Tibet-Nepal Hand Mountain Bike Tour:
Trip Grading:
This trip is graded as strenuous due to high altitude, long distances, mountain climate, poor road conditions and simple living standard and may be classed as one of the most challenging rides open to bikers. This is due to altitude, distance, weather, road conditions and life style change. The days spent in Lhasa and around are essential for proper acclimatization, vital to anyone hoping to complete this expedition. The route crosses many high passes, 6 over 5000m, before eventually descending from the Tibetan Plateau into Nepal and more than half the route is above 4000m. Cycling on the main Lhasa to Kathmandu road will be fairly straightforward, apart from the altitude. Exploring various side valleys such as the route to Everest Base Camp will involve cycling on much rougher dirt & stony tracks.
Daily distances cycled will range from 30 to 130 kilometers. This may not sound particularly great, especially to road-orientated cyclists, but the high altitude, difficult terrain, head winds and tough ascents will make cycling in this region a challenge for everyone. Of course the time should be taken to embrace the sights, people and culture, as it is totally unique occasion…. So no need to rush!
Sustainable riding is what this trip is about and this can make the trip demanding in itself, as such you will need to be reasonably fit and put in some training. Throughout the route we have the support of a back-up cyclist, two for each rider.
A purposeful preparation and an intense training on the bike is recommended. However, every healthy person can cope this trip without any problems. Not at maximum speed, but as economic as possible we want to get on and adapt therefore to everyone’s speed.
Accommodations in the trip
Accommodation in Lhasa is on twin share and deluxe rooms. In Gyantse, Shigatse, Lhatse and Lao Tingri are available on twin share in the best available hotels of the respective town. Depending upon the availability the bathrooms and rest rooms may be either shared or private facilities. Generally in this tour, accommodation will be provided on twin sharing basis and if you do not have single room bookings you may have to share rooms with another fellow passenger regardless of their age and gender. Accommodation is quite basic in Rongbuk. We will use tents in several places such as Khamba La, Pelde, Nagartse, Liuxiang, Pangla, Rombuk, Lamna La and Lalung la.
Foods
In Kathmandu Nepal and in Lhasa Tibet almost restaurants of every style and price-range abound. In Lhasa there is also quite a variety, although not as extensive as Kathmandu.
Elsewhere in Tibet the variety is much more limited. Whilst staying in hotels/guest houses, breakfast is provided. Whilst camping all meals are provided. Our expedition cooks, true chefs of the trail, are masters at preparing meals under difficult conditions and during your trip will provide a variety of local, Indian and Western food. As far as possible fresh food will be bought locally, but please understand that in remote areas supplies may be limited in quantity and variety and we must rely on prepackaged foods brought from Kathmandu.
Boiled water to re-fill your personal water bottles is available both morning and evening. It is sometimes also possible to purchase bottled water during the day.
If you have special dietary requirements or food allergies please ensure that you provide us with a comprehensive list of what you can and cannot eat, prior to arrival in Kathmandu, so we are able to provide proper food for you.
Meals are not included. Please allow Euro 10-15 per person per day for normal meals (Breakfast, lunch & Dinner) In Lhasa there is also quite a variety, although not as extensive as in Kathmandu. Elsewhere in Tibet the variety is much more limited. We would like to recommend must try dishes in Tibet – Tsampa (barley flour mixed with yak butter) & Yak butter tea. An alternative to yak butter tea is cha ngamo, a sweet, milky tea. Chinese green tea is also widely available.
Insurance
It is essential that you take out comprehensive travel insurance prior to your expedition. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation and personal liability. We also recommend that it cover cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
The Cycling Day
A typical day starts with an early morning tea or coffee served in your tent at about 7am (It does not get light in Tibet until around 7:15) After a hot breakfast, during which camp will be packed and the truck loaded. We start cycling in the pleasant cool of the morning. Lunch is usually taken at about noon and takes about an hour or so. We aim to pitch camp for the night by 4 – 5pm. During the day you are free to cycle at your own place, enjoying the scenery and stopping to take as many pictures as you wish.
