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Tours / Cycling Tour / Lhsa EBC - KTM Mountain Biking

Arrival in Kathmandu, and spend a couple of days organizing Tibet visa and sightseeing around the Kathmandu Valley. The valley is the site of four ancient capitals with their attendant palaces, temples and squares, with intermingled Buddhist and Hindu temples can keep you occupied for days.

The flight to Lhasa can be a breathtaking one the only civil aviation flight right across the Himalayas with views on a whole of 8000m peaks include Mount Everest, Cho Oyo, Makalu and kanchanjunga.

Tibet a rich and beautiful land with an average altitude of over 4,000m. Within Tibet there are more then fifty peaks above 7000m and several at over 8000m. The Tibet Autonomous Region has a population of 2,000,000, mainly Tibetans, and an area of 1.2 million sq. km. The Tibetans have a wonderful culture developed over centuries of isolation. There are great temples and monasteries where robed monks still wear their traditional yellow hats.

Biking in Tibet is non-technical as the route is along hard-packed roads, but the altitude is always a factor as we cross six passes at over 5000m. The route is also remote and the weather often cold, so the journey is not for the faint-hearted. During the journey you will cross several 5000 meter passes, visit the world highest Base camp and you will have great North West view of Mt. Everest. then you enjoy the world’s longest downhill ride. You’ll also pass through a breathtaking scenic mix of alpine plateaus and cross the Trans-Himalaya ranges and lush jungle. The route does, however, finish with a long downhill finish to reach Nepal.

Biking in Tibet it is hard and we need lot calorie, good food and lot of drinking. so we have got always Nepali cook, sherpa and Bike Guide. also in Tibet we can not get to buy western food in the market. so all the food we supply from kathmandu by truck. drinking water is very important in Tibet and many place you can't get good drinking water and many times clients get sick. 

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Day 01: Pick up from the International Airport, transfer to hotel and welcome dinner.

Day 02: Sightseeing in the Kathmandu valley.

Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa. The flight takes about one hour: if the weather is fine then the view of some of the world's highest mountains is magnificent. From the airport we have a one hour drive to Lhasa and our hotel. In the afternoon we familiarize ourselves with our bikes

Day 04: Breakfast at 7.30, then at 9.30 we visit the Potala Palace. We then have free time. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 05: Breakfast at 7.30 then at 9.00 we visit the Jokhang Temple continuing to the Sera Monastery by bike. 22.8km, 105m of height gain. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Breakfast at 8.00 then we leave at around 9.30 to reach Ganden (27km). From there we return to Lhasa along another route. Total 60 km, 365hm. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Today our trip really starts. We use a jeep to travel the first 9km then bike over the Khamba La Pass, at 4769m. Overnight in tents close to Yamdruk Tso Lake.

Day 08: (73.3km, 751m of height gain to 4465m, 41/2 hours riding time). Today we bike to Nagarche (30 km) a small town where we can eat and drink. The road is at first, but then the dirt road starts. We cross the Karo La Pass (5100m, after 59km) then descend steeply for 14km to reach our campsite in a fine road-side meadow.

Day 09: (60km, 520hm, 3900m). Today starts downhill, then along a flat section beside a river, passing beautiful Tibetan villages to reach an artificial lake constructed to provide hydro-electric power. Now we climb to the Sim La Pass (at 4330m, 27.7 km). We descend from the pass with care as a fall here would be into very sharp rocks. After a short climb to another pass we descend around hairpin bends to a small village and a lunch stop at 43 km. From there it is a mainly flat road to Gyantse.

Day 10: (93km, 104hm, 3970m, 4 hours). The road from Gyantse to Shigatse, Tibet's second city, is paved and flat, so this is an easy day. We ride through agricultural scenery, with many Tibetans working the fields at the roadside. We stop for lunch just beyond a small town, at 48km, where there is pleasant meadow besides the road, a fine place for relaxing after the morning ride. In the afternoon we continue to Shigatse where we overnight in a hotel.

Day 11: Sightseeing visit to the Tashilagpo Monastery in the morning, then the afternoon free. 

