| Departs: UAE Saturday 29th July, 2011 |
| Cost: £2095 per person (twin share) payable direct to The Responsible Travellers. Refer to trip costs and exclusions below.
Personal sponsorship: US$ 800 or more
Highlights include: Potala Palace - Johkung & Barkor Square - Shigatse - Gyanste - high mountain passes - Tibetan wilderness – Everest Base Camp - Himalayan crossing - Yak herding camps
A fully supported charity ride in Tibet and Nepal in support of Mission Himalaya: you will be riding from the ancient capital of Lhasa across Tibet via the base of Mount Everest and then on into the Nepal and the Kathmandu valley on the longest downhill ride (two and a half days) in the world. This trip, with accommodations in local teahouses and camping, offers bikers with an adventurous spirit the chance to live up close with the mysterious nomadic people of Tibet and experience this vast and unique landscape on a more personal level.
The trip is led by an experienced Nepali mountain bike guide, fluent in English and Tibetan, who will ride with you, look after you and your equipment, and help you with all-important altitude, acclimatisation, health and other matters, such as dealing with Chinese officials and support crew. Your trip starts and finishes in Kathmandu, where the guide will take care of all your last-minute needs, endorse your Chinese visas, and ensure that this will be a fabulous once-in-a-lifetime experience.
On a number of the cycling days there are several options for over night camping locations. Depending on the progress of the group and camping conveniences, the campsites may vary a little. This will be decided by the expedition leader during the trip. |
| Fund-raising This is a charity ride in support of Mission Himalaya in Nepal (http://www.missionhimalaya.org), who are building an orphanage and eco-farm. We will raise funds through corporate sponsorship, but, in addition, each participant is required to raise at least US$ 800 in private sponsorship. ALL funds raised go to Mission Himalaya’s orphanage project. Go to CHARITY PROJECTS for more info.
Carbon Balancing This expedition is organised by The Responsible Travellers (http://www.theresponsibletravellers.com), a non-profit-making organisation. It is designed to have minimum negative impact on the environment and is carbon-neutral.
Trekking for Nepal Trekking for Nepal is not a registered charity; it is a group of volunteers who are raising funds to support the New Youth Orphanage in Kathmandu and Mission Himalaya. Trekking for Nepal bears its own administrative costs. All funds raised are donated to these two institutions and the children supported by them.
Fitness Levels Difficult to strenuous. Good all-round fitness levels are required, altitude experience an advantage but not essential - please note that participants will betravelling at high altitude for extended periods of time; reasonable cycling skills required: this is mostly a non-technical ride. |
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| Bike Hire Trek 4400 mountain bikes are available for hire but you are welcome to bring your own bike (and spare parts, just in case). The expedition includes experienced mechanics who will assist with the maintenance of all bikes on the trip. For more information, go to: http://www.trekbikes.com/int/en/bikes/mountain_hardtail/4_series/4400e/ |
| Trip Costs and Exclusions
Cost :£2095 per person (twin share)* includes: Expedition leader Cycle assistant / mechanic Air ticket Kathmandu – Lhasa Chinese visa and travel permits Tibetan guide / liaison officer Hotel B&B: Kathmandu, Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyanste, Shegar, Dhulikel (10 nights total) Full service tented camp with all meals (11 nights total) Support vehicles: 1 land cruiser per 5 members, equipment truck Sightseeing entrance fees in Tibet International flight airport transfers Carbon balancing for international flight
excludes: Return flight UAE to Nepal Nepal tourist visa (on arrival at airport) Excess baggage charges on the trip (allowance 20kg) Bikes / clothing and equipment (bike hire US$300) Sleeping bag (may be hired locally) Meals not stated as included in the itinerary Travel insurance/emergency evacuation (please ensure sufficient travel insurance cover)
* cost is quoted in GBP as The Responsible Travellers are a UK registered company and payments are made into a UK bank account. Please be aware of currency fluctuations.
Sponsorship
Fund-raising This is a charity ride in support of Mission Himalaya in Nepal, who are building an orphanage and eco-farm near Bahktapur, Nepal. Each participant is required to raise a minimum of US$ 800 in private sponsorship. Sponsorship funds should be paid in full by 31st July 2011. Forms and details of payment available shortly.
Methods of Payment – info coming shortly.
