15 Days Tibet Mountain Bike Tour: Lhasa to EBC - 710km Adventure Ride

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region! Upon your arrival at the airport in Lhasa, the tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the hotel in downtown Lhasa (100km, about 1.5 hours’ drive) . You can have a good rest to get used to the altitude (3,650m) in your hotel and get ready to explore Lhasa with your guide the next day.

Arrival Ideas: Lhasa is located in the southern part of the Tibetan Plateau and southwestern China. Traveling to Tibet is convenient by air, railway, or road. There are five airports in Tibet, with Lhasa Gonggar Airport being the most popular for flights from Chengdu (which is also popular), Chongqing, Xian, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming, Xining, Shangri-La, and other cities. One international airline even connects Lhasa and Kathmandu. Moreover, travelers can take the train to Lhasa from Xining (21 hours, the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway), Lanzhou (24.5 hours), Chongqing (35.5 hours), Chengdu (36.5 hours), Xian (31 hours), Beijing (40.5 hours), Shanghai (47 hours), Guangzhou (52.5 hours), Shigatse (2.5 hours), Nyingzhi (4 hours), and other cities.

Kind Reminds:
1. It is good to avoid altitude sickness by slowing down, keeping warm, drinking water frequently, avoiding showers for the first one or two days, taking it easy, and sleeping well.
2. You should always follow your doctor's advice regarding altitude based on your health condition.
3. Be sure to let your guide or the hotel staff know whenever you feel unwell or need help. The people there are always willing to help and are good at dealing with altitude sickness.

Today you will explore Lhasa for its brilliant architectures, culture, and history, then stroll through the famous Barkhor Street with locals and experience the daily kora life of Tibetans.

In the morning, you can walk up to the Potala Palace to explore. Not only is it the landmark of Tibet, but it is also the traditional residence and winter palace of the Dalai Lama (1649-1959). After climbing 365 steps from the gate of the Potala Palace to reach the Red Palace, you will arrive at the highest palace in the world at an altitude of 3,700m, where you can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of Lhasa city. As you explore the principal halls, chapels, and shrines of past Dalai Lamas in the Red Palace, you will be amazed and moved by its remarkable paintings, gorgeous jeweled works, skilled carving, colorful ornamentation, and the mystery stories behind the treasures. Inside the Potala Palace, you will meet many Tibetan pilgrims who come from afar to pray at this sacred site, making it a lifetime destination for them. You can also ask your guide to provide more stories about Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of Tibet, who first built the Potala Palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty.

Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the visiting time specified on your Potala Palace ticket. All visitors are required to visit the palace with a tour group and remain inside for one hour. Please be advised that photography is prohibited inside the palace.

After exploring the Potala Palace Museum, move to the 1300-year-old Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibet and a world cultural heritage site. It is said that the Jokhang Monastery is built for King Songtsen Gampo's two brides: Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepal Princess Bhrikuti. "Jokhang" means "House of Buddha", it houses the statue of the life-size 12-year-old Sakyamuni which is the treasure of the Buddhism world. That is why Buddhist pilgrims take it as the holiest destination. The time seems to stand still when you watch them pray in front of the temple during the day and night.

Afterward, take a walk on busy Barkhor Street near the Jokhang Monastery, which was a place for Buddhists to do a kora (pilgrim circuit) in ancient times. Nowadays, it has become a thriving local market where you can drink a pot of yak butter tea, dress in Tibetan clothes for photos, and pick up some local Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian handicrafts and souvenirs.

Today you will enjoy the culture tour of Lhasa via a visit to two of the "great three" Gelug university monasteries of Tibet, the Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery.

In the morning, drive about 35min (12km) to visit Drepung Monastery which was the largest Tibetan monastery (Gelug Sect, Yellow Hat) in Lhasa. It used to be Dalai Lama’s palace before he moved to the Potala Palace in the 17th century. Now it is famous for Drepung Shoton Festival held each August, people come to offer yogurt to the monks who finished the 100 days’ meditation while enjoying the grandest Buddha (thangka) unfolding ceremony. Besides the unique architecture and amazing buildings, you can watch monks debating in Tibetan Buddhism vibrant and active with expansive gestures, clapping, and stamping. After Drepung Temple, you will have about a 2-hour Tibetan culture tour, which includes an introduction, Tibetan incense making, and block printing.

