Tibet Mountain Biking Tour

from $4,550 NZD

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Experience amazing highs from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp, and the world's biggest and steepest downhill (150 km/4600 m)!

We will ride over 1100 km through Tibet on spectacular mountain passes. Our high point: the North Face Mount Everest Base Camp (5200 m). It's the only trip in the world where you can visit the Base Camp by bike!

This epic mountain bike challenge is also a life-changing introduction to Tibet, and Tibetan mysticism. You'll stay in hotels and tents with world-class provisions.

Kathmandu to Kathmandu

Kathmandu
  • Mountain biking
  • Grade
  • Tour price subject to minimum numbers
  • USD450 single room surcharge
  • USD455 bike hire
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tibet

Tibet Mountain Biking Tour Fitness and Preparation

The tour is designed to give you plenty of time to acclimatise to increasing altitudes. An experienced crew of guides, cooks and drivers from both Nepal and Tibet provide for a smooth operation. You'll also have the chance to try some Nepalese cuisine. Tours are available from April to October, and feature 15 full days of biking with full logistical support.

You'll need to be fit: this is a difficult biking trip with 5—7 hours of tough biking per day. Be sure you have clothes for all conditions.

A beautiful bonus for many is that this tour brings them into contact with 3 religions: (Buddhism, Lamaism and Hinduism). You'll never forget the friendliness of the Tibetan people, and the culture of daily lives.

Extreme Tours

Extreme tours are for those looking to have some of the hardest days possible. Terrain will be steep and the adrenalin factor will be extreme. The strenuous effort will be well and truly rewarded when you reach the top but there will be some sweat lost and kilojoules burn getting there. Options for dropping will be minimal, so you will need to be in for the duration. Routes will include longer climbs and require more technical skills.

Fitness required

You will be very fit prior to the trip and even fitter when you get back!

Full Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival Day: Kathmandu (1310 m altitude)

No biking

Welcome to Kathmandu. The name of the city is synonymous with adventure, and this is where your adventure starts. This is Nepal's largest city — in fact, its only city of any real size. We'll pick you up from the airport, and transfer you to your hotel.

Meals: None

DAY 2

Kathmandu

No biking

After breakfast, a day's sightseeing in exuberant Kathmandu. You'll see the glorious temples of Durbar (Palace) Square. Also, Swayambhunath — the city's iconic 1500 year old 'monkey temple' complex; and one of the world's holiest Buddhist chaityas. We'll see Boudhanath, a huge, colourful stupa, said to be the world's biggest. Buddha's all-seeing eyes feature on all 4 sides. Nearby: the Hindu temple of Lord Siva Pashupatinath, with its 2-tiered golden roof. This evening we invite you to a complimentary Welcome Dinner, with a cultural show at a traditional restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 3

Kathmandu to Lhasa

No biking

Today, we take the 9:30 am flight to the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, one of the highest cities in the world, and soar across the highest mountains in the world. You'll be given plenty of time to relax and adjust to the high altitude (3680 m). In the afternoon you can unpack your bicycle and explore this legendary city, the ancient home of the Dalai Lamas. You'll stay at Hotel Himalaya, one of Lhasa's top hotels.

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4

Lhasa

No biking

Time to enjoy a full day of sightseeing while we continue to acclimatise. We will visit Jokang Temple — for most people, the most beautiful and sacred temple in Tibet. We'll also explore the famous Jokang market. But the highlight of the day is undoubtedly a visit to the enormous Potala Palace, which dominates the city of Lhasa. This was the residence of the Dalai Lamas, until the present (14th) Dalai Lama fled during the 1959 Tibetan Uprising.

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5

Lhasa

No biking

After breakfast we'll visit the monastery of Drepung. In the afternoon you will be free either to explore the city further, or prepare for the next day's biking. In the evening, we can gather for dinner with a Tibetan cultural show.