Day 12: (105km, 810hm, 4340m). We follow the paved road slightly uphill out of the city, but then across mostly flat country until we cross a small pass (4010m at 31km) from where a new landscape can be seen: from here the terrain is desert-like rather than arable. After lunch we continue across more flat country to reach our camp site at the foot of the Tso-La pass.

Day 13: (59km, 553hm, 4215 m). The Tso-La Pass, at 4505m, is reached after a long (10km) climb. Beyond there is an amazing 8km downhill run before a flat section reaches Lhazi. We may stop for lunch before reaching the town or push on to reach it. Lhazi has shops and excellent places to eat. From the town it is only a short distance to where we camp at a beautiful spot beside a river. We can swim here, though the water is very cold as the river flows down from the high peaks.

Day 14: (72km, 1324hm, 4350m, 53/4 hours) It's a hard day today, with a nasty climb of at least 3 hours, rising over 1000m to the Gya Tso-La Pass (at 5220m after 22km), one of the highest passes on the route. Because of the height it is usually very cold at the pass so we do not linger, going fast downhill to a small tea house where we have lunch. In the afternoon we follow the road to Shegar. Often this section of road is very dusty, but the views are good and there is a good hotel for the night with hot showers to take away the dust and the weariness of a long hard day.

Day 15: (74.5km, 1212hm, 4295m, 5 hours). Today starts with a downhill, then flat ride along a paved road to a police checkpoint where we need to show all our documents. Here the main road continues to Tingri but we turn off for the Everest North Base Camp, climbing to the Pang La Pass (at 5200m at 34km) from where, in clear weather, the view of Everest, Makalu and Cho Oyo is stunning. We can stop for lunch here. Then we now go downhill to Tasi xo. This downhill ride is long and has many hairpin bends, but there are teas houses at the village where we can relax. Our camp site for the night is about 11km from the village along a flat road.

Day 16: (31.7km, 719hm, 5030 m, 3 hours). We reach the Rongbuck Base Camp, starting off beside the Rong chu river with views of Everest ahead. The going is bumpy and with the altitude can be hard work, particularly on the last, uphill section, so we take it very slowly. We take lunch at Rongbuck, then continue to Everest Base Camp, another 7km. We have to cover those last kilometers on horseback as the rules changed in 2004 and no vehicles or bikes are allowed to Base Camp.

Day 17: (70.5km, 426hm, 4571m, 5 hours). We ride towards Tingri, crossing the Lamna La Pass. This is a delightful ride as the road is not in good enough condition for motor traffic so bikers have it to themselves and can enjoy the scenery. There are remote villages and meadows with yaks and sheep. We stop for lunch at after about 30km, having climbed 553m to reach an altitude of 5030m. From the pass we go downhill to reach a river across which there is no bridge - time to take off our shoes and wade through the cold, knee-deep water. We now follow the river gently downhill to Tingri, a beautiful town with fine views of Everest and Cho Oyo. We overnight in a guesthouse.

Day 18: (70.5km, 426hm, 4570m, 5 hours). An easy day on paved, then dirt roads, but with no high passes. The views along the way, of villages with Tibetans in typical dress and beautiful landscapes, are excellent. We stop for lunch stop at 42.5km (185hm, 21/2 hours) close to a river. Then we descend to our campsite, close to a river where we can swim.

Day 19: (82km, 1200hm, 3818 m, 61/2 hours). Today we cross the Lalung La and Yakri Shong La passes. From our camp we climb straight up to the Lalung La (14.4 km, 447hm, 4910 m, about 11/2 hours), then after a short descent we climb again to the Yakri Shong La (26.4 km, 705hm, 5050 m 3 hours). To compensate for the climbs there are tremendous views of Shishapangma (Xixabangma), to the right, and other great Himalayan peaks. The Yakri Shong La is the last pass of the route. Beyond it there is a long descent to Nepal, probably the longest downhill road in the world. We stop for lunch after 36km, at 4534 m, where there is a tea house at the bottom of a steep downhill section. This is a good tea house with a strong mud wall which protects us if there is a wind blowing, as there often is. After lunch we continue down (though not now as steeply as before). It sounds easy, but the wind and dust can make this section hard work and we will be tired when we reach Nyalam, a town with opportunities for a drink and a rest. Our camp will be 3km from the town on a fine meadow site.

