Lhasa Kathmandu Cycle Tibet/Nepal Phone: +64 6 356 7043 or Mobile: + 64 (027) 356 7043 Email:ann@trekkingadventures.co.nz Lhasa to Kathmandu Cycle ride via Mount Everest Base Camp - 25 Days Trip Code: T4W 190 Grade: Challenging Group Size: max of 12 Starts: Kathmandu Ends: Kathmandu Trip Overview Highlights Day 1: Kathmandu 1,400m Day 2: Kathmandu (Thamel) Nagarkot Acclimatisation ride 1,400-2,168m 38km Day 3: Nagarkot Kathmandu - 1,400m 30km Day 4: Kathmandu Lhasa 1,400-3,640m Day 5: Lhasa -acclimatisation sightseeing - 3,640 m Day 6: Lhasa -acclimatisation sightseeing - 25km Day 7: Lhasa to base of Kamba La pass - 4,280m 88km Day 8: Over Kamba La pass Lake Yamdruk - 4,360m 64km Day 9: Lake Yamdruk La base of Karo La pass - 5,010m 70km Day 10: Over Karo La pass- Simi la pass Gyantse - 3,900m 45km Day 11: Gyantse Shigatse - 3,800m 94km Day 12: Shigatse rest day (need to get visas) - 3,800m 8km Day 13: Shigatse Gyachung Monastery - 4,165m 100km Nepali Cultural dinner & traditional dancing Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Cycling across some of the highest passes in the world. Side trip to Mt Everest Base Camp Rongbuk Monastery The multi storey Khumbhum Stupa Potala Palace Cultural highlights of Lhasa, Gyantse and Sigaste Tibetan Monasteries The turquoise Lake Yamdruk Barkhor Bazaar Tibetan market shopping Flight over the Himalayas from Kathmandu to Lhasa Opening your tent door to a 1
Day 14: Gyachung Monastery Lhatse - 4,030m 58 km Day 15: Lhatse Shegar - 4,360m 63km Day 16: Shegar Pang La pass Tashi Zom village (Rongbuk valley) - 4,890m 77 km Day 17: Tashi Zom village (Rongbuk valley) Rongbuk Monastery - 5,100m 33km Day 18: Rongbuk Monastery Everest Base camp Rongbuk Monastery - 5,200m 8km each way Day 19: Rongbuk Monastery Long Jong La pass Tingri - 4,340m 157km Day 20: Drive Tingri Shigatse 4,340-3,800 m Day 21: Drive/ ride Shigatse Dug la pass - Yangpache 3,800 5,300 4200 m, 205 km Day 22: Ride/ drive Yangpache Namtso Lake - 4200 4,718m. 166km Day 23: Ride/ drive Namtso Lake Lhasa- 4,718-3,640-250 km Day 24: fly Lhasa Kathmandu Day 25: Kathmandu vista of mountains Farewell dinner, dancing with guide and support crew at Nayalam Vote with your feet and come walk with me Detailed trip itinerary (quoted cycling hours are estimated) Day 1 Kathmandu team briefing, bike preparation, relaxing and welcome dinner We hand over our passports to our leader for the final arrangement of Tibet / Chinese visas; check out bikes and equipment. After a briefing team the rest of the day is free to relax or if time permits we will take in some sightseeing. We will meet in the early evening for a welcome group dinner and Nepalese cultural program (included in the price). Beverages at your own expense Meals: dinner Accommodation: Guesthouse/ hotel 2
Day 2: Kathmandu Bhaktapur Nagarkot - acclimatization cycle ride 1,400 2,168 mt After an early morning breakfast we will depart on our acclimatisation ride to Nagarkot (which is near Kathmandu). We ride due east to the medieval town of Bhaktapur, an ancient city full of Newari culture where there are many temples and squares that you will have time to explore. From here we head North East passing steeply terraced farmland and houses that seem to be clinging to the hillside (a gradual climb of 20km). When we reach the summit you will be rewarded with the panoramic views of the snowy peaks of the Himalayas including a distant pyramid of Mount Everest on a clear day. Nagarkot is the best destination to acclimatize before your Tibet adventure. Meals: dinner Accommodation: Hotel Total: cycle 38 km. Day 3: Nagarkot Shanku Boudhanath Kathmandu - 2,168 2,400 1,400 mt - 30km The day starts with an exciting descent on Jeep tracks. We pass through many rustic villages, with views of the Himalayas on a clear day! We reach the ancient village of Shankhu and visit the temple of Vajrajogini. From here we are on tarmac road and head towards Boudhanath Stupa, where we will have lunch and then ride back to Kathmandu and if time permits, ride towards (Budhanilkantha) the sleeping Vishnu temple before heading back to Thamel. Meals: breakfast Accommodation: Sacred Valley Inn Total: cycle 30 km. Day 4: Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa - 1,400 metres 3,680 mt Early morning transfer to the airport for the hour-long flight to Lhasa - Tibet. 