拉薩日喀則15日

今天您將探索拉薩輝煌的建築、文化與歷史，隨後與當地人一同漫步於著名的八廓街，體驗西藏人的日常轉經生活。

早晨，您可以步行前往布達拉宮參觀。它不僅是西藏的地標，也是達賴喇嘛的傳統居所與冬宮（1649-1959年）。從布達拉宮大門爬上365級台階抵達紅宮，您將來到海拔3,700公尺的世界最高宮殿，在那裡可以欣賞拉薩市絕佳的全景。當您探索紅宮內歷代達賴喇嘛的主要大殿、佛堂與神龕時，將會被其精湛的繪畫、華麗的珠寶工藝、純熟的雕刻、色彩繽紛的裝飾以及寶藏背後的神秘故事所震撼與感動。在布達拉宮內，您會遇見許多從遠方前來這座聖地祈禱的藏族朝聖者，這對他們而言是終身的目標。您也可以請導遊講述更多關於西藏第33任贊普松贊干布的故事，他在7世紀為了迎娶唐朝文成公主而首次興建了布達拉宮。

請注意，參觀順序可能會根據您布達拉宮門票上指定的參觀時間進行調整。所有遊客皆須隨旅遊團進入宮殿，並在內停留一小時。請注意，宮殿內禁止攝影。

探索完布達拉宮博物館後，前往擁有1300年歷史的大昭寺，這裡是西藏的精神中心與世界文化遺產。據說大昭寺是為松贊干布的兩位新娘：唐朝文成公主與尼泊爾尺尊公主所建。「大昭」意為「佛的居所」，寺內供奉著釋迦牟尼12歲等身像，這是佛教界的至寶。這就是為什麼佛教朝聖者將此視為最神聖的目的地。當您看著他們日夜在寺前祈禱時，時間彷彿靜止了。

隨後，漫步於大昭寺附近繁忙的八廓街，這裡是古代佛教徒進行轉經（朝聖環線）的地方。如今，它已成為繁榮的當地市場，您可以在此喝一壺酥油茶、穿上藏服拍照，並挑選一些當地的西藏、尼泊爾與印度手工藝品及紀念品。

Today you will enjoy the culture tour of Lhasa via a visit to two of the "great three" Gelug university monasteries of Tibet, the Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery.

In the morning, drive about 35min (12km) to visit Drepung Monastery which was the largest Tibetan monastery (Gelug Sect, Yellow Hat) in Lhasa. It used to be Dalai Lama’s palace before he moved to the Potala Palace in the 17th century. Now it is famous for Drepung Shoton Festival held each August, people come to offer yogurt to the monks who finished the 100 days’ meditation while enjoying the grandest Buddha (thangka) unfolding ceremony. Besides the unique architecture and amazing buildings, you can watch monks debating in Tibetan Buddhism vibrant and active with expansive gestures, clapping, and stamping. After Drepung Temple, you will have about a 2-hour Tibetan culture tour, which includes an introduction, Tibetan incense making, and block printing.

In the afternoon, drive another 40min (14km) to visit Sera Monastery. Step on one of the most beautiful monastery compounds, and its white stone roads and walkways makes you feel almost Mediterranean. The highlight of Sera Monastery is watch the monks’ debate at around 15:00 - 17:00 (except Sundays). It is an interesting form of debate, you can see one monk, the questioner, standing while the answerer or group of answerers, sitting. The standing monk will ask question and slap his palms and stomp, each action has its special meaning, such as activating wisdom, and are not meant to be aggressive.

After that, be escorted back to your hotel in Lhasa.

This morning, get your bicycle ready and start your Tibet biking tour from Lhasa to Khangbala Village (Gangba Village 岗巴村), covering a distance of approximately 85km (7hours) via Nirvana Buddha (Niedang Buddha) and Brahmaputra Bridge (3,797m).

