This is not a simple crossing — it's a cycling journey across one of the highest, most spectacular plateaus on Earth. From Lhasa and the Potala Palace, around twelve days of riding along the Friendship Highway cross ten passes above 4,000m — five of them above 5,000m, including the Gyagtso La at 5,220m — for over 12,000m of climbing. Along the way: Yamdrok Lake, the towns of Gyantse and Shigatse, Everest Base Camp at the foot of the north face, then the crossing of the Himalaya into Nepal and the temples of the Kathmandu valley. A demanding route, for trained cyclists who are at ease in the mountains.
A group of riders from several clubs
The group brings together cyclists from several French-speaking clubs (France, Belgium, Switzerland, Québec), each signing up individually. In 2026 we took a first group of 12 cyclists from Lhasa to Kathmandu. A demanding route, for trained cyclists who are at ease in the mountains.
Trip Highlights
Lhasa and the Potala Palace
Two days exploring the holy city by bike, its architecture and history, before setting off.
Sera, Drepung and Jokhang
Lhasa's three great monasteries, including Drepung, the largest monastic complex in Tibet.
The passes of the roof of the world
Khampa La, Karo La, Gyagtso La, Pang La… ten passes above 4,000m, five of them above 5,000m, across the heart of the Tibetan plateau.
Everest Base Camp
Five 8,000m+ peaks in view from Pang La pass, then a night at Rongbuk, the world's highest monastery, near Base Camp and facing Everest.
High-altitude camp life
A cook and an assistant travel with you the whole way: camp nights and hot meals, even at 4,800m.
Kathmandu and the Nepalese valley
Two days to discover Durbar Square, Patan, Bhaktapur and the stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath.
Altitude acclimatisation required beforehand
This trip starts high and climbs fast: around twelve riding days between 3,400 and over 5,200m, with stages that can exceed 120km and 1,300m of ascent. Good acclimatisation is essential — the first days (Xining, then Lhasa) allow a gentle climb before the passes of the plateau, and a spare oxygen bottle is carried as part of the trip's equipment. As with our other very high-altitude routes, we can help you prepare your acclimatisation before departure.
Elevation Profile, Lhasa to Kathmandu
Altitude of each stage and pass between Lhasa (day 3) and Kathmandu (day 17). Gold points mark the main passes.
Arrival in Xining (2300m)
Arrival in Xining, the largest city on the Tibetan plateau.Xining → Lhasa
Full-day visit of Kumbum Monastery, built on the birthplace of Tsongkhapa and where the explorer Alexandra David-Neel once stayed for three years.Arrival in Lhasa (3835m)
Evening arrival in Lhasa.Lhasa by bike
Cycling tour of the city and its surroundings: group photo in front of the Potala, the most imposing building in Lhasa and former seat of the Tibetan government, followed by a visit to Sera and Drepung monasteries, 8km from the city centre – the largest monastic complex in Tibet.Lhasa
Morning visit of Jokhang Monastery, built in 647 when Buddhism was introduced to Tibet – the cradle and sacred home of Tibetan Buddhism.Lhasa → Quxu (3600m)
Departure towards the Chushue area, following the Lhasa river, the main tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra).Quxu → Nagarze (4410m)
Crossing of Khampa La pass (4795m), with a beautiful view over the Yarlung valley, the Yarlung Tsangpo river and Yamdrok Lake.Nagarze → Gyantse (4020m)
Crossing of a new pass, the Karo La, at 5045m.Gyantse → Shigatse (3835m)
Ride this morning towards Shigatse, Tibet's second city.Shigatse → Jingdingzhen (3905m)
Riding day on the Friendship Highway, crossing two fairly easy small passes.Jingdingzhen → Lhatse (4050m)
Crossing of Yulung La pass (4450m), then a descent through superb Tibetan high-plateau scenery down to Lhatse.Lhatse → Shegar (4320m)
The highest pass of the whole trip awaits: Gyagtso La, at 5220m, then a descent into the valley.Shegar → Tashi Dzom → Rongbuk (5000m)
Crossing of Pang La pass (5195m).Rongbuk → Tashi Dzom → Tingri (4350m)
A final pass at 4915m, the Namar La, through a wild and little-used valley, followed by a fast descent to the Tingri plain.Tingri → Nyalam Tongla (4800m)
Back on the Friendship Highway, continuing to Nyalam Tongla pass.Nyalam Tongla → Nyalam (3400m)
Crossing of the last pass of the trip, Yagru Xong La (5125m) – also the last viewpoint over the Himalayan range, with Xishapangma, an 8000m+ peak, visible on your right.Nyalam → Kathmandu (1350m)
Descent by vehicle towards the border post, through magnificent scenery.Kathmandu (1350m)
After breakfast, visit Durbar Square then Patan, one of the valley's three ancient royal cities, mainly Buddhist and renowned for its bronze-casting artisans.Kathmandu (1350m)
Morning visit of Bhaktapur, a sumptuous pedestrian city 15km from Kathmandu, the most beautiful of the valley's three royal cities.Kathmandu, end of the trip
Breakfast, then transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport.Full Itinerary
Arrival in Xining (2300m)
Arrival in Xining, the largest city on the Tibetan plateau. Welcome on arrival and transfer to your accommodation.