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 1 ½ hrs drive on the new road to Lhasa where we will check into the Hotel. The rest of the day is free for maybe short walk to Barkhor Square to stretch our legs and follow the crowds into the square which gives us the sensation of slipping into a medieval carnival. This is one part of Lhasa that has resisted any invasion of the modern world where ancient way of trading is still practiced. Meals: nil Accommodation: Hotel 3
Day 5: Acclimatisation day - Lhasa sightseeing - 3,680 mt - We will visit Sera Monastery which is one of Lhasa s great monasteries that survived the Cultural Revolution better than most. We can get up close and personal to a Debate where the monks will try and outwit their colleagues with questions on religion. After lunch we will visit the famous Potala Palace. This is the cardinal landmark and a structure that deserves a place as one of the wonders of eastern architecture and it looks best from a distance. It is also great to view in the evenings from either the rooftop of our hotel or taking a stroll to the front of the Potala Palace. Meals: breakfast Accommodation: Hotel. Day 6: Acclimatisation day - Lhasa - sightseeing - 3,680 mt After breakfast we will start cycling to Drepung Monastery. Drepung monastery is situated 25km to the west of Lhasa, and the ride will help us to acclimatize and adjust to the climate and altitude. Drepung Monastery the largest of the monasteries out of the great Gelugpa monasteries was home to around 10,000 monks during the Chinese takeover of Tibet in 1951. Along the way we will be stopping for a group photo in front of the Potala. There will also be time allocated to prepare your bike for the trip. Meals: breakfast Accommodation: Hotel. Total: cycle 25km Day 07: Cycle Lhasa to base of Kamba La Pass 3,680 4,280 m After cycling through the busy roads (on the right side of the road) for about 45 minutes when we leave Lhasa behind and cycle towards Everest on the Friendship Highway. We follow the Kyi Chu (Lhasa) River all the way to the foot of the Kamba Pass, stopping at the Blue Medicine Buddha which is said to boost your healing powers. Along the way we will come across our support team who will have set up our table & chairs and give us our first of many yummy lunches. (Approx 6-7hrs ride) Meals: breakfast, lunch dinner Total cycle 88k s (lunch stop 45 k s) Day 08: Cycle Base of Khamba Pass - Khamba La Pass Lake Yamdruk 4,280 4,794 4,360 Our first mountain pass awaits us with a strong uphill climb of 24 km along a smoothly paved road on a number of switchbacks. The summit is lavishly adorned with prayer flags (4794m) and there are views of the dazzling Yamdrok-tso (also known as Scorpion Lake) from the Khamba-La pass. 4
The lake lies several hundred meters below the road, and in clear weather the lake is seen as a fabulous shade of deep turquoise. There are number of Yaks dressed up for the tourist to pay some money to have their photo taken with these giant animals. After descending we set camp beside the beautiful Lake Yamdrok which is considered sacred and the third largest lake on the Tibetan Plateau. Total cycle: 64 k s Day 09: Cycle Lake Yamdruk Lake Yamdruk Karo la Pass, 4,360 5,045 4,300 mt Leaving the beautiful lake behind, we cycle along the Friendship Highway and over the Karo La at (5,045m).The road out of Nangartse starts off as a gentle & gradual climb across the plain and then kicks in at about 19ks before reaching the summit. Upon reaching the summit one can awe at the sight of the glacier which is approximately 50 meters above the pass. We set up camp beside the dam not far past the Ralung Monastery intersection and just before the climb to Simi La pass. Total cycle: 70 k s Day 10: Cycle Karo la Pass base Simi La pass Gyantse 4,300 3,900 mt Bike over the Simi-la (4,330m), and then it s a pleasant gradual ride