Day 20: (55km, 187hm, 1411m, 21/2 hours). Downhill again, this time concentrating hard as the road is rocky in places and a fall would be dangerous. Finally we reach the Chinese customs at Xhangmu (at 31km). The town is the last in China and there are often a lot of jeeps and trucks which add to the hazard of the descent. It can take some time to get through customs and is much easier if we stay together as a single group. Then it is downhill again for another 9km to Friendship Bridge and the Nepalese customs at Kadari. Here we stop for lunch at a restaurant which serves both Nepalese and western food. After lunch we continue along the valley of the Bhote Kosi River, crossing a suspension bridge from where people make the second longest bungy jump in the world.

Day 21: (67.7km, 1205hm, 1470m 4 hours). You will probably feel a difference in temperature today - after the cold of the Tibetan plateau it can be 30°C as we ride beside the Bhotkosi River, with rice paddies on the slope either side of the valley. The road is 90% paved and mostly downhill for 37km, before turning uphill for 4 km. We then descend to Dolal Ghat Bridge where we can have lunch in the only local restaurant. Across the bridge the road is flat at first, then rises to Lamidanda. Beyond we reach a Nepalese Army Control Post before a final uphill section to Dhulikhel Resort where we spend the night.

Day 22: (39.5 km, 538hm, 1330m, 21/2 hours) Today there is a choice - bus transfer to Kathmandu or bike all the way to Thamel if those who want to make the whole tour by bike. In Kathmandu we chose a route which takes us away from most of the city traffic.

Day 23: Free day in Kathmandu, perhaps shopping for souvenirs for yourself, family and friends.

Day 24: Departure to Tribhuban International Airport You should enter the airport 3 hours before your flight schedule. It is 6 km car ride with our representative takes minimum 30 minutes time to get there. We hope you enjoyed once in Nepal and it is not enough so we optimist next visit with us for new program. We wish you safe and happy flight journey to next destination with putting scarf (Khata). We make sure you are not going to pay any airport take because it is already included in your flight ticket.

How fit do I need to be for this biking trip? Is this trip for me?

Long cycling days and tougher terrain (for both on- and off-road trips) require a certain degree of experience of more demanding and technical riding for the upper mustang  Biking Trip. Vehicle support may be limited. You should be very confident of your physical condition and bike-handling skills.

Will somebody come to pick me up at the Airport upon my arrival?

Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying an Glory Nepalsign-board. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

What sort of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu, Pokhara and along the biking route?

We use standard rooms at three star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast .

Along the biking route below Upper Mustang (Kagbeni, Muktinath, Tatopani), teahouses/lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. We usually provide single and double rooms, or occasionally a dormitory. Dining will be around a bon fire when possible. In tea houses, food will be prepared in the kitchen which you should not enter without permission. The toilets in tea houses provide essential and basic facilities.

While in camping in Upper Mustang area, we provide the best possible camping service complete with comfortable two person tents with good mattresses. A kitchen, dining, shower, toilet tents, chairs with tables are also provided. Refer to the equipment list for items you will need to bring. We usually camp in or near a village, which allows you to buy sweets and drinks, which we do not carry with us. We provide the best possible camping service complete with comfortable two-person tents with mattresses. A kitchen, dining, shower, toilet tents, chairs with tables are also provided. Refer to the equipment list for items you will need to bring. We provide toilet paper and other essential toiletries. You will also get a small bucket of hot water each morning in your tent for a quick scrub up.

What sort of food can I expect in trekking?

Most teahouses (lodges) below Upper Mustang (Kagbeni, Muktinath, Tatopani) cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, dhal bhat, bread, soups, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization – eat some every day. Each day dinner and breakfast will be at a lodge you'll stay at while lunch will be taken on the way to destination.

