Crossing the Himalayas: from Kathmandu (Nepal) to Lhasa (Tibet)

The journey will begin in the fascinating Katmandu and after a visit to the most interesting places of the city we will enter the green valleys and gorges to begin our ascent to the border with Tibet. We will pass, for Kakani, Trisuli and Dunche, up to the Gyirong pass. In Tibet, the route runs, for the most part, to the "road of friendship" since 2010 is paved, but despite this the landscapes have remained equally beautiful and the challenging route Road sections that were definitely at risk, now they are safer and easy.
Numerous passes, among the highest: the Zong La pass (5240 masl), Lalung La (4800msnm), Lamna La (5100msnm), Pang La (5150mslm), Lhakpa La (5220mslm), Karo La (5050m),
Tingri, important junction that will take us to Rongbuk (4920 m) from where we will access the Everest base camp.
Gyantse, Shigatse and many other small mountain villages will still show us much of the ancient Tibetan traditions and the spirituality of its people. Lake Yamdrok (4600m / slm), immense turquoise water with the curious shape of a scorpion. We will crown our journey with the arrival in Lhasa, a place that despite the Chinese prevarication can still be considered the cradle of Tibetan culture.

1,200 km. Asphalt in 95%

Middle-high; depending on the climatic conditions.
1200 km (95% asphalt), in 14 pedaling stages.

The careful planning of the daily stages will allow you to reach a gradual acclimatization and enjoy landscapes and contacts with people.
The positive difference in level of the whole journey will be 11,000 meters.
In challenging sections, the slope does not exceed 6%, but there will be a short stretch, where the slope will reach 12%.
You will cycle about 7 hours a day and the average daily km will be 85 km and an average altitude difference of 850 m. Generally this trip is proposed to the contrary, (Lhasa-Katmandu), but from personal experience I think that as it may seem more difficult because with more climbs, to acclimatize and avoid problems then, is the best way. And of course, I would not take away the "conquest" discourse. It is always very satisfying to savor slowly and reach the "goal".

Temperatures will fluctuate from a minimum of -5 ° C (at night and at high altitude) to a maximum of 25 ° C (Kathmandu Valley). We can have rains in Nepalese areas.

The course is asphalted in 95% and we recommend a MTB with sliding tires (semislik), or a gravel. In this journey for the bike packaging, only fully foldable cartons or soft bags can be used. We do not have space to carry rigid or bulky boxes.

Every two or three hours there will be short stops, to get some water and some energetic food it is a longer pause for lunch. We recommend, always bring some sweets or personal bars. The support vehicle will always be available and available for any need.

5 people. The cost increases for less people. The registration must be confirmed 4 months in advance of the travel date in order to facilitate a better organization. and possibly take care of the flights.

The baggage must be of reasonable size and contain only the necessary equipment for the trip. This is important for logistics and transportation. A bag, robust and soft, is preferable to a rigid suitcase.

as it is a trip at high altitude, we require a medical certificate of physical fitness. During the journey there will always be large and small oxygen tanks. In case of serious illness the first rule will be: lowering altitude.

• Visa management and permit for Tibet
• Permanent assistance from Mariano Lorefice, accompanied by a local guide.
• Support vehicles to move equipment and cyclists who want it.
• Accommodation in tourist hotels and guest houses in some villages (see program).
• All meals shown in the program
• Visits to the monasteries, museums and tours indicated, with a guide.

• airport taxes, China visa costs, 90usd
• Drinks.
• Meals on free days.
• Flight from Lhasa-Kathmandu (about 340 usd). Although it is possible for anyone to wish it, return from Lhasa to their country of origin.

• Mountain bike bicycle, with tires for asphalt, hibrida or gravel Carefully revised before the trip.
• Maintenance kit (2 air chambers - pump).
• Helmet (mandatory).
• Water bottle and / or camelbag.
• Backpack or bike bag (for ready-to-use materials: jacket ... camera, etc. ... etc.).
• Shoes for pedaling and a walking shoe.
• Front lamp with spare batteries.
• Sleeping bag (we recommend a sleeping bag with comfort below -5 ° C)
• Sunglasses.
• Solar and labial filte
• Personal medicine, and small travel medical kit.

• It is advisable to bring the used clothing to ride in a harsh "winter", taking into account that in the morning it can reach freezing. We estimate a minimum temperature of -5 ° C (only at night) and a maximum of 25 ° C.