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 Royal Singi or Similar
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 Royal Singi or Similar
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 Royal Singi or Similar
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 Kyirong Phuntsok Rabsel or similar
Day 06: Ride Kyirong to Tingri (4348m/ 265 kms/6hrs)
Today is a most enjoyable day’s ride all the way to Tingri as we head eastwards with the sun in our face.
It’s a scenic ride crossing over passes (Guntung La at 5200 m), the famous Paikut Tso (lake) and then the trail wends upwards to the North East route sprawling over and traditional picturesque villages. This scenically rewarding ride provides plenty of opportunities for photography. On this 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. Look out for the Kiang “Wild Ass” that roam freely in big herds, the Tibetan Antelope and the Marmots.
As we ascend to the top to meet up with the main Friendship Highway, is a direct route from Lhasa to Kathmandu, where the mountains are dwarfed by the vastness of the Tibetan plateau.
Descend for about 50 kilometers to the settlement of Tingri, a line of houses (hotels,
restaurants and shops) on either side of the street.
Upon arrival at Tingri, we check into the hotel. Tingri 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 Tingri plain. Shallow, fast-flowing rivers of melted snow water make its grassy meadowland ideal for grazing by livestock.
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 07: Ride Tingri to Shegar National Park Check post to Tashi Dzom and Electric Bus to Rongbuk (EBC (5100m/172kms/5hrs)
From Tingri set out for Shegar an easy 68 kilometers stretches. However, we take a right turn into the Chomolungma National Park Entrance gate 4 kilometers before arriving Shegar.
We purchase the permits and National Park entrance tickets and once again drive 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 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 Motorbikes in the parking lot and take our essentials for the 1 nights stay Rongbuk 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. Upon arrival, check into the Rongbuk Monastery Guest House.
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.
EVE : Enjoy the sunset over Mt. Everest
Overnight at the Rongbuk Monastery Guest House.
Day 08: Drive Rongbuk to Tashi Dzom on Electric bus and then Ride to Thingri to Kyirong via Paikut Tso (2700m/356kms/7hrs)
Early morning wake up to see the sunrise over Mt. Everest. It is quite spectacular.
After breakfast, we board the Electric bus and drive to Dza Rongphu parking lot. After loading our belongings into backup vehicle, we enjoy a short tea break before setting out on our long day’s ride.
The 60 odd kilometers are now paved and so riding is easy and we make fast progress to arrive at the high Tibetan plateau with good views of Cho Oyu (8201 m) and enter the settlement of Tingri for an early lunch or pick up purchase to enjoy a picnic lunch alter in the day around the close proximity of the Lake Paikut Tso.
Set out from Thingri 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. The Lalung La (5050m) and Thong La (5128 m) are the highest passes here and weather permitting; here is a breathtaking panorama of beautiful Himalayan ranges including Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m) and Mt. Shishapangma (8013 m).
The road then descends past 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 Paikut Tso (4600m.) a stunningly beautiful lake into which the glacial streams of Da-Chu and Lha-Chu drain.
After spending some time at lake we climb up to the Guntung la (5200 m) and then descend to Kyirong Xian, the Government headquarters of the region. From here continue ride towards Kyirong Town (approx. 70 Km).
Upon arrival check in to the Hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax.
(Note: Our guide will start the process to clear customs for our exit into Nepal the following day)
Overnight at the Hotel
Day 09: Ride Kyirong Town to Kathmandu (1370m/164kms/6hrs)
After breakfast, drive down 24 kms to the border of Nepal and Tibet. Here the porters will transfer the luggage to the Nepal side and we bid farewell to our Guide and driver from Tibet. Complete Chinese Immigration and then China Customs for the vehicles and then cross the small makeshift bridge and enter Rasuwa gadhi, Nepal.
Met by representatives from Nepal to assist and complete Nepal Customs and Immigration.
Rasuwa is rich in natural resources. Langtang mountain range stands to the north of Rasuwa. The northern parts of the area largely fall within the boundaries of Langtang National Park. Gosainkunda Lake, Ganja La Pass, and Tamang village in Bridim are the major highlights of Rasuwa for tourism. The Goshainkunda Lake, also known as “Frozen Lake”, one of the most beautiful mountain lakes lies in the Langtang region. There are about 108 kundas (lakes) in this area. Saraswati Kund, Bhairab Kund, Surya Kund and Gosaikund are most important ones. Langtang valley is another attraction in Rasuwa which is aptly called the valley of glaciers; mountains rise soaring toward the sky. The valley offers pine forest, swift mountain streams, rugged rock and snow-capped peaks, grassy down and meadows strewn with daisies and wild animals.
The drive 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 drive along the edge of the Langtang national park which will fall on your left. Most of the drive 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, Kathmandu
Day 10: 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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