21 Days Tibet-Nepal Cycling Tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu

Tour Overview

Lhasa to Kathmandu Bike Tour is popular among tourists and also a preferredchoice of riders in Tibet. You need to get acclimated to high altitude in Lhasa for two...

Code of Tour: YCT0000000540

Length of Travel: 22 Day

Destinations of Tour: Lhasa - Gyangtse - Shigatse - Lhatse - Tingri - Rongphuk - Nyalamu - Zhangmu - Kathmandu

Departure City: Kathmandu

Price of Tour: Request

Type of Tour:

Features of Tour: Nature Sunrise Landscape Cycling

More Map & Picture

Lhasa to Kathmandu Bike Tour is popular among tourists and also a preferredchoice of riders in Tibet. You need to get acclimated to high altitude in Lhasa for two days, where you can visit the famous monasteries and palaces such as Potala palace and Jokhang temple. Then prepare your riding equipments and ride to Shigatse via Yamdrok Lake and ancient Gyantse. After visiting Tashilhunpo monastery, the residence of Panchen Lama, you will ride southwards along Friendship Highway, and arrive in Mt. Everest– the highest peak in the world via Lhatse and Tingri. You can appreciate the sunset and beautiful night sky of Mt. Everest. Afterwards, continue to ride southwards and view Mt. Shishapangma with an altitude of 8012 meters along the way. Finally, you will arrive in Gyirong town and pass the border bridge- Friendship Bridge. The tour ends in Kathmandu. In conclusion, this tour contains ancient monasteries, small villages, sacred lakes, ancient cities, grand glaciers, continuous snow-capped mountains, vast prairie, grand canyons, flowing stream, lush forest, and other natural and cultural landscapes. It is bound to be a significant bike tour!

Brief Itinerary

• Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival
• Day 2: Kathmandu
• Day 3: Kathmandu-Lhasa
• Day 4: Lhasa
• Day 5: Lhasa
• Day 6: Lhasa- Kamba La Pass
• Day 7: Kamba La Pass-Yamdrok Tso 
• Day 8: Yamdrok Tso-Karo La Pass Base
• Day 9: Karo La Pass Base-Gyantse
• Day 10: Gyantse-Shigatse
• Day 11: Shigatse-Gyachung Monastery
• Day 12:Gyachung Monastery-Lhatse
• Day 13: Lhatse-Shegar
• Day 14: Shegar-Pang La  Pass
• Day 15: Pang La  Pass-Rongbuk Monastery
• Day 16: Rongbuk Monastery-Tingri
• Day 17: Tingri-Lalung Pass
• Day 18: Lalung Pass-Gyirong
• Day 19: Gyirong-Dhulikhel
• Day 20: Dhulikhel-Bhaktapur-Kathmandu
• Day 21: Kathmandu Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Kathmandu Arrival

Sightseeing and Activities:Durbar Square, Taleju temple, Jagannath temple, Kal Bhairav, Kumari Ghar, Kasthamandap
Accommodation:Kathmandu
Meals:None

Transfer to your hotel after arriving in Kathmandu airport.

After a little rest, visit the Durbar Square. The Durbar Square lies in the heart of Kathmandu. It also called as Hanuman Dhoka Palace Square locally -an ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty. Most of the buildings we see here date from 15th to 18th century.

Some of the important monuments to be seen here are: Taleju temple, Jagannath temple, Kal Bhairav, Kumari Ghar, Kasthamandap – built from the timber of a single tree. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2 Kathmandu Day Tour

Sightseeing and Activities: Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath Stupa
Accommodation:Kathmandu
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, first drive to Pashupatinath Temple which is situated 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu City and is one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Then drive to Boudhanath Stupa, 8 kilometers east of Kathmandu City. Boudhanath Stupa is one of the biggest in the world of its kind.

After lunch, drive to Swayambhunath Stupa, located approximately 4 kilometers west of Kathmandu city. This Buddhist Stupa is said to be 2000 years old. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3 Flight to Tibet & Acclimation

Sightseeing and Activities:Flight to Tibet & Acclimation
Accommodation:Tibet
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Take the morning flight to Lhasa. In a little over one hour, the Kathmandu – Lhasa air journey covers rugged terrain that once took trade caravans months to cross. The views are spectacular, and on a clear day, as many as eight of the world’s 14 highest peaks – including Everest – lie before you.

