8 Days Lhasa to Namtso Lake Bike Tour

 
8 Days Lhasa to Namtso Lake Bike Tour
Apr - OctBest Time
MediumTour Pace
5190mMax Altitude
Physical Demands
Lhasa-Damxung-Namtso Lake-Yampachen-Lhasa
The Lhasa to Namtso Lake bike tour is an incredible adventure through the stunning landscapes of Tibet. The journey starts in Lhasa and takes you to Namtso Lake, one of the highest and most beautiful lakes in the world. This bike tour is designed for experienced cyclists who are up for the challenge of high-altitude cycling, with elevations reaching over 4,700 meters. Along the way, you'll cycle through high mountain passes, encounter traditional Tibetan’s nomadic way of life, and enjoy an amazing natural hot spring!
DAY BY DAY SUMMARY
D1: Arrive in Lhasa
D2-3: Lhasa Sightseeing
D4: Lhasa / Damxung
D5: Damxung / Namtso
D6: Namtso / Yampachen
D7: Yampachen / Lhasa
D8: Tour Ends
Itinerary Details
Includes & Excludes
Tour FAQs
Itinerary Details

Day 1 Arrival in Lhasa [3650m]

As soon as you arrive in Lhasa, our guide and driver will be awaiting your arrival at either Lhasa Airport or Railway Station. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach the city center from the airport, while the railway station is just 20 minutes away. Our friendly staff will warmly welcome you and accompany you to your hotel. Take some time to rest and relax to acclimatize today. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 2 Lhasa Sightseeing

Our itinerary for today will start at the majestic Potala Palace, a colossal structure that towers over the Lhasa skyline. As you approach the palace, you'll be awed by its impressive size and remarkable beauty. Once inside, you'll have 1-2 hours to explore the palace's various rooms, halls, and chapels. Next, we'll make our way to the Jokhang Temple, which holds a special place in the hearts of Tibetans. It's known as the spiritual center of Tibet and attracts pilgrims from all corners of the region who come to offer prayers and pay their respects. The temple features a unique blend of Tibetan, Han, and Nepalese architecture, showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of the area. Finally, we'll take a leisurely stroll through Barkhor, the oldest street in Lhasa and a bustling center of traditional Tibetan life. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this remarkable city. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 3 Lhasa Sightseeing

Today's itinerary will take us to two of the most magnificent and historically significant monasteries in Lhasa. We'll begin with a visit to Drepung Monastery, which derives its name from the Tibetan word for "piles of rice", symbolizing good luck and prosperity. At its peak, Drepung Monastery was home to more than 10,000 monks, making it the largest monastery in the world. After enjoying a delicious lunch, we'll continue our adventure with a visit to Sera Monastery, famous for its incredible architecture and picturesque views. One of the highlights of Sera Monastery is the lively and engaging Buddhist scriptures debating session that takes place from 3 to 5 PM each afternoon, offering an authentic glimpse into the religious and intellectual culture of Tibet. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 4 Cycle from Lhasa to Damxung (155 km)

Get ready for an exhilarating bike ride covering a distance of 155km from Lhasa to Damxung. The journey takes you along the scenic Tolung-chu and Qinghai-Lhasa Train Line, which boasts stunning views and landscapes. The road condition is decent, ensuring a smooth ride throughout. Damxung, which means "select pasture" in the Tibetan language, is a county with rugged topography, covering an area of 10,036 square kilometers. The area is long and narrow, measuring 185km from the northeast to southwest extremes and at most 65km across. The terrain is rugged, featuring the western Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, which includes the highest peak rising to 7,111 meters. 

Day 5 Cycle from Damxung to Namtso Lake (75 km) 

Today’s cycling covers a distance of 75km from Damxung to Namtso. The journey offers stunning views of the Nyenchen Thanglha snow mountain ranges that will leave you spellbound. The ride takes approximately 4 hours, and the most challenging part of the route is the cycling through the Mt. Nagenla Pass, which stands tall at 5190m. However, fear not as our support vehicle is always at hand, ready to assist you if the bike riding becomes too difficult. As you conquer Mt. Nagenla Pass, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of vast green grasslands dotted with nomad's tents, sheep, and yaks. The final leg of the journey offers an awe-inspiring view of the turquoise Namtso Lake, which will take your breath away. 