There will days where the terrain is a mix of undulating, flat, sealed surfaces and steep, rocky climbs. We have two passes over 5000 metres above sea level to climb and descend. The days may be very hot when we are cycling in full sun, however the weather can change quickly if there is cloud cover and wind. September is a fairly dry month so we do not expect a lot of rain, however there might be last summer rains which will make roads muddy. The highway can be washed out with heavier rain and this is not uncommon! Cycling at altitude will make the climbing much more difficult than you would normally find cycling at sea level.
Water
In the high altitude of Tibet it is important to drink a much higher quantity of water than you are used to. Always carry drinking water with you and have some nearby at nights, as it is amazing how quickly you can dehydrate, even at rest. Tap water is not safe to drink however there may be a thermos provided in the rooms. Boiled water is OK for drinking. Bottled drinking water is available everywhere however we recommend taking water purification tablets or a bottle with an in-built filter as these are more environmentally-friendly options than bottled water.
Health
There are no specific health requirements for entry into Nepal or China. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to date information regarding vaccinations, high altitude medication and medications for any reasonably foreseeable illnesseswhilst traveling in Nepal and China.
Please be aware that medical facilities are not of the same standard you might expect at home. We strongly recommend that you carry a personal First Aid kit as well as sufficient quantities of any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses).
Altitude
AMS (acute mountain sickness) is a serious issue. It is the result of the failure of the body to adapt to high altitude and can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness. It usually occurs above 2500 meters and the likelihood of being affected increases as you ascend. On arrival in Lhasa breathlessness, lethargy and mild headaches are not uncommon and generally decrease as your body adjusts. Taking it easy at first and maintaining adequate fluid intake is essential. Please advise your guide if you feel more severe symptoms and do not medicate yourself without discussing it with them first.
Climate
Tibet is a land of climactic extremes and whilst it is not generally as harsh as expected, it is a good idea to be prepared for cold at any time of the year – it is wind chill rather than air temperature that makes the difference here. In central Tibet weather is usually mild from May through October. Evenings may be cool, particularly early or late in the season. Rain is frequent in July and August. In
Western Tibet and at higher altitudes (Rhongphu, Namtso) it can be cold at any time of year if the wind is blowing off the mountains. From December into April travel in Tibet is possible, although you must be prepared for delays if passes become blocked by snow. Trekking/Biking is not possible at this time.
The Physical Reality
The remote type of travel that we experience in parts of Tibet can be physically demanding and the effect that this will have on you, both physically and mentally should not be underestimated. Breakdown can occur. The terrain is very mountainous and you may be affected by altitude. It is rare that these occurrences results in more than minor delay or have serious impact on your trip, but the possibility remains.
Cultural Shock
Tours in Tibet takes you into areas well away from the usual tourist trail and into a world very, very different to that you know. There are places in Tibet where accommodation are very basic with limited access to running water, no showers for several days, pit toilets, simple food and little spoken or written English. Opportunities to ‘get away’ from the group are limited: patience, tolerance and humor will be required by all. All this can and does its toll on people and should not be underestimated – the rewards however are incredible.
Communication
Email: Private internet bars can be found in main cities. Alternatively you can use business centers in China Telecom offices. Some websites have been blacklisted by the Chinese government and cannot be accessed from within China
Telephone
Be careful making international calls from hotels as they can be very expensive. Private telecom booths are cheaper and easy to use. To make international calls you will need a phone card bought from inside Tibet. All cities and even most small towns have mobile phone reception if your phone is enabled with International roaming. You can make a call even from the base camp.
