Great Bike Tour from Xinjiang via Holy Mountain Kailash to Tibet

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39 Days Private Tour Kashgar - Yecheng - Mazar - Hongliutan - Jieshan Daban - Hongtu Daban - Doma - Bangong Tso - Risong - Shiquanhe - Namuru - Baer - Tsada - Mentu - Darchen - Kailash Trekking – Darchen - Manasarovar - Mayum La - Paryang – Xin Zhongba - Saga - Qiere - Sangsang - Lhatse - Cola Pass - Resa - Jiding - Shigatse – Gyantse - Longma - Karola - Baidi - Kampala Pass - Chushur - Lhasa

With 2140 kilometers, Xinjiang-Tibet highway starts at Yecheng and ends at G318 National Highway in Lhatse, Tibet. After approaching Lhatse, it go through 400 kilometers on G318 National Highway to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region. With average elevation of more than 4500 meters, Xinjiang-Tibet highway goes through famous Kunlun Mountain, Karakorum Mountain, Gangdise Mountain, Himalaya Mountain, and climbs over many snow mountain pass with more than 5000 meters above sea level and the highest Jieshan Daban at 5248 meters above sea level. We challenge the Xinjiang-Tibet highway by bike that is one of the plateau highways with the highest elevation and in the worst condition. We will overcome “no man’s land”. All the way, what accompany us are endless Gobi, desert, snowy mountains, and even many wild animals like Kiang (Tibetan wild ass, Equus kiang), Przewalski's Gazelle (Procapra przewalskii), Tibetan gazelle (Procapra picticaudata), Tibetan Antelope (chiru, Pantholops hodgsonii), etc.

After visiting Kashgar, an important town on the Silk Road, we will drive via Yecheng through Karakorum Mountain into the northern Himalaya Mountains. In the four days, we should adapt high altitude as soon as possible, and then start our biking from the quiet Pangong Tso. During biking through Ali (Ngari) Prefecture in west Tibet with average elevation of more than 4500 meters and praised as “the top of the roof of the world”, we will visit the ruins of Guge Kingdom, and trek around the holy mountain Kailash, and have a walk by the holy lake Manasarovar (Mapam Yumco) to relax. Here concentrate tantalizing legends, beautiful natural landscapes and rich human landscapes. The mysterious kingdom, the world’s holiest mountain and lake accompanied with extreme divinity ardently followed by thousands of pilgrims every year, Guge Ruins, Kailash and Manasarovar carry massive spiritual significance. And it has also been a paradise for explorers from all over the world.

After a relaxing whole day by Manasarovar Lake (Mapam Yumco), we continue to ride east, via Shigatse, Gyantse to Lhasa - the capital of Tibet.

The Xinjiang-Tibet highway is the most difficult extreme cycling route: high altitude, complicated and changeable weather, severe cold, and large uninhabited areas, which requires extremely strong physical and psychological endurance, and which is an extremely test for body and will. Of course, it will also be the adventure story and experience of our lifetime.

Highlights

Great Bike Tour from Xinjiang via Holy Mountain Kailash to Tibet

Itinerary

Itinerary
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DAY
1

Arrive in Kashgar

Welcome to Kashgar

Arrive in Kashgar and transfer to hotel from airport.

Overnight at 4*Tianyuan International Hotel

Kashgar

Photo by Liu Bin

DAY
2

Kashgar

Sunday Bazaar in Kashgar, Id Gagh Mosque, Akba Khojia Mausoleum, Kashgar Old Town

In the morning, stroll in Old Town and visit the Sunday-bazaar where many Uyghurs do business. The Sunday bazaar of the Uyghurs living here, is one of the largest and most colorful in Central Asia, and is also one of the highlights of the trip. In the afternoon visit the Id Kah Mosque and the Tomb of Abakh Hoja where the "Nice smelling concubine", a Uygur national heroine, is buried.

Overnight at 4*Tianyuan International Hotel

Breakfast

Id Kah Mosque

Photo by Liu Bin

DAY
3

Kashgar – Yecheng (1350m)

Meeting Lhasa tour guide

Meet the Lhasa tour guide in the hotel. Kashgar tour guide handover the work to Lhasa tour guide. And then go to Yecheng.

