25 Days
16-70
Challenging
Lhasa
Biking & Camping
5144
Kathmandu
Kathmandu
Flying to Lhasa gives you time to get acclimatized at the world’s highest capital at 3,600 meters. There is much to see in Lhasa, such as the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple, and the largest of the Tibetan markets at Barkor. A couple of short, easy bike rides around Lhasa will help the group’s acclimatization. It will also allow visiting some of the many interesting temples and religious sites.
There are six major passes to be negotiated on the main Lhasa to Kathmandu route as it runs southwards, parallel to the Great Himalayan chain, which forms the border with the territories of Bhutan, Sikkim, and Nepal. On the entire trip, the road traverses a high and dry plateau, punctuated by the unforgettable monastery towns of Gyantse, Shigatse, and Shegar, and also by several smaller settlements and nomadic Drogpa encampments.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will greet you and escort you to your boutique hotel. You’ll receive a short orientation about Kathmandu, biking/camping, dos and don’ts, and other helpful tips. We’ll also collect your passport and flight ticket for safekeeping and reconfirmation of your return flight.
Overnight: Boutique hotel in Kathmandu
Explore Kathmandu’s UNESCO sites, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa. Visit the vibrant Asan local market as well.
Overnight: Boutique hotel in Kathmandu
Enjoy a scenic 1-hour flight to Lhasa, possibly spotting Everest en route. Upon arrival, meet our Chinese staff and drive 2 hours to your hotel.
Overnight: Boutique hotel in Lhasa
Visit Potala Palace in the morning. In the afternoon, explore Jokhang Temple and stroll the Barkhor pilgrimage route for local shopping and culture.
Overnight: Boutique hotel in Lhasa
Tour Drepung Monastery in the morning, once the world’s largest monastery. In the afternoon, witness the debating monks at Sera Monastery.
Overnight: Boutique hotel in Lhasa
Start your cycling journey with a gradual ride through farmlands toward the base of Khamba-La. Lunch along the way. Camp near Quxu.
Ride Distance: ~85 km
Overnight: Camp
A challenging but scenic climb to Khamba-La, followed by a descent to Yamdrok Tso Lake and onward to Ngartse.
Ride Distance: ~70 km
Overnight: Camp
Ride past the majestic Karo-La (5050m) with views of Mt. Dzongkhags. Pass nomadic settlements and descend to camp below Simi-La.
Ride Distance: ~60 km
Overnight: Camp
Climb 15 km to Simi-La, then descend to Gyantse through a scenic valley.
Ride Duration: ~4 hrs
Overnight: Camp
Cycle 95 km to Tibet’s second-largest city along the Nyang Chu River. The route is mostly flat with some recent road improvements.
Ride Duration: ~6–7 hrs
Overnight: Camp
Visit Tashilumpo Monastery, home of the Panchen Lama and the giant Maitreya Buddha statue. Afternoon exploration of the local market.
Overnight: Guesthouse
Continue your ride on mixed road conditions toward Tsho-La, with a lunch break near Ra Chu River after ~60 km.
Total Distance: ~106 km
Overnight: Camp
The day’s journey includes a gradual two-hour climb to the 4,500m Tsho-La Pass with views of the Himalayas, followed by a steep descent and a ride across plains to Larze, a key town at the junction of major Tibetan routes. The ride continues for three more hours along a dirt road, passing through rural landscapes, and ends at an overnight campsite at 4,760m on the way to Gyamtsho-La.
Today’s ride reaches the highest point of the journey at Gyamthso-La Pass (5,220m). The morning begins with a tough 2–3 hour climb, followed by a thrilling downhill with views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu. Riders pass remote Tibetan villages and monasteries, stopping briefly in Shegar before continuing toward Rongbuk and Everest Base Camp via Pang-La. Depending on timing, the day ends with camping near the pass or on the village outskirts.
Start the day with a climb to Pang-La Pass (5,150m), offering stunning views of Himalayan peaks like Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma. Descend a steep 19 km trail to Phadu village, then continue 12 km to Tshusum for an overnight camp. The next day, cycle or walk to Everest Base Camp (5,200m), enjoy the majestic north face of Everest, and return to camp at Rongbuk.
We ride to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest in the world, following a gradual route along the Rongbuk River. With the newly improved gravel road, the 3–4 hour journey is smoother and quicker, ending with stunning views of Mt. Everest. Overnight at a nearby campsite.
Today offers a well-deserved rest with stunning views. You can hike, bike, or drive to Everest Base Camp in under two hours via a scenic route along the Rongbuk River. At Base Camp, enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Everest, visit tea shops, and a guest house before returning to Rongbuk for an overnight stay.