During the camping our expert cook can prepare specially requested food if you advise. In any case, you will have similar fare to teahouses. You can eat as much as you like. If you have any special dietary requirements please advise us in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

What mode of transportation do you use?

Glory Nepalis all about providing you with local insights, lifestyle as well as adventure. Depending on the nature of the travel, the transportation to and from the destination varies from domestic flights to vehicular transportation. You have the option of flying to Pokhara from where we again take a flight to Jomsom, which is the starting point of our biking trip. We provide you only those options, which enhance your local experience while allowing you to bike comfortably and efficiently. We use private tourist vehicles for sightseeing, city tours and pickups. Depending on the group size we use cars, minibus, vans or alternatively 4WD SUVs, more maneuverable in travelling along the narrow and bumpy roads of Nepal. All the vehicles are usually air-conditioned unless we are travelling in cooler areas.

While in the mountain we use vehicular transportation whereas possible. We also use porters, Yaks and Donkeys to carry the equipment and meals during the camping trip.

We use our own Fleet service for Transportation...Click to know more about our fleet service!

What is the best season for this trip?

The best time for the Upper Mustang Mountain Biking is from March to November. It is not very advisable to bike during the winter season (December, January and February)

What type of bike is required for this trip and what brands are available for hire?

Either hard-tail or full suspension mountain bikes will do fine. In some parts of the routes, you can take downhill shortcuts for which we strongly recommend full suspension bikes. (Your guide will let you know if there are any shortcuts you can take.)

All the brands we provide are properly serviced and fully functional standard hardtail rentals best suited for the trips. We provide full suspension bikes (if preferred by our clients) for an additional charge.

Trek: 3-, 4-, 6- and 8-series
Cube: Comp, LTD, CMPT, Reaction
Giant: ATX, Tralon
Other brands: Capic and V-Ket

Are hired bikes guaranteed for the trip?

Bikes are hired at the time of booking, and are included in the price. The frame size of the bike has to be matched with your height, and since there is a limited number of each size, we strongly suggest you provide us with this information well ahead. In case of any damage incurred to the bike or the equipments, the client will be liable to pay for the repair and/or replacement, depending on the nature of the damage.

What equipment and tools are included with the bike hire?

We provide a helmet, a pump, a spare tube, a water bottle and a repair kit with a rental bike.

 What additional equipment is available upon request for an additional cost?

Cycle computer and a GPS unit for USD 2 and USD 5, respectively, per day per person.

Can I bring my own bike and accessories?

You definitely can! It is highly recommended that you have your bike thoroughly serviced before coming on the trip. Spare parts are available in Kathmandu, but may not always be compatible with your bike.

Most airlines are quite used to people travelling with bikes, and if a bike is properly boxed and within the luggage allowance, it is a relatively hassle-free experience. On arrival at your destination you will be met by your leader, and you will just need a baggage trolley to take your bike as far as the transfer vehicle.

Make sure the bikes are properly packed. You may do it yourself (here's a guide or if you're not sure, you could have a local bike shop pack it for you.

We take every care to ensure your bike is well treated, but it is normal for a bike to sustain minor scratches, resulting during the daily ride as well as loading and unloading from support/transport vehicles.

What is the procedure of checking in with a bike and what luggage weight allowance do I have?

Your bike is part of your baggage allowance on the plane, details of which are shown on your flight ticket, and maximum weights are usually between 20 and 25 kgs. A boxed bike weighs around 16 kg, so you need to pack carefully. Put heavy items in your hand baggage, wear your heavy/bulky jacket when you check in. Glory Nepalwill not be liable for any excess baggage charges brought by the airline as a result of your exceeding the baggage allowance, whether you have a hire bike or take your own bike. In practice excess luggage charges are rare for those who pack sensibly, even if you are a little over the specified limit.

Few airlines impose specific standard bike carriage charges. All such charges are beyond our control, and to be paid by the client. Where we know of a bike carriage charge in advance, this will be added to the relevant trip notes. In the unlikely event of any of your luggage and or bike being misplaced or damaged while in the care of the airline, a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) must be filed with the appropriate airline on arrival. This is essential if you subsequently wish to make a claim against the airline or on your travel insurance. This must be done at the airport where your baggage arrived, or should have arrived.