to Gyantse town. The road gives pleasant views of a man-made lake for the purpose of generating electricity from a dam. We enjoy a nice lunch at the summit of Simi-la. Upon reaching Gyantse (3,950), in the Nyang Chu valley 254km south-west of Lhasa, (if there is time) we will visit the Gyantse Dzong fort dating from 14 th century. We also visit the Phlkor Monastery founded in 1418 which is notable for its large multi storey Khumbhum Stupa and has 108 chapels as per Buddhist tradition and 10,000 Stupa images. Gyantse is a fantastic town to spend time in with the locals. You will notice that this town is very Tibetan in character and is one of the least influenced Chinese towns of Tibet. Accommodation: hotel. Total cycle: 57k s Day 11: Cycle Gyantse Shigatse - 3,900 3,800 mt Leaving Gyantse, we head out on a newly paved road which is a long day ride that will take us across vast stretches of flat agriculture land where the houses are quite traditionally Tibetan with the whitewashed walls tiled with yak dung cakes.to Shigatse (3800m). Shigatse is Tibet's 2nd largest town in the traditional capital of Tsang. The Tsang kings exercised their power from the 5
towering heights of Shigatse turning this town in to an important trading town as well as an administrative centre. (Approx 6-7 hrs) Meals: breakfast, lunch Accommodation: hotel Total cycle: 93k s (lunch stop 53 k s) Day 12: Shigatse, Rest day sightseeing 3,800 mt total cycle 8 km. Today will be a day to explore this fantastic Buddhist town by first visiting the Tashiilunpo Monastery, catching up on emails, shopping in the great markets or just relax reading. Shigatse is also a good place to stock up on medical supplies. It is necessary to stop in Shigatse gain extra visas for our onward journey. Meals: breakfast Accommodation: hotel Day 13: Cycle Shigatse - Gyachung Monastery - 3,800-4,050-4,165 mt We leave Shigatse and ride over two small passes and through several small Tibetan villages, and stop for lunch beside the Ra Chu River. The scenery switches from narrow river valley s to wide open valley areas. We cycle past the isolated Gyachung Monastery and camp below the Tso La pass. Total cycle 100k s (lunch stop 45 k s) Day 14: Cycle Gyachung Monastery Lhatse - 4,165 4,520 4,030 The route leads us through picturesque valleys over the Tso-La (4520m). After lunch we go down a long 9km descent heading towards Lhatse past the hot springs and camp just past the Mt Kailash turnoff, about 10km outside of town near the Gyatso La river. Total cycle: 75k s Day 15: Cycle Lhatse Shegar - 4,050 5,220-4,360 m In the morning after breakfast we cycle up 25km climbing toward the highest pass Gyatso-La (5220m). The ride to Gyatso-la is an interesting one as we will be in the middle of a stunning canyon/ gorge during the start of this particular ride accompanied by a river on the right hand side. Approximately 7km before reaching the summit we suddenly come to an opening where we can once again see the great mountains. On a clear day you will be rewarded for your effort with your first view of Mount Everest. After a 40 km descent down you will arrive in the town of Pelbar (Often referred to as Shegar). Today will be a long and grueling ride through the canyon which may be quite windy at the top of Gyatso-la, however there are magnificence views at the pass of the Himalaya s and worth the effort for this long hard climb. On the descent down there a number 6
of interesting meditation caves and ridge topped ruins. We arrive in Shegar to showers and a well-earned rest. Accommodation: hotel Total cycle 63 km. (lunch stop 40kms) Day 16: Cycle Shegar - Pang La Pass Rongbuk Valley camp (Tashi Zong)- 4,360 5,150 4,890 mt Just outside of Shegar Here we will have to produce our passport to the authorities at the check post. We will turn off the Friendship Highway around 6km west of the Shegar and at the Everest region checkpoint. Our guide will sort out the permits and we then head towards the worlds highest peak, Everest. You will be faced with 20km s of uphill switchbacks (42 hairpin bends in total!) before you reach the summit of