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Our experienced western
guide will lead you on a mind blowing mountain
biking experience from Lhasa to Kathmandu and
much of the surrounding attractions. We will follow
the main route which runs westward, parallel to
the majestic Himalayan range. Along the way we
will cross six major passes and traverse a high
arid plateau area. Spectacular monastery towns
and ancient settlements provide many wondrous
sites throughout our trip. We will also take a
detour away from the main route in order to reach
the Pang La pass, which allows for extensive views
of the Himalayas. The highlight of the trip for
many is our stop over at Everest Base Camp. Gazing
up at the sheer monstrosity of Everest is an unforgettable
experience. After staying one night at the base
camp we go back to the main Kathmandu route.
We cross one more high pass
as we reach the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. After
the Thang La pass we cruise down a 4600 meter
descent. The descent ends at the valley of the
sun Kosi River in Nepal. A final easy day’s
traveling brings us back to Kathmandu. Along the
entire way a truck, Sherpa staff, and 4 wheel
drive Land cruisers support our journey. Experience
the real natural high! Come mountain biking in
Nepal and Tibet!
ITINERARY
DAY 01 - ARRIVAL KATHMANDU
Arrive in Kathmandu. Our staff
will pick you at the airport and transfer you
to Hotel Dynasty.
DAY 02 - SIGHTSEEING IN
KATHMANDU
Our first full day in
Nepal will be spent seeing sights throughout the
wondrous city of Kathmandu. Attractions range
from bustling markets to Kathmandu’s ancient
Durbar Square. This square is home to many beautiful
Temples. In the afternoon we will visit the amazing
temples in Patan's Durbar Square. Lastly, we will
also experience Buddhist culture at the large
Buddhist stupa at Swayambhunath. Swayambhunath
is often referred to as the monkey temple because
of the large numbers of monkeys that now reside
there.
DAY 03 - FLIGHT TO LHASA
After flying a long time
to Nepal I am sure you dread another day of flying.
However, this remarkable flight last only an hour
while crossing the Himalayan range. As you may
expect the striking mountain views surround you
the entire time. Once you arrive at Gonggar airport,
an easy two hour drive will take you to your final
destination of the traditional Dhood Gu Hotel.
The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing
and exploring some of the many sights in Lhasa.
DAY 04
- IN LHASA
Haven't you always dreamed
of visiting the ancient Tibetan monasteries? Our
knowledgeable English speaking guide will show
you everything there is to see in some of these
renowned sights. First off we will explore the
beautifully preserved Sera Monastery. Many of
the pictures you see of Tibet are of these buildings
with their white washed walls and golden roofs.
To this day several hundred monks live and study
in this architecture. The afternoon will be spent
exploring the Jokhang temple and Norbulingka.
The Norbunglinka is another astounding piece of
architecture and was once the summer palace of
the Dalai Lama. Jokhang Temple will provide you
one of your first sights of devout Tibetans, as
hundreds visit this sacred shrine each day. The
central market of Lhasa, the Barkor, surrounds
the Jokhang Temple. In these cobbled streets you
can experience more Tibetan culture and even purchase
some amazing crafts.
Day 05 – Further Exploration
of Lhasa
To explore some of the
ancient quarters of the Dalai Lama we will visit
Potala Palace in the morning. Be prepared for
astonishment as this grand palace has been around
since before the 17th century. It is a vast building
with much to explore. Those who wish to do so
can ride their bikes around the city for the first
time.
DAY 06
- LHASA OUR FIRST DAY ON THE BIKE
Our sixth day will
be another easy one as we cruise around Lhasa
on our bikes. Both the Sera and Drepung Monastery
will be visited for another taste of Tibetan culture.
. To add even more history and culture we will
also visit Drepung Monastery. Once home to over
10,000 monks, the Drepung Monastery is still a
beautiful sight to see. Miraculously it was one
of the few sights to escape the Cultural revolution
without widespread damage.
DAY 07
- LHASA - CHUTSU
Our life changing journey
officially begins today as we pack up the trucks
and prepare for departure. It is essential that
we take only what we need with us. Our first stage
to Chutsu is fairly level and easy. We will ease
you into the journey so it is even more enjoyable
for you.
DAY 08
- CHUTSU - NAMDROK TSO
Our first major pass is
encountered today as we cross Khamba La. We will
take the pass slow and even hop in the trucks
if necessary as we are all not acclimatized yet.
The views form the pass stretch out for miles
and miles. We are able to see numerous rivers
and the turquoise waters of Namdrok Lake. The
night will be spent at a campsite below the lake
after descending the pass.
