ITINERARY
Day 01: Welcome to Kathmandu (1370m)
Upon arrival met by the representative and transferred to the hotel.
Rest of the day is free to relax.
Eve: A brief introduction of the trip followed by a welcome dinner. Passports will be collected for TIBET visa processing which takes 3 working days.
After the dinner, transfer to the Hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 02: Sightseeing Tour of Kathmandu (Visa Processing Day 01)
09:00 Hrs: After breakfast met by guide and board the vehicle for Full day’s sightseeing tour of Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple and Kathmandu City.
The Boudhanath Stupa is located 6 kilometers Northeast of Kathmandu and is a colossal imposing Stupa standing about 36 meters and is one of the oldest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal. The Stupa stands on the massive three level Mandala style platforms surrounded by colorful family style houses. The Stupa is said to have been built in the 5th Century and is a sight of great veneration to the Buddhist.
Continue on to Pashupanath Temple – the most sacred of the Hindu Temples in the world and is amongst the five principle pilgrimage sites for the Hindus. On an annual pilgrimage during Shivaratri Festival, thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva from all the Hindu communities of the world, pay their homage here.
Pashupatinath is the reincarnation of Shiva in his most benevolent form as the shepherd of fertility and so there are no animal sacrifices in this temple. Only fruits, flowers and vermilion are offered. It lies on the banks of the Bagmati river and for the Hindus, to be cremated at Pashupatinath, means a direct passage to heaven.
After sightseeing of Pasupatinath tour, we visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, the social, religious and urban focal point of the Capital City, a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that dates back to the 12th and 18th century.
The major tourist attractions on this tour includes a visit to the Hanuman Dhoka (Hanuman gate) which takes its name from the Monkey God, Hanuman from the epic, Ramayana The palace of the Malla Kings located in the Hanuman Dhoka is of the 14th Century and was a ceremonial palace of the Shah dynasty. Important traditional Royal ceremonies including the coronation of the King of Nepal used to be conducted at Hanuman Dhoka Palace.
Near the Hanuman Dhoka is the house of the Living Goddess Kumari – Kumari Bahal. Two painted stone Lions stand guard at the entrance. Visitors may enter the courtyard to see the Living Goddess but are forbidden to take photographs.
After the visit, return to the Hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 03: Ride around Kathmandu (visa processing day 02)
08:00 HRS: After breakfast, met by the Road Captain and Mechanic at the hotel lobby and start a ride to Sankhu.
Sankhu is approximately 16 kilometers north east of Katmandu which takes about 45 minutes, through the hustle and bustle of the city. It is Newari town rich in social, cultural as well as religious values and the town has been planned in a gridiron pattern, in the shape of Shankha (conch shell), thus its name. Sankhu is an old town started predominantly as a Newar community and even today, almost all people in Sankhu are Newars. Sankhu (‘sakwo’ called by the locals) was established in the Kaligat era in 1801. The legend has it that it was formed based on the ideas of goddess Bajrayogini – a tantric goddess and one of the four yoginis of the Kathmandu Valley. Note : Sankhu as with other areas of Sindhupalchowk district was badly affected by the earthquake of 25th April, 2015 and is now under restoration and renovation.
After a short break, continue our ride to Nagarkot which takes about 1 ½ – 2 hours with short breaks in between to relax, enjoy the views of the valley on one side and mountains on the other. Occasionally mingling with local people is fun and a great way to explore and experience rural Nepal and its culture.
Nagarkot is a small hilltop town and lies on the ridge on the valleys northeast rim overlooking a big chunk of the Western, Central and the Eastern Himalayas, including five of the world’s 10 highest Peaks- Mt. Everest (8848 M), Mt. Lhotse 8516 M), Mt. Cho-Oyu (8201M), Mt. Makalu (8463 M), and Mt. Encounter (8163 M). Beside magnificent views of the Himalayas, Nagarkot also offers one of the best sunrise and sunset over the horizon.