Commercial Sponsorship We have a number of valuable opportunities for you to get your company and its products or services noticed. Logo spots are available on bikes and clothing supplied, and back up vehicles. Media spots are also becoming available. More details of sponsorship plans shortly.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu Fly into Kathmandu (2 hours ahead of UAE). Transfer to the hotel from the airport. Evening will be spent settling in and relaxing in the hotel, group dinner will be arranged in a restaurant in the evening. Accommodation: city hotel bed & breakfast
Day 2: Bike Test Ride This morning there will be a full trip briefing by the leader followed by a test ride. This is an opportunity for those, hiring bikes to try it out and for those bringing their own to ensemble (make sure you bring enough spare parts if the bikes specified on hire are not compatible to yours. The spare parts we carry along are compatible to the specified trek series we hire out). After making sure everyone is properly kitted we go for a test ride on the outskirt of the city. Accommodation: city hotel bed & breakfast
Day 3: Fly to Lhasa After a hearty breakfast, we drive to the airport for the flight to Lhasa. The flight is approximately an hour and a spectacular one. It takes you over the Himalaya with view of the highest peaks in the world including Mt Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Kanchanjunga. After the formalities with the immigration, the drive is approximately an hour and a half (95km) to Lhasa (3658m). On arrival we shall go on a short walk to Barkhor Square to stretch our legs and follow the crowds around this pilgrimage of the most holy Buddhist site. This will be your first taste of Tibet with a sensation of slipping into a medieval carnival. This is one part of Lhasa that has resisted any invasion of the modern world where ancient way of trading is still practiced. Accommodation: city hotel bed & breakfast
Day 4: Lhasa Acclimatization day sight seeing in Lhasa or resting: As you have arrived on such a high altitude plateau, we begin by taking it easy! We will visit few places such as Sera Monastery which is one of Lhasa's great monasteries that survived the Cultural Revolution better than most. We can get up close and personal to a 'Debate' where the monks will try and outwit their colleagues with questions on religion. After Lunch, we will visit the famous Potala Palace. This is the cardinal landmark, the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and a structure that deserves a place as one of the wonders of eastern architecture. Accommodation: city hotel bed & breakfast |
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| Day 5: Lhasa Today we have a short acclimatising ride, after a good breakfast we will start biking for Drepung Monastery cycling right in front and passing the Potala. The monastery is situated 25km to the west of Lhasa; this is to further allow our bodies to adjust to the climate and altitude. Drepung Monastery the largest of the monasteries out of the great Gelugpa branch of Buddhism was home to around 10,000 monks before 1951. We leave the bikes at the car park and explore the complex on foot. The main attractions here are the chapels of the early Dalai Lamas, the Great Assembly Hall and the Kitchen. We then cycle back to the hotel and then the rest of the afternoon is free, to rest or further exploration of Lhasa. Accommodation: city hotel bed & breakfast
Day 6: Khamba-La Base Today we start the epic journey towards Kathmandu! Cycling through the busy roads for about 45 minutes we leave Lhasa behind and head south following the Kyichu (or Lhasa River). Arriving at Chusul cross the bridge and follow the Yarlung Tsangbo (Brahmaputra River) for a whoile to Camp at the bottom of Khamba La (pass). Please remember to always keep on the left hand side as there will be lots of traffic passing us on this road. Approx. 6-7 hour's ride Accommodation: camp (meals supplied) Altitude: 3550m
Day 7: Yamdrok Lake The morning is a steady climb to the pass at 4795m and gain approximately 1200m over a distance of 24 km. The view is stunning looking south, down upon the deep torquise blue lake Yamdruk Yam Tso (also known as Scorpion Lake) and Himalayan Peaks. The road descends several hundred metres before we arrive down to the lake. The rest of the day is a comfortable ride following the shores to the far end of the lake to camp before the town of Nagartse. Approx.: 6-7 hours ride Accommodation: camp (meals supplied) Distance: 68km Altitude: 4300m |