DAY 09
- NAMDROK TSO - RALUNG
Our first stop after leaving
the campsite takes us to the small town of Nagartse.
We will visit the highly revered Samding Monastery.
Many Tibetans believe that this monastery is the
home of the earthly incarnation of the goddess
Dorje Pagmo. After Nagartse we climb our second
major pass, Karo La. It is an awe-inspiring site
the see the massive glaciers rising nearly straight
up from the road. Our night will be spent below
the pass in the small village of Ralung.
DAY 10 - RALUNG - GYANTSE
This is another fairly
easy day as we cruise downhill to Gyantse. While
in Gyantse we will visit man historic sites. The
sites range from ancient military forts to beautiful
monasteries. The Kumbum monastery, a large gold
roofed stupa, has much to explore in its intricate
buildings. Even if you are not an art connoisseur
you will appreciate the wondrous murals to be
found in this monastery. We will spend the night
in the Gyantse hotel. Relax and enjoy the hot
showers!
DAY 11
- GYANTSE - SHIGATSE
Our destination, shigatse
is 94 kilometers away. If we want to reach it
by nightfall we must r\get in our back up vehicles.
Don’t worry though; all of the beautiful
sections of this stretch will be viewed on bicycle.
After finally reaching Shigatse we will spend
the night in one of two first rate hotels.
DAY 12 - SIGHTSEEING AND
REST IN SHIGATSE
Today will be spent exploring
Tibet's second largest city! There is much to
see in this town, but the highlight for most is
our visit to the Tashi Lhumpo Monastery. High
walls surround this intricate maze of shrines,
prayer wheels, rock inscriptions, and Tibetan
pilgrims. Excellent views are seen once again
from the top of the Shigatse fortes. Once again
we will spend the night at one of two first rate
hotels in Shigatse.
DAY 13
- SHIGATSE - TSO LA
Today we head towards
our third major pass, Tso La. We must ride for
nearly 115 kilometers before we reach our final
campsite before the pass.
DAY 14
- TSO LA - LHATSE
From this challenging
pass we are rewarded with our first views of Everest
in the distance. The night will be spent in the
small town of Lhatse.
DAY 15
- LHATSE - SHEGAR
On our fifteenth day we
cross yet another pass, Gyamtso La. Our night
will be spent in Shegar, only a few kilometers
away from the main road and our pat to Rongbuk
valley.
DAY 16
- SHEGAR - PANG LA
Our goal today is to bike
ten kilometers off the main road to the Pang La
pass and ascend this pass before nightfall. We
will spend the night is a small settlement on
the south side of the pass. Along the way, wondrous
views of Makalu, Everest and numerous other peaks
can be seen.
DAY 17 - PANG LA - RONGBUK
Our route splits off to
the south as we encounter Phadruchi, a decently
sized town after the pass. The majority of today's
ride is flat as we head toward Rongbuk. However,
we must climb a steep 10 kilometers before we
reach Rongbuk Monastery. It is such a relief to
see Everest come into view as we end this long
day.
DAY 18
- REST AMD EXPLORATION DAY AT RONGBUK
Today is a much
needed rest and sightseeing day in Rongbuk. We
will explore the numerous destroyed and revitalized
monasteries which inhabit this high altitude area.
What a historic and moving sight they are! The
Everest base camp lies only two hours from here!
DAY19 -
Rongbuk- Tingri
Today is an amazing today
as we cycle to Tingri and end our day with a dip
in the natural hot springs. It is a quiet yet
beautiful countryside.
DAY 20 - TINGRI - THANG
LA
Today we cycle towards
our last and highest pass of the trip, Thang La.
We must make camp before this daunting pass.
DAY 21 - NEGOTIATING THANG
LA
Today is another
challenging day as cross this amazing pass. We
are all in excellent shape by now. However, it
is still a feat to climb this high pass. Camp
is made in a campsite below Shishapangma.
DAY 22 - THANG LA - CAMPSITE
IN NEPAL
Finally we are able to
cruise nearly 4600 meters downhill! What an adrenaline
rush today is as we head towards the Nepal border.
Our easy ride down is complimented with beautiful
scenery along the way. After going through the
border we set up camp in Nepal.
DAY 23 - CAMPSITE - KATHMANDU
Our last day is
a long yet easy ride as we cycle to Kathmandu.
A bittersweet last night is spent in the Hotel
Dynasty in Kathmandu. What a relief these hot
showers and beds are!
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