After spending some time, we continue our ride and descend on a winding road for another 13 kms to the ancient Bhaktapur City or the “City of Devotees” situated at an altitude of 1,401 m. The city covers an area of 4 square miles and is shaped like a conch shell. Pottery and weavings are its traditional industries.
Before starting our sightseeing we will halt for lunch.
The sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur includes the Durbar Square, which is the main square of the city and contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like Lion Gate, the statue of Bhupatindra Malla the Picture Galley, the Golden Gate, the Palace of 55 windows, the Bastille temple and the Bell of barking dogs, etc. The statue of Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace. Of the many statues available in Nepal, this is considered to be the most magnificent.
Also visit The Golden Gate, the entrance to the main counter of the Palace of 55 windows. Built by King Ranjit Malla, the gate is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the entire world. This gate is embellished with deities and monsters of marvelous intricacy.
The Palace of 55 Windows was built in the seventeenth century by King Bhupatindra Malla. Among the brick walls with their gracious settings and sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 windows. This balcony is the masterpiece of wood carving.
Continue to Natyapola Temple through a narrow street. This five storey pagoda was built in 1702 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands on a five-terraced platform and on each of the terraces, squat a pair of figures, two famous wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins, Baghiani, Singini – the tiger and the lion goddesses. This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship.
After Sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur city, return to Kathmandu and check into the hotel.
LATE PM: FREE FOR PREPARATION FOR THE RIDE
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 04: Ride Kathmandu to Timure (1450m/137kms/6-7 hrs)
Negotiate traffic out of the Kathmandu city to the Ringroad cross section – Balaju. From here, follow the Nagarjun highway to Kakani with the winding and narrow forested road.
We will have a short break here to see the beautiful mountain views.
From here it is a steep winding descent till Trishuli but the scenery is fantastic. Deep forested areas, with clear flowing streams and waterfalls provide visitors of what Nepal is all about.
Trishuli – The beauty of the area is not easily forgotten. The rolling hills, the trishuli river, ethnic villages, suspension bridges all make it a very interesting ride.
It is a good place to stop for lunch.
After lunch head north and continue ride to Dhunche & Syabrubesi.
From here steep descend on a winding and snaky trail till Syabrubesi.
Note: There are many military and Police check posts and everyone is required to show permits and luggage searched. Usually they are looking for animal and flowers that people take from the National park.
Upon arrival at Syabrubesi, Ride till Timure.
Overnight at the Lodge
Day 05: Ride Timure to Kyirong Town (2700m/40kms/3hrs)
After breakfast ride approx. 16 Km to Kyirong – Nepal / Tibet border, the last border town, complete Nepali Immigration formalities and cross the friendship bridge. Complete Chinese Immigration and met by guide and Rider from Tibet. Proceed for China Custom clearance for the motorcycles and after completion, load up the gear on the waiting Landcruiser / Mini Truck and ride for another 24 kilometer to Kyirong town.
Kyirong, one of the frontier counties of Tibet Autonomous Region, lies in the southwest of Tibet and the southwest of Xigaze prefecture, covering 9,126 square kilometers with a population of 10 thousand. kyirong means in Tibetan happy village. kyirong Town is one of the important towns in Kyirong County, with a sea level of 2,700 meters. Pagba Monastery, Chagar Monastery and Qiangzhen Monastery are main monasteries of Kyirong and kyirong Jiangcun Nature Reserve is the famous beauty spot.
Up to 1960 one of the main trade routes between Nepal and Tibet passed through this region. Easily accessible from Nepal, it was used several times as an entrance gate for military actions from the site of Nepal against Tibet.
Upon arrival, check in to the Hotel.
Rest of the day is free to relax or explore around the town to acclimatize.