In the afternoon, drive another 40min (14km) to visit Sera Monastery. Step on one of the most beautiful monastery compounds, and its white stone roads and walkways makes you feel almost Mediterranean. The highlight of Sera Monastery is watch the monks’ debate at around 15:00 - 17:00 (except Sundays). It is an interesting form of debate, you can see one monk, the questioner, standing while the answerer or group of answerers, sitting. The standing monk will ask question and slap his palms and stomp, each action has its special meaning, such as activating wisdom, and are not meant to be aggressive.

After that, be escorted back to your hotel in Lhasa.

This morning, get your bicycle ready and start your Tibet biking tour from Lhasa to  Khangbala Village (Gangba Village 岗巴村), covering a distance of approximately 85km (7hours) via Nirvana Buddha (Niedang Buddha) and Brahmaputra Bridge (3,797m).

Depart Lhasa, you will ride along China-Nepal Highway (G318; 中尼公里) which is perfect good and flat. G318 starts from Shanghai and ends at Zhangmu in Tibet (China Nepal Border). Cycling enthusiasts acclaim G318 as "the most beautiful national highway in China" and a route many cyclists aspire to ride at least once. Along the journey on G318, you will encounter numerous fellow cyclists heading to EBC or local Tibetans making the pilgrimage, and exchanging greetings will surely receive warm responses and encouragement. You will enjoy the scenic view of the Lhasa River (拉萨河) along the way. The Lhasa River, known as the "River of Happiness" in Tibetan, is the mother river of Lhasa. It originates from the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains (念青唐古拉山) and flows through Lhasa before joining the Yarlung Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra雅鲁藏布江). The peaks along the banks of the Lhasa River range from 3,600 to 5,500 meters, making it one of the highest rivers in the world. You won't miss the giant Buddha, known as the Nirvana Buddha (聂当大佛), located next to the temple by the Lhasa River. This famous cliff stone carving Buddha stands approximately 9 meters tall, seated in a cross-legged position, with a divine and ethereal presence. This is a major attraction that can be seen from the car windows by both domestic and international tourists before entering Lhasa.

Then, you will cycling across Brahmaputra Bridge, the highlight of today. The Yarlung Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra), is the longest plateau river in China and is known as the "Mt. Everest of Rivers". It has abundant water resources and is second only to the Yangtze River in China. The Bridge is the first long-span bridge spanning the Yarlung Tsangpo River with a total length of 3,797 meters. The Brahmaputra Bridge serves as a vital passage from Lhasa City to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. From the bridge, one can not only enjoy the breathtaking plateau scenery but also become part of the scenic beauty itself.

Afterward, we will proceed to overnight in Khangbala Village.

Today, you will cycle approximately 75 km (about 8-9 hours) from Khangbala Village to Langkazi Village via Kamba La Pass (4,797m) and Yamdrok Lake (4,441m).

Leaving Khangbala Village, today's cycling journey begins with a climb. After approximately 25km of steep ascent, you will reach the Kamba La Pass (Khangbala Pass) adorned with colorful prayer flags. This is the first mountain pass of your trip, with an elevation reaching 4,797m. At Khangbala Pass, you can enjoy the stunning panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake and look back at the winding road you have traveled. Descending from the pass, you will arrive at the shores of Yamdrok Lake, where you can appreciate the tranquil beauty of this long and narrow lake up close. Besides a breathtaking view of Yamdrok Lake (a freshwater lake) you can also have a spectacular view of the holy Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar (7,206m) in the distance. Yamdrok Lake is one of the four largest sacred lakes in Tibet along with Lake Lhamo Latso, Lake Manasarovar, and Lake Namtso. Lake Yamdrok is said to be able to help Tibetans find the reincarnated soul of the Dalai Lama. You will be happy to see dressed-up Tibetan mastiffs/dogs, goats, and yaks there. It is optional for you to pay 5-20 yuan to pose with and take photos of them, for local Tibetans, it’s a subsidy income for their family.