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6

Lhasa to Tsangpo River at foot of Kamba Pass

Biking: 85 km

Today, your trans¬Himalayan biking adventure begins in earnest. We leave Lhasa and cycle along the Tsangpo River to the foot of the Kamba-la (Kamba Pass) at 3700 m. When you arrive you will find sleeping tents, latrines, a shower tent and facilities ready. We'll stay here overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7

Kamba Pass and Lake Yamdrok

Biking: 55 km

Time to tackle your first mountain pass. A strong uphill climb reaches a summit lavishly adorned with prayer flags (4794 m). You may see sanscrit writings and Buddhist imagery on the rocks along the way. After descending among spectacular views, we continue alongside Lake Yamdrok, a large, sacred mountain lake with turquoise waters. At the far side of the lake we'll set up our camp, at 4490 m.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8

Lake Yamdrok to Karo Pass

Biking: 54 km

Leaving the beautiful Lake Yamdrok behind, we'll cycle through a ravine and up to the foot of the Karo Pass (4750 m). Then we'll prepare our tented village for our well-earned rest tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9

Karo Pass to Gyantse

Biking: 79 km

An important biking day. By now you'll be feeling in good physical condition at this altitude, so we'll get up early to climb the high Karo-la (5010 m). Around you, you'll see 6000 m glaciers and beautiful lakes. Then, of course, a beautiful downhill. You'll be rewarded for your cycling efforts with a night in a top hotel in the city of Gyantse (3980 m), known for its restored medieval dzong (fort).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 10

Gantze to Shigatse

Biking: 85 km

First, we'll visit the Palkhor Monastery and the old part of Gyantse town, before taking to our bikes once more. You'll ride down a paved, flat highway. In the afternoon we will arrive in Tibet's second largest city, Shigatse (3860 m) at the confluence of two rivers. Tonight you'll stay in a hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11

Shigatse to Gyachung Monastery

Biking: 75 km

Today we leave Shigatse city and head out once more to remote wilderness. We'll ride over two small passes and through several small Tibetan villages. We will cycle past the isolated Gyachung Monastery, and set up our camp at about 4100 m.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12

Gyachung Monastery to Yolong Pass to camp, near Lhatse

Biking: 95 km

Our route today leads us through picturesque valleys, then the long 'ramp' which leads over the Yulong pass (4520 m). After lunch, we'll descend towards Lhatse (3860 m), a town of a few thousand people near the roads to Mt Everest and Mt Kailash. Just before this town there hot springs where we can soak our weary muscles. We will camp about 10 km out of Lhatse.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13

Camp near Latse to Pelbar (Shegar)

Biking: 75 km

We leave our campsite to climb the 5220 m Lakpa Pass and contemplate the stunning views of its canyon. On a clear day you'll be rewarded 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, with its old fort rising behind. This town is another popular stopover for anyone heading to the Everest region. You'll stay overnight in a hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 14

Pang Pass to Rongbuk Valley camp

Biking: 67 km

It's now time to divert from the Lhasa¬Kathmandu highway and head towards the world's highest peak. First you are faced with 20 km of uphill switchbacks (42 hairpin bends in total!) before you reach the summit of the Pang Pass (5150 m). Enjoy lunch as you gaze over Everest (8850 m), Lhotse (8516 m), Makalu (8463m), and Cho Oyu (8210 m), 4 of the 6 highest mountains in the world. Shishapangma (8012 m) is another breathtaking 8-thousander. Then, a 20 km ride to our camp at Rongbuk Valley (4200 m).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 15

Rongbuk Valley: Rongbuk Monastery, near Everest Base Camp

Biking: 35 km

A defining day today, as we head to 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 famous Rongbuk Monastery, with the unforgettable sight of the 8850 m Mt Everest right before your eyes. You'll stay overnight in tents, at 5150 m. We will stay in this area for 2 days. By now you'll be feeling at peak fitness, and well acclimatised to this altitude.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 16

Everest Base Camp

Biking: optional

A day to relax today. However, you will definitely want to get as close as you can to Everest. Everest Base Camp is 8 km from your camp site. This is the only trip in the world where you can visit Everest Base Camp with a bicycle! You can also walk there, or even take a donkey and cart ride. It was here on the North Face that Reinhold Messner began his successful solo ascent of Everest in 1980.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 17