the Pang La Pass (5150m). After cycling over the Pang La pass your reward will be some of the most magnificent views of Everest and the 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 bumpy 20 km downhill ride to the Rongbuk Valley (4,890m), where we will camp either camp or stay at nearby Tashi Zong village for the night. Today is a tough day on dirt roads. Total cycle: 77 km. (lunch stop 35kms) Day 17: Cycle Rongbuk Valley camp (or Tashi Zong) Rongbuk Monastery - 4,980 5,100 mt Now you should be at peak fitness and excited about the approach of Everest Base Camp. Today we will be a bumpy road and gentle climb up to Rongbuk monastery - Tashi Zong village until the majestic Mount Everest appears before you. Rongbuk Monastery is the main Buddhist centre in the valley and once coordinated the activities of around one dozen smaller religious institutions. We will camp beside the monastery with the unforgettable sight of the 8,848m peak of Mt Everest in front of you. or Guesthouse Total cycle: 33 km Day 18: Rongbuk Monastery - Everest Base Camp Rongbuk Monastery 5,100-5,200 5,100 mt Today can be a rest day with a chance to just relax, read a book, enjoy the amazing views, or take the fantastic once in a life time opportunity to walk, cycle or take the easy way by bus (at a cost of 60 80 Yuan) to Everest Base Camp, which is 8km from the campsite. There is little to see at Base Camp but just imagine you are actually standing at the base of the world s highest 7
mountain. We will take the compulsory group photo and leave our prayer flags to the gods, so they can keep us safe in the rest of our journey ahead. At Base camp you can also take photos next to a marker that reads Qomolangma Base Camp which means Mother God and indicates you are at 5,200mts above sea level. or Guesthouse Total cycle or bus option: 16 km return Day 19: Rongbuk Monastery Long Jong La pass Tingri 5,100-4,340 mt We will leave our campsite and drive and turn off at Chosang and bike towards Tingri via Lam La pass (5,069 mts). It is a rough road until we reach the Friendship highway where we will once again be on a much deserved smooth highway not far before Tingri. Tingri offers more picturesque views of Tibetan homes overlooking a sweeping plain bordered by the towering Himalayan range. It is also called Tingri Dzong and is overlooked by ruins that were a fort which was destroyed by the invasion of Nepalese in the late 18 th century. Nearby to Tingri there is a place called Tsamda where we can find a hot spring to bath those over worked muscles. We can also see Mt Everest and Cho Oyu from here giving an excellent vista from a different angle. Meals: breakfast, lunch Accommodation: Guesthouse Cycle: 87 kms off road / drive 70kms Day 20: Drive Tingri Shigatse 4,340 3,800 m Due to not being able to cross the border back into Nepal we will drive back to Shigatse via the Friendship Highway. The scenery is fantastic. Meals: Lunch Accommodation: Hotel Drive: 260 km Day 21: Cycle/ Drive - Shigaste Dug La pass - Yangpache 3,800 5,300 4,200 Today, we start our return to Lhasa via a different route crossing Dug La pass to Yangpache cycling for about 70km on the best part of the road. Yangpache is a small town on the southern slopes of the Nyenchen Tangula Mountains and the town is famous for its hot springs and Geothermal Power Plants. A good place to visit and soak those tired muscles. Meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner Accommodation: Tents Cycle: 70km / drive 135km 8
