LHASA KATMANDU. THE ROUTE OF FRIENDSHIP. 20 days / 14 stages / 130 km. From 1875€. 21 september to 13 october 2021
The tourist visits the sites, the traveler knows it, the nomad, lives it
Travel operated by Makalu Adventure
A mountain bike trip from Lhasa, capital of Tibet in China, to Kathmandu, capital of Nepal assisted with support vehicle, camp, all meals, mechanical assistance, roadside supplies, guides …
But it is much more than a trip, it is an experience that starts at the Potala Palace, former residence of the Dalai Lama, will take you from the beautiful plains of Tibet, crossing cities such as Sigatse, Tigri, and even Rongbuk, where the Base camp is located from Everest, crossing several steps of more than 5000m of altitude, to descend from the frozen moorland, to the confines of the subtropical forest at less than 1000m of altitude, descending between waterfalls and observing how the landscape transforms every meter we descend .
The stages have an extension between 50 and 90km to have the afternoon free and visit temples, hot springs, lakes, the Everest base camp, cities, etc.
The route of friendship is also a journey into oneself, an introspective journey that will undoubtedly change your life and the way you see things and feel the trips.
Valid in MTB or Gravel.

Day 01: Arrive at Lhasa
Arrive at Lhasa. Our staff will pick you up. transfer to the Hotel.
Included: H | Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02 Lhasa Full day Sightseeing
On this day we will enjoy a full day of sightseeing. We will visit Dshokhang Temple and the local market, but the highlight of the day will undoubtedly be the visit to Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lamas, which dominates the city.
Included: H/B | Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03 Lhasa Full-day Sightseeing
After breakfast, we’ll visit the monastery of Drepung. In the afternoon you will be free either to explore the remaining attractions or prepare for the next day’s biking.
Included: H/B | Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04: Start the Bike Tour [85 KM Cycling]
Finally, your trans-Himalayan biking adventure begins. We leave Lhasa and cycle along the Tsangpo River to the foot of the Kamba Pass (3700 m). When you arrive you will find tents, latrines, shower tent and facilities ready. Overnight accommodation in tents
Included: C/B/L/D
Day 05: Cycling to Kamba Pass [77 Km Cycling] [4700m Kamba Pass] Climb 950m,
Your first mountain pass. A strong uphill climb reaches a summit lavishly adorned with prayer flags (4794m). After descending we continue alongside Lake Yamdruk, at the far side of which we set camp (4490m). Overnight accommodation in tents.
Included: C/B/L/D
Day 06: Cycling to Ralung crossing Karo Pass [56 Km Cycling]
Leaving the beautiful lake behind, we cycle through a ravine and up to the foot of the Karo Pass (4750m), to Ralung where our tented village will be prepared for the night. Overnight accommodation in tents.
Included: C/B/L/D
Day 07: Cycling to Gyantse [56 KM Cycling]
A significant day on the tour, as we have to get up early to climb the high Karo Pass (5010m). By now you will be feeling in good physical condition. Around us, we can see glaciers of 6000m and beautiful lakes. You are rewarded for your effort with a night in a top hotel in the city of Gyantse (3980m). Overnight accommodation at the Hotel.
Included: C/B/L/D
Day 08: Cycling to Shigatse [95 KM Cycling]
First, we will take an hour to visit the Palkhor Monastery and the old part of Gyantse town. Although today involves a longer distance, the highway is paved and flat. In the afternoon we will arrive in Tibet’s second largest city, Shigatse (3860m). Overnight accommodation at the Hotel.
Included: H/B/L/D
Day 09: Gyachung Monastery(Rasa) [97 KM Cycling]
We leave Shigatse and ride over two small passes and through several small Tibetan villages. We will cycle past the isolated Gyachung Monastery and camp. Overnight accommodation in tents at around 4100m.
Included: H/B/L/D
Day 10: Cycling to Lhatse [62 KM]
The route leads us through picturesque valleys. Then the long ramp begins which leads to the Yulong pass (4520m). After lunch, we head towards Lhatse (3860m). Just before this town, there is a hot spring. We will camp approx. 10 km after Lhatse. Accommodation in tents.
Included: C/B/L/D
Day 11: Cycling to Shegar [76 KM]
Today we have to contemplate the stunning canyon of the 5220m Lakpa Pass. On a clear day, you will be rewarded for your effort 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. This town is a popular stopover for anyone heading to the Everest region. Overnight accommodation in a hotel.