At the Lhasa airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Lhasa for a relaxing adjustment to the altitude! Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 4 Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities:Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street
Accommodation:Lhasa
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, visit the famous Potala Palace and explore the grandest of its myriad chapel. You will appreciate its audience halls, the jeweled and Golden burial chortens (stupa Tombs) of past Dalai Lamas, and tremendous number of Buddhist frescoes, thangkas, combinations of mandala, etc.

In the afternoon, visit the holist temple in Tibet, the Johkang Temple, built during Songtsen Gonpo’s reign by princess Wencheng of Tang Dynasty, 647 A.D, and its famous Barkor Kora. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 5 Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities:Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery
Accommodation:Lhasa
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Visit two important monasteries in Lhasa, the Drepung and the Sera. Drepung monastery is situated at the foothill of a mountain and was founded by Jamyang Choeje in 1416. It was once the home to 10000 monks and Ganden podrang in Drepung is famous as it was the government centre and later moved to the famous potala palace during the fifth dalai lama.

After having lunch, continue to visit the Sera Monastery, which was founded in 1419 by Tsongkapa’s disciple Jamchen Choeje. The most attractive Buddhist Scriptures debating held in the courtyard mostly around 3 – 5 in the afternoon. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 6 Short ride out of Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities:Tsangpo River
Accommodation:Camping
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

The first riding day is very short and easy. Your journey towards Everest starts with the Friendship Highway as it heads out across the plateau. The road is in good condition and quite flat.

Leave Lhasa and cycle along the beautiful Tsangpo River to the foot of the Kamba La Pass (3700 m). Camping tonight.

Day 7 Ride to Yamdrok Tso via Kamba La Pass

Sightseeing and Activities:Lake Yamdrok Tso
Accommodation:Camping
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

You will overcome the first mountain pass of this trip. A strong uphill climbing along a tar road of several switchbacks, we will reach a summit lavishly adorned with prayer flags (4794m).

After descending we continue togo along Lake Yamdrok Tso, at the far side of which set up camp (4490m). The dazzlingly turquoise green Yamdrok-Tso Lake is one of the three great holy lakes in Tibet. Camping tonight.

Day 8 Yamdrok Tso to Karo La Pass Base (54 km)

Sightseeing and Activities:Karo La Pass
Accommodation:Camping
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Leave the beautiful lake behind, we will cycle along the Friendship highway which soon becomes a gravel roadway. Through a ravine and up to the foot of the Karo La Pass (4750m), your tented village will be prepared for the night. Camping tonight.

Day 9 Karo La Pass to Gyantse (86 km)

Sightseeing and Activities:Sightseeing on the way
Accommodation:Gyantse
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Today is a significant day on the tour. Get up early to climb the high Karo La Pass (5010m). You can see glaciers stretching down to 6000m and beautiful lakes. You are rewarded with a night in a top hotel in the city of Gyantse (3980m). Stay overnight in Gyantse (Hotel).

Day 10 Gyantse to Shigatse (94 km)

Sightseeing and Activities:Gyantse Dzong and Gyantse Kumbum
Accommodation:Shigatse
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

First 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, contains an impressive collection of Tibetan Buddhist murals.

Then head out on the highway towards Shigatse. Although today is a long cycling day, the highway is tarred and flat. In the afternoon, arrive in Tibet’s second largest city, Shigatse (3860m). Enjoy a shower in your hotel. Stay overnight in Shigats.

Day 11 Gyachung Monastery (75 km)

Sightseeing and Activities:Tashilhunpo Monastery, Tibetan villages
Accommodation:Camping
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Get up early to visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, where you can see the well preserved largest statue of Jampa (future god) in the world. The monastery itself is anabiding place for the successive Penchen Lamas.

Then leave Shigatse and ride over two small passes and several small Tibetan villages, we will pass the isolated Gyachung Monastery and camp. Camping tonight.