Day 22: Cycle/ drive Yangpach- Lake Namtso 4,200 4,718m The road is good all the way so there should be good opportunity to cycle quite a bit. There are also good views once again of the Nyenchen Tangula range. Namtso Lake or Heavenly Lake as it is known as is a salt water lake and is the largest in Tibet. It has many islands which are traditionally used for spiritual retreats and many nomads come here with flocks of yaks and Sheep. Namtso or (Lake Nam as it is also known) is a mountain lake which is 70km long and covers an area of 1,920 sq kilometers. Namtso Lake is situated on the border between Damxung County of Lhasa prefecture-level city and Baingoin County of Nagqu approximately 112 kilometres NNW of Lhasa Cycle: 20km / drive 140km Day 23: Cycle/ Drive Namtso Lake Lhasa 4,718 3,640 We start our last day on the road by returning to Lhasa. There will be the opportunity to cycle some of the way however as we have quite a distance to cover we will also need to drive. Meals: breakfast, lunch Accommodation: Hotel Cycle 20km / Drive 120km Day 24: Fly Lhasa to Kathmandu Our last day in Tibet and what a wonderful way to end this trip with the spectacular panorama views of flying back over the Himalayas to Kathmandu. In the afternoon you can relax, shop or go sightseeing. We will all get together in the evening for a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of this amazing adventure. Accommodation: Hotel/ Guesthouse Day 24: Kathmandu - 1,400 mts After breakfast the trip will end or you may choose to stay on a few days and take advantage of the visiting the many historical sites that Kathmandu has to offer. Price includes: Experienced English speaking local cycling Guide Leader Ann Young on trips of 8 or more people Ascend to Everest Base Camp (with 2 nights at Rongbuk Monastery) Acclimatisation days in Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Lhasa (3), Shigatse. Return flight Kathmandu to Lhasa including transfers & departure taxes (value 9
of approx. USD1,200.00) Cultural dinner with local entertainment (valued USD30) excludes drinks Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu, Lhasa, Gyaste, Shigaste including entrance fees (value of USD130.00) Fifteen nights x hotel / Guesthouse in Kathmandu, Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse, Shegar, Rongbuk, Tingri Nine nights camping (with two man tents, comfortable foam mattress while camping) on twin shared basis Meals when camping with dinning tent, tables and chairs while camping (as per itinerary) Mineral water when cycling Arrival & Departure transfers Tibet Travel permits (both individual & group) Tibet Visa (extra fee for United States nationalities) Trekking Adventures Cycling T-Shirt (value of USD65.00) All ground transfers as per the itinerary Local Cycling Guides & Tibetan support crew: The Nepali guides are all experienced cyclist and travel with us from Nepal to Tibet. They are also our bike mechanics and will attend to your bikes (if you hire these) each day. If you chose to bring your own bike you will be responsible for all parts and maintenance. You will need to bring your own helmets. Guide to tipping: It is customary to tip the tour leader, local guides and support crew at the end of your ride. Please allow USD5-7 per day (90 for 23 days) for your guides, and USD3-5 per day (70 for 21 days) for your support crew. USD$70. Gifts: Our support crew also appreciate any discarded warm clothing, shoes, and packs. Accommodation: All accommodation as detailed in this itinerary is in hotels/ guesthouses on a twin share when in hotels and camping. Extra accommodation can be reserved for you in Kathmandu before and after your tour at a discounted price. Nepal & Tibetan Visas: Prior to departure you may need to obtain certain visas depending on your nationality. Specific information is given to you in your pre departure information. A visa may be obtained at point of entry into Kathmandu at a cost of approx USD$40 for 30 day multiple entry and the Tibetan visa will be applied for by Trekking Adventures in advance. (Please 10
be aware that when booking your international flights you will need to arrive in Kathmandu at least 2 days prior to the trip start date so we can obtain your visas for Tibet) Clothing Note: You will be required to take warm and appropriate, sleeping gear and clothing as the cycle ride can get very cold on the Tibetan Plateau and in the evenings. (A clothing and equipment list will be supplied upon booking). Donations: Please note you will be expected to make a donation when entering Monasteries and for taking photos at some locations. Altitude & Acclimatisation: You should be aware that before taking this trip you could consider a trek in