Then, you will continue cycling along the lakeside road, enjoying the scenic views of Yamdrok Lake as you make your way to Langkazi Village. Overnight in Langkazi .

Today, you will cycle about 105 km (about 9-10 hours) from Langkazi Village to Gyantse via Karola Pass (5,010m), Karola Glacier (5,110 m) and Simila Pass (4,335m).

This morning, you need to climb up the Karola Pass (5,010m) by bike and reach the Karola Glacier which is one of the most beautiful Glaciers in Tibet and the location of the film Red Valley (Hong He Gu红河谷). As one of Tibet's three major continental glaciers, backed by the southern slope of Naiqin Kangsang Peak (7,191 meters), one of the four highest peaks in Tibet, this white glacier is also the source of the eastern part of the Nianchu River. The Karola Glacier (5,012m) is only 300 meters away from the highway connecting Lhasa to Gyantse town. You can view it right off the highway from your bike. Sure you can easily walk to the foot of the charming glacier which shape is like a frozen waterfall right above the road and you. Besides the fantastic hike to the Karola Glacier, on the opposite side of the road, you can appreciate the beautiful snow-capped mountain of Mt Kalurong. After Karola Glacier, you will cycling down. Then, cycling up again toward the Smila Pass at 4,335 meters.

The last section of today’s riding is flat road all the way to Gyantse via the Friendship Highway between Tibet and Nepal. Gyantse is the third largest city of Tibet after Lhasa and Shigates. Overnight in Gyantse.

Karola Glacier Visiting Notes:

• The altitude at the glacier scenic spot is about 5,010m, be sure to slow down to avoid altitude sickness.
• The public toilet at the glacier is very basic.
• Local people would ask you to take photos with them for a fee. Be sure to ask before taking photos to avoid potential little troubles.

Today, you will cycle about 95 km (about 8 hours) from Gyantse to Shigatse via a visit of Pelkor Monastery. Today’s riding is easy and relax without climbing mountain pass.

This morning if you are interested, you can ride to explore Pelkor Monastery (Palcho Monastery), an important site for Tibetan Buddhism that houses different sects including the Gelug, Sakyapa, and Kadampa. Pelkor Monastery, with a history over 600 years, is also renowned for its impressive architecture, which blends Tibetan, Nepalese, and Han Chinese styles. One of the main attractions of Pelkor Monastery is the Kumbum Stupa (Gyangtse Kumpum), which is a nine-story tower adorned with thousands of images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. It is said to be the largest such structure in Tibet. Visitors can enjoy their time by witnessing the daily rituals and prayers of the monks, and have a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape from the top of the Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda). You can also catch the far view of Gyangtse Fortress ( Gyantse Dzong).

Then, ride to Shigatse (3,860m), the second largest city of Tibet. On the way biking to Shigatse, you will notice vast expanses of barley fields, rapeseed flower fields, wheat fields, and even locals cultivating vegetables and fruits. It's no wonder that Shigatse is known as the "granary of Tibet." Along the journey, you will also come across yaks, sheep, and horses. As you enter Shigatse, you will see the railway, as the high-speed train connection from Lhasa to Shigatse has been established. Overnight in Shigatse.

Today, you will bike about 62 km (about 8 hours) from Shigatse to Jiding Town via China-Nepal Highway. Today’s riding is easy and relax. Take your time to ride on the plat road with beautiful scenery.

Starting from Shigatse and heading towards Jiding County, you will encounter typical desert terrain along the way. It is evident to see the marks left by rainwater erosion on the mountainsides. The route consists of a well-paved asphalt road, with sparse human settlements. It may take a long time before encountering another vehicle passing by. Today's cycling journey is relatively easy. After crossing Jiding Bridge, you will reach Jiding Town. The town is relatively larger, and you can take a stroll and rest there.

Overnight in Jiding Town.

Today, you will cycle about 90km (about 9hours) from Jiding Town to Lhatse via China-Nepal Highway.