Day 12 Gyachung Monastery to Lhatse (95 km)

Sightseeing and Activities:Sightseeing on the way
Accommodation:Camping
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Keep riding along the highway. The route leads you through picturesque valleys before the long route which leads over the Tso-La (4520m).

After lunch, head towards Lhatse, pass the hot springs and camp about 10km outside of town. Camping tonight.

Day 13 Lhatse – Shegar (75 km)

Sightseeing and Activities:Mount Everest
Accommodation:Shegar
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Ride over the 5220m Gyatso-La with stunning view. You will be rewarded with first view of Mount Everest on a clear day.

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. Stay overnight in Shegar.

Day 14 Pang La Pass (67 km)

Sightseeing and Activities:Rongbuk Valley
Accommodation:Camping
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Today’s riding is a little tough as the road condition is not as good as that of the past days. You will divert off the flat highway just outside of Shegar, then head towards the world’s highest peak, Everest.

After passing through the border control point, you will face 20km’s of uphill switchbacks (42 hairpin bends in total) before reachingf the summit of the Pang La Pass (5150m). Your reward will be some of the most magnificent views of Everest and 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.

Day 15 Rongbuk Monastery (35 km)

Sightseeing and Activities:Rongbuk Monastery
Accommodation:Rongbuk Monastery
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

You should be at maximum fitness and excited about the approach of your highest destination, Everest Base Camp. A bumpy road winds up through the Rongbuk valley until the majestic Mount Everest appears before you. Camp beside the monastery with the unforgettable sight of the world’s highest peak in front of you. We will stay here for two days.

On 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. Stay overnight in Rongbuk Monastery (Dormbed/Tents).

Day 16 Rongbuk – Tingri (86 km)

Sightseeing and Activities:Cycling back to Tingri
Accommodation:Tingri
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Leave Rongbuk, head back down the bumpy road and then take a shortcut into the mountains. Another bumpy trail takes us over a canyon and down into Tingri (4340m). Stay overnight in Tingri.

Day 17 Lalung Pass (77 km)

Sightseeing and Activities:Lalung Pass
Accommodation:Camping
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Today 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).

Set up tents in the valley between two passes. Camping tonight.

Day 18 Cross Thang Pass to Gyirong (117 km)

Sightseeing and Activities:Kong Tang Lamu Mountain
Accommodation:Gyirong
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we tackle our last up hill, as we cycle up the incredible Kong Tang Lamu Mountain  to 5050m. You will be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayan chain as you freewheel the most incredible nonstop downhill.

From the town of Nyalam, you will notice that the scenery starts to turn green again. Cycle down past countless waterfalls and pine trees line roads, with waterfalls practically crashing over you, to the border town of Gyirong (2300m). This will be our last day in Tibet. Stay overnight in Gyirong.

Day 19 Gyirong – Dhulikhel (97km)

Sightseeing and Activities:sightseeing on the way
Accommodation:Dhulikhel
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

From Gyirong, 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 reaching the town of Dolalghat, you must climb up to the town Dhulikhel (1600m). Stay overnight in Dhulikhel .

Day 20 Dhulikhel – Bhaktapur – Kathmandu (35 km)

Sightseeing and Activities:sightseeing on the way
Accommodation:Kathmandu
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

The last day will take you from Dhulikhel to Kathmandu. You will freewheel down through Bhaktapur, where you can stop and see some of the town’s famous temples if you wish, before riding into bustling Kathmandu.

In the afternoon, you can relax, shop or go sightseeing. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 21 Depart from Kathmandu

Sightseeing and Activities:Depart from Kathmandu
Accommodation:None
Meals:Breakfast

After a long exciting trip, it’s time to say goodbye to Kathmandu. Transfer to airport for your flight to next destination.

