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LHASA EVEREST BASE CAMP-

KATHMANDU - 21 Days

This adrenalin-fueled challenging mountain biking trip across the Roof of the World' covers a

distance over 1100 kilometers from the Tibetan capital, Lhasa to Kathmandu in the heart of Nepal, crossing six high mountain passes over 5000 meters. Lhasa Everest base camp

Kathmandu biking is considered as the extreme & highest biking trip in the world due to itslength and the average altitude.

Before you embark on your biking adventure tour you have three days (i.e 4 nights) in Lhasa toacclimatize and to absorb the exoticism of the Tibetan heritages and to explore this history-laden

city. With its spectacular mountain scenery and rich Buddhist culture, Tibet is an amazing place

to visit. You will be expertly guided around the most significant and ancient Gompas(monasteries) of Lhasa, Gyantse & Shigatse by your Tibetan guide, who will instruct you on theintricacies of Tibetan Buddhism.

Basking in the grandeur of nature, your mountain biking adventure passes through rugged

landscapes, historic and archeological sites, nomadic settlements and pristine hamlets amidstspectacular views of some of worlds highest peaks. En route, you may dismount from your bike

for blissful photographic moments, sightseeing and camping. Exploring the country side isanother interesting and fascinating prospect that can indeed be quite culturally stimulating.

Another highlight of this biking tour is an off-road ride to northern base camp of Mount Everestat 5200 meter to appreciate awe-striking view of Mt. Everests northern face.

The spine-tingling worlds longest downhill biking followed by a vigorous uphill climb to 5150meter Thang La, is certain to give you a huge adrenaline rush.

Nepalese support crew containing an expert Nepalese mountain bike guide (also qualified as

mechanic), cook, camping helper etc. will follow your entire biking trail in Tibet and Nepal witha 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser, a truck and a highly knowledgeable English speaking Tibetan tour

guide.

TRIP FACTSTrip length: 21 Days

Starts in: Lhasa

Ends in: KathmanduGroup size: Maximum 12Accommodation: Hotel and camping

Transportation: Mountain bike, 4WD land cruiser with support truckMaximum altitude: 5200m HIGHLIGHTS

* The most challenging biking tour in the world.* Adventurous bike ride to Mount Everest north base camp

* 3 days (4 nights) in Lhasa, staying near the city's main attractions - the Potala Palace and the


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Jokhang Temple & 1 free day for self exploration in Lhasa.* 1100+ km biking across the roof of the world over six 5000+ meter high mountain pass

* The spine-tingling downhill ride from 5150 meter high mountain pass* 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) TESTIMONIALSWe had a brilliant driver, cook and guide and really enjoyed what they bought to the

experience.Name: Justin Ryan

Country: New ZealandSeptember 2007

Outlined Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Lhasa (3660m)Day 2: Guided tour in Lhasa

Day 3: Guided tour in LhasaDay 4: Biking around Lhasa

Day 5: Bike to the Base of Khampa La (4794m, 80 km, 6-7 hrs)Day 6: Bike across Khampa La (4794m) to Nagartse (4475m, 72km, 6-7 hrs)

Day 7: Nagartse (4475m) to Simi La (4330m, 67km, 5-6 hrs)Day 8: Bike across Simi La to Gyantse (3950 m, 35 km, 3-4 hrs)

Day 9: Tour Gyantse & Bike to Shigatse (3900m, 90km 4-5 hrs)Day 10: Tour & rest day in Shigatse

Day 11: Bike to the foot of Tso La (4290m, 106 km, 8-9 hrs)Day 12: Bike across Tso La (4500m) to the foot of Gyamtso La (4630m, 70 km, 5-6 hrs)

Day 13: Bike across Gyamtso La (5220m) to Shegar (4050m, 65 km, 7-8 hrs)Day 14: Bike across Pang La (5150m,) to Choesang (4455m, 60 km, 6-7 hrs)

Day 15: Bike to Rongbuk (5000m, 24 km 3-4 hrs)Day 16: Bike or hike to Everest North Base camp (5200m, 8 km)

Day 17: Bike or drive across Pang La (5150m) to Tingri or Hot Springs (4350m, 75 km, 6-7 hrs)Day 18: Bike to the base of La Lung La (4555m, 55 km, 4-5 hrs)

Day 19: Bike or drive across Lalung La (5124m) & Sung La (5200m) to Nyalam (3750m, 87km,7-8 hrs by bike.

