Guests fly into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by a member of For The Ride along with our local guide (and translator). From there, we transfer to our hotel to relax and freshen-up before enjoying our first Nepali dinner and experiencing the sights and sounds of this region.
Days One and Two
Our trip starts with two days spent exploring Kathmandu and the surrounding area. Visting Kathmandu is like stepping into history -- each monument, temple, and shrine is rich in legend, lore, and religious importance. Katmandu Nepal's capital is situated in a valley full of historic sites, ancient temples and shrines, golden pagodas and fascinating villages. Shops offer handmade crafts, including carpets and Nepali paper prints. Trek to see the Monkey Temple, the valley's oldest and most sacred shrine. Mingle with locals amid Durbar Square's monuments and temples or with mountain trekkers in the bustling Thamel District. Your guides and local drivers will ensure you make the most of your time in Kathmandu.
Day Three
Today we take an airport transfer to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. After arriving and checking into our hotel, guests take time to explore, to rest and to adjust to the altitude. In the evening, guests have the opportunity to take in dinner and a culture and dance show.
Days Four and Five
After breakfast, we take a guided walking tour of Potala Palace, The Lukang Park, Jokhang Temple, Norbulinka Palace, and the Barkhor Bazaar. With so much to see and experience, Lhasa is a traveler's paradise. For those who are ready to start spinning their legs and to get a lay of the land, groups will head out in the morning and afternoon to ride and explore the area.
Day Six
After breakfast, we ride out of Lhasa and visit the Sera Monastery. This ten mile round trip is a great ride through some of the most scenic landscape in the world.
Day Seven
Today we pack up, load our gear into support vehicles, and leave our hotel, riding from Lhasa to Khamba La, where we will make camp at the bottom of the Khamba La pass. The ride is relatively level and an easy ride.
Days Eight, Nine and Ten
Today we continue our nomadic journey traversing the Khamba La pass and ride down to the Ngartse Village where we meet our support vehicles and set up camp for the evening. In the morning, we travel from the Ngartse Village, crossing the Karo La before descending to a campsite below the Simi La Pass. The last leg of this journey takes us from the Simi La Pass to Gyantse, an easy and mostly downhill ride into the third largest settlement in Tibet. Once in Gyante, guests are checked into their hotel where they enjoy a warm shower, and some relaxation before exploring Gyante.
Days Eleven and Twelve
Today we visit Palkhor Monastery and Kumbum before transfering to Shigatse, a prosperous Buddhist city. Guests have the option of riding the 58 mile route to Shigatse. Upon arrival, guests have the option of visiting dozens of monasteries including the resplendent Tashihunpo Monastery, or wandering the Tibetan streets and local markets. This is a great day to soak up the atmosphere and witness life in this Tibetan city.
Days Thirteen through Eighteen
After enjoying some rest, relaxation, and the cultural sights of Shigatse, we pack up the support vehicles and head back out across the countryside by mountain bike - destination: Everest Base Camp. Leaving Shigatse, we cross the Tso La Pass, the Lhatse Pass, crossing Gyamtso La Pass, riding down beneath the Pang La and descending into Choesang beyond Phadu. Guests again test their nomadic abilities, experiencing the small villages and mountain towns, visit the Rongbuk Monastery, all while enjoying spectacular views of Mount Everest along the way. On the final day of this leg of the trip, you will be guided to Everest Base Camp.
Days Ninteen and Twenty
Today we ride through Rongbuk on our way towards Lumja valley following less frequented bike trails and singletrack to Ramala Pass before descending to the town of Tingri-Mingbu. Guests ride through the Tingri settlement towards Sumo Village with more outstanding views of Everest.
Day Twenty-One
Today we ride to the small town of Zhangmu where guests will be checked into their hotels for some well deserved relaxation.
Days Twenty-Two and Twenty-Three
Guests enjoy the end of their trip relaxing, riding, and taking in the sights for a final time before transfering to Kathmandu, Nepal and departing for home.