Across the Roof of the World
Bike tour in Tibet & Nepal | 28 days Kunming to Kathmandu | US$3,875
Cycle the world famous Lhasa to Kathmandu road over the majestic Himalayan Mountains
This trip is not for the faint of heart! You will be cycling across one of the most romantic regions in the world - and one with the highest average elevations on the planet. You'll experience ancient Tibetan lifestyles with their deeply entrenched spirituality as well as Nepal with it's colorful village culture and warm hospitality.
We will be riding across the Tibetan Plateau, visiting the most sacred monasteries in Asia, Mt Everest and cycling the longest descent in the world. This is not just an adventure - it's a cycling pilgrimage!
Itinerary
Day 1 | Kunming
The trip begins in Yunnan Province's colourful capital, Kunming.
Days 2-5 | Lhasa
After flying high in the Himalaya to Lhasa you'll have a day free to enjoy the markets and temples of this interesting city. We need to spend a number of days in Lhasa to acclimatise to the altitude. But don't worry about things to do as there is so much to see and we have a number of day trips arranged.
Days 6-11 | Cycling to Gyantse
We begin our cycling adventure, taking four days to reach Gyantse. Along the way climb the Kamba La Pass (4900m) to view the spectacular Namdrok Tso, one of Tibet's most sacred lakes and the Karo La, our second big pass. We will enjoy a rest day in Gyantse.
Days 12-13 | Cycling to Shigatse
A fairly flat day on semi-developed roads takes us into Shigatse. This is the home of the Panchen Lhama, a spiritual figure with importance to Tibetans everywhere in the country. Day 13 will be a rest day.
Days 14-16 | Cycling to Shigar
It is three days ride from Shigatse into Shigar. They are tough days riding over the passes of Tsuo La (4500m) and Lhakpo La (5220m), camping in the Tibetan countryside.
Days 17-20 | Cycling to Everest
Heading south we ride over the Pang La Pass (5200m), with it's unparalleled views of the Himalayas, to Everest base camp to enjoy the company of this great mountain.
Days 21-23 | Cycling to Zhangmu
This is often the highlight of any cyclist's trip in Tibet. We will ascend yet another pass, Lalung La (5050m), before descending into Zhangmu, a thrilling downhill that represents a part of the steepest descent in the world.
Days 24-25 | Sun Kosi Valley, Nepal
Crossing into Nepal it is a short ride to the Sun Kosi Valley and a well earned rest on day 24.
Day 26 | Dhulikhel
Our last day uphill! Tonight we will stay in the hill station farming community of Dhulikhel.
Days 27-28 | Kathmandu
Our last day of riding is an easy one into Nepal's most populous valley. We will check into our hotel and freshen up for our final night dinner and celebration before hitting Katmandu's Tamil districts with it's colorful street bazaars!
Facts and Information
Style
fully supported cycling
Inclusions
support vehicle, local guides, tour leader, most meals, entry fees
Group Size
minimum 5, maximum 12
Accommodation
12 nights hotel/guesthouse, 15 nights camping
Meals Included
25 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 19 dinners
Days Cycling
19
Kilometres Cycled
1140km
Difficulty
difficult
Cycling Conditions
We won't lie, this is a challenging ride climbing over passes at high altitude. Cyclist should be very bike fit before attempting this challenge.
Bikes
bring your own mountain bike
