Tibet/Lhasa – Kathmandu biking tour – 22 Days

A ride on the Roof Top of the World
Trip Code: NAP-BTT 508
Trip Cost: Euro 2175 per person based on group join in basis
Group Size: Minimum 4 upto 16 person
Accessibility: One hour flight to Lhasa and cycling to Kathmandu
The Route: Maximum altitude Gyatso-La (5220m) and Thang pass (5050m) 6/7-hrs average cycling per day.
Season: Spring: March - April/Autumn: September – November
Trip Facilities: Combination hotel and fully-supported camping
Fixed Departure: Following is the departure dates for the year 2010:
05 September to 26 September. 2010
23 September to 14 October 2010

  Highlight of this trip:

• The best mountain flight over the Everest, Lhasa to Kathmandu Mountain Biking

• The most challenging biking tour in the world.

• Adventurous bike ride to Mount Everest north base camp

• Visit main attractions Potala Palace and the Jokhang temple in Lhasa.

• 1100+ km biking across the “Roof of the World” over 5000+ meter high mountain pass

• The spine-tingling downhill ride from 5150 meter high mountain pass

• Superb mountain views and glacier

• 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.

• Spectacular flight to Lhasa passing right over Mount Everest and many of the highest peaks in the world (if you join the trip in Kathmandu)

• Picturesque Tibetan village, friendly people and many more....

DAY 01: Upon arrival at Tribhuwan international airport, welcomed by our representative and transfer to hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given in the evening at hotel about the daily program activities by your Group Leader/Guide.

DAY 02: After breakfast the day will start with a guided tour of Kathmandu's historical and spiritual key attractions; including the historic Kathmndu Durbar Square, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and then finally visit to Patan Durbar square which is situated the heart of the city constitutes the focus of visitor's attraction. In the evening there will be pre-trip discussion where you can meet your group leader/guide then you can ask any questions you may have.

DAY 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa: Morning transfer to the airport for the hour-long flight to Lhasa. 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 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: This day 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 (3700m). When you arrive at the camp you will find tents, latrines, shower tent and facilities ready. Overnight accommodation in tents.

DAY 07: Our first mountain passes. 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 at tents.

DAY 08: 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 at tents.

DAY 09: 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 at Hotel.

DAY 10: 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 at hotel.

DAY 11: 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 at tents.

DAY 12: 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. Overnight at tent.

DAY 13: This day 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 grueling ride through the canyon. Overnight at tent.

DAY 14: 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 20 km’s of 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). Overnight at tents.

DAY 15 -16: 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 at tents.

DAY 17: 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 at tents.

DAY 18: 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 at tents.

DAY 19: This day, we tackle our last up hill, as we cycle up the incredible Thang Pass (5050m). You will be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayan chain as you free-wheel 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 at hotel.

DAY 20: 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). Overnight at hotel.

DAY 21: After breakfast, cycling to Kathmandu. Along the way you can visit Bhaktapur. You'll be arriving at Kathmandu late afternoon then you have free afternoon to be fresh up; evening we comment about the trip and celebrate farewell dinner together at Nepalese Typical Restaurant you have free time for shopping. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 22: After breakfast you will have some free time until the time to leave the international airport for your final departure.

  Cost includes in Tibet Part

• Accommodation, Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Xegar, Zhangmu twin share including breakfast

• All camping equipment whilst camping

• Breakfast, Lunch and dinner whilst camping

• Support truck to transport food, luggage and camping equipment.

• All airport transfers

• Sightseeing as per itinerary

• English speaking interpreter/guide (Tibetan)

• Tibet entry permit

• Kathmandu - Lhasa flight ticket (one way)

• Chinese visa fees

  Cost excludes in Tibet Part

• International flight, departure taxes

• Mountain bikes

• Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, and laundry

• Meals apart from breakfast on non-camping portion of the trip

• Travel insurance

• Emergency evacuation

• Tips and gratuities

• And unforeseen expenses which are out of control by Nepal Adventure Point

  Cost includes in Nepal Part

• Accommodation: 3 night’s hotel in Kathmandu, 1 night hotel in Dhulikhel on bed breakfasts basis and one farewell Dinner in Kathmandu.

• Transportation: Arrival/Departure transfer and surface road-head transportation.

• Company & Government’s service charge: All applicable Government taxes & official service charges.

