Lhasa to Kathmandu Mountain Bike Tour

Ama Adventure representative will pick you up from the airport. After settling in at your lodge, spend the evening exploring the neighborhood. If you’re staying near Thamel or Patan, enjoy the beautiful collection of temples, statues, palaces, and shops for local crafts.

Visit Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Patan Durbar Square, and Kopan Monastery. Learn about Hindu and Buddhist spiritual heritage.

Take a morning flight across the Himalayas to Lhasa. After arrival, check in to your hotel in the Tibetan Quarter. Spend the afternoon walking around Barkhor Square and browsing the local market.

Explore the Sera Monastery, Norbulingka Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Market. Learn about Tibetan traditions and see daily life up close.

Enjoy a free day to rest or explore Lhasa on your own, soaking in the city’s unique culture and scenery.

Visit the impressive Potala Palace and the historic Drepung Monastery in the morning. The afternoon is free to relax or explore further.

Today marks the beginning of your trans-Himalayan cycling adventure. Leaving Lhasa behind, you ride past Drepung Monastery and out into the wide Lhasa Valley. The paved Freedom Highway winds alongside the Yarlung Tsangpo River, offering an easy warm-up as you pedal through scattered villages and open plateau. By late afternoon, you’ll reach the quiet settlement of Chusul, where your guesthouse awaits.

A challenging but spectacular day unfolds as you tackle the 25 km ascent to Kamba La Pass. The switchbacks are steep and long, but the summit view of Yamdrok Lake’s turquoise waters is unforgettable. After lunch by the lakeside, a scenic ride through the valleys brings you to Nagatse, a quaint Tibetan town where you can relax for the evening.

You’ll ride steadily uphill today toward the mighty Karol La Pass. At over 5,000 meters, this is your first high-altitude challenge. The descent is long and exhilarating, dropping you into the agricultural heartland of the Yang Chug Valley. Explore Gyantse’s historic landmarks, including the ancient Dzong fortress and the remarkably tiered stupa of Kumbum.

Today’s route is a gentler ride across open plains and quiet villages with dramatic Himalayan backdrops. After lunch en route, continue cycling into Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. The town blends modernity with spiritual roots and is home to the revered Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama.

Take the day to rest, acclimatize, and explore. You’ll visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery and wander through local markets. Your guides will also arrange special permits required for the next section toward Everest Base Camp.

Cycle through gently rolling terrain before climbing over two moderate passes- Tra La and Tsuo La. The ride is long but rewarding, offering spectacular views before a fun descent into the quiet town of Lhatse.

Today you face the highest paved pass on the Friendship Highway-Gyatso La. The ascent is demanding but delivers sweeping Himalayan views, including your first distant glimpse of Everest. After the summit, descend to Shegar for the night.

Leaving the main road, you now head off-road into remote terrain. Climb to Pang La Pass, which offers one of the most stunning views of the Everest range. A winding descent takes you into the Rongbuk Valley to the peaceful hamlet of Tashi Dzong.

Cycle along a rough jeep trail with Everest’s mighty North Face in full view. Visit the sacred Rongbuk Monastery, then continue to your overnight camp near Everest Base Camp. Spend the afternoon soaking in views that words can barely describe.

Descend from the Everest region along rugged trails, navigating up-and-down canyon terrain. The ride is physically demanding, with short climbs and off-road challenges, but the views make it worthwhile. Reach Old Tingri by afternoon.

Ride through rolling terrain toward the shimmering waters of Lake Paiko. On clear days, enjoy views of Everest, Shishapangma, and Cho Oyu. Camp by the lake under the open sky while the support crew prepares dinner.

This is one of the toughest days on the trip. Cross two high passes through steep switchbacks and wild mountain scenery. After 40 km uphill and 30 km descent, reach the foot of Gontala Pass in Gyirong County. Camp for the night in the upper Himalayan wilderness.

Cycle downhill into verdant valleys and pine forests. The landscape changes as you reach Kyirong, a gateway town near the Nepal border. Camp by a river or forested meadow and relax after the challenging ride.

Cross the border into Nepal and cycle to Syabrubesi. After lunch, board a vehicle for the long but scenic drive to Kathmandu. Celebrate your adventure with a well-deserved rest and a final evening in the capital.

As your amazing journey through the stunning landscapes of Tibet and Nepal comes to an end, it’s time to say goodbye.