Day 20: Bike to the last Resort in Nepal (900m, 60 km 3-4 hrs)Day 21: Bike or drive to Dhulikhel (1450m, 75 km, 5-6 hrs by bike), drive to Kathmandu (30

km, 1 hr)

detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Lhasa (3660 m)You have options to arrive Lhasa, you can join the trip in Kathmandu and fly to Lhasa or arrive

Lhasa from Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai, Xian or any Chinese Cities. (Please see option detail ongeneral information section)


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You will be met at Gonggar Airport by your Tibetan guide. After immigration formalities take a1.5-hour drive along 93 km road leading to Lhasa lying at an altitude of 3660 meters. Its

advisable to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day due to Lhasas altitude.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Lhasa

Foremost, your tour begins with a visit to Sera Monastery. An experienced tour guide alsoworking as an interpreter escorts you to this preserved monastery of white-washed walls andgolden roofs. Equally adventurous and exciting tempo builds up while touring Norbulingka, the

summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site whichunravels more deep seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Visit to Barkhor Markets can be

quite a change from other visits as you roam around the city savoring every tiny detail from stallhawkers coaxing their clients to purchase their goods to exhibition of Tibetan culture, custom

and tradition. Eventually, the tour for the day concludes as you return to the comforts of yourhotel.

Day 3: Sightseeing in Lhasa

Like the previous day, you experience invaluable insights during your visits to Potala Palace andDrepung Monastery. This 17th century Potala Palace offers an awesome view of entire city and

also has private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Ancienthistory has it that Drepung Monastery which was built in 14th century used to shelter around

10,000 monks but as now there has been quite a declination resulting in only few hundreds.Tibetans respect and belief are immensely knotted with this monastery.

Day 4: Biking around LhasaA final day in Lhasa for acclimatization. This is a day at leisure in which you are free to explore

further or ride to Sera Monastery. Afternoon spend in a caf overlooking the Barkor and watchthe pilgrims as they circumambulate the Jokhang.

Day 5: Bike to the foot of Khampa La (4794m, 80 km, 6-7 hrs)

Mountain biking adventure begins from Lhasa. Cycling past history-laden city of Lhasa, you willtransverse through barley fields, traditional Tibetan villages and undulating uphill slopes. Few

kilometers ahead, a bridge appears across the river leading to the airport. Chinese soldiers can beseen stationed at the mid-point of the bridge. Turning away from the route to the airport, you

have to skirt along another direction following rarely-visited sandy path to Khampa La. The trailmeanders through a village of mud-walled houses and pastoral farmlands. You may attempt to

interact with local villagers with the assistance from your Tibetan guide. This gives you anopportunity to glimpse into the lives of local villagers. Further ahead, the trail branches into a

valley away from Tsangpo and then ascends. You will approach your first campsite on a rockyterritory encompassing an area of width 30 meters and height 100 meters. After cycling for about

6-7 hours, you will eventually arrive at the foot of Khampa La (pass) at an elevation of 4794. Atan idyllic site, you will camp for the night under starlit sky.

Day 6: Bike across Khampa La (4794m) to Nagartse (4475m, 72km, 6-7 hrs)A tough climb across the first of six high passes of the trip. If you find it too tough peddling up

4794 meter high pass you can always get on the support 4WD Land cruiser. Once you are on thetop of the pass you have a glittering views of Yamdrop tso (lake) and stunning summit of Nanzin


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Kangsa (7252m). A descent to deep turquoise Yamdrok Tso Lake amidst its exquisitemesmerizing views further accentuates the biking thrill. Nomadic herders and grazing yaks make

interesting picture-perfect view en route. After lunch, you will ride along the shore of the lake onsandy roads for about 40km. The trail further continues along ridges in the valley wall with

breath-taking views of towering snow-capped peaks as the backdrop. Sooner sheep pastures

come into sight. Resting your cycling journey for the day, you set a camp after riding for 72 kmup to Nagartse village at an elevation of 4475m.

Day 7: Bike to the foot of Simi La (4330m, 67km, 5-6 hrs)Barking and howling of Tibetan Mastiff work as the morning alarm in awakening you from your

hard earned sleep. Cycling away from Nagartse, the trail progresses towards a valley and to thetop of Karo La the first 5000 meter pass of your trip (you have an option to getting on the

support vehicle). Crossing Karo La (5050m) you descend to the foot of Simi La at an elevationof 4330m through several interesting Tibetan villages. Basking in the grandeur of surrounding

natural exoticism, you will overnight at a superb locale.

