Embark on the ultimate motorbiking journey across the Himalayas – from the vibrant streets of Kathmandu to the high Tibetan plateau and the legendary Everest Base Camp. This 19-day adventure combines thrilling rides, breathtaking landscapes, and immersive cultural encounters in Nepal and Tibet.
Your journey begins in Kathmandu, exploring ancient temples and UNESCO World Heritage sites before testing your wheels on a warm-up ride to Namobuddha and Dhulikhel. Crossing into Tibet via the Kyirong border, the ride unfolds across rugged valleys, dramatic passes, turquoise lakes, and timeless Tibetan towns. Along the way, visit iconic monasteries like Sakya, Gyantse Kumbum, and Tashilhunpo, while soaking in the spiritual heartbeat of Lhasa at Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Bazaar.
The crown jewel of the journey is the ride to Everest Base Camp (5,200m), where you stand face-to-face with the world’s highest peak – a once-in-a-lifetime experience for every rider. From sweeping mountain passes like Karo La and Gyatso La to the vast Tibetan plateau, each day brings a new test of endurance and reward of awe-inspiring scenery.
This “Top of the World” ride is not just about motorbikes – it’s about camaraderie, culture, and pushing beyond limits. Designed for passionate riders who crave adventure, it’s the ultimate Himalayan odyssey on two wheels.
Highlights of Biking Above the Clouds
· Warm-up rides in Kathmandu Valley (Bhaktapur,
Namobuddha & Dhulikhel)
· Cross-border ride from Nepal to Tibet via
Kyirong
· Ride across high mountain passes & the
vast Tibetan Plateau
· Visit ancient monasteries: Sakya, Gyantse,
Tashilhunpo, Sera & Ganden
· Explore Lhasa – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple
& Barkhor market
· Thrilling ride to Everest Base Camp (5,200m) with Rongbuk Monastery visit
· Scenic Himalayan lakes – Yamdrok Tso &
Paikut Tso
· Adventure blend of culture, landscapes &
motorbiking thrills
Meet upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and after garland welcome, transfer to hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure (tour briefing – collection of passport for Tibet visa processing (it takes 3 working days to obtain Tibet visa (Mon-Fri)
Evening: Welcome dinner at the hotel
Overnight at the hotel
Morning: Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu also called the 'City of Glory’. Visit includes, Durbar Square, Kumari Ghar - Home to the World's only living Goddess. A short visit to Bhairab - the God of destruction, Taleju Temple - built in 1549 AD and Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Thereafter, visit Swoyambunath Stupa, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist Stupas in the world, which is majestically set high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu valley. Afterwards, visit Boudhanath, a Buddhist Stupa said to be one of the largest in the world.
Rest of the day at leisure
Overnight at the hotel
Negotiate traffic out of the Kathmandu city to the Ringroad cross section - Koteshwor. From here, follow the newly constructed highway to Bhaktapur (Approx. 12 Km from Kathmandu). The ancient Bhaktapur City or the “City of Devotees” is situated at an altitude of 1401m, east of Kathmandu. Bhaktapur covers an area of 4 square miles and is shaped like a conch shell. Pottery and weavings are its traditional industries.
Continue cruising past Bhaktapur to Banepa (Approx. 10 Km from Bhaktapur) via Jagati & Sanga passing road side settlements and terraced farmlands. From here the road bifurcates east to Dhulikhel, North to Nala and south to Panauti. Head south and continue ride for Approx. 7 km to Panauti.
Here we stop for the sightseeing tour.
Panauti is a small town located 32 km Southeast of Kathmandu. Panauti is a historical city found in Nepal, as it was originally a small state given by King Bhupatindra Malla as a dowry to his sister. This town has a few prominent icons, such as the Indreshwor temple and Durbar Square found in the town center. At the end of the 13th Century, Panauti was finally integrated into the unified kingdom of Nepal, along with Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, which are all former capital cities of the Kathmandu valley. It, consists of a variety of Buddhist and Hindu religious monuments, and is considered to be one of the area’s most important medieval sites. Panauti is quaint and interesting destination of Nepal. It feels as if it has been left exactly the way the founders built it. A nostalgic atmosphere covers the narrow town streets and ancient structures. It is known as a Newari town that is located near Roshi khola & Punyamata Khola.
