Private tour — on your dates
22 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Biking Tour
22 Days $2,189 per person Overview Itinerary Tips & FAQ Lhasa Yamdrok Lake Gyantse Shigatse Everest Base Camp (5,200m) Gyirong Border Kathmandu Himalayan landscapes Cycling from Lhasa to Kathmandu is one of the great overland…
- 22 Days / 21 Nights
- Lhasa → Yamdrok Lake → Gyantse → Shigatse → Everest Base Camp (5,200m) → Gyirong Border → Kathmandu → Himalayan landscapes
- Challenging pace
- Best: April to June and September to October
- No Deposit — Ever
- Cancel Free Before Permit Issued
- Full Refund except $100 Permit Fee
- Bring 7, Your Spot Is Free
- Our Own Office in Lhasa, Since 1999
The trip at a glance
The cycling covers the Friendship Highway in its entirety from Lhasa to the Nepal border: Gyantse, Shigatse, Tingri, Rongbuk, and on to the Gyirong crossing. The descent from the Tibetan plateau into Nepal — 3,000 metres of elevation drop over two cycling days — is one of the most extraordinary downhill rides in the world, as the landscape transforms from treeless plateau to Himalayan forest valley within a single afternoon.
This tour is for experienced cyclists with good altitude tolerance and the physical and mental stamina for 22 consecutive days of adventure travel. It is also, for those who complete it, one of the most formative journeys available anywhere in the world. The moment of crossing the Himalayan range by bicycle does not fade.
- Lhasa Sightseeing → Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple
- Lhasa → Sera Monastery, Tibet Museum
- Lhasa to Chushul (50km)
- Chushul to Kamba La (4,794m) → Yamdrok Lake (60km)
- Yamdrok Lake to Gyantse (70km)
- Gyantse to Shigatse (90km)
Day by day
Lhasa → Yamdrok Lake → Gyantse → Shigatse → Everest Base Camp (5,200m) → Gyirong Border → Kathmandu → Himalayan landscapes
Day1
Arrive Lhasa — Rest
Airport pick-up and hotel check-in. Full rest day for acclimatization.
Day2
Lhasa Sightseeing — Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple
Cultural orientation and bike collection. Visit Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple.
Day3
Lhasa — Sera Monastery, Tibet Museum
Morning visit to the Tibet Museum near Norbulingka for exhibits on Tibetan history, traditional arts, and Buddhist culture. In the afternoon, attend Sera Monastery’s famous monk debating session (15:00–17:00, except Sundays). Evening: final preparation for the Lhasa to Kathmandu cycling tour ahead.
Day4
Cycling Day 1 — Lhasa to Chushul (50km)
Warm-up day cycling south from Lhasa to Chushul.
Day5
Cycling Day 2 — Chushul to Kamba La (4,794m) — Yamdrok Lake (60km)
Ascend to Kamba La Pass for the first view of Yamdrok Lake and descend to its shores.
Day6
Cycling Day 3 — Yamdrok Lake to Gyantse (70km)
Cycle the lake shore then past Karola Glacier into Gyantse. Visit Gyantse Kumbum.
Day7
Cycling Day 4 — Gyantse to Shigatse (90km)
Cycle the flat Nyang River valley to Shigatse.
Day8
Shigatse Rest — Tashilunpo Monastery
Rest day in Shigatse. Visit Tashilunpo Monastery.
Day9
Cycling Day 5 — Shigatse to Lhatse (120km)
Long flat cycling day west along the Friendship Highway to Lhatse.
Day10
Cycling Day 6 — Lhatse to Tingri (80km)
Cycle south-west with Himalayan range appearing on the horizon.
Day11
Cycling Day 7 — Tingri to Rongbuk (65km)
The iconic ride toward Everest — the north face grows ever larger as you cycle south.
Day12
Cycling Day 8 — Rongbuk to EBC (8km) and Rest
Cycle the final 8km to Everest Base Camp (5,200m). A landmark cycling achievement.
Day13
EBC Rest and Sightseeing
Rest day at EBC. Explore the base camp area and enjoy the spectacular mountain views.
Day14
Cycling Day 9 — EBC towards Nyalam (100km descent)
Leave EBC and begin the dramatic descent westward toward the Gyirong valley and Nepal border. The terrain drops rapidly from 5,200m to 3,750m.
Day15
Cycling Day 10 — Nyalam to Gyirong (80km)
Continue the dramatic descent through ever-greener mountain valleys towards the Gyirong border town. The landscape transforms from plateau to Himalayan forest.
Day16
Cycling Day 11 — Gyirong Border Crossing to Nepal
Cross the Tibet-Nepal border at Gyirong and cycle into Nepal. The dramatic change of landscape, culture and altitude is remarkable.
Day17
Cycling Day 12 — Nepal to Kathmandu (via vehicle/cycle)
Continue toward Kathmandu by cycle or support vehicle, depending on road conditions.
Day18
Kathmandu — Rest and Exploration
Rest and recover in Kathmandu. Explore the Thamel district and famous squares.