Departing from Jiding Town, you will pass through vast fields of rapeseed flowers along the way. After about 40 kilometers, you will reach the famous 5,000km milestone of the G318 (318国道5,000km纪念碑). The starting point of G318 is Shanghai's People's Square, passing through Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Hubei, Chongqing, Sichuan, and finally reaching Zhangmu Town, Tibet, at the China-Nepal Friendship Bridge. The total length of the highway is 5,476 kilometers, and the distance from Shanghai to Latse is 5,000 kilometers. Traveling on G318 is a dream for many Chinese people and a must-visit route for countless pilgrims heading to Tibet. Each milestone on this over 5000-kilometer-long highway is filled with stories, forming the "Scenic Avenue of Chinese People中国人的景观大道." Only those who have traveled on G318 can truly understand the meaning of "the solitude of pilgrims." After an easy ascent of the Yunongla Pass (4,534m尤弄拉山口), you can enjoy a downhill ride all the way to the town of Latse, which is the intersection of G318 and G219 (Xinjiang-Tibet Highway).

Lhatse is renowned as the "North Gate of Mount Everest" and the "Land of Duixie" (堆谐之乡). "Dui" refers to Lhatse, Dingri, and other areas upstream of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, while "Xie" means dance, specifically referring to the dances performed by people in the "Dui" region. The dance moves are graceful and intense, and loved by the local people. It has been listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage. Lhatse, also known as the "Hometown of Tibetan Knives," is famous for its Tibetan knives, which are well-known both domestically and internationally. The entire set of craftsmanship is handmade, and the streets on both sides of the town center are lined with shops selling Tibetan knives. Overnight in Lhtase.

Today, you will ride about 83 km (about 10hours) from Lhatse to Pelba (Shegar) along G219 (Xinjiang-Tibet Highway) via Gyatso la Pass (5,248m). Today’s ride will be filled with stunning views.

Depart Lhaste, after climbing for over 30km, you will reach the highest mountain pass of your Tibet bike tour, Gyatso la Pass, at an altitude of 5,248 meters. Gyatso la Pass is also the gateway to the Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, and a massive conservation area sign with colorful prayer flags hanging on it stands on the road. At this high altitude, vegetation becomes scarce. The upper half of the landscape appears pure blue, while the lower half is dominated by monotonous reddish-brown and grayish-yellow colors. Apart from the gray mountain road, there are hardly any signs of life. Tibetan people raise colorful prayer flags here, and as the wind blows, the prayer flags flutter, blessing those who pass through this area. On clear days, at Gyatso la Pass, you will have the opportunity to catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest.

From Gyatso la Pass to Dingri, most of the 50-plus kilometers are downhill. You will pass by the Mount Everest viewpoint, where you can once again stop and admire the majestic peak. Upon reaching Pelba (Baiba, New Dingri), you can take a good rest and prepare for continuing along the Everest Highway the next day (the starting point of the Everest Highway is Lhatse, and the endpoint is Everest Base Camp at the foot of Mount Everest), getting closer to Everest Base Camp. Overnight in Pelba.

Today, you will ride about 63km (about 8hours) from Pelba (Shegar) to Tashizong Village along Everest Highway via Gyawu La Pass (5,210m) and the 108 Turns of the Mountain Road.

Departing from Pelba, after about 34km of biking, you will climb up to cross the last mountain pass, Gyawu La Pass (5,210m), to reach EBC for your Tibet Cycling Tour. You would get your glimpse of Mt. Everest from the Gyawu La Pass (5,210m).  Apart from Mt. Everest, you will be marveled at the zigzag road (108 Turns) and proud of the people who are involved in road construction and maintenance. Standing here, on clear days, you can see five mountains which are above 8,000m from east to west in the following order Mount Makalu 8,463m, Mount Lhotse 8516m, Mount Chomolungma 8,848.86m, Mount Cho-Oyu 8,201m, and Mt. Xixiabangma 8,012m. On the road, you may see local people hiking all the way to Everest Base Camp, for them reaching the base of the world's highest mountain is a must do goal or holy belief that is worth the effort.

After enjoy the breathtaking scenery in front of you, you will cycling down from the mountain pass to Tashizong village. Although Tashizong is a small village, it has two intersecting streets. Not only are there Sichuanese restaurants and small guesthouses, but there is even a small supermarket where you can buy fresh tomatoes. Overnight in Tashizong Village.