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 06: Ride to Kyirong Town to Saga (4640m/170kms/5hrs)
After breakfast, ride through the beautiful Tibetan landscape. We enter a valley and the climb to a pass and then again descend into another valley one after another and each one more scenic than the next. Finally after about 3 ½ hours, we get a glimpse of the mighty Brahmaputra river or locally known as “Tsang Po” and ride along its banks for a while and take the bridge (newly constructed. In the earlier years, all passengers and vehicles had to be ferried across) to arrive at the hustle and bustle of the Saga town.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 07: Ride Saga to Lhatse(4025m/300kms/8hrs)
Start the scenic ride from Saga to Sakya crossing over 5 passes, Heading to Sakya from an elevation of 4600 meters, the trail wends towards the South route. Now, the trail follows a route that brushes past Brahmaputra River. Further ahead, a river valley sprawls over and then traditional picturesque villages come into picture and Namring being one of the biggest. This scenically rewarding ride provides plenty of opportunities for photography. On this long day’s ride over the sandy and rocky landscape of Tibet, other sites like lake, nomads chasing hundreds of yaks and sheep, keep you busy.
Upon arrival at Lhatse, Check into Hotel
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 08: Ride Lhatse to Gyantse (3950m/273kms/6hrs)
After breakfast ride 23 kilometers to Shakya.
Upon Arrival at Shakya, visit Sakya Monastery, the centre of the Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism, was founded in 1073 by Konchok Gyalpo and during the rule of Sakyapas, the priest patron relationship between Tibet and China was established. Sakyapa rulers reigned over Tibet for nearly a hundred years from 13-14th century. Many of its priceless images, fresco statues, Holy Scriptures remaining today date back to the time of its founding.
Later head off for 115 kilometers flat stretch to Shigatse. The route today is scenic with only a small pass of 4300 m. Upon arrival on the outskirts of the Shigatse City, we stop for lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, continue on to Gyantse. The 90 kilometer journey seems like hours because of the 40 kmph speed limit imposed by the traffic police. There are regular check posts as well as Patrol cars to strictly implement the rule.
Gyantse is a pastoral town and still retains the charm of a traditional Tibetan town untouched by modern expansion. It made world headlines in 1904 when Colonel Young husband, who led British Expedition to Tibet, defeated the Tibetan army there. As a crossroad on the principle trade route to India, it used to be renowned for the excellence of its carpets. The compound, encircled by an impressive wall, once contained 19 monasteries, presided over by the still intact fortress perched atop a nearby mountain.
Upon arrival, check into the hotel.
Late PM: Sightseeing tour of Gyantse Kumbum, one of the most unique and magnificent buildings in Tibet consisting of 6 storeys complete with a Buddhists Hall and a prayer hall. It has 112 chapels and its walls are adorned with religious paintings. Built in the 15th century, it has withstood all battles and revolutions since. We also visit the Pelkhor Chode Monastery located near the Khumbum, it was founded in the 15th century. It has been remarkably well preserved and many of the statues and paintings inside it date back to the time of its founding.
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 09: Ride Gyantse to Lhasa via Lake Yamdrok (3656m/287kms/7hrs)
Set out of Gyantse for Nagartse (100 kms) near Lake Yamdrok passing the Simi La (4200 m) and Riding on a trail with fantastic views of the turquoise blue waters of the man-made lake caused by the dam for the hydro project. Later we also cross the Karo La (5010 m) and the ride to Nagartse, a small village near the Yamdrok lake and an ideal place for a lunch stop.
Then ride along the picturesque trail of the colorful Lake Yamdrok, the Tibetan lifeline of the river Brahma Putra (Yarlung Tsangpo). Yamdrok Tso or Turquoise Lake is a lake of a glaring blue that radiates a near mystical charm. It is about 240 kms in circumference and is more like an Island sea. There are Yak herders around and the lake itself supports a population of scale less fish in its non-saline waters. It is about 124 km from Lhasa.
Later we ascend to Kamba La (4,794m) and have an opportunity to meet the Yak Herders with their finely decorated Yaks and Tibetan Mastiffs. A great photo opportunity and one can take pictures on a Yak or with a bunch of decorated Tibetan Mastiffs for a fee.