Nepal or other altitude activities which would help to acclimatise. To minimise AMS it is essential to allow sufficient time for acclimatisation which we build into the itinerary by staying in Kathmandu & Lhasa before starting our cycle ride. It is advisable if you have any known heart, lungs or blood diseases to consult your doctor before booking this trip. Bike hire: It is possible to hire bikes in Kathmandu and fly these with us to Tibet. Our guides will maintain and supply all parts associated with the bike hire during the course of your trip. Included in the bike hire price are inner tubes, mini hand pump, puncture repair kit, chain oil, repair kit, cable lock, brake & gear wire, spokes, brake shoe, bike box if needed. If you chose to bring your own bikes, you will be responsible for all bike parts and maintenance. It is possible to bring your own bike seat, peddles to fit on the hire bikes if you so desire etc. Maps: Trekking Adventures can supply you with a biking map which will shows the complete cycle ride across the 1,000 k s of the Tibetan Plateau from Lhasa to Kathmandu. The map gives a true indication of gradient, distances etc. These have been purchased in Kathmandu and are available at a small cost. Important Note: You will need to bring your passport and a copy of your travel insurance policy to the briefing on day one to your tour guide before joining the trip. The enclosed notes are intended as a guide only, indicating a typical itinerary and series of activities and highlights. While every effort will be made to follow the route published on any departure and the distances travelled, driving time and available activities can vary for a number of reasons, in the event of political problems or natural difficulties which are beyond our control and prevent travelling to a particular area, Trekking Adventures reserve the right to substitute an alternative activity for that section of the trip. Overnight stops may vary on occasions from those suggested Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. The Lhasa to Kathmandu cycle trip across the Tibetan Plateau is adventure travel into a remote mountain region and weather conditions and health of group members can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary. Further to the information provided in this itinerary, pre departure information will be sent to you. This provides you with information regarding visas, joining instructions, clothing/ equipment list, health requirements, 11
vaccinations, extra hotel accommodation, training tips for fitness etc. Please read it carefully to make sure you are fully prepared. Remember if you do not undertake some training before hand and you are found not be fit enough for the trip, this may jeopardise you being able to remain on the cycle trip. (Please read the terms & conditions carefully regarding this). Price does not include: Entry Visa to Nepal Extra fee of USD110.00 for United States nationalities Extra fees if entering from China Excess luggage for flight Kathmandu to Lhasa (please note that the first 23kg + 7kg carry on luggage is included in the ticket price i.e total 30kg). The above allowance must also include the weight of your bike at approx. 16.5kg Any tour entrance fees not mentioned in your itinerary Drinks, Guide & support crew tips, laundry, mineral water and other items of personal nature Meals except where indicated in the itinerary Personal gear International flights not mentioned in the itinerary and Travel Insurance Rescue and evacuation if needed Extra expenses and additional days caused due to unexpected events or delays (portage, landslides or other natural events Hire of mountain bikes Bike helmets Single supplement or single tent/share hotel options. Optional extras before or afterward your trip: Chitwan Safari (3 days), Everest Mountain Flight (approx. 40 minutes) Annapurna Circuit Annapurna Base Camp Updated April 2016 Trekking Adventures Ltd P O Box 5543, Palmerston North, New Zealand. 4441, Phone: +64 6 356 7043, Mobile: + 64 (027) 356 7043 Email:ann@trekkingadventures.co.nz, web: www.trekkingadventures.co.nz 12