Are there any bike maintenance and repairs while on the trip?

The support vehicle (where available) and the guide will carry the required repair tools and spares. We do recommend you carry some basic tools and spares (like a puncture kit and Allen keys). Our guides are also qualified mechanics and have ample experience maintaining bikes on the trips.

What cycling gear do I need?

Safety and comfort are what you're looking for here. Here's a quick list of what you'll need for the trip:

    Cycling helmet (included with the bike rent)
    Touring shoes
    Cycling gloves
    Cycling shorts (1 to 3 pair)
    Socks - wool or synthetic (2 or 3 pair)
    Leg warmers or tights for riding
    Short-sleeved shirts (2)
    Light, long-sleeved shirt for layering and sun protection
    Windcheater, rain gear, jacket and pants
    Waterproof shoe covers

It is recommended that you carry a backpack with your valuables like camera and passport. Panniers are not suitable for the trips.

Can I bring my own saddle and pedals?

Yes. All the bikes are compatible with customized bike parts. The support team accompanying the group will be able help with any bike alterations or damage to the bike along the entire trip. Please inform us in advance if you plan to bring your own saddle and pedals.

Do we need to be experienced cyclists for longer tours?

 No. The guide will carefully pace the ride to include rest and refreshment along the way. Where available, the support vehicle will accompany you and you can always hitch a ride if you need a break.

Can I charge my digital camera or other equipments on my trip?

These facilities will be available in most of the places in your hotel/lodge reception by paying some service charges. Remember to bring travel adapters!

There will be very limited charging facilities during your camping so please bring the enough spare batteries.

Are there any communication facilities during the trip?

There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. Internet and international calls are readily available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Can I use credit cards in the places I visit in trekking?

 In the cities, yes - to some extent. Once you are out of the cities, all you need is cash.

 How much additional money do I need per day?

It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you can allocate USD 20 for a lunch and a dinner. USD 7 to 10 a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates and a few drinks during the trekking.

Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?

This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters thanks for their help. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide.

Is the water fine to drink? Do I need to bring purifying tablets/filter?

In most places below Upper Mustang, bottled water is readily available. If you wish to drink normal water, you need to use purifying aid, which you need to bring with you.

During the camping we will serve boiled and purify water to drink.

Are the Glory Nepal's staff insured?

Our company insures all our staff members, including guides, cooks, Sherpas and porters. Please browse though Company Information pages to view insurance details.

What essential documents do I need to bring with me on tours?

 Here are some documents that you will need to carry with you:

    Valid Passport – must be valid for up to 6 months after you return from your tour, keep a separate photocopy.
    Travel insurance, keep a separate photocopy
    Cash and Traveller’s Cheques, keep numbers and proof of purchase separately
    Flight tickets
    Emergency contact numbers for T/C’s, banks, insurance, family contacts.

Can I add extra days to my trip?

A holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food.

I would you like to extend my holiday, any recommendations?

Yes, there are a plenty of options and choices to extend your holiday before or after your main trip. Please go into our trip extension page for further information.

What immunizations will I need?

No vaccinations are compulsory fro travelling in Nepal, but we do recommend you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, *malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus.

We also recommend:

    A dental check-up prior to travelling.
    That you know your blood group in case of emergency.

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and Glory Nepalat the time of your booking.

Entrance Fees

• All the entrance fees while sightseeing in the city.
• Guided Katmandu sightseeing tour by Car.
 All accommodation on B/B basis.
• 13% government tax where applicable.

International Flights

• International flights, visa and departure taxes
• Airport pick up and drop.

Personal Expenses

• Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, laundry

Other Expenses

• All the expenses in except mention in the include section

Domestic Airport Tax

• Domestic airport tax

Costs from unforeseen events

• Costs arising from unforeseen events outside our control

All the entrance feels for sight seeing in the city

International flights, visa and departure taxes

Tips for gratuities

Drink, Posatage, Laundry for Personal Expenses

Domestic Airport Tax