Depending on your fitness, you can bike or ride a vehicle towards Old Tingri, passing a newly built bridge and climbing Lamna-la Pass at 5,150 meters with views of Mt. Cho Oyu. After descending to Lungja village, you continue to the overnight camp at Old Tingri. Tingri offers stunning views of Mt. Everest and Cho Oyu and has lodges and restaurants popular with travelers. The camp is set near barley and buckwheat fields with a clean stream, providing a peaceful place to rest overnight.
After reaching the highest point on Earth, our journey continues toward the Tibet-Nepal border. The morning ride begins with breathtaking views of Everest and Cho Oyu along the main Lhasa-Kathmandu highway. After leaving Tingri, we return to the dirt road, passing through several traditional villages before arriving at our camp below the Laylung-La Pass. The ride covers approximately 55 kilometers over 4 to 5 hours, including a lunch break en route. Overnight stay at the camp.
The day’s ride starts with a challenging uphill climb to the Laylung-la pass at 5,124m, followed by a descent and another climb to the Thang-la pass at 5,050m. From the summit, riders enjoy stunning views of central Himalayan peaks. After a steep descent, the route continues along a level road through farm villages to Nyalam town, ending with a short downhill bike ride to the overnight camp by the roadside
On the final day in Tibet, the cycling route descends steeply through rocky paths and waterfalls, transitioning from the cold Tibetan Plateau into Nepal’s warm jungles. After passing through the lively border town of Zhangmu and completing passport and visa formalities at the Friendship Bridge, the ride continues for another 15–16 km along the Bhote Koshi River. The day covers about 60 km in 4–5 hours, ending at the Last Resort guesthouse—a perfect place to rest after the adventure.
The biking journey follows the Bhote Koshi River through villages and paddy fields, reaching Dolalghat where it meets the Sun Koshi River. Afterward, the route climbs 17 kilometers up to Dhulikhel, perched on the Kathmandu Valley rim, offering stunning Himalayan views. Overnight stay is at a guesthouse in Dhulikhel.
On the final day of the biking adventure, participants will ride a scenic off-road route through Nama Buddha and Panauti before reaching Kathmandu. Riding is optional, with a support vehicle available for those who want to arrive earlier. After a late lunch, the afternoon is free to rest and prepare for departure. Accommodation is at a boutique hotel in Kathmandu.
Mountain flights from Kathmandu offer stunning close-up views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other snowy peaks, plus the Tibetan Plateau. Flights depart between 7:00 and 9:30 a.m., giving you a chance to see breathtaking aerial landscapes through clear windows. After the flight, enjoy an overnight stay at a boutique hotel in Kathmandu.
On the day of your international flight, please have your confirmed air ticket, departure tax (in local currency), and passport ready. Our Tour Officer will assist you with transportation to the airport for your final departure from the beautiful country of Nepal.
Cost Includes
- Food & drinks
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Airport pickups and drops.
- All kinds of land transportation in Tibet and Nepal (In Tibet, the Toyota Land Cruiser).
- Welcome and Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu with Nepali cultural dance show.
- All vegetarian meals while on Yatra
- Oxygen in each Land Cruiser, Yak, and Yakman for luggage during Parikrama
- All documents such as entrance fees, travel permit, government taxes, etc, in Nepal & Tibet.
- Three nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu at 3 3-star hotel with breakfast.
- All accommodation in Tibet.
- English-speaking Nepal tour leader, Tibetan guide, Porters, and Sherpa Staff for cooking.
- Osho World Adventure printed t-shirt. Sleeping bag, Down Jacket, and Duffle Bags
- Kathmandu sightseeing with a cultural tour guide as pethe r Itinerary.
Cost Excludes
- International Airfare from Home – Kathmandu – Home.
- Tibet VISA costs, which are $US90/person, are due upon arrival.
- Nepal VISA cost, which will be charged at Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Extra night accommodation in Tibetan lodges (except mentioned in the itinerary).
- Extra cost due to natural calamities and hiring additional transportation and porters.
- Travel Insurance
- Horse rental while on Parikrama (around $US200/person) or personal porter (around $US150).
- Emergency evacuation costs (Cost for rental of a land cruiser). Insurance is recommended.
- Any kind of tips for the Staff (10% of the Yatra cost is customary).
Notes
- Public transportation nearby
- Passport required
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Infant seats unavailable
- Not recommended for people with heart conditions
- Our airport representative will receive you from Kathmandu International Airport and transfer you to the hotel. Your guide will meet you to brief you about the trip.
Know more before you go
Minimum age of participants is: 16