From here we descend to the main road head before embarking on the grand finale entrance to the Lhasa City.
Lhasa – capital of Tibet at an altitude of 3650m is situated on the north bank of the Kyichu River in the province of U (central Tibet). Two high craggy hills stand up in isolation from the valley floor. One, Red Hill, is topped by the Potala Palace and the other, Chockpori or Iron Hill, is crowned by a tall antenna. Lhasa in Tibetan means “Place of the Gods” and Potala Palace ” the residence of the Dalai Lama (the god king), is the earthly representation of the celestial Palace of Avaloketswora, the Buddha of infinite compassion whose incarnation in the human form is believed to be the Dalai Lama. As Tibet’s political, religious and cultural centre it is a city truly blessed by the gods, where life is unhurried, is people jovial and yet remaining staunchly independent.
Lhasa consists of two district parts consisting of different architecture, population and lifestyle. Old Lhasa, the Tibetan section, centers around the Jokhang Temple. Its streets are narrow, between white washed stone houses whose walls slope inward as they rise. Windows are framed in black trapezoids, with protruding fan shaped eaves above. Many houses have brightly painted woodwork. The Chinese section, was built in the last 30 years around the base of the Potala. It is characterized by straight, broad streets and utilitarian buildings that houses Chinese style department stores and all kinds of government houses.
In spite of its forced pace of modernization, Lhasa has not lost it’s soul. It is a friendly city where a Tibetan will always return a smile.
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 10: Sightseeing Tour of Lhasa
AM: Visit the Jokhang Temple : Situated in the heart of old Lhasa, it houses Tibet’s most precious religious relic, a golden Shakyamuni Buddha which was brought as a gift by the Chinese Princess Wen Cheng on the occasion of her wedding to the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo.
JOKHANG dates back from the 7th century A.D. Legend says that Songtsen Gampo, who built the temple, threw his ring into the air, promising to build a temple where it landed. The ring fell into a lake and struck a rock where a white stupa miraculously appeared – an auspicious sign. Surrounding the Jokhang Temple is the bustling Barkhor market place which is the religious and social focus of Lhasa. This, the spiritual centre of Tibet, is also the heart of Lhasa.
PM: Visit Potala Palace – this architectural wonder – a spectacular edifice whose gold roofs soar high above the town and rise more than 300 meters above the valley floor and can be seen from all directions for miles around. The Potala Palace was built mainly during the Fifth Dalai Lama’s reign in 1645-1693 and remained the centre of political and religious power for the Dalai Lamas until the 14th.
With over 1000 rooms, it contains the living quarters of the Dalai Lamas and their magnificent golden tombs after their death. Regents, tutors and other high lamas had apartments in the palace too. The Potala held the offices of government, a huge printing house and a seminary run by the elite order of monks who surrounded the God-King to train government officials. Hundreds of elaborately decorated chapels and shrines, halls and corridors contain thousands of gilded statues – Tibet’s pantheon of Buddhas, Boddisattvas, saints and demons.
Today the Potala is a statue museum with 35 caretaker monks, but to thousands of Tibetan pilgrims, it remains a beloved shrine.
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 11: Ride Lhasa to Shigatse (3950m/280kms/7hrs)
After breakfast set out for Shigatse via the northern route. The route today is relatively straight forward but scenic at times when we ride along the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra River).
Upon arrival at Shigatse, check in to the guest house.
PM: Visit Tashilumpo monastery.
The Panchen Lama’s Tashilhumpo Monastery was founded in 1447 AD by Gendun Drup, the first Dalai Lama. It is the seat of the Panchen Lama who is second to the Dalai Lama in Tibetan Buddhist Hierarchy.
The 5th Dalai Lama declared that his teacher, then the Abbot of Tashilhunpo, who is a manifestation of the Buddha Amitabha as the Panchen Rinpochhe. Tashilhumpo has one of the world’s largest statues – a 9 storeyed gilded bronze statue of Maitriya, the future Buddha. Also visit the Flea Market of Shigatse and browse around this ancient market looking for souvenirs.