Post
Receiving post is not recommended as we are usually doing something or traveling during the opening hours of most post offices. Allow up to 20 days for mail to arrive at international destinations. Writing the address in Chinese can help speed delivery
What to buy
The most common items you will find are religious item such as prayer flags, prayer wheels, thangkas, shawls and daggers. Traditional clothing and Jewellery are also available. Sometimes you will be able to find beautiful carpets available. Expect to bargain. Being polite while doing so will get you a better deal
Money
It is best to bring a mixture of cash and travelers cheques in major currencies - USD, CAD, EUR, AUD -and ensure you have a mixture of large and small denominations. Everyone’s spending is different, but as a guide we suggest Euro 20-25 per person per day (if you drink or smoke this could be higher). Shopping is difficult to predict, but most people buy more than they intended.
Visa & Permits
NEPAL: All foreign nationals (except Indians) require a visa to enter Nepal. Visas are obtainable from embassies abroad or on arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan airport. If getting the visa at the airport be prepared for long queues. You will also need to provide one passport photo and the following fees in US dollars cash only: single entry visa valid for 15 days - US $25: Single Entry Visa for 30 days - US $40 and multiple entry visa valid for 90 days - US $100
Tibet : It is only possible to enter China from Nepal with a visa issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. In order to apply for your visa you must provide RMT with a Scan copy of your passport Upon arrival you must fill up Chinese visa application form. Please bring one pp photo for Chinese visa purporse. The visa will be issued once you arrive in Kathmandu – it takes one full day. The Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu issues visas on Monday, Wednesday and Friday only so you must plan your itinerary to allow for this. It costs Euro 88 Per Person. Chinese Visa Cost: USD 114 per person for all nationals & USD 198 per person for American nationals
Currency Exchange
Most major currencies can be changed into Nepalese Rupees (NPR) at Kathmandu Airport and at Bank and Exchange Counters throughout the city. Credit card cash advances and ATM withdrawals are in NPR only.
Major currencies can be exchanged for Chinese Yuan (CNY) on arrival at Chengdu and Gongkar Airports and at Bank of China branches in Lhasa. Credit card cash advances incur a service fee of 3%. ATM withdrawals (CNY only) are usually possible in Lhasa, but should not be depended upon.
It is possible to exchange USD and excess CNY into NPR at the Zhangmu-Kodari border and at exchange counters on return to Kathmandu. Exchange rate 6.7 Yuan= 1 Dollar.
Tipping
Tipping is a personal and voluntary matter and tips are not included in the trip price. If you wish to reward the efforts of those who have worked to make your trip the best they can we suggest the following:
Euro 8 per day for groups of 8+, Euro 10 per day for smaller groups - this will be shared between the staff. Remember, your Tibetan drivers and guide will leave you at the border so it is best that the group organize the tip kitty ahead of time.
Flights
Air China operates between Lhasa and Kathmandu on Tuesdays and Saturdays and flights fill quickly.
Air China operates multiple flights per day between Chengdu and Lhasa.
Whilst your ticket will not be issued before your travel permit, seats may be booked well in advance. Your full name, nationality and passport number are necessary to make the booking.
Packing for your Trip
You should pack you gear in a backpack or soft duffel bag. Suitcases are not appropriate and will not survive the rigors of the journey. Remember you need clothing for riding, for evenings in camp and for sightseeing days in towns and need to be prepared for both hot and cold conditions.
- Fanny pack or something to carry your camera in
- Helmet
- Cycling gloves (long finger ones are good) & socks
- Cycling shoes (shoes should have stiff base)
- Cycling shorts (2 3 pairs)
- Cycling tights or long pants
- T-shirts/cycling shirts (2 3)
- CamelBak or at least 2 water bottles
- Track pants for cool evenings in camp
- Sweater or warm sweatshirt
- Long-sleeved shirt (an extra layer or to keep sun off)
- Good quality warm waterproof jacket
- Running shoes or sandals for evening and rest days
- Fleece jacket or equivalent. It can be cold in Tibet at any time of year.