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| Day 8: Simi La Base After breakfast we pack up and cycle on a straight path toward the Karo-la (5045) pass, cycling on the out skirt of the town Nagarze, with a panoramic view sweeping from the left hand side up to the front thus having great views of the Himalayas & glaciers upon reaching the summit of karo-la pass one can awe at the sight of the glacier which is approximately 50 metres above the pass. If you wish you can trade in the bicycle for a Yak at the glacier for the price of 10 - 20 Yuan where riding a Yak will bring a welcoming change for a few minutes and take some pictures! Descending from here we pass through some spectacular wild Tibetan landscape, then, following the river down the valley we pass through some beautiful villages. We camp before Simi La 4350m(pass). Approx. 6 hours ride. Accommodation: camp (meals supplied) Distance: 68km Altitude: 4610m
Day 9: Gyangste Biking over the Simi-la pass (4,330m), we are on a pleasant and gradual ride to Gyantse town. The road is a gentle climb to the summit of Simi La (pass) that provides a commanding view over the deep torquise blue waters of the reservoir. This can be a great lunch stop. We then descend from the pass and ride long the valley floor to Gyangtse 254km south-west of Lhasa, this is one of the least Chinese-influenced towns in Tibet and is worth a visit for this reason alone. The town's principal attractions are the Gyantse Kumbum, a magnificent tiered structure that is the largest of it’s kind in the Buddihist world. Till the 14th century, there are no conclusive records of its existence but the town emerged as the centre of a fiefdom with powerful connections with the Sakyapa. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to visit the monasteries and Stupas contained within this historical town. Approx.: 4-5 hours Accommodation: hotel Altitude: 3950m
Day 10: Shigatse Leaving Gyantse, we also leave behind our 2 days of off road aches and pain as we find ourselves on a newly paved road which is a long day ride that will take us across vast stretches of flat agriculture land to Shigatse, Tibet's 2nd biggest town in the traditional capital of Tsang. The Tsang kings exercised their power from the towering heights of Shigatse turning this town in to an important trading town as well as an administrative centre. It is also the seat of the Panchen Lama – the second only to the Dalai Lama. Approx. 6-7 hours Accommodation: camp (meals supplied) Distance: 90km Altitude: 3900m |
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| Day 11: Tso La Phedi Today will be a long day ride, with combination of paved and dirt road. Very interesting countryside of Tibet will have you stoping frequently for photos. Lunch will be good beside the Ra Chu River, before we cycle on to our camp below the Tso-la pass. Approx. 6-7 hours Accommodation: camp (meals supplied) Altitude: 4000m
Day 12: Gyatso-la phedi After about 500m of steady climb we arrive on Tso-La pass (4500m), Lots of prayer flags and you maybe even able to buy some to put up for yourself. It is also worthwhile to climb up to the small summit to the right of the pass. It is now a long descend from here, after passing the small dusty town of Larze we turn left southward to remain of the Friendship Highway towards Gyatso La (pass). We will camp beside the river below the pass. Accommodation: camp (meals supplied) Approx. 6-7 hours Altitude: 4150m
Day 13: Shegar In the morning after breakfast we cycle up to a 25km climbing toward the highest pass Gyatso-La (5220m). The ride to Gyatso-la is an interesting one as we will be in the middle of a gorge during the start of this particular ride accompanied by a river on the right hand side. Approximately 7km before reaching the summit we suddenly come to an opening where we can once again see the great mountains but it will be very windy at this point (we advise for you to have wind proof attire ready as our support vehicle will be at a distance just in case) until we cross the pass and descent down to Shegar. If the horizon over the Himalaya is clear, you may have your first view of the worlds highest mountain Chomolungmo (Everest) on this descend before the end of the day. Accommodation: camp (meals supplied) Distance: 70km Altitude: 4350m |
| Day 14: Pasom Today we start our ride on a paved road up to the police check post. Here we would have to produce our passport to the authorities and after the check post we will turn off the Friendship Highway around 6km west of the Shegar checkpoint where our guide will sort out the permits for the Everest region. From here the path will be the toughest of bumpy roads. The road is very winding both up hill and down hill with sharp turns. On this particular road we would like to advise everyone to stay on the edge of the road at a safe pace because of heavy vehicle also using this road which takes us to the Gyau La pass (5200m), a rocky uphill. From here a superb panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu can be seen on a clear day. We will bike downhill towards the river where after crossing it we will face the windiest place of our tour. We will cycle through Tashi Zong village toward our camp at Pasom. Accommodation: camp (meals supplied) Approx. 5-6 hours Altitude: 4350m |