272 km
Overnight at K2 Dengshan Hotel

Breakfast

Camel in South Xinjiang

DAY
4

Yecheng - Kekeya Tounship (2000m) - Kudi Daban (3310m) - Mazar (3794m)

Driving to Mazar

After breakfast, go to Mazar. It is typical Gobi physiognomy on the Both sides of the road. Sometimes, you can watch the goats and camels eating the grass leisurely. Then with the rising elevation, rolling hills are appearing. Mazar Daban towers to the sky and is surrounded by rocky mountains.

261 km
Overnight at simple guesthouse

Breakfast

Kudi Daban Pass

DAY
5

Mazar - Heika Daban (4930m) - Hongliutan (4230m)

Shahidulla Watchhouse

Start from Mazar and bike on gentle slope all the way. There are many crooked road from Heika Daban. You will pass through a watchhouse in Shahidulla that is a watchhouse site in Qing Dynasty (1636-1912). Climb over Qitai Daban into Aksayqin Basin, and then reach Hongliutan.

243 km
Overnight at simple guesthouse

Breakfast

Heika Daban Pass

DAY
6

Hongliutan - Qitai Daban (5200m) - Dead Ditch (5140m) - Jieshan Daban (5248m) - Domar (4440m)

Jieshan Daban, Song Xi Village

Start from Hongliutan, via Dead Ditch at 5140 meter above sea level, reach the last station of Xinjiang - Tibet Highway in Xinjiang. Then continue biking over Jieshan Daban at 5248 meters above sea level that is the highest point of Xinjiang - Tibet Highway and is also the highest highway in the world. There are Tibetan Antelope, Tibet Gazelle, Kiang, Wild Horse, Wolf, Fox and other animals on the way. At the highest point of Jieshan Daban, you can look the endless peaks spanning the mountain pass, which is solemn and magnificent, inspiring and breath-taking. Jieshan Daban is the boarder between Xinjiang and Tibet, so as long as you climb over it, you enter Tibet. Have a rest at the first Tibetan village – Songxi, and then continue climbing over Hongtu Daban to Domar.

329 km
Overnight at simple guesthouse

Breakfast

Dead Ditch

DAY
7

Domar - Fish Village of Bangong Tso (4250m)

Bangong Tso

After breakfast, bike to Bangong Tso. With clear lake water, there are many water birds skimming over the lake surface. Bangong is Hindi, meaning a small grassland. Bangong Tso is called Tsomo Nganglha Ringpo in Tibetan, meaning “Long-Necked Swan Lake”. After reaching Bangong Tso, have a rest and clear up equipment. Have a walk by the lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Bangong Tso. Start bike tour from Bangong Tso tomorrow!

99 km
Overnight at simple guesthouse

Breakfast

Lang Tso Lake

DAY
8

Bike Bangong Tso – Rutog (4250m) - Risum (4340m)

Biking to Risum

Bike 44 kilometers to adapt high altitude. With ups and downs road and a little change of elevation, bike from Bangong Tso to Rutog on a new road along mountain. It is gentle slope from the county city Rutog and bike uphill about 33 kilometers to reach Risum Village. There are many wetlands by the road and many red-crowned cranes (Grus Japonensis) appear here. Many water birds fly around these wetlands, which represents a peaceful and quiet scene.

14 km + 33 km
Camping or overnight at simple guesthouse

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Bangong Tso Lake

DAY
9

Bike Risum - Jiagang - Shiquanhe (4293m)

Biking to Shiquanhe

Bike uphill from Risum Village and bike over Lameila Pass at 4875 meters above sea level. And then bike downhill to Shiquanhe, sometimes, you can see wolves and camels on the way.

88 km
Overnight at 2*Hanjin Boya Hotel

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Tibetan Antelope (chiru)

DAY
10

Bike Shiquanhe - Shazi Daban - Namru

Dakunsa Village, Namru Village

Bike from K1061 in Shiquanhe to K1071 and all the way is flat. And then bike uphill about 10 kilometers. In the afternoon, reach Shazi Daban at 4782 meters above sea level. Then bike downhill to Kunsa Village and there is Kunsha Airport on the right side. From here, bike uphill on gentle slope to K1127. When reach the top, bike downhill several kilometers to Namru Village. You can take a bath in hot spring.

79 km
Camping or overnight at simple guesthouse

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Bike to Namru Village

DAY
11

Bike Namru – Ba’er

Biking to Ba’er

Bike to Ba’er army service station along G219 National Highway. All the way is flat road and elevation rises by 200 meters.

