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| 13 | |
Mount Climbing |
DAYS |
Tibet is one of the world’s great travel experiences. CAT offers you the
chance to surround yourself in the ancient cultures of Tibet and ride through
its stunning landscapes all the way to the iconic Everest Base Camp.
We've taken the time to carefully craft an experience which will
regularly stop you in your tracks and leave you feeling privileged to have
explored this unique region—before it falls completely into the clutches of
modernisation.
We combine a challenging and spectacular cycling route with a selection
of the most rewarding cultural and natural sites. We know the best hotels and
have hand-picked the greatest places to sample local food—we've been running
trips here since 2014. Best of all, CAT provides you a window to explore the
'real' Tibet from the seat of your own bicycle, and this is where the true
rewards lie.
Push yourself to ride up some of the highest sealed roads in the world,
then grin from ear-to-ear as you fly down the other side of a 5000m pass. Plus,
to help you grasp the depth of Tibet's ancient culture we’ll take you to some
of the plateau's most revered spiritual locations, while juxtaposing this with
visits to the places popular with today's generation of young, urban Tibetans.
ARRIVE IN CHENGDU
Arrive Chengdu Sichuan late afternoon. Tonight we stay in the 5 star Airport Hotel 5 mins from the arrivals lounge. Group dinner and briefing for the trip before trying on your new CAT jersey!
Meals D
FLY TO LINZHI
Up early for flight to Linzhi—our first foray into Tibet. Linzhi is the eastern-most city of Tibet and one of its lowest at just over 3000m altitude. As part of our acclimatisation we take it super easy today. Unpack and check the bikes followed by an early dinner in town. Slow walk back to hotel and a few snaps with the locals, who are mostly wondering what we are going to do with our sleek road bikes. In bed as early as possible to maximise rest.
Meals BLD
MILIN - LANGXIAN
We leave Milin early morning and ride along the spectacular Yarlong River all the way to Langxian.
The Yarlong river is the upper stream of the Brahmaptura River (the fifth strongest in the world in terms of flow rate, supplying 30% of India’s total water resources). Today we follow the raging river as it carves its way across the plateau, enjoying the breathtaking sights and perfect cycling road it leaves in its wake. There is hardly a vehicle or village in sight, so it's just you, the road and the river.
Distance Distance: 105km; Climbing: 1000m
Meals BLD
LANGXIAN - SHANNAN
One final day beside the mighty
Yarlong river. You'll notice the vegetation gradually change from lush pine
forests to dry rocky cliff faces, and even some sand dunes. After lunch we ride
on a brand new road probably up there with the best you've ever ridden on. Its
twists and turns urge you to get out of the saddle and accelerate and the snowy
peaks in the distance remind you you're riding in one of the highest places on
earth.
Distance Distance: 130km; Climbing: 1600m
Meals BLD
SHANNAN - LHASA
Today we take a rest day off the bike to help with acclimatisation. Tomorrow is a big day in the saddle as we tackle the first major high pass. You need to be well rested before tackling it.
We arrive in Lhasa late morning at our 5 star hotel. We take advantage of the free time in the afternoon to visit the Potala Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site and residence of the Dali Lama till 1959). Make sure you say a few words to the Cycling Buddha on your way out. Pray for strong legs and blue skies tomorrow!
Meals BLD
LHASA - NAGARTZE
Rise early and drive to Qushu where we start cycling up the mighty Khampa-la high pass (4780m). At the top you'll be greeted by dramatic views of the turquoise blue waters of Yamdrok-tso lake, before enjoying a flowing descent down to the shores of the lake.
The second half of the ride hugs the shore and takes you through some picturesque mountain villages, all with the head wind from hell. The ride is short today but tough.
Today’s riding ends in Nagartse where we enjoy a delicious Nepali style lunch before resting at the Hotel.
Distance Distance: 88km; Climbing: 1355m
Meals BLD
NAGARTZE - GYANTSE
Rise early and start climbing along the road to Gyantse. We have one
high pass to conquer—the Kalurong Pass (4950m). You'll really notice the change
in the scenery today. It'll be hard to imagine it was just a few days ago you
were riding in lush green surroundings.
Today’s road travels by the Karola Glacier before dipping down into a
majestic valley. It's one of the most scenic days of riding on the trip.
Our destination hotel in Gyantse is oozing with so much old world charm
you won't want to leave.
Meals BLD
GYANTSE - SHIGATSE
Rise early and visit the local Palchoi monastery and authentic old
quarters. Then it's 98km along the mostly flat road to Shigatse. We will pass
through rolling farmlands and villages and stop mid-way for some snacks and a
visit to the local barley mill. The last climb over the bridge into town is a
hotly contested KOM. We are riding at 4000m today–the air is thin which means
fast speeds on the flat.
We should arrive at Shigatse for a late lunch by about 2-3pm. Rest & relax in your hotel or visit the
peaceful Tashilungpo monastery, seat of the Panchen lama (optional).
Distance Distance: 98km; Climbing: 117m
Meals BLD
SHIGATSE - TINGRI
We drive out of Shigatze to our lunch stop at Lhatse. From here we start
riding. Today is one of the hardest days of the trip—we ride to the highest
pass on the trip at 5181m. After a brief stop at the top to catch our breath
and grab some supplies its downhill all the way to Tingri. We ride beside a
picturesque river most of the way to our destination and if the sky is clear
you'll get your first glimpse of Everest.