Day 6 Cycle from Namtso Lake to Yampachen (123 km) 

Get up early to witness the magnificent sunrise at Namtso Lake. Then, you can take a light trek to Tashi Dor Island, located at the lake shore, to explore its meditation caves. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the peaceful and spiritual surroundings of the lake. Afterwards, hop on your bike and get ready for a 7-hour ride to Yampachen, a small town located in the Yampachen Valley.  Yampachen is rich in geothermal resources and is also renowned as a hot spring resort. As you approach Yampachen, you'll see the tents of nomads scattered across the lush green valley, with grazing yak and sheep populating the hillside. 

Day 7 Cycle from Yampachen to Lhasa (75 km) 

Indulge in a luxurious bath at the Yampachen Hot Springs, surrounded by snow-capped mountains that provide a breathtaking view. After biking at the top of the world for three days, consider this a well-deserved reward that will rejuvenate your body and soul. Afterwards, head back to Lhasa. The return journey is a smooth and enjoyable one, and the 75 km cycling takes approximately four hours. 

Day 8 Lhasa airport or train station dropping off 

Today, you will be dropped off at the Lhasa airport or train station. This is where you'll say your farewells to your guide and driver. Service ends.

Includes & Excludes
What’s included in this tour package?
Transport: Private minivan or minibus with driver
Free Lhasa airport / train pick-up and drop-off
Twin-sharing / double room accommodation in Tibet
Local English-speaking Tibetan guide
All entrance fees of sightseeing places mentioned in itinerary
All necessary Tibet permits
Government tax
What’s excluded in this tour package?
Chinese Visa fee
Bikes or bike rental cost
Tips for the guide and driver
Flight or train tickets into and out of Lhasa
Personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone calls, etc
Tour FAQs

Q: What is the distance between Lhasa and Namtso Lake?
A: The distance between Lhasa and Namtso Lake is around 250 km.

Q: How many days does the Lhasa to Namtso Lake bike tour take?
A: The Lhasa to Namtso Lake bike tour usually takes around 3-4 days, depending on the itinerary and pace of the group.

Q: Is the Lhasa to Namtso Lake bike tour suitable for beginners?
A: The Lhasa to Namtso Lake bike tour is generally suitable for intermediate to advanced level riders. The terrain can be challenging, with steep climbs and rough roads, so it's important to have prior cycling experience and physical fitness.

Q: What is the best time of year to do the Lhasa to Namtso Lake bike tour?
A: The best time to do the Lhasa to Namtso Lake bike tour is from May to October, when the weather is generally dry and sunny. The summer months can be particularly pleasant, with clear skies and warm temperatures.

Q: What type of bike is recommended for the Lhasa to Namtso Lake bike tour?
A: A sturdy and reliable mountain bike with good suspension and strong brakes is recommended for the Lhasa to Namtso Lake bike tour. Narrow-wheeled racing bikes are not suitable for the rough terrain in Tibet.

Q: What type of accommodations are available during the tour?
A: Depending on the itinerary, accommodations during the Lhasa to Namtso Lake bike tour may include a mix of hotels, guesthouses, and camping sites.

Q: Is it necessary to bring my own bike for the tour?
A: It's recommended to bring your own bike if possible, as it can be difficult to find suitable rental bikes in Lhasa. 
 
Interested tour options: 8 Days Lhasa to Namtso Lake Bike Tour
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Client Feedback

From Mr. Gerard Adrien From Mr. Gerard Adrien
GTT-D-2660, 29-07-2023

Hi Daniel. We are already on our way back to Shanghai. We would like to thank you for the great trip we had. Our guide Jampa and our driver did an excellent job. They are both very recommendable! We enjoyed the trip despite the altitude discomfort we experienced during the first 3 days. Thank you!

From Ms. Elena Maria Valisi From Ms. Elena Maria Valisi
GTT-V-3371, 10-09-2019

I highly recommend this agency. I travelled with other 2 couples who booked through different agencies and they paid a lot more to have less assistance, same hotels/tour/guide/car, less flexibility and no travel insurance included.