- Comfortable, informal clothing for evenings and towns (shorts & singlet tops are not appropriate)
- Hats beanie with ear flaps or balaclava for nights / peaked ‘French Legionnaire’ style sun hat that will give neck protection during the day
- Gloves wool or fleece
- Scarf
- Thermal Underwear
- Good sunglasses (and spares), wrap around type
- Sun cream (SPF 30 or more) and lip sun block
- Moisturizer (it is very dry on your skin)
- Vaseline (for dry nose and lips)
- Sarong a multitude of use
- Sewing kit
- Money belt
- Toiletries
- Torch / flashlight headlamp style is ideal
- Swiss Army Knife
- First Aid Kit including blister treatment, rehydration salts, Brufen 400mg (anti-inflammatory &/or other pain killer), cough mixture, throat lozenges.
- Power bars to keep you going during the day.
- Face mask to keep out dust (3Msimple hardware sanding mask)
- Small Towel
- Laundry powder or liquid
Your Bike
Your Bike MUST be at least an entry level Mountain Bike e.g. Giant, Trek, Kona, Cannondale, Scott, Specialized etc. Front suspension is highly recommended and full suspension is a nice extra. Many of the roads and tracks we follow are suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles only, and in places not even these!
You are depending on your bike to transport you over 1000 kilometers, across demanding terrain. It should therefore be THOROUGHLY CHECKED to ensure that it is in good mechanical order before departure. If you are not mechanically orientated, your local bicycle dealer should undertake this service.
Points to particularly note are: -
- Check wheel rims and if they are worn replace with new rims
- Check and adjust all wheel spokes.
- Check and grease ALL bearings.
- Check adjust/replace brakes and cables.
- Check gears and cables.
- Check and tighten all nuts and bolts (especially bottom bracket / cranks and peddles).
- Check chain, quick release clamps, tyres, inner tubes.
- Handle bars and bar ends
- Freewheel and rear cluster
- Seat bracket
- King pins etc for suspension Bike Kit Tool kit to sustain yourself and a selection of minor spares.
- Cloth for bike cleaning
- Park tool brush to remove dirt and clean sprockets
- Bike lube – teflon based
- WD40 aerosol spray….. or a teflon based spray is better
- 2 x old tooth brushes (good for cleaning)
- Puncture repair kit including tubes
- Spare brake pads
Traveling with your bike
We have many years experience of traveling with bikes, and we have found that the best way to look after a bike on the flights is to partially dismantle it and put it into a cardboard bike box. This is the same type of cardboard box that all new bikes are packed in when they arrive at a cycle shop. All cycle shops have more of these cardboard boxes than they can easily get rid of and they are usually more than happy to give them away to local customers. For a small fee, the shop will even pack your bike in one of these boxes for you.
To fit your bike into one of these boxes you will first need to dismantle your pedals, and take out your seat post. Then take off your handlebars, which you should tape (masking tape) under your cross tube, you may need to release your front brake cable for this. Finally deflate your tyres by about 25%, take off your front wheel, leaving the back wheel in place and your bike should fit in the box. You will probably have to take the skewer (quick release) out of the front wheel, and you should keep this in a padded bag with your pedals. (It is best to find as small a box as possible to fit your bike into, as a tight fit help protect your bike and a small; bike box helps ease any hassles at airport check in.)
As an added precaution you should also fit a plastic front (&/or) rear fork end protector. These come with new bikes, and most cycle shops will have a few lying around - which they will let you have. Also purchase some pipe lagging (expanded plastic tubing type) from a hardware store and tape it around all the frame tubes, gear shifters and back derailluer. Finally, you can also pack some of your clothing around the bike in plastic bags. Please be aware that taking your bike on a Himalayan trip entails frequent loading and unloading in support vehicles, and while we will make all efforts to look after them, there is a good possibility of your bike being scratched. If you want to protect the paintwork you should consider keeping sections of the plastic pipe lagging taped onto your bike tubes throughout the trip.
We advise that GOOD quality padded bike bags can be very useful for traveling but these should have at least 2cm of high density foam as the inner layer to protect the bike. DO NOT USE hard bike boxes, as they are expensive, heavy (which puts you over your baggage allowance) and also very difficult to handle when have to take them on the support vehicles
Gulf Air has an allowance of 30kgs, whilst Qatar is officially 25kgs for check-in baggage on flights to Kathmandu (when last we checked). Your boxed-up bike will be class as one piece of baggage. During flights on any tour, each group member should carry small valuable items (such as your camera and film) in a small daypack, which you can take onto the plane as hand luggage. We do make every effort to overcome potential problems at check-in by advising the airline in advance that the group will be traveling with bikes.
