Trip Overview
Lhasa to Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour offers the world's longest and steepest descent – a non-stop downhill that begins on the Tibetan Plateau and winds 150 km down to the fertile rice fields of Nepal (an unbelievable 4600m descent!).
We will ride more than 1,100 km through Tibet on crushed stone roads and over spectacular mountain passes. The high point of the journey comes when we arrive at the monastery of Rongbuk and see Mount Everest Base Camp (5200m). Lhasha to Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour is the only trip in the world where you can visit Everest Base Camp with a bicycle! It was here on the North Face that Reinhold Messner began his successful solo ascent of Everest in 1980.
We stay overnight during this journey in hotels and in tents. An experienced crew of guides, cooks, and drivers from both Nepal and Tibet provide for a smooth operation. The tours are available between the months of April and October and feature 15 full days of biking with full logistical support.
This mountain bike experience will also bring you into contact with three religions (Buddhism, Lamaism, and Hinduism) and act as an introduction to the mysticism of Tibetan culture, the friendliness of the people and the daily culture in villagers' lives.
Two itinerary options:
- Joining in Lhasa 20 days - Price USD 2,550.
- Joining in Kathmandu 23 days - Price USD 2,750.
Itinerary for Lhasa Kathmandu MTB
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.
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel(Thamel Eco Resort).
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing
A full day of guided sightseeing around the Kathmandu valley including visits to Durbar Square and the temples of Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Guheshwari, and Pashupatinath.
In the evening we will all get together for a welcome dinner with an entertaining Nepalese culture show. All hosted by Makalu Adventure.
Included: H/B | Overnight at Hotel(Thamel Eco Resort)
Day 03: Drive to Mudkhu.
Cycling to Buddhanilkanth. After Lunch, drive back to Kathmandu. [around 38 KM Cycling]
Included: H/B | Overnight at Hotel(Thamel Eco Resort)
Day 04: Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa
We take the 09:30 flight to Lhasa and soar across the highest mountains in the world. Arriving in the Tibetan capital (3,680m altitude) you will be given plenty of time to relax and adjust to the high altitude. In the afternoon you can unpack your bicycle and explore this legendary city.
Included: H/B | Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05: 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 06: 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 07: 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 08: 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 09: 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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 13: 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 14: 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 15: 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 16: 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 17: 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 18 : 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 19: 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 20: 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 21: 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 22: 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 23: Fly back to home from Kathmandu
We will drop you at TIA(Kathmandu International Airport). Fly back to your home.
FIXED DEPARTURES FOR 2025
Tours are usually set for the Spring / Autumn (April to October).
These months ensure the best period for adventure biking. We welcome you to join one of our groups. Please, don't despair even the below Fixed Departure dates are not suitable for you. We can customize the program accordingly, or check the availability of other groups to make it possible for you.
All our fixed departure dates are set as Lhasa arrival directly, however, if you are interested to join in Kathmandu then please arrange arriving in Kathmandu 3 days prior(arrive by Wednesday morning before 11:00 AM) to our trip starting dates in Lhasa. For those wanting to join this trip in Kathmandu we will take care of all arrangements including Chinese (Tibet) visa, Tibet travel permit, Kathmandu – Lhasa flights etc but when joining in Lhasa directly, you will need to obtain the Chinese visa from your own home country and send us a copy of the Chinese visa (scanned and attached in email) which will then enable us to obtain the Tibet travel permit (s) for you.
Should you require more details or wish simply to discuss further regarding any aspects of this trip planning and arrangements or wish to inquire about the Chinese / Tibet visa regulations, then please email us at: info@makalu-adventure.com, makaluadventures@gmail.com
Start Date | Price | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
TRIP I | 17 June 2025 | $ 2750 | Kathmandu Joining | Book Now |
20 June 2025 | $ 2550 | Lhasa Joining | Book Now | |
TRIP II | 8 July 2025 | $ 2750 | Kathmandu Joining | Book Now |
11 July 2025 | $ 2550 | Lhasa Joining | Book Now | |
TRIP III | 5 Aug 2025 | $ 2750 | Kathmandu Joining | Book Now |
8 Aug 2025 | $ 2550 | Lhasa Joining | Book Now | |
TRIP IV | 2 Sep 2025 | $ 2750 | Kathmandu Joining | Book Now |
5 Sep 2025 | $ 2550 | Lhasa Joining | Book Now |