Transcendent Trails of the Himalayas: 22 Days Cycling Adventure from Lhasa to Kathmandu

Lhasa-Kathmandu cycling route gives you an excellent chance to travel across Tibet and Nepal by bike and focuses on the stunning natural scenery of Himalayas Mountains, as well as Tibetan religion and Nepalese culture & history, a perfect biking route enjoyed by many off-road enthusiasts.

This classic tour on the Friendship Highway between Lhasa in Tibet and Kathmandu in Nepal just costs you 7 days to complete by bus, but 22 days are needed by bike. The travel route covers the main historical sights in Tibet, offers cyclists superb natural scenery of the great Himalayan Mountain Range, features a spectacular roller-coaster ride down into the Kathmandu valley, and gives you a great opportunity to experience exotic Tibetan culture and spectacular lakes and mountains.

In Lhasa, same as other tours, you’ll visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, and Drepung Monastery, then cycle straight from Lhasa to the holy lake of Yamdrok Yumtso and the Karola Glacier ahead to Gyantse. The most difficult part is the 100-kilometer road to Rongbuk Monastery and Everest Base Camp although a newly paved road has cut down the bumpy condition. Reaching the Everest Base Camp via Lhatse and Tingri, you can appreciate the sunset and beautiful starry sky of Mount Everest. Afterward, continue to ride southwards and you can view the Mountain Shishapangma with an altitude of 8,012 meters. Finally, within Tibet, you will reach Gyirong and pass the Rasuwa border, the friendship bridge.

Crossing the border into Nepal, the terrain changes, and the lush valleys and terraced fields of the Himalayan foothills come into view. The path leads you through charming towns, where ancient traditions and vibrant cultures coexist. You’ll pass through traditional Newari villages and historic sites, gradually descending toward the Kathmandu Valley. Arriving in Kathmandu, you’ll be welcomed by the city’s bustling energy and rich history. Explore its vibrant markets, visit ancient temples, and relish the sense of accomplishment that comes with completing this incredible cycling journey.

The travel season for this cycling tour route starts from April to June and early September to mid-October. Try to avoid the rainy season of July and August which are also the peak travel season and the most expensive time of the year.