One possible problem that you could encounter is that the boxed-up bikes are (strictly speaking) larger than the maximum size allowed for a single piece of luggage. It is very important in this regard that you use as small a bike box as possible (such as those supplied by Trek rather than the bigger boxes supplied by some other manufacturers, such as Cannondale). Although it is rare that group members have ever been asked to pay excess charges in respect of “oversize” baggage, it is something, which could happen. We must point out that any additional charges incurred for transporting your bike on any of the flights included in the trip are the responsibility of the individual group members. Clients pay excess luggage at all times as an extra.
It should also be stated that we can not control or oversee the treatment of bikes during flights
Itinerary
Day 01: (Arrival Day in Kathmandu)Flying into Kathmandu is an unforgettable experience with the Himalaya spread out before you. You will be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Day 02 :(Kathmandu city Sightseeing)Day Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and the city where you find the mixed culture of modern and medieval Nepal. In Kathmandu Valley the major historic, cultural and religious sights of the three Newari cities- Kathmandu, Patan Bhaktapur are centered on its Durbar Square where museums, temples, courtyards and plazas reveal the best of traditional art, crafts and architecture.
The ancient and enigmatic Swayambhunath Stupa is the most scared of Valley’s Buddhist shrines while Pashupatinath is the largest temple complex in Nepal. Pashupatinath temple is sacred place dedicated to Hindu god shiva in the whole subcontinent. Patan’s museum is particularly impressive whilst in Bhaktapur the essence of the medieval town can still be felt as the city preserving its own unique identity.
Day 03: (Fly Kathmandu to Lhasa)The flight to Lhasa is spectacular. From Gongkar airport it is about 1½ hours’ drive to Lhasa, first along the Yarlung Tsangpo then into the Kyi Chu Valley.
Day 04:Free Day in Lhasa for acclimatization. fix your bike
Day 05: (Visit Drepung)Day Pelden Drepung dates from the early C15 th and, at its height, was the largest of Tibet's monastic towns, and possibly the largest monastery in the world (in 1641 it housed over 10,000 monks). Drepung also became an important center of political power and, before the construction of the Potala by Dalai Lama V; it was the principal seat of the Geluk School. There were originally 7 dratsangs (colleges), but were consolidated into 4, each with its own abbot and syllabus. The tantric college – Ngakpa Dratsang – was consecrated by Tsongkhapa himself and contains the most powerful of Drepung's images – Dorje Jigche/Chogyel Chaktakma (a Buffalo headed deity who is the Geluk's principal tutelary deity). Much of the complex is unscathed by the repeated war and plunder, many buildings dating from the C17 th-18 th. It was reopened in 1980 with around 500 monks.
Day 06: (Visit Potala Palace &Sera Monastery)Day The Potala towers over Lhasa and is an enduring landmark of Tibet. Little remains of the original structure built by Songtsen Gampo other than its foundations. After Lhasa was reinstated as the capital of Tibet in the C17 th the Great 5th Dalai Lama began construction of the White Palace (built 1645-53) employing 7000 workers and 1500 artisans. It functioned as the traditional seat of the Tibetan government and the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas. The Red Palace is attributed to the regent Desi Sangye Gyatso and was completed in 1693. Within this palace are numerous outstanding temples and the reliquary tombs of eight past Dalai lamas. Altogether the palace is 13 storeys (among the world's tallest buildings until the C20 th skyscraper) and contains approximately 200,000 images in 1,000 rooms.
