet. Overnight accommodation in Zhangmu hotel. [Total cycle: 117 km]
- Day 20: Back to Nepal
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 50 km along some very bumpy and rocky roads. Suddenly it is tropical and humid and green again as you cycle alongside rice paddies. After you reach the town of Dolalghat you must climb up to Dhulikhel (1600m). Accommodation in Resort. [Total cycle: 97km]
- Day 21: Bhaktapur and Kathmandu. Free day for shopping, etc
What a wonderful way to end this trip – a big breakfast at sunrise and the spectacular panorama of the Himalayas. You will freewheel down through Bhaktapur where you can stop and see some of the town's famous temples if you wish, before we ride into busy Kathmandu again. In the afternoon you can relax, shop or go sightseeing. We will all get together in the evening for a last dinner to celebrate the successful completion of this amazing adventure. [Total cycle: 35 km].
- Day 22: Final Departure from Nepal.
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The Cost Includes During the Trip:
- Guided ride by local expert Mt. Bike guide.
- accommodation in Lhasa, best available in Gyantse and Shigatse including breakfast.
- Camping at all other places supported by a Nepalese cooking team & camping staff.
- 4WD land cruiser.
- Support truck for luggage & food supplies.
- Guided sightseeing tours with all entry fees.
- Travel permits.
- Tibet visa.
- Air fare of Kathmandu/Lhasas
- Airport transfers and Gamow bag (altitude chamber).
Cost Does not Include During The Trip:
- Mt Bike
- Lunch & dinner during Hotel stay in Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse...
- Airport tax.
- Hotels & sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
- All insurance.
- All expenses of personal nature.
- Nepal re-entry visa.
- Any cost incurred in emergency evacuation due to any natural calamity or any unforeseen events.
- Airfare from / to your country and your insurance.
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Chinese Visa & Travel Permit:
You are requested to submit us the following passport information at least 20 days before trip departure for visa procedure. At least 2 days before tour beginning, original passports must reach to our office in Kathmandu.
1. Name in full (as in passport)
2. Sex
3. Nationality
4. Passport Number
5. Date of birth
6. Occupation
Transportation
We use the best 4WD Land cruisers (Toyota 4500) for the overland drive across the Tibetan highland. These vehicles are extremely sturdy, spacious and reliable and they make the journey as comfortable as possible.
A Typical Day – Overland Drive
After breakfast, normally begins your our day's drive at about 9am. We'll drive for several hours, stopping along the way for photographs or places of special interest, before stopping for lunch at around noontime. After lunch we continue our journey, generally arriving at our destination by 3 or 4pm.
Communication
Communication facilities in Tibet have been improved over the past few years. All the hotels we use in Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse have international IDD phone and fax services. Phone calls can also be made from public booth in bigger towns. Internet cafes are also available at bigger towns, check with your guide for the best cyber cafes in each town.
Temprature & Clothing
Tibet will have its average temperature between 5-25 degree Celsius in the month of April through Nov. During trekking season, the night temperature in the mountain often falls below freezing. Therefore, you are required to have adequate warm clothes to save from extreme cold. Further, it will be better to dress in layers that can be easily put on & off as required. It is often advisable to carry raincoat because snow or rain can also occur sometimes. So, we highly recommendation to visit in Tibet is from April to November and for treks and Mt. Kailash tour from April to the beginning of October.
Clothing & Accessories Recommended
Thermal underwear, woolen or silk long sleeve tops & bottoms
Woolen shirts, pullover, pants, socks, hat, gloves & scarves
Down jacket or wind breaker
Good walking boots or shoes
Sun hat, sun glass, suntan lotion, torch light, pen knife
Medicine for common colds, headache, diarrhea & Diamox against altitude sickness.
Health
It is necessary to be physically fit & healthy for the participate on Tibet tour. We suggest you to consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to your trip regarding the main health consideration in high altitude sickness. In addition, those who are sufferer of high blood pressure, heart problem or diabetic are not recommending for the Tibet overland tour.
Insurance
Nepal Hiking Team we cannot be held responsible or liable for loss, damage, or theft of personal luggage and belongings, nor can they be held liable for personal injury, accident or illness. Please ensure that you have yourself and your belongings adequately insured before your departure. Insurance is compulsory for all our trips. If you do not possess a policy, we can issue insurance at competitive rates. It is however better to purchase your policy locally as this will cover you for repatriation back to your home country. |
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For Details call: +977-1-4366291 or Contact via email: info@nepalhikingteam.com |
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Trip Highlights |
Kathmandu valley sightseeing tour, Spectacular flight Kathmandu to Lhasa passing right over Mt Kanchenjunga (8586m/ 28,169ft), Mt. Everest (8848m/ 29.028ft), Mt. Makalu (8463m/ 27,766ft),The most challenging biking tour in the world. 3 days (4 nights) in Lhasa, staying near the city's main attractions - the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple & 1 free day for self exploration in Lhasa. Inspiring landscapes, superb mountain views, rich Buddhist history & culture & Tibetan Nomads. Complete hassle free Chinese (Tibet) travel documentation, local expert guide, delicious meals, 4WD vehicle support. |
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Facts of The Trip |
| Trip Duration: |
22 days |
| Starting in: |
Kathmandu |
| Ends in: |
Kathmandu |
| Accommodation: |
Hotel / Lodge / Camp |
| Transportation: |
4WD Land cruiser |
| Group Size: |
2 (minimum) |
| Meals: |
Full Board |
| Max. Altitude |
5200 m |
| Best Time: |
April - Nov. |
| Trip Cost: USD 00.00 Per Person (Discount avaliable in group) |
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