This morning, you will ride to Mount Everest Base Camp (5,200m) which is 50km (6 hours) away from Tashizong Village via Basom Village and Rongpuk Monastery. Today is the last cycling day of your Tibet Bike Tour Adventure, you will reach the foot of the Mt. Qomolangma (8848.86m) today and realize your dream trip finally.

Today’s riding route from Tashizong to EBC has no mountain passes to cross. As you wind your way through Rongbuk Valley, you might encounter wildlife such as blue sheep, pika, Tibetan antelope along the way. Take a break at Basom Village and savor a cup of butter tea. At last, congratulations to reach Rongbuk Monastery by bike! It is the highest monastery in the world and the best site to view the north side of Mt. Chomolangma (Mt. Everest), also known as the Third Pole on Earth. By the way, Chomolungma is the Tibetan name for Mount Everest. It translates to "Goddess Mother of the World" or "Goddess of the Valley". With both monks and nuns in residence, Rongbuk Monastery is a must-visit for spiritual travelers, and you will find it to be a photo-worthy destination. It used to be an area of meditation huts, and you can find hermitage meditation caves with a history of over 400 years, dotting the cliff walls all around the monastery and the valley. The humble stupa at the monastery is the same one that can be seen on most postcards and posters of Mt. Everest.

Not far from Rongbuk Monastery is the EBC, yes, you made it, all the way from Lhasa by bike. At Everest Base Camp (EBC珠峰大本营), you can admire the magnificent sunset on Qomolangma's steep north side in good weather.

Overnight in a tent guesthouse at Rongbuk Monastery or EBC. If you venture out at night, you will be rewarded with a heavenly starry night.

Notes:

Today you will head back to Shigatse by car (about 370km, 7hours) and have a quick stop at Gyawu La Pass. Your bikes and luggage will be transport by another car and meet you at your hotel. Enjoy the scenery on a car rather than on your bike.

The Everest Base Camp is sacred and filled with vitality in the early morning. Outdoor and mountain enthusiasts from all around the world gather here, beginning to embrace a new day. Try your luck to witness the great sunrise of Mount Everest (Mt. Qomolangma), the world’s tallest peak. (Note: Sunrise usually starts around 6:30 am to 7am). After breakfast at EBC, it's time to reach the Gyawu La Pass (5,200m) for another glimpse of Mount Everest. Apart from the mountain ranges, you will be amazed by the zigzag road that looks winding to the end of the world. Yes, that is the same road you ride a bike to the EBC (Mount Qomolangma Base Camp).

Overnight in Shigatse.

Today you will head back to Lhasa (about 270km, 5 hours) via a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery. Enjoy the scenery on a car rather than on your bike.

This morning, you will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery which is founded by His Holiness the 1st Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Gedun Drup in 1447. In Tashi Lunpo Monastery, you can unveil the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, Tibet's second-highest incarnation. Pay a visit to the ancient tombs of the fourth and tenth Panchen Lama and the chortens, which hold the bones and remains of the sacred Tibetan lamas. Learn more from your guide about Panchen Lamas and Dalai Lamas while appreciating the brilliant religious painting on Tibetan architecture, listening to the Tibetan Buddhism chanting by local monks, and even participating in the kora like locals. Don’t forget to hike up to the top of the monastery and have a stunning bird view of the monastery itself and Shigatse City.

After visit, drive toward Lhasa. Along the way, you will encounter many Tibetans on their pilgrimage to Lhasa. They set off from their hometowns and travel along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway or Sichuan-Tibet Highway, prostrating themselves and kowtowing all the way. With their bodies touching the ground and crawling forward, their unwavering determination reflects their profound devotion. Overnight in Lhasa and have a good rest.

It is time to end your 15-day Tibet Mountain Bike Tour. Your guide will escorts you to the airport/train station for your flight or train to your next destination.

Extension Ideas: If you prefer to travel longer in Tibet, you can extend your trip to other highlighted parts of Tibet, including Mount Kailash.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!