Day 8: Bike across Simi La (4375m) to Gyantse (3950m, 35 km, 3-4 hrs)Today it is a fairly easy and short ride to the top of Simi La at 4375m and then mostly downhill

ride into a wide sandy valley towards Gyantse. The trail crisscrosses barley field along theflowing river. Here, you will spot several military and religious sites. You can bask in the sheer

pleasure of visiting Pelkor Chode Monastery, and Gyantse Dzong. Pelkor Chode Monastery hasancient murals, thangkas, chapels, mandala and paintings of 84 mahasidhhas in yogic posture.

Gyantse Dzong was constructed in the 14th century and offers majestic view of both Gyantseand Nyang Chu Valley. Gyantse Kumbum is one of the major attractions of cultural interest in

Gyantse. It houses several chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals. You will spend the night atcomfortable hotel.

Day 9: Tour Gyantse & bike to Shigatse (3900m, 90km 4-5 hrs)Todays ride is on tarmac following Nyang Chu River to Shigatse, the second largest city of

Tibet. En route, you will encounter several trucks, cabs and pedestrians hurrying along the busystreets of Shigatse. There are internet cyber caf, many well-resourced shop, restaurants etc.

Tashilhunpo monastery, being one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet, is a majorattraction of Shigatse. Overnight here will be in a comfortable hotel.

Day 10: Tour & rest day in Shigatse

Today is the rest day to explore the local market and Tashilhunpo Monastery. This monastery isone of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high

surrounding walls.

Day 11: Bike to the foot of Tso La (4290m, 106 km, 8-9 hrs)The road being bumpy, loose and dirty, you may find the ride strenuous. Following theFriendship Highway, you will gradually climb to the foot of Tso La where you stay the night at

tented camp.

Day 12: Bike across Tso La (4500m) to the foot of Gyamtso La (4630m, 70 km, 5-6 hrs)A fairly easy eight kilometers ride brings you to the top of the Tso La from where you will have


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a clear view of the main Himalayan range. A brief stoppage at the top of the pass follows athrilling downhill ride to the small town of Lhatse. After lunch at riverside the biking trail gains

gradual climb to the foot of Gyamtso La at 4630 meter where you camp for the night.

Day 13: Bike across Gyamtso La (5220m) to Shegar (4050m, 65 km, 7-8 hrs)

The Gyamtso La at 5220 meter located approximately 15 kilometers from the campsite, is thehighest pass of this biking adventure. The trail to the top of the pass passes through steep andrough slope. From the pass it is steep downhill ride amidst stunning views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse

& Cho Oyu. Riding past small Tibetan settlements, nomadic herdsmen make your journey evenmore eventful. After arriving at a small Tibetan Town of Shegar. After peddling a few kilometers

you reach your camping site.

Day 14: Bike across Pang La (5150m,) to Choesang (4455m, 60 km, 6-7 hrs)Today you will detour away from the main road to Everest Base Camp. The biggest hurdle of

todays ride isPang La at 5150 meter. Approximately 2-3 hrs peddling along the dirt road into the north base

camp of Everest brings you to the top of Pang La. The road zigzags across the back wall of thevalley overlooking stunning view of the pass. The view from the top of the pass is breathtaking

with the whole Himalaya range gleaming right before you. The tough climb to the pass followsan excellent downhill ride to small Tibetan settlement where you camp for the night.

Day 15: Bike to Rongbuk (5000m, 24 km 3-4 hrs)The trail along the river for first few kilometers is fairly easy as you head toward Rongbuk

valley. This ride gets quite pleasurable as your eyes savor the breath-taking view of glaciatedvalley. Yak-skin tents and grazing yaks can be viewed on the other side of the valley. Within few

hours along Rongbuk Glacier, North Face of Everest becomes visible flaunting its unparalleledbeauty. Rongbuk Monastery lies ahead 8 kilometers below Everest Base Camp at an elevation of

5000m, at the foot of the Rongbuk Glacier.

Day 16: Bike or hike to Everest North Base camp (5200m, 8 km each way)After taking a well-deserved rest, you can indulge in the exoticism of exploring mystiques of

Rongbuk glaciers. It is an 8 km each way walk along dirt road to the base of Mt. Everest. Youascend to the moraine and shortly encounter a nunnery ruined during the Cultural Revolution. A

small hermitage is nestled in the vicinity. A few hours of ascent eventually brings you to theEverest Northern Base Camp. No matter how much difficulties and challenges you may face

along the trail, once you see the mighty Mount Everest your tiredness instantly elopes and youfeel so much blessed as you savor this blissful sight. After photographic moments and

exploration, you retreat back to your camp.

