Tibet
China
     

Cycle Tibet
Lhasa to Kathmandu by Bicycle

Chengdu - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Lhatse - Rombuk - Everest Base Camp - Lao Tingri - Kathmandu

One of the world's most strenuous bike rides!

Spectacular scenery, challenging riding (six 5000 meter plus passes!) and encounters with one of the world’s most fascinating cultures make this a truly incredible experience.

The lure of Lhasa, capital on the roof of the world, cannot be under-estimated and it is truly a fascinating city, fully justifing its reputation. Dominated by the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Potala Palace and bustling with pilgrims circling the sacred Jokhang Temple it is a feast for the senses.

 Cross the spectacular Khamba-La (pass) with the turquoise waters of the sacred lake, Yamdrok-tso, spread below. Prayer flags, glaciers, snow covered mountain ranges - the scenery is incredible!

Gyantse stands at the junction of trade routes from India and retains the feel of a Tibetan town. The forts and well-protected monasteries of Gyantse and Shigatse reveal a not always peaceful history - the riches within, testament to past glory.From the tiny monastery at Rhongphu the view of Qomolangma (Mt Everest) is absolutely magnificent as it stands alone at the head of the valley - a walk or drive to Base Camp brings you even closer.


Operated on behalf of

Itinerary
Day 1 Chengdu Days 2-5 Lhasa Days 6- 8 to Gyantse Day 9 Gyantse Days 10-11 Shigatse Days 12-13 Xegar via Lhatse & the Gyatso La Days 14-16 Qomolangma Nature Preserve, Rombuk & Everest Base Camp Day 17 Lao Tingri Days 18-19 Nyalam via Lalung La Day 20 Zhagmu & Last Resort Day 21 to Kathmandu Day 22 Depart
Potala Palace
The symbol of Tibet, this awesome palace containing over 1000 rooms and 200,000 images dominates the city. The original 7th century building was replaced by the current 130,000square meter structure in the 17th century.

Jokhang Temple
The 1300-year-old, golden-roofed building at the center of the Barkhor is the spiritual heart of both the city and of the Tibetan world.The entrance is almost constantly filled with prostrating pilgrims – inside the labyrinth of shrines, halls and galleries are dimly lit by butter lamps and filled with pilgrims and incense and house some of the finest treasures of Tibetan art including a pure gold statue of Sakyamuni.

Gyantse
An important junction of the trade routes from Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan. By 1440 Gyantse’s most impressive architectural achievements had been completed – the Kumbum, the dzong and Pelkor Chode monastery.
Rongbuk & Everest Base Camp
The view from the world's highest monastery is incredible, and from EBC at 5200m, even more stunning.
Tashilumpo
Founded in 1447 by a nephew and disciple of Tsongkhapa who was retroactively named the first Dalai Lama. The original building was built above a sacred sky-burial site, the stone slab of which can still be seen on the floor. Tashilhunpo is one of the four great Geluk monasteries in Tibet and at its peak housed 4700 monks and is still the largest functioning monastic community in Tibet. The most amazing image is the 26m Maitreya, erected in its own Lhakhang by the 9th Panchen Lama in 1914 and covered with 279 kg of gold.
5000m Passes
Make for some of the world's most challenging cycling as well as incredible views.
Kathmandu
Busy streets, temples and shrines, historic sights, restaurants galore and shopping to keep you busy for days.

Tour Cost
USD2695 p/p
plus USD300p/p local payment

Departures
May 25, 2008
June 22, 2008
July 20, 2008

Physical Grading: 5 (Extreme)
Culture Shock Grading: 4 (Moderate-high)
Accommodation: Hotel/Guest House (10 nights), Camping (11 nights)
Transport: Bike with support vehicle. private vehicle for airport transfers and sightseeing.
Group size: Min 4/ Max 15
Accompanied by: Tour Leader & Tibetan guide
 Meals: All meals whilst camping (11 nights).
Included Sightseeing:
Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Pelkor Choede & Gyantse Kumbum, Tashilumpo, Qomolangma Nature preserve.
     


Tibetan Expeditions
100 Beijing Dong Lu, Lhasa, Tibet, PRC
Tel: +86-891-6330489
Fax: +86-891-6330482
Mobile: +86-891-6571338
Bhutan
Mongolia
SE Asia