Lhasa–Kathmandu by bicycle - From Tibet to Nepal via the Friendship Route

Arrival in Xining, the largest city on the Tibetan Plateau. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your accommodation.

A day spent visiting Kumbum Monastery, built on the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, where explorer Alexandra David-Néel lived for three years. In the evening, board the "Tibet Railway," the highest in the world: an approximately 22-hour journey for a gentle arrival amidst breathtaking scenery at the roof of the world.

Arrival in Lhasa in the evening. Welcome by your guide and transfer to the hotel.

Bike tour of the city and its surroundings: group photo in front of the Potala Palace, Lhasa's most imposing building and former seat of the Tibetan government, followed by a visit to the Sera and Drepung monasteries, 8 km from the center — the largest monastic complex in Tibet

A morning visit to the Jokhang Monastery, built in 647 upon the arrival of Buddhism in Tibet — the cradle and sacred home of Tibetan Buddhism. Free time afterwards to stroll along the Barkhor, the lively street that surrounds it.

Departure towards the Chushul region, following the Lhasa River, the main tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra). Possible stop at a Buddhist rock painting and the Nyethang Drolma Lhakhang temple, with a detour via the Chushul bridge. Camp near Quxu.

Crossing the Khampa La pass (4,795 m), with a stunning view of the Yarlung Valley, the Yarlung Tsangpo River, and Yamdrok Lake. Descent for several kilometers along the lake. Camp near the lake and Nagarze.

Crossing a new pass, the Karo La, at 5,045 m. The road climbs gently into the valley before a final, steeper section. The arrival at the pass is spectacular, with a peak over 7,000 m on one side and a 6,400 m mountain on the other. The afternoon descent is long but very smooth, with views of Gyantse, a very typical town dominated by its fortress perched on a promontory. Overnight at the hotel.

This morning we travel to Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city. It is home to Tashilhunpo Monastery, the former official seat of the Panchen Lama, Tibet's second-highest political and spiritual authority, and the world's largest bronze statue, created in 1904 for Maitreya, the Buddha of the future. Overnight at the hotel.

Day of cycling on the Friendship Route, with two fairly easy mountain passes. Overnight at the campsite.

Crossing the Yulung La pass (4,450 m), then descending through stunning landscapes of the high Tibetan plateau to Lhatse. Overnight stay in a hotel.

The highest pass of the trip awaits you: the Gyagtso La, at 5,220 m, followed by a descent into the valley. First views of Everest, weather permitting. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Crossing the Pang La pass (5,195 m). From the summit, the Himalayan range unfolds breathtakingly, with no fewer than five peaks over 8,000 m directly ahead. Descent to the village of Tashi Dzom (4,200 m), then transfer by vehicle to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest in the world, near Everest Base Camp. Overnight stay in a guesthouse (shared toilets and bathrooms).

Return via Tashi Dzom (4,200 m), then a final pass at 4,915 m, the Namar La, in a wild and sparsely frequented valley, followed by a rapid descent to the Tingri plain. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Back on the Friendship Road to the Nyalam Tongla Pass. The climb is long, and the final flat section will take its toll on many. A quick descent follows, then overnight at the camp between the two passes, at an altitude of 4,800 meters.

Crossing the last pass of the trip, the Yagru Xong La (5,125 m) — also the last viewpoint overlooking the Himalayan range, with Shishapangma, a peak over 8,000 m high, on your right. Easy and spectacular descent, then a flatter road through the valley. Overnight in a hotel.

Drive down to the border post through stunning scenery. Crossing the border and completing Nepalese visa formalities, meeting the Nepalese team, then drive to Kathmandu. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, visit Durbar Square and then Patan, one of the three ancient royal cities of the valley, predominantly Buddhist and renowned for its bronze artisans. Continue to Swayambhunath, a temple perched on a hill, inhabited by monkeys and crowned by a huge stupa overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning visit to Bhaktapur, a magnificent pedestrian city 15 km from Kathmandu, the most beautiful of the three royal cities of the valley. Continue to the temple of Pashupatinath and the stupa of Boudhanath. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast, then transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Flight to France with a stopover.

Arrival by plane in Paris, end of stay