Day19
Kathmandu — Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa
Visit Pashupatinath Temple on the sacred Bagmati River and the massive Boudhanath Stupa — UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Day20
Kathmandu — Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Durbar Square
Visit the iconic Monkey Temple and Kathmandu’s Durbar Square — a fascinating collection of temples and palaces.
Day21
Kathmandu — Patan, Bhaktapur Day Trip
Day trip to the medieval cities of Patan and Bhaktapur — two of the Kathmandu Valley’s greatest ancient settlements.
Day22
Kathmandu Departure
Transfer to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure.
Meals: Breakfast Tibet Permit — Required for All Visitors Every visitor to Tibet must hold a Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) permit. It is mandatory, cannot be obtained on arrival, and differs by nationality. We handle the full application once you book — please allow at least 15 days before your departure date.
Common Questions What is the hardest cycling section of the Lhasa to Kathmandu tour? Can I skip cycling on any day and take the support vehicle instead? Do I need a Nepal visa in advance? What happens at the Gyirong border crossing into Nepal? When is the best season for cycling from Lhasa to Kathmandu? April–May and September–October are the best months. April and May offer clear Himalayan views and warming temperatures after winter — excellent for the EBC section. September and October have stable weather, lower rainfall, and superb visibility. July and August bring the monsoon — the Nepal-side roads can be affected by heavy rain and occasional landslides.
What is included
Included
- Tibet Entry Permit and Alien’s Travel Permit
- All entrance fees for tourist sites listed in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking guide and cycling support driver
- Support vehicle for luggage transport throughout the ride
- High-quality mountain bike rental
- Helmet, basic cycling safety gear and spare parts kit
- All accommodation listed in the itinerary
- Tourist accident/casualty insurance
Not included
- Single room supplement — free of charge for any group booking 5 rooms or travelling with 10 or more.
- Flights or trains to/from Tibet
- Meals not specified in the itinerary (approximately USD 3–15 per meal)
- Tips for guide and driver
- Personal cycling equipment (padded shorts, gloves, cycling shoes)
- Bicycle repair parts beyond normal wear
Photos from this route
Questions travellers ask
What is the hardest cycling section of the Lhasa to Kathmandu tour?
The approach to Everest Base Camp (Days 11–12) at 5,200m is the highest and most physically demanding section. The Kamba La Pass (4,794m) earlier in the tour and the Gyatso La Pass (5,250m) near Tingri are also major challenges. The Nepal descent is not technically difficult but covers long distances on steep, winding mountain roads requiring sustained concentration.
Can I skip cycling on any day and take the support vehicle instead?
Yes — the support vehicle is always with the group and you can board it at any time if you are exhausted, unwell, or simply need rest. There is no pressure or penalty for vehicle days. Most cyclists use the vehicle for portions of at least one or two days on a 22-day tour. Listening to your body at altitude is essential, and your guide will encourage this.
Do I need a Nepal visa in advance?
Citizens of most countries can obtain a Nepal visa on arrival at the Gyirong border crossing. We recommend confirming your country’s eligibility before departure and carrying USD cash for the visa fee (approximately USD 30–50 depending on duration requested). We will provide specific current guidance for your nationality when you book.
What happens at the Gyirong border crossing into Nepal?
The Gyirong (Kerung) border crossing is the main land port between Tibet and Nepal. Your Tibetan guide and vehicle stop on the Tibet side; a Nepali guide and vehicle take over on the Nepal side. We coordinate both sides of the handover in advance so the process is smooth. Allow approximately 2–3 hours for border formalities and luggage transfer.
When is the best season for cycling from Lhasa to Kathmandu?
April–May and September–October are the best months. April and May offer clear Himalayan views and warming temperatures after winter — excellent for the EBC section. September and October have stable weather, lower rainfall, and superb visibility. July and August bring the monsoon — the Nepal-side roads can be affected by heavy rain and occasional landslides.
Before you send your inquiry
- No deposit — ever. Your dates are held with a free inquiry, and nothing is due until we confirm. On fixed group departures, book early to secure your seats.
- Cancel free before your Tibet Travel Permit is issued — full refund, every dollar.
- After the permit is issued: the USD $100 permit fee is non-refundable, everything else is refunded. Refunds within 7 business days.
- Bring a group of 7 and your spot is free (7+1).
- Single room supplement — free of charge for any group booking 5 rooms or travelling with 10 or more.
- Tell us your dates and route on the form below — you will have a written itinerary and an item-by-item quote within 12 hours, with no obligation to book.
- Prices depend on group size, hotel standard, season and how you travel into Tibet, so we quote each trip individually rather than from a price list.
- Hotel details — the exact hotels we use — come with your quote. Ask below for the standard you would like and we will match it.
- A Lhasa-based Tibet tour operator since 1999 — our own guides, vehicles and office in Lhasa, 7,200+ travellers from 40+ countries, 4.9★ on TripAdvisor.
