KE Adventure

• The ultimate mountain bike holiday across the Tibet, the Roof of the World
• Hugely rewarding Tibetan cycling journey
• Sunset on Everest from Rongbuk
• Worlds longest mountain bike descent from Tibet into Nepal
• Bike across the Pang La with unrestricted views of the Himalaya

This classic mountain biking holiday from Lhasa to Kathmandu originally pioneered by KE, is a long and demanding cycle ride on sometimes rough and ever changing roads across Tibet to Nepal. To make this cycling trip extra special, we have incorporated a trip away from the main highway, to bike to Everest Basecamp and the Rongbuk Monastery. Flying to Lhasa via a brief stay in Kathmandu, 3 essential nights are then spent getting used to the 3660m/12000ft altitude. There is much to see in the days spent in and around the capital of Tibet, including the stunning Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and the colourful Tibetan markets. We can also accompany devout pilgrims on the circuit known as the Barkor, which circles the Jokhang. A couple of short, easy bike rides around Lhasa assists with the group's acclimatisation and allows us to visit some of the many interesting temples and religious sites, such as the Sera Monastery which lies just a short distance outside the city. Setting off on our epic journey, there are 6 major passes to be cycled on the main Lhasa to Kathmandu route as it runs westwards, parallel to the Great Himalaya Chain which forms the border with the territories of Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal to the South. Throughout this trip, the biking group will have full vehicle support and there may be times when all but the super fit need their bikes to be transported to the top of the next pass to enable us to keep to our ambitious schedule. The road traverses a high and dry plateau-land, which is punctuated by the unforgettable monastery towns of Gyantse, Shigatse and Shegar, as well as by several smaller settlements and nomadic Drogpa encampments. On the detour away from the main route towards the Rongbuk Monastery, the biking involves climbs through many hairpin bends to reach the Pang La, which affords breathtaking first views of all the Himalayan peaks including the awesome Mount Everest. We will spend 2 nights at Rongbuk Monastery close to Everest Basecamp before biking an alternative route, via the Lamma La, back to the Kathmandu highway. Back on the main route, we reach the edge of the Tibetan Plateau as we cycle across the double pass of the Lalung La and then Thang La. Now begins a mind-blowing bike descent of 4600 metres (almost 15,000ft) via the border town of Zangmu to the verdant valley of the Bhote Kosi River in Nepal. We spend a relaxing evening at the wonderful Borderlands on the banks of the Bhote Kosi and another in the superbly situated town of Dhulikel on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley, before a short final day's cycling brings us back to civilisation in the form of the trekkers' Mecca, Kathmandu. KE has an unmatched wealth of experience that ensures a smooth ride for this, one of our most ambitious mountain bike programmes. KE has led more cycle tours along this challenging route than any other company in the world.

We run this holiday in conjunction with our friends at Hauser, the German adventure specialists. This enables us to gather together sufficient numbers of like-minded adventurers to get the trip up and running quickly. The cosmopolitan nature of the groups will be an important part of the experience!  The holiday will be led by an English-speaking guide.

If you're unsure if this holiday is for you, or want to learn more about KE wordwide biking, whilst enjoying the best mountain and trail rides in the Lakes - check out  Dirty Weekends in the Lake District