Later continue ride to Namobuddha (Approx. 10 Km) on a graveled & dirt road through the small settlements and terraced field alongside.
Namo Buddha is situated at an elevation of 1750m. It is very important Buddhist Pilgrimage which lies about 38 kilometers east of Kathmandu. The stupa & shrines built in this lovely little hill is a very ancient holy site. Namo Buddha is the historically important place where a prince sacrificed himself for the sake of a sick and hungry tigress and her cubs. One can still find the old historical stone slab depicting the whole story of Namo Buddha. This is an important Buddhist shrine attracting many pilgrims. A trail from this site climbs up for about five minutes to the other side of the hill where there are several more stupas which is considered as a retreat center for Buddhist monks. An ancient carved stone reflecting the legend of Namo Buddha is still there which highlights the historical momentous of Buddha who was moved by compassion at the pitiable sight of a tigress and her cubs that he offered his own body as food.
Later continue ride to Dhulikhel (Approx 15 Km).
Dhulikhel, situated at an elevation of 1550 meters with panoramic view of the Himalayas is a small Newari town and is famous for its scenic beauty and old tradition. It offers magnificent views of the Himalayas from Mt. Karyolung in the east to Mt. Himalchuli to the west the twin crest of Mt. Langtang in the west to the Mt. Everest in the east can be viewed in a clear day. Dhulikhel is ideal for snow-capped peaks, sunrise, sunset and it is different from any other and is one of the best sites to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas.
From here the road bifurcates; east to Kodari and west to Kathmandu. Continue ride towards Kathmandu via Banepa, Sanga & Bhaktapur (approx. 30 Km).
Overnight at the hotel
Obtain Tibet visa in first hour and after early lunch
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.
Here we stop for the lunch.
After lunch head north and continue ride to Dhunche. From here steep descend on a winding and snaky trail till Syabrubesi.
Upon arrival at Syabrubesi check in to the lodge.
Rest of the day is free to relax or explore around the village.
Overnight at the Guest House
After breakfast ride approx. 20 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 driver 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 2700 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 side 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
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 3½ 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.
Upon arrival check in the guest house.
Rest of the day is free to relax or explore around the town.
Overnight at the hotel
Start the scenic ride from Saga to Lhatse crossing over many passes, Heading to Lhatse 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 in to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast 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.
Later afternoon: 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
Set out of Gyantse for Nagartse (100 kms) near Lake Yamdrok passing the Simi La (4200 m) and driving 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
Morning: 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.
Afternoon: 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.
After the sightseeing tour, return to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast met by the riding crew and ride towards Ganden Monastery - Located 45 km east of Lhasa along the road that follows the south bank of the Kyi Chu River, Ganden Monastery denotes the Paradise of Tushita and the abode of Jampa, The Future Buddha. Ganden is the foremost Monastery of the Gelugpa Sect. It is also the most devasted. Of all the Great Six Monasteries (Ganden, Sera, Drepung, Tashilumpo, Labrang and Kumbum) of the Yellow Hat sect, none suffered as disastrously as Ganden. Before the holocaust, over 2000 monks lived here. Now there are 300.
The monastery, one of Gelugpa’s Great six was is built on a ridge called Gokpo Ri, the site where Tsong Khapa first meditated inorder to choose a place for the main monastery of the sect. Ganden’s foundation was laid in 1409. Later return to the hotel in Lhasa.
Afternoon: Visit Sera Monastery:
5 kms (3 miles) north of Lhasa. Sera’s setting is one of Lhasa’s prettiest. Once a community of more than 5,000 monks, it is virtually extinguished by the Chinese. Now the restored monastery sits below the brow of a hill on which Tsongkhapa built a hermitage and spent several years meditating. One of the monk’s disciples began building Sera in 1419, completing it a few years later. After the sightseeing tour return to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel
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).