Rongbuk Monastery camp to Tingri

Biking: 76 km

Leaving Rongbuk, we head back down the bumpy road, and then take another road into the mountains. Another bumpy trail takes us over a canyon and down into the town of Tingri (4340 m), a popular base for mountain climbers. We'll stay overnight in tents.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 18

Tingri to Lalung Pass

Biking: 75 km

This day begins with a 40 to 50 km flat ride before lunch. Then we tackle the gradual incline of the Lalung Pass (4990 m). From here you will feel like you are as high as the peaks around you, including Shishapangma (8012m). Our overnight accommodation is in tents in a valley between 2 passes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 19

Thang Pass and The Ultimate Downhill to Zhangmu (2300 m)

Biking: 117 km

This morning, get ready for one last kick uphill, climbing Trang Pass (5050 m). You will be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayan chain as you freewheel down. Stop and pat yourself on the back, because from here on down to the Nepalese border it's all downhill. From the town of Nyalam, you will notice that the scenery is starting to turn green again. Spiral on down past countless waterfalls to the border town of Zhangmu (2300 m). Surprisingly, this town has a humid, subtropical climate. This is our last night in Tibet, and we'll stay in a hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 20

Zhangmu to Dhulikhel

Biking: 97 km

From Zhangmu, we pass through customs and back into Nepal. Once you are in the Nepali town of Kodari, the downhill continues for the next 50 km. Suddenly it is tropical and humid and green again. After the town of Dolalghat is a climb up to Dhulikhel (1600 m). You'll stay in a hotel/lodge in interesting Dhulikhel town, with its Old Town and temples.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 21

Bhaktapur and Kathmandu. Free day for shopping, etc

Biking: 35 km

What a wonderful way to end this trip — a big breakfast at sunrise and the spectacular panorama of the Himalayas. You'll enjoy the last few km of biking, as we freewheel to Bhaktapur. Here we'll stop to see some of the town's several old famous temples before riding into busy Kathmandu again. In your remaining time in Nepal's capital, you can relax, shop or go sightseeing. In the evening, we invite you to a complimentary farewell dinner at Rum Doodle Bar, which has been popular with mountain-goers for decades.

Meals: None

DAY 22

Departure Day: Kathmandu

No biking

Today marks the end of your epic high altitude tour of Nepal and Tibet. We will transfer you to Kathmandu Airport.

Meals: None

Hi, I'm Nathalie, talk to me about planning your high altitude adventure tour!

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+64 3 982 9933

Email: reservations@globaladventureguide.com

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions:

Tour Includes:

  • Hotels as mentioned in itinerary
  • Full board camping at all other places supported by our Nepalese Sherpa staff
  • Everyday meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) when camping
  • Experienced mountain bike guide, cook and helpers
  • Support by 4WD land cruiser and truck
  • Flight Kathmandu to Lhasa
  • Guided sightseeing tours with all entry fees
  • Airport transfers
  • Welcome & Farewell dinners

Tour Excludes:

  • Tibet Visa:
  • European Passport Holders Tibet VISA fee USD114 US Passport Holders Tibet VISA fee USD198
  • International flight to and from Kathmandu
  • Airport taxes
  • Travel insurance (We insist you have one)
  • Nepal visa fees
  • Emergency evacuation due to any natural calamity or any unforeseen events
  • Optional trips and sightseeing tours
  • Additional nights at the beginning or end of trip
  • Meals (lunch/dinner) while staying at hotels (our offer includes breakfast)
  • Soft/alcoholic drinks
  • Bar bills and laundry
  • Tips
  • Bike hire : $20 per day or buy a new Giant bike for $450 in Lhasa!(Please note that the bikes are very basic, heavy and below standard and we recommend you bring your own)
  • Excess baggage charges

Tour Video

A trip through Tibet by mountain bike is simply stunning! This short movie gives an insight of what you will experience on a Global Adventure Guide mountain biking tour.