63 km
Camping or overnight at simple guesthouse

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Landscape in West Tibet

DAY
12

Bike Ba’er - Longgala (500m) - Dachang (4800m) – Camping Site

Tulin National Geo-park

Start from K1192 of Ba’er army service station, and then turn right from national highway to 705 county road with beautiful scenery on the both sides. And then enter Tulin (Earth Forest) National Geo-Park with blue sky, white cloud, green grass and snow mountain. Occasionally, herds of sheep and cows are appearing on the grassland. What a beautiful idyllic scenery! After biking 80 kilometers, you station and camp here.

80 km
Camping

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Tsada Earth Forest

DAY
13

Bike Camping Site - Tsada

Tholing Monastery, Ruins of Guge Kingdom

Continue to bike downhill about 40 kilometers to Tsada. Then visit Tholing Monastery and Ruins of Guge Kingdom. Go to Tsaparang, the oldest center of the Kingdom of Guge. Four temples around the lower fortress walls, the fifth is located above the city, in the remains of the former summer palace of the kings. Various motifs adorn the coffered lattice ceilings and carved beams of the temples. Partly well-preserved murals with numerous details decorate the walls. Lama Anagarika Govinda calls these works of art "prayers and meditations in color and form. Every stroke is carefully completed". Then visit the Toling Monastery. Its unique murals represent exaggerated and extravagant style have a coincidental resemblance to Picasso's works.

40 km
Overnight at Tulin Castle Hotel

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Ruins of Guge Kingdom

DAY
14

Bike Tsada - Camping Site

Continue biking in Ali (Ngari)

Bike 80 kilometers back from Tsada in Ba’er’s direction. All the way, the elevation rises 1200 meters.

80 km
Camping

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Ruins of Guge Kingdom

DAY
15

Bike Camping Site – Ba’er - Jiala Pass - Mentu

Bike to Mentu Village

Continue to bike back to Ba’er army service station. Turn right into G219 National Highway, and then bike uphill to climb over Jiala Pass to Mentu Village.

94 km
Camping or overnight at simple guesthouse

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Kiang

DAY
16

Bike Mentu - Darchen

Biking to starting point of Kailash kora

From Mentu Village, bike uphill with flat road and elevation rises 400 meters. Finally, we reach Darchen (4,800 m), the starting point of the Kailash Circumnavigation.

64 km
Overnight at simple The Faraway Home Hotel

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Holy Mountain Kailash

Photo by He Wenjing

DAY
17

Trekking around Kailash, about 22 km

Start a 3-day trekking tour of Kailash

The village of Darchen only consists of a few stone houses, which are located about 6 km north of the main road. Accompanied by carriers and yaks, you will start a 3-day tour in Kailash. For Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon, the mountain is the most sacred place in the world. It is the cosmic axis, the "navel of the world". Past numerous chorten and Manimauern the path leads into the broad valley on the west side of the mountain. Along with Tibetan and Indian pilgrims, you will pass the famous prayer flagpole, the “Buddha's Footprints”, and abandoned hermit clauses. After about 7 hours of walking, on the first day of the tour you will reach our campsite at 5,100 m altitude.

Trekking 22 km
Overnight at simple guesthouse

Breakfast

Kailash Trekking

Photo by Li Chaojun

DAY
18

Trekking around Kailash, about 20 km

Crossing the 5,600 m high Dolma-La

The most important part of the circumnavigation around Kailash involves crossing the most sacred spot, the 5,600m high Dolma-La, the highest point of the Parikrama, where there is a "holy" stone adorned with prayer flags , according to legend, that is the place where the goddess Dolma disappeared. Trek down a slightly steep but good path. Soon you will pass Thuji Zimbo Lake, which the Hindu Gauri calls it Kund and consider sacred. The total walking time on the second day is 7 to 8 hours.

Trekking 20 km
Overnight at simple guesthouse

Breakfast

Kailash Trekking

Photo by Pasang

DAY
19

Trekking around Kailash, about 11 km; Bike Darchen - Manasarovar

Kailash Kora ends, biking to holy lake Manasarovar

The third stage needs past numerous mani walls with stone tablets back to Darchen, which means the circle of your circumnavigation ends. Then you bike from Darchen to Manasarovar Lake (Mapam Yumco).