About 4kms north of Lhasa has located Sera Monastery. It was founded in 1417 by a disciple of Tsongkhapa on a site where the teacher and his foremost students had established hermitages. In 1959 Sera monastery housed 5 to 6000 monks, toDay there are only a few hundred. Much of the original complex was destroyed during the political period of China included Tibet. however the chief colleges and Lhakangs along with their images and relics were preserved – amongst them a vajra believed to have arrived from India in a miraculous flight. One of the highlights of a visit to Sera is the mid-afternoon debating session attended by most of the monks and takes place in an area specifically assigned for that purpose. The noise and fervor is exciting even if you can't understand a word they are saying.
Day 07 :(Visit to Ganden Monastery)Day Tsongkhapa founded the first monastery of the Gelukpa order, Ganden in 1409 or 1417 (sources differ). It has remained the main seat of the Gelugpa and it ids the abbot of Ganden, the Ganden Tripa, rather than the Dalai Lama who is head of the order lama in Tibet.
Day 08: (Visit Jokhang)Day The Jokhang Temple is 1300 year old, golden roofed building at the center of the Barkhor Market. The most sacred and active Tibetan temples, it was founded by Bhrikuti, King Songtsen Gampo’s Nepalese Bride, on a site chosen by his other wife (a Tang dynasty Chinese princess, Wenchang) as the principal geomantic power – place in Tibet.
Day 09:Free Day in Lhasa
Day 10: (Lhasa-Kamba La) We wave goodbye to Lhasa as we hit the road for four Day of some pretty hard riding to find our legs. Highlights will include riding the Kamba La Pass (4990m) to view the spectacular Yamdrok Tso, one of Tibet’s sacred lake.This leg takes us along the way of paved roads. There are some challenging climbs, made difficult by the altitude and some nice descents but the majority of the cycling is fairly flat. You will still be acclimatising so the daily distances aren’t huge so as to allow you to work yourself into the ride.
Day 11: ( Kamba La-Pelde) Our first test is on the program for toDay , we’ll tackle our first pass. The ascension on the 4995 m high Kamba La is tiring and with 60 km.Though already on the top of this pass a breathtaking view on the turquoise Yamdrok Tso lake – and the snow covered mountains in the distance.
Day 12: (Pelde-Nargatse)Our way leads us along the shores of Lake Yamdrok Tso to Nargatse. Shortly before the first 5000m pass, the Karo La.
Day 13 :(Nargatse before Gyantse)Day Nargatse(above 4500m) is a popular lunch stop. It is by the side of the Yamdroktso lake.
Day 14 :(Before Gyantse-Simla-Gyantse)Sustained serpentines lead us in the morning fairly steep to the 5088m high Karo La. Huge glacier tongues reach close to the road and we have a beautiful view to the 7138m high Nochin Kansang. Further along the Friendship Highway we bike through diversified but yet lonesome mountains and marvelously fruitful valleys to Gyantse.
Day 15 :(Gyantse-Pelkor Chode-Shigatse)A very long, yet flat hop leads us on an asphaltic road through fruitful valleys and more densely populated area to Shigatse, the second biggest city of Tibet. From far the golden roof of the monastery, seat of the second only in importance to the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama, can be seen. We visit the Tashilunpo Monastery, on of the biggest and most active of the entire Tibet. The monastery houses the biggest statue of Maitreya Buddha in the world, - 26m high and goldplated. The crown of the statue is made from 300 kgs of gold and rest is 150 tones of copper and brass.
Day 16 :(Rest Day Shigatse-Tashilumpo)Day Founded in 1447 by a nephew and disciple of Tsongkhapa who was retroactively named the first Dalai Lama. The original building was built above a sacred sky-burial site, the stone slab of which can still be seen on the floor. Tashilhunpo is one of the four great Geluk monasteries in Tibet and at its peak housed 4700 monks and is still the largest functioning monastic community in Tibet. While its extent has been reduced by two thirds, most of the buildings razed consisted of monks' quarters. The principal temples and buildings mostly date from the 17th and 18th centuries, rebuilt following its sack by the Gorkhalis in 1792. The most amazing image is the 26m Maitreya, erected in its own Lhakhang by the 9 th Panchen Lama in 1914 and covered with 279 kg of gold.
