Dates: 22nd of September to 13th of October 2008

Duration: 22 days (from Katmandu, Nepal)

Distance: 1.100 km,

Description: This trip crosses the worlds highest mountain range. Through the green valleys of the Himalayas and the tibetan highlands reaching the foot of Mt. Everest .
Reach the sky by your own means cycling at 5.300 mts . Discover the vastness of an endless landscape and its local culture that calls for some soul searching through inner paths.

Group size: minimum 8 people. Registration should be confirmed 4 months in advance otherwise a 15% will be added to the price.


Description of itinerary :

Known as the "Friendship Road", it’s the only one that connects the capital of Nepal with Lhasa. Most of it is unpaved and some sections are almost abandoned with cyclists being the “majority".
The distance to cover is 1.100 km . We begin in Katmandú (1300 mts.a .s. l.) from there we descend to Dholaghat ( 540m.a.s.l.) and gradually we ascend through verdant valleys, with waterfalls and small villages along the way.
Once we have reached the tibetan high plateau we detour to Rongbuk (4920 m.a.s.l.). There we trek to the Everest base camp.


We stop at Gyantse, Shigatse and at the main Tibetan cultural attractions. Including small villages where the ancient culture of these mountain people has remained almost intact.
Before arriving to Lhasa city we camp by the sacred Yamdrok lake (4600 mts. a.s.l.) This great lake has the shape of a scorpion.
In Lhasa we might be surprised and moved by the tibetan pilgrims arriving after a long journey to Jhokang. These fervant pilgrims cross their mountain country by foot and we will be there to experience all first hand !


Preparation:
Medium to high at certain sections of the trip .The good planning of the different sections allows an adapting period while enjoying the landscape and meeting the people .
Without over demanding our body, we will reach the "worlds roof ". The down hill sections have a gradient of no more than 6 % and allow cycling without difficulty .
We cycle an average of 75 km per day , - 6hrs per day ( maximum 125 km and a minimum of 35km) .

Itinerary:


Day 1 - Kathmandu:
Arrival and meeting in Kathmandu (1.320mts/m)
Lodging: in hotel.


Day 2 -Kathmandu:
tour to surrounding areas visit to Pashupatihinath and Bhoudanath ,the biggest stupa in the valley.Visit the city of Patan .
Lodging: in hotel


Day 3 - Bahrabise (870 m.a.s.l):
Daily biking ride: 85 km
Lodging: in hotel


Day 4 Zhangmu (2.400 mts/a.s.l)
Daily biking ride: 35 km on km 27 we enter Nepal
Lodging: in hotel


Day 5 - Nyalam (3500 mts/a.s.l.)
Daily biking ride: 35 km.
Lodging: in Tent - camping.



Day 6 - Campsite (4300 mts) , 10 km before Thang La (5050 mts):
We visit the Cave of Milarepa
Daily biking ride: 45 km
Lodging: camping


Day 7 - Gurtso (4400 mts):
Daily biking ride: Cycling 70 km
Lodging: small hotel.


Day 8 - Tingri (4350 mts):
Tsamda Hotwater baths (km 26).
Daily biking ride: Cycling 40 km
Lodging: small hotel.


Day 9 - Rongbuk (4920 mts):
Daily biking ride: 80 km
Lodging: small hotel or monastery


Day 10 - Mt. Everest Base Camp (5040 mts):
16 km ( 4hrs aprox . not a difficult walk), Base camp and back to Tingri (4350 mts) by Jeep .
Lodging: small hotel.


Day 11 -Campsite (4400 mts), 15 km before Lhakpa La (5220):
Daily biking ride: 90 km
Lodging: camping


Day 12- Renda (4050 mts):
(aprox.20 km after Lhatse)
Daily biking ride: 60 km
Lodging: camping


Day 13 Shigatse (3860 mts):
Daily biking ride: 125 km , not strenous
Lodging: small hotel


Day 14- Shigatse (3860 mts):
day off .
Optional: visit to the monastery of Tashilumpo.
Lodging: small hotel


Day 15 - Gyantse (3990 mts):
Visit  Palkor Chode, Khumbun 
Daily biking ride: 95 km., part of the road is paved .
Lodging: Camping in Ger


Day 16 -Langla (4300 mts):
Daily biking ride: 87 km.
Lodging: Camping


Day 17 - Dzong (4450 mts/m), by Yamdrok lake shore:
Possible detour to Samding monastery by lake Gongmo.
Daily biking ride: 70 km.
Lodging: camping


Day 18 - Lhasa (3700 mts):
Daily biking ride: 110 km (60km paved road ).
Lodging: hotel.


Day 19 - Lhasa (3700 mts):
a visit to the Barkhor market, the temple of Jokhang and Potala (optional).
Lodging: hotel


Day 20 - Kathmandu:
Flight to Kathmandu: Farewell dinner
Lodging: in hotel


Day 21 - Kathmandu:
Day off . Tour interesting sites
Lodging: in hotel


Day 22 - Kathmandu:
Flight back home, end of services

Included services: Permits to enter Tibet. Permanent assistance of local guide . Support 4x4 vehicles to transport equipment and cyclists ( if desired ). Lodging at hotels (category : tourist ) and small hotels in villages (see itinerary). Nature Camp sites with all the required gear (tents 1 per 2 pax, dinning tent) all meals included. Transfers to airport and other. Visits to monasteries, museums and tours, which are marked, with guide .
.
Not included: Flights: Lhasa-Khatmandu (285 u$s), airport taxes, visas. Drinks and meals during days off .

Price: € 2100

Photos about mountain bike trip to Himalaya 2001, click here


Equipment:
Mountain bike or hybrid,with gravel and paved road tires and prior mechanical check up
Helmet. compulsory .
Water bottle or water backpack (Camel).
Sleeping bag(comfortable , -8 C°) and Thermarest
Tent only if you want a single tent
Head light or flash light with spare batteries
Trekking shoes
Backpack (this is for the Inca trail trekking with capacity to carry your sleeping bag, change clothing your personal gear and 2 liters water)
Sunglasses
Personal medication ,
Sunblock lotion and lipbalm ,


Recommended clothing: We suggest that you bring clothing that is usually worn for cycling during tough winters . Frost is common and temperatures range from a minimum –8 C° at night to a maximum 25 C°