Trekking 11 km
Biking 40 km
Camping or overnight at simple guesthouse

Breakfast

Holy Lake Manasarovar

Photo by Li Chaojun

DAY
20

Manasarovar

Relaxing, soft hiking by Manasarovar

Manasarovar Lake is 330 square kilometers, 81.8 meters deep. The lake is nestled between two snow-capped mountain ranges. The area is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Tibet. For Hindus, Manasarovar is a sacred lake. Therefore, Walking around the lake and washing and purifying themselves with the lake became the most important goal of the pilgrims. Short hike and visit at Manasarovar Lake. Enjoy the views of the eight monasteries on the shores of the northern Kailash and Manasarovar Lake.

Camping or overnight at simple guesthouse

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Holy Lake Manasarovar and Holy Mountain Kailash

DAY
21

Bike Manasarovar - Gongzhu Tso Pass - Mayum La (5211m) - Mayum La Checkpoint (4700m)

Biking to Mayum La Checkpoint

Bike uphill from Huo’er Village. There are Kiang (Tibetan wild ass, Equus kiang) and Tibetan gazelle (Procapra picticaudata) along the way. The road is ascent gradually and shapes like wave after passing through Gongzhu Tso Pass. After over Mayum La, bike downhill gently along river. The scenery at the both sides is very beautiful. Finally, reach Mayum La Checkpoint.

113 km
Overnight in the simple guesthouse or camping

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Mayum La Mountain

DAY
22

Bike Mayum La Checkpoint - Paryang

Biking to Paryang

Today bike to Paryang. The way is flat, and there is no uphill.

104 km
Camping or overnight at simple guesthouse

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Kiang near Paryang

DAY
23

Bike Paryang - Shuogela Pass (4750m) - The First Scenery in Yajiang - New Zhongba (4580m)

“The first scenery of Yarlung Tsangpo”

All the way are ups and downs from K1583 of Paryang Town. You will hard bike uphill about 5 kilometers from K1597 to Shuogela Pass at 4750 meters above sea level that is the top of the slope. Afterwards bike downhill. A beautiful scene is formed by the large sand dune on the both sides of road, mountains with meadows, snow mountains and lakes in the distance. “The first scenery of Yarlung Tsangpo” will appear after one more uphill. At viewing platform, you can look the vast river surface of Yarlung Tsangpo. Bike downhill along Yarlung Tsangpo River and reach New Zhongba County after several ups and downs roads.

94 km
Overnight at simple guesthouse

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

The First Scenery of Yarlung Tsangpo near Paryang

DAY
24

Bike New Zhongba - Tujila Pass (4920m) - Lhazang

Biking to Lhazang

Bike from New Zhongba County to Old Zhongba County with flat road all the way. Then bike to K1723 and then start biking uphill. After 4 kilometers, reach Tujila Pass at 4920 meters above sea level. Bike downhill on hillside road 9 kilometers and then bike on flat road to Lhazang Village.

89 km
Camping or overnight at simple guesthouse

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Tuji La Pass

DAY
25

Bike Lhazang Village - Dajiling Village - Chazangla Pass (4797M) - Saga (4487m)

Biking to Saga

Bike from Lhazang Village to Dajiling Village and all the way is flat. Then bike uphill to over Chazangla Pass and then the road is flat after biking downhill 5 kilometers. In the afternoon, reach Saga County.

48 km
Overnight at Bramaputra Hotel

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Landscape near Saga

DAY
26

Bike Saga - Kuila Pass (5089m) - Qiere (4800m)

Biking to Qiere Village

Bike from Saga County City along mountain and there are only several gentle slopes. Bike uphill from K1883 and the slope is shaped like a “S”. After 8 kilometers, reach Kuila Mountain Pass. Then bike downhill 5 kilometers. After that, there are gentle ups and downs road before you arrive at Qiere Village.

100 km
Camping or overnight at simple guesthouse

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Kui La Pass

DAY
27

Bike Qiere - Yala Pass (5098m) - Jiela Pass (4936m) - Sangsang

Biking to Sangsang

After 2 kilometers from Qiere, bike uphill. The slope is steep as approaching Yala Pass, and then continue biking to Yala Pass. After that, bike downhill on hillside asphalt road and the slope is steep. As arrive at K1973, bike uphill along Aga Tsangpo River, across four large bridges. All the way is along the winding river valley. Start biking over Jiela Pass at 4936 meters above sea level from K1986. Bike uphill 2 kilometers, which is moderate intensity. And then bike along river valley all the way and reach Sangsang.