Included: H/B/L/D
Day 12: Cycling to Pang Pass [67 KM] and Camping at Pasung [76 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 20km of uphill switchbacks (42 hairpin bends in total!) before you reach the summit of the Pang Pass (5150m). Enjoy lunch as you gaze over Makalu (8463m), Shishapangma (8012m), Cho Oyu (8210m), Lhotse (8516m), Everest (8850m) and several other breathtaking peaks. Then a 20-kilometer downhill follows to the Rongbuk Valley (4200m), where we camp. Overnight accommodation in tents.
Included: C/B/L/D
Day 13: Cycling to Rongbuk Monastery (28 KM)
Now you should be at peak fitness and very excited about the approach of 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 monastery with the unforgettable sight of the 8850m peak in front of your eyes. We will stay here for two days. Overnight accommodation in tents (5150m).
Included: C/B/L/D
Day 14: Cycling to Everest Base Camp [about 2 KM]
A day to relax. However, you will definitely want to get as close as you can to Everest. You can walk, cycle or even take a donkey and cart ride to the base camp which is 2 KM from the campsite. Back to Jha Rongbuk Overnight accommodation in camp.
Included : C/B/L/D
Day 15 : Cycling to Old Tingri (Chamda) [approx. 86 KM]
Leaving Rongbuk, we head back down the bumpy road then take a “short-cut” into the mountains. Another bumpy trail takes us over a canyon and down into Tingri (4340m). Overnight accommodation in tents.
Included: C/B/L/D
Day 16 Cycling to before Peokutso Lake – Camping (approx 73 KM)
After breakfast in Tingri, we will then start our ride to the Peokutso Lake.
Peokutso Lake Paiku (or Peiku, Tibetan: Paiku-Tso or -Tsho) is a lake at 4,591 meters (15,062 ft) elevation on the Tibetan Plateau at south of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River. The lake is 27 kilometers (17 mi) long and 6 kilometers (3.7 mi) wide at its narrowest. It is surrounded by mountains reaching 5,700 to 6,000 meters (18,700 to 19,700 ft). Streams fed by glaciers cascade to the valley floor, but most sink into alluvial deposits before reaching the lake.
The surrounding catchment is an endorheic basin with no outlet. It would overflow into the Yarlung Tsangpo with a water level about 100 meters (330 ft) higher. The lake’s brackish water is evidence that it has not overflowed in hundreds if not thousands of years.
Included: C/B/LD
Day 17: Cycling to the foot of Gontala Pass [74 KM Downhill Cycling] [4750 m]
Gyirong Town (Chinese: and Kerung in Nepali) is situated in the southern part of Gyirong County in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It is located 70 kilometers (43 mi) south of the county seat Zongga on the bank of Gyirong Zangbo river, a tributary of the Trishuli River. The town has an elevation of 2,700 meters (8,900 ft), with a subtropical mountain monsoon climate, meaning reasonable precipitation and warm weather. In 1961, Gyirong was established as a port of entry by the Chinese government.
Gyirong Town is an important town in the cross-border trade between China and Nepal. Historically it was a major thoroughfare. In December 2014, the port of entry between China and Nepal was opened. This route between China and Nepal is considered to be more reliable than one through Zhangmu.
In Gyirong Town, there is a village of ethnic Nepali referred to as Daman people. They are descendants of Nepalese Gurkha army centuries ago. Previously stateless, they were granted Chinese citizenship in 2003.
Included: C/B/L/D
Day 18: Cycling to KerongTown (110 KM)
After the breakfast in Upper Kerong, we will start cycling to Kerong border and will camp in the beautiful scenic campsite and stay overnight there. Hence the campsite is located in an extraordinary site you are encouraged to make the most of this day either cycling around or exploring the beautiful vicinity.
We will cycle around 70km before arriving at this campsite today.
Included: C/B/L/D
Day 19: Morning cycling till Syburbesi [45 KM] and drive back to Kathmandu.
After the breakfast at our beautiful campsite, we will start cycling until the lunchtime in Syburbesi where a pickup vehicle will be waiting for us to transfer back to Kathmandu
Included: H/B/L/D
Overnight at Hotel Thamel Eco Resort (Kathmandu)
Day 20: Fly back to home from Kathmandu
We will drop you at TIA(Kathmandu International Airport). Fly back to your home.