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 12: Ride Shigatse to Shegar (4300m/269kms/6hrs)
After Breakfast, set out for the ride to Shegar (269 kms). Leave Shigatse and continue on the Friendship Highway to arrive at Lhatse in 3½ hours (156 kms).Then ascend to highest Gyatso La pass at 5228 m which is marked by an array of prayer flags and a gate. This is the highest point on this stretch of the ride. Descend a little and weather permitting; one can get a glimpse of Mt. Everest. Continue to descend and arrive at New Tingri/Shegar, a big bustling town in about 2 hours (113 kms).
Shegar is surrounded by mountains and is another town that lies in the shadow of a great fortress. Even in ruins it is majestic. Seeming to grow out of the craggy brown rock, its sinuous wall bristles with watchtowers like stegosaurus spines. Isolated in 1855 by marauding Nepalese in search of booty, the Gurkhas cut off the dzong’s water supply and settled in for a long siege. Shegar proper has little to recommend except the highest post office in China.
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 13: Ride Shegar to Rongbuk and EBC (5100m/112Kms/4hrs) to Thingri (4348m/78kms/3hrs)
From Shegar, We purchase the permits and National Park entrance tickets and once again ride for about 2 kilometers to arrive at another check post which is operated by the Quomolongma National Park and is the gateway into the Quomolongma (Everest National Park). Here it is mandatory to present all the National Park entry permits for clients as well as for the Motorbikes.
After receiving clearance, ascend on a zig zag trail to Gyawla Pass at (5200 m) which is strewed with prayer flags. A few entrepreneurs set up shop selling souvenirs, prayer flags and tea / cold drinks / can juice. Pilgrims purchase these prayer flags and after writing the names of the family members stretch them along the hillsides. It is believed that as the wind flutters the flags, their prayers reach heaven. Weather permitting, there are great views of Mt. Makalu, Mt, Everest (Quomolongma), Cho Oyu and others.
After a stop to view the Himalayas, descend once again zig zagging our way on 100 switchbacks all the way to the valley floor and then ride towards the settlement of Tashi Dzom.
We park our Motorcycles in the parking lot and take our essentials and load them on the bus.
As we wait for the departure, we enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants.
After lunch, board the waiting electric bus for the 45 kilometer drive to Rongbuk following the Drakar Chu (River) and making slow but steady ascent. After a while, the views of Mt. Everest looms over us and as we a turn bend, we suddenly arrive at Rongbuk and the Lodges. In the distance, towering above everything else is the magnificent and awe inspiring view of Mt. Everest – Mother of the Earth at 8848 m. Following a close second is the Rongbuk Monastery with its Massive Chorten and ancient monastery.
In the afternoon, take a walk by following the dirt road south and the Dzakar Chu (river), now much reduced in volume, is on your right. Soon the valley broadens and the road leaves the river to continue its ascent on the other side, swerving to avoid a rockslide. At the base of the slide is chorten; at its top are the ruins of the Samdrupo Nunnery (a small chapel has been rebuilt). The tented settlement of Dza Rongphu was relocated from the Everest Base Camp, which was situated just beyond some moraine hills a mere 4 kilometers away It is here that the new Everest Base Camp Marker has bed erected. Tourists and vehicles are prohibited to go further than here.
After being one with the mountain, spend some time at the tented city for a cup of tea/ noodle soup or shop for souvenirs or even send a post card from the mobile post office which is considered to be the highest post office in the world at 5200m.
Later, walk back to Rongbuk and visit the ancient monastery.
Rongbuk Monastery was established around the early 20th Century and is considered to be the highest monastery in the world. It is governed under the Nyingmapa Sect (one of the 4 major sects of Buddhism). The Rongbuk Valley is known as the “sanctuary of the birds” and there is a strict ban on killing any animal in the area. There are herds of Blue sheep that dot the hillside as well as the road side and sometimes also come down to the monastery.