Day 17 :(Shigatse-Liuxiang)On paved roads we cross the only 4040m high Tra La and reach Liuxiang in the evening.
Day 18 :(Liuxiang-Yulung La-Passing Lhatse)Before reaching the very Chinese province city ofLhatse we cross the 4950m high Yulung La, enjoy its impressive downhill and traverse sustained plains.
Day 19 :(Passing Lhatse-Lhakpa La-Rongbuk)ToDay we are confronted with the toughest hop.We take enough time for the 23km long, partly rampant road to the highest pass of our trip. From the 5267m high Lhakpa La we can enjoy a first view on the Mt.Everest –provided the weather is good. A gentle descent over a bad road follows untill we reach our spot for overnight.
Day 20 :(Over Pang La)On a clear Day we will see 5 eight thousand meter peaks from this pass. Pangla pass is situated at an altitude of 5120 m. Winding road leads up to this pass.
Day 21: (Rongbuk)Day We bike along the Friendship Highway to Shelkar and further on to the Everest Base Camp Turn-off. The road is in a very bad shape here, that’s why we load our bikes on to the trucks to Rongbuk. Rongbuk at its height of 4980m above sea level is the highest situated monastery of the world and located directly at the foot of the spectacular north wall of Mt. Everest.
Day 22 :(Everest Base Camp Visit)During a relaxing Day in Rongbuk we have enough time to look around the Everest Base Camp on 5200m and to enjoy the impressive panorama. The short distance to the EBC can be comfortably biked. Rombuk Monastery is situated on the highest elevation in the world.
Day 23 :(Rest Day at Base Camp)Your rest Day at Everest Base Camp. Long before sir Edmond Hillary climbed Mount everest, two British explores George G. Malory and Andrew Irvine tried to summit everest from this side in 1924. You can enjoy the Tibetan noodles with local Tibetan in tent.
Day 24: (Base Camp Over de Lamna La)After descending through dusty, rough and bumpy road Crossing the icy stream and enjoying the view of Everest and Cho-you (8201 m) we will reach to Lamla na via small Tibetan villages and Yak herds. You might meet with some Tibetan nomads.
Day 25 :(Lamna La- Tingri)This shortcut and dusty road over another 5000m pass is truly an insider tip, which leads through untouched river valleys and rocky deserts to Tingri (4280m). From Tingri we can see fantastic views of Mt. Everest, Cho-you, Gauri shankar, Kochin Khang.
Day 26: ( Tingri-Lalung La)For the last time we impress ourselves with the endless width of the tibetan plateau.The brand new paved road will lead us to Lalung la pass (5000m) , Our goal for toDay is Mento, a small village shortly ahead the beginning of the ascension to Lalung La.
Day 27: (Lalung La-Tong La-Nyalam)There is the last big pass of the trip. We cross the Himalaya main mountain and enjoy another time a breathtaking panorama with the 8000m high Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu and Shisha Pangma( only 8000m peak entirely in Tibet rest of the mountains are at the Nepal-Tibet border. After the top of the pass the world’s longest downhill begins on a total of 50km, for the time being, to the village of Nyalam.
Day 28 :(Nyalam-Kodari ( Nepal Tibet Border)-Last Resort)Day We will be biking through the deepest gorge in the worldDay ,Day the longest downhill seems never ending. We pass by beautiful green countryside and busy villages until we reach the Last Resort, a cozy meeting points for adventurers and relaxation seekers. We leave it up to you, whether you want to finish the Day with either second highest Bunjy jump in the world (160m) or a sensual massage.
Day 29: (Last Resort-Kathmandu)Scenic and lush green drive to Kathmandu. Following the Bhotekoshi river which is popular for white water rafting. 28 Km before Kathmandu we can stop for a drink in Dhulikhel, popular hill station in Nepal can be seen a long mountain panoramic range.
Day 30 :(Kathmandu)Free Day in Kathmandu
Day 31 :final departure