How to cycle from Lhasa to Kathmandu?
Cycling from Lhasa to Kathmandu is a popular and challenging route. It is more than a thousand kilometers and takes about 13-16 days. The altitude of the whole journey exceeds 3,000 meters. And on the way, there are several mountain passes with more than 5,000 meters. The cycling conditions are not bad within Tibet, but are of difficulty from Gyirong Port to Kathmandu. Taking this route can not only enable you to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, but also provide you opportunities to experience the unique cultures.
1. The recommended routes in Tibet
There are two routes from Lhasa to Nepal via G318 National Highway.
(1)Lhasa - 270KM - Shigatse–150KM - Lhatse County - 90KM - Tingri - 60KM - Old Tingri Town - 210KM - Gyirong - Kathmandu (2)Lhasa - 270KM - Gyantse - 90KM - Shigatse - 150KM - Lhatse County - 90KM - Tingri - 100KM - Rongbuk Monastery - 8KM - Everest Base Camp - 80KM - Old Tingri Town - 210KM - Gyirong - Kathmandu
The second route is more recommended and is a great choice for travelers with sufficient time.
Days Departures Destinations mileage Main attractions Accommodations
Day 1 Lhasa Qushui County 67km Lhasa River Qushui County Town
Day 2 Qushui County Langkazi County 97km Yamdrok (RMB120) Langkazi County
Day 3 Langkazi County Gyantse 106km Karola Glacier Gyantse County Town
Day 4 Gyantse Shigatse 93km Dzong Fortress Shigatse
Day 5 Shigatse Lhatse 158km Tashi Lhunpo Monastery Lhatse County Town
Day 6 Lhatse Baiba Town 80km 5000 milestone Baiba Town
Day 7 Baiba Town Zhaxizong town 69km Mount Everest Road Local hotels
Day 8 Zhaxizong town Everest Base Camp 50km Mount Everest, Kya Wu Lha Pass Tents / guesthouses
Day 9 Everest Base Camp Gangga(Old Tingri) 73km The roadside scenery Old Tingri guesthouses
Day 10 Old Tingri Menbu Township 65km Hot Spring Resort Local hotels
Day 11 Menbu Township Gyirong County 137km Peicuo Lake Gyirong County Town
Day 12 Gyirong County Gyirong Town 71km Gyirong Valley Gyirong Town
Day 13 Gyiron Port Namche Bazaar 97km Langtang Langtang
Day 14 Namche Bazaar Kathmandu 85km
2. Required documents
You can rent the bicycle in Lhasa (usually at 6-80RMB per day), or you can purchase one yourself.
Foreign visitors: passport, Chinese visa, Tibet Entry Permit, border pass, Nepal visa (Nepal visa can be handled in Lhasa, or at the Gyirong port)
Chinese travelers: passport, ID card, border pass, Nepal visa (can be handled in Lhasa, or at the Gyirong port)
3. Necessary equipment
(1) Mountain bike
Given the rugged and bumpy road, you’d better choose bikes with better performance. There are some recommended brands- Giant, Merida Warrior, Jiema, etc. The specific models can be selected according to your own needs.
(2) Repair tools and spare parts
Repair kit, tire repair tool, monkey spanner, light pump, bicycle three-in-one bag Spare parts: brake line and shifting set, inner tube, tire tube, four brake pads (V brake system), four brake linings(disc brake system), spare screws, spare wire, chain oil
(3) Cycling wear
Helmet, jacket, sun hat, headband, sun protection sleeves(windproof and waterproof), ordinary riding short gloves, rainy coat(moisture-proof, rain-proof and windproof) Cycling sneakers, sports cotton socks, long-sleeved T-shirts, sports shorts, sports shorts, cotton, fleece jackets or down jackets, can be used as spare), sports trousers, riding knee pads.
(4) Electronic devices
Cell phone, flashlight, charger, spare battery, hair dryer (not just for drying hair)
(5) Daily necessities:
Toiletries, mouthwashes, sunscreens, slippers, toilet paper, wipes, water bottles, sunglasses, sun hats, disposable underwear, women' s sanitary pad, hair dryers
(6) Drugs
Anti- altitude drugs; band-aids, medicines for enterogastritis or cold
(7) Food
Chocolate, compressed biscuits, preserved pickles.