90 km
Camping or overnight at simple guesthouse

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Bike to Sangsang

DAY
28

Bike Sangsang - Dagala Pass (4778m) - Bangla Pass (4710m) - Dakaga Town - Angla Pass (4517m) – Lhatse (4023m)

Dagala Mountain, Bangla Mountain Pass

Today, the trip is not easy because of long distance and three big passes and two small passes. From K2026 in Sangsang Town, bike on flat road to K2031. And then start bike uphill difficultly. After 5 kilometers, reach Dagala Mountain Pass at 4778 meters above sea level that is the first mountain pass on today’s trip. Then bike downhill and start bike uphill at K2050 to over the second mountain pass, Bangla Mountain Pass. After 4 kilometers, reach K2054, namely reaching Bangla Mountain Pass at 4710 meters above sea level. Keep on moving. There is the third pass from K2067 to K2070 with gentle slope. Bike to K2084 and it is the fourth pass with prayer flags. Have a rest at Dakaga Town and then bike over the fifth pass Angla Mountain Pass that is also the last mountain pass on G219 National Highway. Bike uphill difficultly from K2089. After 4 kilometers, reach Angla Mountain Pass at 4517 meters above sea level. Then bike downhill 10 kilometers all the way to the ups and downs road. Pass through Lang Tso on the way, and bike more than 20 kilometers along river and by quiet Tibetan villages. Beautiful idyllic scenery comes into sight: blue sky, white clouds, forest, meadows, residences, shadow and valley! Finally, reach Lhatse.

115 km
Overnight at simple Nongmin Hotel

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Prayer Flags

DAY
29

Lhatse

Relaxing

Have a relaxing whole day in Lhatse (4023m).

Overnight at simple Nongmin Hotel

Breakfast

Bike Tour Xinjiang Kailash Tibet

DAY
30

Bike Lhatse – Tso La Pass (4540m) - Resa (4250m) – 5000 km Monument of National Highway G318 - Jiding (3910m)

Biking to Jiding

Bike from Lhatse County City and then turn right into G318 National Highway. K5049 is not far from here. Bike uphill from K5026 to Tso La Pass at 4540 meters above sea level. Bike downhill from K5014 to K5007 Resa Village and all the way is hillside road with a little large slope. Bike downhill gently on ups and downs road from K5007. There is 5000km Monument of G318 National Highway from Shanghai People’s Square to Lhatse. And then continue biking downhill slowly to Jiding Town.

91 km
Camping or overnight at simple guesthouse

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

5000km Milstone of G318 National Highway

Photo by Liu Bin

DAY
31

Bike Jiding - Tra La (4100m) - Shigatse (3836m)

Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse

Bike uphill gently from Jiding and bike over Tra La Pass at 4100 meters above sea level. Reach Shigatse, the second largest city with 40,000 inhabitants in Tibet and the traditional capital of the Tsang. Then visit Tashilunpo Monastery of Gelug Sect, the seat of the Panchen Lama built in 1447 and one of the six grand monasteries in Tibet. The monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha, the biggest gilded statue of Maitreya (Buddha of the future) in China, and a tomb of the 4th Panchen Lama containing masses of jewels and gold. In Tibet Buddhism, Panchen Lama is just the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha.

51 km
Overnight at 4*Mulunlazong Hotel

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Tashilunpo Monastery

Photo by Liu Bin

DAY
32

Bike Shigatse - Gyantse (4020m)

Pelkhor Monastery and Kumbum Stupa (1000-Buddha Pagoda)

Today bike from Shigatse to Gyantse along Nianchu River with flat road. All the way, the elevation is rising gently. As arriving in Gyantse, visit Pelkhor Monastery as well as the splendid Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda) nearby, both of which were built in the 15th century and situated in the northwestern edge of Gyantse. This typical Tibetan Buddhist monastery is the only one large building complex in Tibet that old monastery and stupas are completely preserved and characterized as a monument. It is recorded that 14,000 kilograms of copper was used to make the 8-meter-high sitting statue of Sakyamuni Buddha housed in the grand hall of the temple. The 8-storey stupa is 42m high and 62m in diameters contains a total of 76 chapels with wonderful murals revered by art scholars around the world.