Day 17: Bike or drive across Pang La (5150m) to Tingri or Hot Springs (4350m, 75 km, 6-7 hrs)Since it takes lot of time on a bicycle to reach to the top of Pang La, it is best to drive up to thispass and bike down to Tingri. The trail leading to Pang La is extremely rocky and bumpy. Soon

after arriving at Pang La, you collect your cycling gears and start peddling down the steep trail.Shortly, a boulder comes en route and the trail gets rougher as it follows rock-strewn path. The

trail descends to a series of sandy ridges which cut along the edge of a river gorge. Further down,you will meet a stream. This adrenaline-fueled ride continues past pristine hamlets and lush


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barley fields. After coming close to Tingri, if you look back you can catch a stunning sight ofmajestic Everest and Cho Oyu. The dirt road turns into a paved road as you will enter a small

town of Tingri which is an unsheltered and windy settlement nestled underneath the enchantingCho Oyu. Your overnight camp will be at a small village where you can take bath in a natural hot

spring.

Day 18: Bike to the base of La Lung La (4555m, 55 km, 4-5 hrs)The ride to Lalung La base offers unbeatable pleasures and adventures. Starting with a little

uphill climb you make your way along the edge of the valley following a river and at some pointyou will see the river branching into a lake sheltering a variety of Himalayan ducks. Meandering

past the valley floor of grazing yaks, mud bricks, small traditional villages and ruinedmonasteries, the trail narrows to a gorge making you ride into the headwind for another five

kilometers. Views of Everest and Cho Oyu from your lunch stop is simply amazing! Riding afurther 15 km brings you an excellent campsite at the foot of La Lung La with green grass and

crystal clear mountain rivulet.

Day 19: Bike or drive across Lalung La (5124m) & Thang La (5200m) to Nyalam (3750m,87km, 7-8 hrs by bike.

Climbing double pass today calls for real hard work. It is approximately 15 km uphill peddlingfrom the campsite to the top of the first pass, La Lung La at 5124 meters which offers excellent

views of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar. A six kilometers downhillride and a further seven kilometers uphill climb brings you to the top of the second pass, Thang

La at 5200 meters. If you find it too much to peddle uphill you have an option of getting on thesupport 4WD Land cruiser. After spending some heavenly moments at the top of the pass you

begin what we call the worlds longest downhill biking adventure. A long pleasant downhillride amidst superb mountain scenery brings you to a village near Nylam where you camp for the

night at 3750 meter.

Day 20: Bike to the last Resort in Nepal (900m, 60 km 3-4 hrs)

Heading away from Nyalam, you ride along the steep road dropping down through the gorge.The trail meets a glacial stream and turns back crossing the river. A further 15 kilometers of

cycling brings you amidst the verdant vegetation and a little further ride brings you to theChinese border town of Zhangmu at 2300 meter. Making your way through traffic and modern

concrete block buildings perched on the slopes, you will head towards Chinese customs whereyou are required to handle re-entry formalities to return to Kathmandu. Once you are done with

this official procedure, you advance towards 12 km descent to the river and the bridge to Nepal.The trail that follows at this point onwards is muddy, steep and rocky. You may encounter

several jeeps on the way. After bidding your Tibetan guide and driver farewell, you will descendto the river valley. Initially, the trail gets rocky but later eases when it enters paved road after 20

kilometers of descent. Utmost careful safety measures should be adopted as there are chances ofwashouts occurring at any time while riding along this steep muddy trail. Further down, a village

springs into picture. As you make your way to the entrance of the town, you will experiencemany speed breakers. The trail then opens into rich verdant valley with rice terraces surrounded

by green hills. After a sumptuous lunch at tranquil the Last Resort you can stroll down the riveror spend the day relaxing by the river admiring surrounding views of lush green hills with a

bottle of beers or two.


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Day 21: Bike or drive to Dhulikhel (1450m, 75 km, 5-6 hrs by bike), drive to Kathmandu (30km, 1 hr)

Today you have an option of driving all the way to Kathmandu or bike up to Dhulikhel and driveto Kathmandu. Ride is on tarmac with occasional steep climb, the large section of the road

follows Bhote Koshi river through lush green beautiful Nepalese countryside. Evening in

Kathmandu is a time for the celebration in a traditional Nepalese restaurant.

If you want to more information pleae go to our official website: www.tibet-adventures.com

For further enquiry please feel free to mail us at:[email protected]