  Cost excludes in Nepal Part

• Lunch & Dinner while in City

• Bar bills & Beverages

• Optional activities

  Using following hotels:

• Lhasa - Dhood Gu or similar in Lhasa 3 star

• Gyantse - Gyantse hotel 3 star

• Shigatse - Shigatse hotel 3 star

• Shegar - Quomolongma hotel 3 star

• Zhang Mu - Caiyuan or Zhang Mu hotel 3 star

• Dhulikhel Lodge Resort

• Marshyandi or similar 3 star

  Travel preparing information:

Required Document for Traveller: Traveller must carry a valid travel document i.e. passport, visa, re-entry Permit etc. Nepal Adventure Point is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items and also will not be responsible for any liability due to travel document. Once programmed is booked clients are requested to send us the following details 3 weeks before you arrival to Kathmandu.

Full Name (as in the passport):
Sex:
Passport Number:
Passport issue Date:
Passport Expiry Date:
Date of Birth:
Nationality:
Occupation:
Passport photo copy:
Passport size photo
Flight details:
Telephone No:
E-mail:

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is highly recommended who are joining any of our trips that you take out personal travellers insurance policy that must covers you for medical assistance, emergency helicopter rescue, cancellation, accidents, health, lost of items, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects. The insurance we require you to take out makes sure everyone is properly covered if such an event occurs.

Physical Requirements: We suggest travelers to be in good health condition enough to be able to walk up and down on moderate hills on a daily basis, Tibet tours are not highly demanding physically. You may be away from modern medical facilities for some days. Travelers with a pre-existing heart and lung problems should consult their doctors before taking Tibet tours. According to the scientific studies, high altitude sickness has nothing to do with the age, sex or state of fitness of the travelers and can affect anyone who travels to the areas with the elevation of over 10,000 feet. Medicine is only treatment for high altitude sickness, so consult the doctors for getting the prescribed medicines.

Important Stuff: We suggest you to bring 2 passport-size photos with you. You should also make copies of passport & visa, one to bring with you and one to leave with family or friends. Keep these separate from your passport. Other things you should have copies of are insurance policy, birth and health certificate, a record of bank details and traveler’s cheque details. You should also have contact numbers of next to kin, Bank and insurance company and your travel agent/ flight booking office.

Bicycling Equipment
- 3-season sleeping bag rated to zero.
- T-shirts (cotton and short sleeved).
- Full sleeve shirt or light pullover (Polypropylene is recommended).
- Cycling shorts long & short both needed for unexpected weather.
- Waterproof windbreaker with a hood and wind trousers
- Cycling socks.
- Cycling shoes.
- Cycling gloves full and half.
- Hat - suitable for cycling and sun protection.
- Micro-sensor Headband.

Fare of Flight and Train
- Kathmandu - Lhasa: USD 356 (Tue & Sat in high seasons)
- Chengdu - Lhasa: USD 250
- Beijing - Lhasa: USD 490
- Shanghai - Lhasa: USD 512
- Kathmandu – Beijing: 790
- Train to Lhasa from Beijing USD 255 on soft sleeper bed (Subject to availability, please read conditions/other available options)
- Tibet (Chinese) visa: USD 114 for all nationality (Additional USD 85 applicable to American passport holder as levied by Chinese Government.)

Note: Rates and taxes are subject to change without prior notice.

Give us an opportunity to serve you and showcase the glittering side of Nepal’s nature and culture!

DAY 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1317m).
DAY 02: Excursion day in Kathmandu
DAY 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa (3658m/1hr)
DAY 04/05: Lhasa excursion
DAY 06: Cycling to Base of Kamba Pass (3700m/85-km/5hrs)
DAY 07: Cycling to Khamba-La Pass (4490m/55-km/6hrs)
DAY 08: Cycling to Ralung valley(4750m) via Karo-La pass (5050m/54-km/7hrs)
DAY 09: Cycling to Gyantse 3950m/79-km/4hrs
DAY 10: Cycling to Shigatse (3900m/94-km/6hrs)
DAY 11: Cycling to Gyachung Monastery (3980/75km/7hrs)
DAY 12: Cycling to Lhatse (4050m) via Tso-La (4520m/95-km/7hrs)
DAY 13: Cycling to Shegar (4300m) via Gyatso-La (5220m/75-km/7hrs)
DAY 14: Cycling to Pang-La Pass (5150m/6-km/7hrs)
DAY 15/16: Cycling to Rongbuk Monastery(5100m/35-km/6hrs)
DAY 17: Cycling to Lao Tingri (4340m/86-km/7hrs)
DAY 18: Cycling to Base of Lalung-La (4400m/7-km/7hrs)
DAY 19: Cycling to Zhangmu (2300m) via Thang pass (5050m/117-km/7hrs)
DAY 20: Cycling to Dhulikhel via Kodari (1600m/97-km/5hrs)
DAY 21: Cycling to Kathmandu (1317m/35km/3hrs)
DAY 22: Departure day