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| Day 15: Rongphu Monastery Today we will be on a bumpy road but a gentle climb up to Rongpbu monastery from our campsite. Rongphu Monastery is the main Buddhist centre in the valley and once coordinated the activities of around one dozen smaller religious institutions. The view from here is the classic Everest North Face that you see all over on posters, postcards, magazines and guidebooks. The Rongbuk Monastery is another highlight here that you read so much about. Sunset on Everest is good from here. Approx. 4-5 hours Accommodation: camp (meals supplied) Distance: 33km Altitude: 5000m
Day 16: Everest Base Camp After breakfast, we ride for Everest Base Camp which is 8km one way from the Rongphu monastery. The road up to the Base Camp is a rocky one. There is also pony ride available for 60 - 80 Yuan for visitors because the government has recently banned all motor vehicles from going up to the Everest Base Camp and because of this we will not have our support vehicle with us. Just imagine you are actually standing at the base of the world's highest mountain! At the Base Camp you can take photos next to a marker that reads 'Mt. Chomolungma Base Camp' which means 'Mother God' and indicating the 5200m altitude. We then return back to Rongbuk and onward to Pasom campsite. Approx. 6-7 hours Accommodation: camp (meals supplied) Distance: 49km Altitude: 4350m
Day 17: Tingri Depending on road conditions there are two options to get to Tingri from here. The preferred option is going off road on a jeep track through beautiful wild Tibetan landscape over Lhama La to Tingri. However, if conditions are not good enough, then we backtrack over Gyau La and back on the Friendship Highway with a smooth tarmac road. When we reach Tingri it is another picturesque view with a huddle of Tibetan homes overlooking a sweeping plain which is bordered by the towering Himalaya Range. It is also called Tingri Dzong overlooked by ruins that was once a fort that was not blown up by the Chinese Red Guards but in fact destroyed by the invasion of Nepalese in the late 18th century. Nearby our campsite there is place called Tsamda where we can find a Hot Spring. Approx. 7-8 hours Accommodation: camp (meals supplied) Distance: 112km Altitude: 4340m
Day 18: Lhavlung Dovang On this day we will cycle on the Friendship Highway to and camp at Lhavlung Dovang (Dovang means a place road construction workers live) between Thong-la (5050) and Zarakpa (5000m). After we leave the highway we paddle onto a road which is dusty during the dry season and muddy when it is wet. Approx. 5-6 hours Accommodation: camp (meals supplied)
Day 19: Nayalam Today the biking takes us over the pass of Lalung-la, which offers spectacular view of Gaurishankar, Dorje Lhakpa, Shishapangma and Langtang. Please make sure that you check your brakes properly because we will be riding mostly downhill from here. After 6 hours of biking we come to Nyalam which literary means 'The Gateway to Hell' in Tibetan. This is because the road drops from Nyalam like a stone off the Tibetan plateau into a mossy gorge of waterfalls and cascades which during the monsoon creates a sea of clouds that submerges the road giving the effect of an eerie scene out of a movie. Before reaching Nylam just 10km off there is a place with the closest cultural sight which is Nyalam Pelgye Ling, a small temple that is associated with the Cave of Milarepa, the famous Buddhist mystic and composer of songs who lived during the late 11th to the early 12th century. We camp after Nyalam. Approx. 5-6 hours Accommodation: camp (meals supplied) Distance: 65km Altitude: 3650m
Day 20: Dhulikhel Our last day in Tibet, we descent (2850m to Barabise) on the longest downhill of our tour on a bad road which is muddy, rocky and slippery with a big drop on the right hand side into the river Bhote Kosi. Heading towards the border town of Zhangmu which also is known as Khasa in Nepali and Dram in Tibetan we enter Nepal through the borderpost at a place called Kodari. After approx. 3-4 hours of biking, we will have lunch at Barabise 870m a small town with shops and basic hotels. From here after lunch we will be transferred to a hotel in Dhulikhel in our support van. Approx. 3-4 hours Accommodation: Lodge Altitude: 1600m |
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| Day 21: Kathmandu The last day of our biking trip bring us back to where our journey began, to Kathmandu via back roads through Bhaktapur and Thimi and transfer to the hotel. En route we stop at the site of Mission Himalaya’s orphanage and eco-farm project to inspect progress. Approx. 5 hours Accommodation: hotel B&B Altitude: 1300m
Day 22: International Departure Today there will be a transfer from the hotel to the international airport terminal for your departure. |