Xining → Lhasa
Full-day visit of Kumbum Monastery, built on the birthplace of Tsongkhapa and where the explorer Alexandra David-Neel once stayed for three years. Boarding in the evening on the “Tibet train”, the highest in the world: around 22 hours on board for a scenic and gentle arrival on the roof of the world.
Arrival in Lhasa (3835m)
Evening arrival in Lhasa. Welcome by your English-speaking guide and transfer to your hotel.
Lhasa by bike
Cycling tour of the city and its surroundings: group photo in front of the Potala, the most imposing building in Lhasa and former seat of the Tibetan government, followed by a visit to Sera and Drepung monasteries, 8km from the city centre – the largest monastic complex in Tibet.
Lhasa
Morning visit of Jokhang Monastery, built in 647 when Buddhism was introduced to Tibet – the cradle and sacred home of Tibetan Buddhism. Free time afterwards to wander the lively Barkhor street surrounding it.
Lhasa → Quxu (3600m)
Departure towards the Chushue area, following the Lhasa river, the main tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra). Possible stop at a Buddhist mural and at Nyethang Drolma Lhakang temple, detour via Chushue bridge. Camp near Quxu.
Quxu → Nagarze (4410m)
Crossing of Khampa La pass (4795m), with a beautiful view over the Yarlung valley, the Yarlung Tsangpo river and Yamdrok Lake. Descent along the lake shore for several kilometres. Camp near the lake and Nagarze.
Nagarze → Gyantse (4020m)
Crossing of a new pass, the Karo La, at 5045m. The road climbs gently up the valley before a steeper final stretch. The arrival at the pass is spectacular, with a 7000m+ peak on one side and a 6400m mountain on the other. The afternoon descent is long but very rideable, with a glimpse of Gyantse – a very typical town with its fortress perched on a promontory overlooking it. Hotel night.
Gyantse → Shigatse (3835m)
Ride this morning towards Shigatse, Tibet's second city. Home to Tashilhunpo Monastery, the former official seat of the Panchen Lama, Tibet's second political and spiritual authority. It houses the world's largest bronze statue, built in 1904 for Maitreya, the Buddha of the future. Hotel night.
Shigatse → Jingdingzhen (3905m)
Riding day on the Friendship Highway, crossing two fairly easy small passes. Camp night.
Jingdingzhen → Lhatse (4050m)
Crossing of Yulung La pass (4450m), then a descent through superb Tibetan high-plateau scenery down to Lhatse. Hotel night.
Lhatse → Shegar (4320m)
The highest pass of the whole trip awaits: Gyagtso La, at 5220m, then a descent into the valley. First views of Everest, weather permitting. Hotel night.
Shegar → Tashi Dzom → Rongbuk (5000m)
Crossing of Pang La pass (5195m). From the top, the Himalayan range unfolds breathtakingly, with no fewer than five 8000m+ peaks in front of you. Descent to Tashi Dzom village, then transfer by vehicle to Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world, near Everest Base Camp. Guesthouse night.
Rongbuk → Tashi Dzom → Tingri (4350m)
A final pass at 4915m, the Namar La, through a wild and little-used valley, followed by a fast descent to the Tingri plain. Hotel night.
Tingri → Nyalam Tongla (4800m)
Back on the Friendship Highway, continuing to Nyalam Tongla pass. The climb is long and the final flat stretch will wear more than one rider down. Fast descent, then a camp night between the two passes, at 4800m altitude.
Nyalam Tongla → Nyalam (3400m)
Crossing of the last pass of the trip, Yagru Xong La (5125m) – also the last viewpoint over the Himalayan range, with Xishapangma, an 8000m+ peak, visible on your right. Easy and spectacular descent, then flatter riding down the valley. Hotel night.
Nyalam → Kathmandu (1350m)
Descent by vehicle towards the border post, through magnificent scenery. Border crossing and Nepalese visa formalities, meeting with the Nepalese team, then drive to Kathmandu. Hotel night.
Kathmandu (1350m)
After breakfast, visit Durbar Square then Patan, one of the valley's three ancient royal cities, mainly Buddhist and renowned for its bronze-casting artisans. Continue to Swayambhunath, a hilltop temple home to monkeys and a huge Buddhist stupa overlooking the Kathmandu valley. Hotel night.
Kathmandu (1350m)
Morning visit of Bhaktapur, a sumptuous pedestrian city 15km from Kathmandu, the most beautiful of the valley's three royal cities. Continue to Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath stupa. Hotel night.
Kathmandu, end of the trip
Breakfast, then transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. End of our services.
What's Included
Booking Terms
- Cancellation terms depend on how close to departure you cancel, and are confirmed in writing when your trip is booked.
- If a visa application is refused, we ask for the official refusal letter from the consulate and refund what we can once any costs already committed on your behalf are deducted.
- A confirmed place can usually be transferred to another eligible traveller.
- If safety conditions or government restrictions force a change, we'll adapt or refund the unused portion of the trip.
Get in Touch
We don't take bookings online — this site is here to show you the trip. Call or write to us to talk it through, whether you're an interested rider or a club organiser.
Yannick Benichou and Mathieu Le Serre, Lost Horizon