INCLUDED
- All ground transfers as per our given itinerary.
- Hotel in Kathmandu (including breakfast and all taxes).
- Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu (including all entrance fees).
- Welcome Dinner with live Nepalese culture show at one evening.
- Guided sightseeing in Lhasa with all entrance fees included.
- Hotels in Tibet (including breakfast and all taxes) as per our mentioned Itinerary.
- All Camping Equipment (such as Two-Man Tent, Dining Tent, Kitchen Tent, Shower tent, Toilet Tent, Tables, Chairs, Mattresses, etc.
- Support Truck to carry your luggage and a Land Cruiser for assistance. Available at all times (while in Tibet).
- Three times hot, fresh meals per day while camping, prepared by our very professional kitchen crew.
- Daily wages and insurance for staff and guides.
NOT INCLUDED
- Airport Tax.
- Airfare: Kathmandu-Lhasa.
- Tibet travel permit, Visa fee, All monastery entrance fees wherever applicable.
- Expenses of a personal nature; Lunch/dinner in the Hotel; Bar bills; Laundry bills; Telephone bills; Tips, etc.
- Personal Medical & Travel insurance.
- Rescue & Evacuation – If necessary.
- Nepal re-entry visa fee.
- Excess baggage charges.
FIXED DEPARTURE FOR 2020
Start Date | End Date | Price | ||
FIXED DEPARTURES FOR APRIL | ||||
TRIP I | 8 April 2020 (Wednesday) | 30 April 2020 (Thursday) | $ 2050 | Kathmandu Joining |
11 April 2020 (Saturday) | 30 April 2020 (Thursday | $ 1850 | Lhasa Joining | |
FIXED DEPARTURES FOR MAY | ||||
TRIP 2 | 06 May 2020 (Wednesday) | 28 May 2020 (Thursday) | $ 2050 | Kathmandu Joining |
9 May 2020 (Saturday) | 28 May 2020 (Thursday) | $1850 | Lhasa Joining | |
TRIP 3 | 20 May 2020 (Wednesday) | 11 June 2020 (Thursday) | $ 2050 | Kathmandu Joining |
23 May 2020 (Saturday) | 11 June 2020 (Thursday) | $1850 | Lhasa Joining | |
FIXED DEPARTURES FOR JUNE | ||||
TRIP 4 | 10 June 2020 (Wednesday) | 02 July 2020 (Thursday) | $ 2050 | Kathmandu Joining |
13 June 2020 (Saturday) | 02 July 2020 (Thursday) | $ 1850 | Lhasa Joining | |
FIXED DEPARTURES FOR JULY | ||||
TRIP 5 | 15 July 2020 | 06 August 2020 (Thursday) | $ 2050 | Kathmandu Joining |
15 July 2020 | 06 August July 2020 (Thursday) | $ 1850 | Lhasa Joining | |
FIXED DEPARTURES FOR AUGUST | ||||
TRIP 6 | 26 Aug 2020 (Wednesday) | 17 Sep 2020 (Thursday) | $ 2050 | Kathmandu Joining |
29 July 2020 (Saturday) | 17 Sep 2020 (Thursday) | $ 1850 | Lhasa Joining | |
FIXED DEPARTURES FOR SEPTEMBER | ||||
TRIP 7 | 2 Sep 2020 (Wednesday) | 24 Sep 2020 (Thursday) | $ 2050 | Kathmandu Joining |
5 Sep (Saturday) | 24 Sep 2020 (Thursday) | $ 1850 | Lhasa Joining | |
TRIP 8 | 9 Sep 2020 (Wednesday) | 1 Oct 2020 (Thursday) | $ 2050 | Kathmandu Joining |
12 Sep 2020 (Saturday) | 1 Oct 2020(Thursday) | $ 1850 | Lhasa Joining | |
TRIP 9 | 16 Sep 2020 (Wednesday) | 8 Oct 2020 (Thursday) | $ 2050 | Kathmandu Joining |
19 Sep 2020 (Saturday) | 8 Oct 2020 (Thursday) | $ 2050 | Lhasa Joining | |
FIXED DEPARTURES FOR OCTOBER | ||||
TRIP 10 | 7 Oct 2020 (Wednesday) | 29 Oct 2020 (Thursday) | $ 2050 | Kathmandu Joining |
10 Oct 2020 (Saturday) | 29 Oct 2020 (Thursday) | $ 1850 | Lhasa Joining |