The monastery was razed in the 1960s by a fire and rebuilding took place at Rongbuk Monastery in the late 1980s and early 1990. The monastery has now been resurrected, along with the stupa that figures prominently in tourist photography of the scene. In Rongbuk Monastery, some of the murals are superb. The monastery and its large chorten make a great photograph with Mount Everest thrusting its head skyward in the background.
After Sightseeing in Rongbuk, We board the Electric bus and drive to Dza Rongphu parking lot. After loading our belongings into our Backup Vehicle, we enjoy a short tea break before setting out on ride.
Leave the main road and take the small dirt track on the left leading to the river. Cross the bridge and head off with a steady climb through scattered Tibetan settlements. The road passes directly through the village and then descends steeply. On the other side of the ridge, we then start the climb through valleys with scenic views of the Tibetan landscape and fast flowing river to the highest plateau of the world. This area is still dry and dusty and has not been paved yet and allows for some entertaining off road riding.
Dusty and weary we arrive at the high Tibetan plateau with good views of Cho Oyu (8201 m) and enter the settlement of Thingri in about 3 hours by covering a distance of 70 kilometers. Thingri used to be an important trading post where Sherpas from Nepal exchanged rice, grain and iron for Tibetan wool, livestock and salt. It gives its name to the broad upland basin more than 4,500 meters high that is known as the Thingri plain. Shallow, fast-flowing rivers of melted snow water make its grassy meadowland ideal for grazing by livestock.
Upon arrival, check in to the guest house.
Rest of the day is free to relax or explore around the town.
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 14: Ride Thingri to Kyirong via Paikut Tso (2700m/286kms/7hrs)
From Thingri we Ride on the highest plateau of the world with typical view of the Tibetan landscape offering sheer feeling of standing on the roof of the world. As we ascend to the Lalung La (5,200m) from where, weather permitting, there is a breathtaking panorama of beautiful Himalayan ranges including Mt. Everest (8,848.48m) but is dwarfed by the vastness of the Tibetan plateau.
Leave the friendship Highway, Turn right at the cross road then Ride through the desolate plain of Digur Tang with its enormous sand dunes and the snowcapped peaks of Shishapangma (8012m.) and Langtang (7232m.) in close proximity to the south. Leaving the Bum- Chu basin we descend towards Pelkhu Tso (4600m.) a stunningly beautiful lake into which the glacial streams of Da-Chu and Lha-Chu drain.
Then ascend steeply to the Guntung La (5236m) and then descend to Kyriong.
Note: We will be required to stop at 2 check- posts to show the Permits.
Upon arrival, check in to the Hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 15: Ride Kyirong Town to Kathmandu (1370m/180kms/6hrs)
After early breakfast, Ride down 24kms to the border of Nepal and Tibet. Here we bid farewell to our Guide and Rider from Tibet and complete Chinese Immigration and then cross the small makeshift bridge and enter Rasuwagadhi into Nepal.
Met by representatives from Nepal to assist and complete Nepal Customs and Immigration which take some time and we enjoy a break for tea / coffee and some Nepali / India snacks.
The Ride from here is along the Pasang Lhamu highway with switch backs and dirt sections. This section of the highway is vulnerable to landslides and regular blockades during the monsoons. As we descend along the winding road, we will Ride along the edge of the Langtang national park which will fall on your left. Most of the Ride today will be slow and steady as this section is the major entry for goods to Kathmandu from China. We will come across big trucks and the road is just big enough for it. So giving way and waiting turns at corners and narrow stretches is time consuming.
80kms Ride from the border brings us to a small town of Bidur for a lunch break. From here, it’s another 60kms Ride to Kathmandu via Dhikure and Gurje Bhanjyang but will take about ¾ hours.
Upon arrival Kathmandu, check into the hotel.
EVE: Farewell dinner
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 16: Final departure
After breakfast, met by representative and transferred to the airport for the onward flight home. (Reporting time is at least 3hrs before flight time.
**END OF ARRANGEMENTS**
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