Distance Distance: 76km; Climbing: 1200m
Meals BLD
EVEREST BASE CAMP
After passing through a strict military checkpoint outside of Tingri we
will start riding the huge pass that takes us into Everest Base Camp in the
dark. The road is new and affords magnificent views of Everest at the top.
After another long descent and climb you’ll reach Everest Base Camp for lunch.
The whole day we ride above 4200m and twice climb up above 5000m. Only a
total of 1640m of climbing but at this altitude it really takes a toll. Expect
to be exhausted and exhilarated by the time you reach Everest Base Camp
You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the magnificent views on the world’s
highest mountain. After lunch we drive back down the road to Lhatse.
Distance Distance: 98km; Climbing: 1638m
Meals BLD
LHATSE - LHASA
A transit day travelling back to Lhasa via the alternate route. We stop by a delicious dumpling restaurant for breakfast and arrive in Lhasa with enough time for shopping and another stroll around the Barkhor Pilgrim circuit at sunset with what seems like half of Lhasa. After dinner its time to hit the Tibetan clubs and sink a few hard earned beers with the local Tibetan cowboys and cowgirls.
Meals BLD
LHASA
After a sleep in and lazy breakfast we hop on the bikes for one last
farewell ride. Our local guides will take us through the city and up one last
climb on the outskirts of the city. Expect a race to the top.
Celebration dinner – you deserve it!
Distance Distance: 56km; Climbing: 897m
Meals BLD
DAY 13 LHASA - BEIJING (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, your guide and driver
will escort you to the airport in time and make sure everything goes smoothly
before saying goodbye.
Additional details
1. Before you pay deposit to book the tour, we haven’t made any reservation yet. The train, flight tickets and the hotel may different from the itinerary listed.
2. The visiting order of the scenic spots in the itinerary may change according to the traffic condition and other unforeseen things.
3. Tourist insurance is a must before going, please provide us the confirmation of insurance company when sign up.
The price includes
1. Entrance Fees: to scenic spots as listed in the itinerary
2. All the activities fee mentioned in the itinerary: Hutong rickshaw in Beijing; Sichuan Opera show in Chengdu;
3. Private Transfers: Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing during the trip by private air conditioned vehicle with a driver.
4. Meals: All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), include Peking duck dinner in Beijing; Hot pot dinner in Chengdu.
5. Guide: As outlined in the itinerary an English-speaking guide and driver will be provided in each city, who will remain with you throughout your time in that city. A new guide and a new driver will meet you at each city on your tour, to provide you with the best local knowledge available
6. Hotel: hotel fees are based on two people sharing one room with king-size bed. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast
9. Arrangements: the tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges
10. Travel Agency Liability insurance
The price does not include
1. International airfare or train tickets to enter or leave China
2. China entry visa fees
3. Excess baggage charges
4. The medicine for the sickness or accident while on the way
5. Personal expenses: expenses of a purely personal nature such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary
6. Meals: any meals which are not specified in the tour itinerary
7. Single room supplement
8. Please notice that the price will be much higher during the festival of Labors’ Day, National Day, spring festival
9. Tips to tour guide and driver (recommended USD10-15/guest/day).
10. Tourist accident insurance. NB - you are strongly suggested to buy travel and health insurance before you start out from your home country.
Payment conditions
To confirm your reservation, you must pay a deposit of 30% of the total amount due via the payment link that your local agent will share. The balance is due 30 days prior to departure. The quoted exchange rate is valid for the next 7 days – if the deposit is not paid within this time, the quote will be re-calculated.
Terms and conditions for cancelation
i. Cancellation of the Tour by CAT (local agent):
CAT reserve the right to cancel the postpone tour at any time up to the date final payment is due under the following condition: in our opinion, health and/or safety factors related to conditions in China would make the tour inadvisable. And in this case, all money paid by the participants will be refunded. If the tour is postponed, CAT will offer all those who have signed up the opportunity to have the same tour for a later time, but the price may be changed according to the season. We will notify you of any change, and give you a reasonable period
of time to make your decision. Consumers may, but are under no obligation to, take the tour under these new terms. After final payment has been made, we may cancel the tour only if, in our opinion, health and/or safety factors related to conditions in China would make the tour inadvisable. Since cancellation in this case involves factors which may arise suddenly and are entirely outside our control, including but not limited to natural disasters, civil unrest and epidemic disease, we cannot guarantee a full refund in this case. This is because payment will already have been made to finalize the arrangements and reservation.
ii. Cancellation of the Tour by Consumer:
Any cancellation must be made by sending an email to the local agent. The cancellation fee varies according to how many days prior to departure the cancellation is made:
· More than 30 days prior to departure: 5% of the total holiday cost
· Between 30 and 22 days prior to departure : 25% of the total holiday cost
· Between 21 and 8 days prior to departure : 50% of the total holiday cost
· Between 7 and 3 days prior to departure : 75% of the total holiday cost
· Less than 3 days prior to departure and after the departure date: 100% of the total holiday cost
All cancellations must be in writing and will be effective upon receipt by CAT. No refund will be made to those participants who break the journey regardless of the portions of the package unused. If, owing to serious illness or injury, the participant withdraws from the tour, a refund will be subject to the consent of the local travel agent.
No refund will be made to those participants who have failed to secure valid travel documents such as passport or visas.