Afternoon: Sightseeing tour of Panchen Lama’s Tashilhumpo Monastery 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 in declared that his teacher, then the Abbot of Tashilhunpo, who a manifestation of the Buddha Amitabha and 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 souveniers.
Overnight at the hotel
Morning: After breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing tour of the Panchen Lama’s Tashilhumpo Monastery 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 in declared that his teacher, then the Abbot of Tashilhunpo, who a manifestation of the Buddha Amitabha and 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 souveniers.
After the sightseeing tour, 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
From Shegar, set out for Rongbuk and arrive at the army check post where passports and permits are checked. After the completion of the formalities, ride for another 4 kilometers to arrive at a marker showing the diversion to the Everest Base Camp.
Enter 2-kms into the newly constructed gateway to arrive at another check post which is operated by the Quomolomgma National Park and is the gateway into the Quolomongma (Everest National Park). Here it is mandatory to present all the National Park entry permits for clients as well as the vehicles.
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.
After a stop to view the Himalayas, descend once again zig zagging our way on 100 switchbacks all the way to the settlement of Tashi Dzom. After a turn, 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. Upon arrival, take a break for lunch at the Rongbuk Guest House.
As lunch is being prepared, a visit to the Rongbuk Monastery is quite an interesting and enjoyable one.
After lunch follow 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). Here is now situated the tented settlement of Dza Rongphu which was relocated from the Everest Base Camp, which lies just beyond some moraine hills a mere 4 kilometers away.
(Note: The new rules prohibit vehicles from going beyond Dza Rongphu area).
So board the coach for the 4 kilometer Ride to the Everest Base Camp area. (Look out for the blue sheep that inhabit the area but blend quite well in the rocky landscape). Upon arrival at the lonely bus stop by the marker stating that it is the Quomolongma Base Camp at 5200 m. To go further from here requires an additional permit to either Advance Base Camp or a climbing permit for Mt. Everest.
After being one with the mountain, descend to the Bus Park and board the bus for the ride back to Dza Rongphu. Here we can 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 get geared up and then set off for Rongbuk and check into the Rongbuk Monastery Guest House.
Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast, follow 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). Here is now situated the tented settlement of Dza Rongphu which was relocated from the Everest Base Camp, which lies just beyond some moraine hills a mere 4 kilometers away.
(Note: The new rules prohibit vehicles and tourists from going beyond Dza Rongphu area).
Here we can spend some time taking photos next to the boulder marking the base camp at the tented city, or 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 ride back to Rongbuk for lunch. After lunch, set out for Thingri by retracing the route till the 26 kilometer marker. 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 Tingri in about 3 hours by covering a distance of 70 kilometers. 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.
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
From Tingri 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. Cross the Lalung La (5,200m) and Thong La (5050 m) from where, weather permitting, here is a breathtaking panorama of beautiful Himalayan ranges including Mt. Everest (8,848m) but is dwarfed by the vastness of the Tibetan plateau.
The road passes 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. After spending some time at lake continue ride to Kyirong Xian. 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 or explore around the town.
Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast, ride down 24kms 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 cross the small makeshift bridge and enter Rasuwa Gadhi, Nepal.
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 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. From the traffic junction we take a left and climb 6kms to Nuwakot bazar. Then we descend 5 kms to arrive at Dhikure, a large settlement along the basin of the Likhu River. We ride following the river before climbing up the winding road through the Shivapuri national Park with the never ending needle eye bends.
We stop at the ridge of the hill at the army check post. After the inspection, continue along the concrete track through the dense jungle to arrive at the outskirts of Kathmandu. The traffic will start to turn heavy and busy before we arrive at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Upon arrival, check into the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel
Full day free to relax or explore the surroundings
Evening: Typical Nepali dinner followed by cultural proramme
Overnight at the hotel
Free until departure transfer to international airport for onward flight