94 km
Overnight at 3*Yeti Garden Hotel

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Palkhor Monastery

Photo by Liu Bin

DAY
33

Bike Gyanste - Simila Pass (4345m) - Longma (4400m)

Overlook the Manla Reservoir

After slowly biking uphill about 20 kilometers from Gyanste, continue to bike on ups and downs road about 5 kilometers to Simila Pass at 4345 meters above sea level where you can overlook the Manla Reservoir. Then bike downhill rapidly about 4 kilometers to Manla Reservoir. Finally, bike on ups and downs road about 10 kilometers to Longma Village. The landscape along the Niandui River is very beautiful.

70 km
Camping

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Manla Reservoir

Photo by Liu Bin

DAY
34

Bike Longma - Karola Pass (5110m) - Nagarze - Baidi (4450m)

Karola Glacier, Noijin Kangsang Peak

Biking uphill from Longma Village, bike over Karola Pass and visit Karola Glacier that is one of the three major continental glaciers in Tibet and that is the east source of Nianchu River. On the way, you can watch Naichenkang Sang (Noijin Kangsang) Peak, one of the four Tibetan sacred mountains. Then bike downhill all the way to Nagarze. Finally, bike along the road by Yamdrok Lake to Baidi.

81 km
Camping

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Karola Glacier

Photo by Liu Bin

DAY
35

Bike Baidi - Yamdrok Lake (4442m) - Kampala Pass (4790m) - Chushur (3590m)

Kampala pass, Yamdrok Lake

Bike on ups and downs road by lake from Baidi to Kampala pass. Enjoy the beautiful landscape of Yamdrok Lake. Then reach Kampala Pass at the altitude from 300 meters to 4790 meters. You can overlook Yamdrok at observation platform that is the most classic place to take photo. Take a break and then bike downhill to lakeside of Yarlung Tsangpo River with altitude decreasing quickly. Bike along Yarlung Tsangpo Valley to Chushur Bridge and then continue biking to Daga Town, Chushur County at the other side of the river.

70 km
Camping or overnight at guesthouse

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Holy Lake Yamdrok

Photo by Mr. Zeng

DAY
36

Bike Chushur - Lhasa (3650m)

Tibet Buddhist College, Nyetang Stone Buddha

Bike from Chushur to Lhasa. On the way pass by Tibet Buddhist College and the Buddha Sculpture of Nyetang Monastery, and enjoy the beautiful scenery along Lhasa River Valley.

65 km
Overnight at 3*Yak Hotel

Breakfast Lunch

Yarlung Tsangpo in Chushur

Photo by Liu Bin

DAY
37

Bike in Lhasa

Potala Palace – landmark of Lhasa, Jokhang and Barkhor Street

Bike in Lhasa City to visit Potala Palace – landmark of Lhasa, Jokhang and Barkhor Street. Visit Potala that was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The crowds of pilgrims, innumerable magnificent murals, Buddhist statues, scriptures and rare treasures altogether create a dense religious and art atmosphere that impresses every visitor. In the afternoon visit Jokhang Monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where thousands of pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Walk on the Barkhor street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties.

5 km, 30 minutes
Overnight at 3*Yak Hotel

Breakfast

Potala Palace

Photo by Liu Bin

DAY
38

Bike in Lhasa

Panoramic view over Potala, Norbulingka, Debate in Sera

Biking and sightseeing in the city Lhasa and its suburb. In the morning visit Parla Lupu Cave Monastery, located on the slopes of Yaowang Mountain, was built in the 7th century. It is 22m high and from here you can have a wonderful panoramic view over Potala palace. Afterwards visit Norbulinka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon visit Sera Monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. It is also one of the six master monasteries of the Gelugpa. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there. You have the opportunity to experience the famous monks' "Buddhism scriptures debates". Public religious debates are part of the education of monks.

15 km, 4 hours
Overnight at 3*Yak Hotel

Breakfast

Debate in Sera Monastery

Photo by Liu Bin

DAY
39

Leave Tibet

Travel to next destination

Transfer to the airport or railway station, farewell to Tibet.

Breakfast

Barkhor Street

Photo by Liu Bin

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With individual China Tibet travel, you can decide when, where and how you go on tour by yourself. What's more, you can choose the length of travel and whom you go with.

Information

Hotel, program and itinerary are subjected to change with prior notice.
We must point out that you counter a very basic tourism infrastructure in this region. You stay overnight mostly at simple hotel/guesthouse. Long journeys on bad roads and trekking on high altitude and delays require good physical fitness, resilience and flexibility of the participants. Program and route changes due to unforeseen events are expressly reserved. If you desire the unknown and have an understanding of contingency, this is the right trip for you.

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