Recommended Hotels

Service Included:

• Tibet travel permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet;
• All entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary;
• Personal knowledgeable English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide;
• Personal comfortable, clean and safe vehicle with reliable Tibetan local driver; vehicle ranging from 4WD land cruiser to minibus depending on your group size;
• All lodging listed in the itinerary; it’s your decision about the accommodation class: luxury 5-star international hotel, comfortable 4-star hotel, economic 3-star hotel or budget hostel, guesthouse or tent. Please tell us your accommodation preference when submitting the enquiry; we will arrange the best-value hotels for you.
• Domestic flight/train tickets listed in the itinerary;
• All meals listed in the above itinerary;
• Tourist accident/casualty insurance;
• First aid kit;

Service Excluded:

• International flight to and out of China;
• Chinese visa (Note: we could help you with the Chinese visa application, like providing the invitation letter, presenting the hotel or domestic flight reservation copies, etc that you may need. )
• Domestic flight/train not listed in the itinerary. (We can provide you the domestic flight/train ticket booking service at the BEST discount price; please contact us our travel experts for the details.)
• Meals not specified in the itinerary; usually it costs about USD3-15 per person for one meal in TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region).
• Tips and gratitude to tour guide and driver;
• Personal expenses, like laundry, phone call, snacks, soft drinks (please do the best to avoid the alcoholic beverages during your Tibet trip), optional tour activities, etc.

Travel Tips:

1. Tibet Permits

There are several permits required to visit Tibet. Tibet Entry Permit, issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau, is the most important one which has to be obtained before your trip because you must have it to take your flight/train to Tibet. To get the permit, you have to book a Tibet tour with us, and send us your passport and Chinese visa about 20 days in advance, and then let us apply for the permit (all Tibet permits can only be applied by travel agency). If you travel to other prefectures like Shigatse, Nyingchi, Shannan, etc, you also have to obtain an Alien Travel Permit. If you travel to Mount Everest, you have to obtain a Border Permit. (Tibet Discovery, with office in Lhasa, has always kept up with the latest news on Tibet Permits. Traveling with us, all your permits are guaranteed as long as you are qualified to the requirements.)

2. Available Months to Visit Tibet

Generally speaking, May to early October is the best time to for a Mount Kailash trip. July and August are the peak season and rainy season. It may be too cold to travel in Kailash area from November to March. There is usually heavy snow. The conditions in Namtso Lake and Mount Everest area are quite similar with Kailash. While other places like Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse are suitable for travel all year around.

3. High Altitude Sickness

The average altitude of Tibet is about 4000 meters above the sea level (Lhasa: 3700m; EBC: 5200m; Namtso: 4718m). You may suffer a bit from High Altitude Sickness in the beginning days of your Tibet trip if you haven’t had rich high plateau travel experience. But don’t worry too much, the high altitude can be acclimatized usually in 2~3 days. Our suggestion is to take a physical examination and get suggestions from your doctor, and also bring some medicines to prevent from High Altitude Sickness before your trip. While in Tibet, you should keep warm all the time, avoid strenuous activities, drink more water and eat more vegetables and carbohydrates. You’d better not take showers during the first two days after your arrival at Tibet. If you don’t feel well, get help from your tour guide or go to the hospital without any delay.

4. How to Go to Tibet

Basically you have two options – flight and train. Currently, you can take a flight to Lhasa from Beijing(4.5hrs), Xian(3.7hrs), Chengdu(2.5hrs), Chongqing(3hrs), Kuming(3hrs), etc. Among all these cities, Chengdu and Xian have more frequent flights to Lhasa. Kathmandu also has several flights to Lhasa each week.

If you a train travel, you can take a train to from Beijing(40.5hrs), Xian(32hrs), Chengdu(43hrs), Shanghai(47hrs), Chongqing(42hrs), Lanzhou(25hrs), Xining(22hrs), Guangzhou(54hrs).

5. Packing and Wearing Ideas

Firstly you can’t forget your passport and Chinese Visa. A large backpack and a smaller one are recommended (the smaller one can be used for daily activities). Also bring the necessary medicine you need. Other stuffs like sunglasses, snow glasses, hats, lip balm, sun block are recommended. As for wearing, you are suggested to dress in layers (both thin and thick jackets). Down jacket is necessary in Spring and Autumn. A pair of durable and comfortable shoes is necessary.