Trip overview
Chengdu to Lhasa Mountain Biking
The east of Tibet includes the regions of Kongpo and Kham. Geographically, politically and historically, these regions are a completely different world. This special biking route offers magnificent views of lush forested valleys, crystal-clear lakes, rivers and vast barren plateaus. The isolated valley, with its scattered tribal villages and remote monasteries, gives you an incredible and unique glimpse of this Eastern part of Tibet. Kham was the home of many holy men including the founders of the Drigungpa and Karmapa School. In 1070 many Buddhist faced persecution in central Tibet and fled to Kham. Here they set up influential monasteries. Later they returned to central Tibet and spearhead the so-called second diffusion of Buddhism in Tibet.
Mountain Biking in Eastern Tibet Itinerary
Expand AllBangkok – Chengdu
Fly from Bangkok to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Rest and recover from the flight and prepare for the upcoming high-altitude journey.
Overnight: Hotel Altitude: 2,660 m
Chengdu (Acclimatization & Preparation Day)
Today is reserved for rest, acclimatization, and final tour preparations. You may explore local markets, enjoy Sichuan cuisine, or visit nearby attractions if time permits. Tour briefing.
Overnight: Hotel Altitude: 2,660 m
Chengdu – Kangding
After breakfast, begin the scenic Drive to Kangding, crossing mountain landscapes and river valleys as you move closer to the Tibetan Plateau. Kangding is a culturally rich town known as the gateway to Tibet. Distance: 318 kmOvernight: Hotel Altitude: 2,660 m
Kangding – Ganze
Drive deeper into the Tibetan highlands toward Ganze, passing alpine scenery, nomadic settlements, and high passes. The terrain becomes more rugged and spectacular.
Distance: 416 km Overnight: Hotel Altitude: 3,100 m
Ganze – Derge (via Manigango)
Continue your journey to Derge, traveling via Manigango, a picturesque high-altitude village surrounded by grasslands and lakes. Derge is famous for its rich Tibetan heritage.
Distance: 215 km Overnight: Guest house Altitude: 3,393 m
Derge – Jamda
Drive through remote and less-traveled routes toward Jamda, offering raw Himalayan landscapes and dramatic mountain views. Distance: 225 km Overnight: Guest house Altitude: 3,800 m
Jamda – Chamdo
After breakfast, drive to Chamdo, an important town in eastern Tibet. The route follows river valleys and high mountain passes. Distance: 237 km Overnight: Hotel Altitude: 3,250 m
Chamdo (Rest & Exploration)
A relaxed day for acclimatization and exploration in and around Chamdo. Walk through local markets, visit monasteries, and interact with locals. Final bike checks and briefing for the biking section. Overnight: Camping Altitude: 3,250 m
Chamdo – Gyalthang
Start your biking adventure today, riding through stunning valleys and Tibetan villages toward Gyalthang. Distance: 93 km Overnight: Guest house – Altitude: 3,460 m
Gyalthang – Pamda
Ride across open plateaus and rolling terrain, enjoying vast landscapes and snow-capped peaks.
Distance: 106 km Overnight: Guest house Altitude: 3,344 m
Pamda – Pashu
Continue biking through remote highland regions with minimal traffic and breathtaking scenery.
Distance: 98 km Overnight: Guest house, Altitude: 3,400 m
Pashu – Near Rawu
Ride toward the Rawu area, known for its alpine surroundings and pristine environment.
Distance: 100 km Overnight: Guest house- Altitude: 3,400 m
Rawu Area – Sumzom
A scenic biking day crossing rivers and mountain terrain toward Sumzom.
Distance: 90 km Overnight: Guest house – Altitude: 3,404 m
Sumzom – Kathar
Ride through beautiful highland trails with panoramic views and traditional Tibetan settlements.
Distance: 74 km Overnight: Guest house- Altitude: 3,406 m
Kathar – Lowlan
Continue your biking journey toward Lowlan, passing through quiet valleys and dramatic landscapes. Distance: 80 kmOvernight: Guest house – Altitude: 3,409 m
Lowlan – Nyingchi County
The final biking day leads to Nyingchi County, a greener and lower-altitude region known as the “Switzerland of Tibet.”Distance: 112 km Overnight: Hotel Altitude: 3,420m
Nyingchi – Bayi
Drive to Bayi, enjoying lush forests, rivers, and a change in landscape from the high plateau.
Distance: 128 km Overnight: Lakeside Resort Altitude: 3,621 m
Bayi – Basumtso Lake
Drive to the stunning Basumtso Lake, one of Tibet’s most beautiful alpine lakes, surrounded by snow peaks and forests.Overnight: Lakeside Resort- Altitude: 3,621 m
Basumtso Lake Exploration
Explore Basumtso Lake, including the sacred Island Temple. Enjoy nature walks and photography in a serene environment. Overnight: Mandala Hotel Altitude: 3,621 m
Basumtso – Lhasa
Drive along scenic highways toward Lhasa, the spiritual and cultural heart of Tibet.
Distance: 367 km – Overnight: Hotel Altitude: 3,650 m
Lhasa Sightseeing
Full-day sightseeing in Lhasa, visiting major highlights such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street. Overnight: Hotel Altitude: 3,650 m
Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward departure, marking the end of an unforgettable Himalayan biking and overland expedition.
Not quite satisfied with this itinerary?
No worries – every traveler has unique preferences, and we’d be happy to adjust the plan to match your style, comfort, and interests. Let us know what you’d like to add or change, and we’ll create a journey that feels truly yours.
Customize TripCost Includes
- Airport transfer pick up and drop
- Domestic airfare including the departure taxes
- Accomodation during the trek (Guest house with breakfast)
- Experienced and English speaking local trekking guide, assistant trekking guide and local porter(s) along with their salary, lodging, food and insurance
- Trekking permit, TIMS, permit for national park and necessary paperwork
- First aid Medical kit
- All government and local taxes (including 13% VAT and 10 % service charge)
- Transportation on private vehicle as agreed on the itinerary
Cost Excludes
- Your Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel insurance and emergency evacuation expenses
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu and extra baggage charges in domestic and international flight
- Lunch and Dinner during the trek
- Additional days accommodation expenses (either due to early or late arrival, late departure, early return from mountain due to any reason except as per schedule
- All personal expenses (including the gears and clothing taken on hire by the participant, phone calls, battery charge, shower, etc)
- Tips for guides and porters
Additional Informations
Accommodation
Firante Treks and Expedition Manages for best and comfortable accommodation and also provides you hygienic food. Standard (3 Star) are booked in the cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara, whereas a tyical trek lodge will be booked on remote areas.
Luxurious rooms from 5 Star hotels are also made avaiable on demand in the cities on additional cost but remote regionss dont have such facilities.
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