Depart Lhasa, you will ride along China-Nepal Highway (G318; 中尼公里) which is perfect good and flat. G318 starts from Shanghai and ends at Zhangmu in Tibet (China Nepal Border). Cycling enthusiasts acclaim G318 as "the most beautiful national highway in China" and a route many cyclists aspire to ride at least once. Along the journey on G318, you will encounter numerous fellow cyclists heading to EBC or local Tibetans making the pilgrimage, and exchanging greetings will surely receive warm responses and encouragement. You will enjoy the scenic view of the Lhasa River (拉萨河) along the way. The Lhasa River, known as the "River of Happiness" in Tibetan, is the mother river of Lhasa. It originates from the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains (念青唐古拉山) and flows through Lhasa before joining the Yarlung Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra雅鲁藏布江). The peaks along the banks of the Lhasa River range from 3,600 to 5,500 meters, making it one of the highest rivers in the world. You won't miss the giant Buddha, known as the Nirvana Buddha (聂当大佛), located next to the temple by the Lhasa River. This famous cliff stone carving Buddha stands approximately 9 meters tall, seated in a cross-legged position, with a divine and ethereal presence. This is a major attraction that can be seen from the car windows by both domestic and international tourists before entering Lhasa.

Then, you will cycling across Brahmaputra Bridge, the highlight of today. The Yarlung Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra), is the longest plateau river in China and is known as the "Mt. Everest of Rivers". It has abundant water resources and is second only to the Yangtze River in China. The Bridge is the first long-span bridge spanning the Yarlung Tsangpo River with a total length of 3,797 meters. The Brahmaputra Bridge serves as a vital passage from Lhasa City to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. From the bridge, one can not only enjoy the breathtaking plateau scenery but also become part of the scenic beauty itself.

Afterward, we will proceed to overnight in Khangbala Village.

今天，您將從崗巴村騎行約75公里（約8-9小時）前往浪卡子村，途經崗巴拉山口（4,797公尺）和羊卓雍措（4,441公尺）。

離開崗巴村，今天的騎行旅程以爬坡開始。經過約25公里的陡峭爬升，您將抵達裝飾著彩色經幡的崗巴拉山口（Khangbala Pass）。這是您旅程中的第一個山口，海拔達到4,797公尺。在崗巴拉山口，您可以欣賞到羊卓雍措的全景，並回望您走過的蜿蜒道路。從山口下降，您將抵達羊卓雍措湖畔，近距離欣賞這座狹長湖泊的寧靜之美。除了羊卓雍措（淡水湖）令人屏息的景色外，您還可以遠眺神聖的寧金抗沙峰（7,206公尺）。羊卓雍措與拉姆拉措、瑪旁雍措和納木措並稱為西藏四大聖湖。據說羊卓雍措能幫助藏人找到達賴喇嘛的轉世靈童。您會很高興在那裡看到裝扮過的藏獒、山羊和氂牛。您可以選擇支付5-20元與牠們合影，對當地藏民來說，這是家庭的一筆補貼收入。

之後，您將繼續沿著湖邊公路騎行，享受羊卓雍措的風景，前往浪卡子村。在浪卡子過夜。

Today, you will cycle about 105 km (about 9-10 hours) from Langkazi Village to Gyantse via Karola Pass (5,010m), Karola Glacier (5,110 m) and Simila Pass (4,335m).

This morning, you need to climb up the Karola Pass (5,010m) by bike and reach the Karola Glacier which is one of the most beautiful Glaciers in Tibet and the location of the film Red Valley (Hong He Gu红河谷). As one of Tibet's three major continental glaciers, backed by the southern slope of Naiqin Kangsang Peak (7,191 meters), one of the four highest peaks in Tibet, this white glacier is also the source of the eastern part of the Nianchu River. The Karola Glacier (5,012m) is only 300 meters away from the highway connecting Lhasa to Gyantse town. You can view it right off the highway from your bike. Sure you can easily walk to the foot of the charming glacier which shape is like a frozen waterfall right above the road and you. Besides the fantastic hike to the Karola Glacier, on the opposite side of the road, you can appreciate the beautiful snow-capped mountain of Mt Kalurong. After Karola Glacier, you will cycling down. Then, cycling up again toward the Smila Pass at 4,335 meters.

The last section of today’s riding is flat road all the way to Gyantse via the Friendship Highway between Tibet and Nepal. Gyantse is the third largest city of Tibet after Lhasa and Shigates. Overnight in Gyantse.

Karola Glacier Visiting Notes:

• The altitude at the glacier scenic spot is about 5,010m, be sure to slow down to avoid altitude sickness.
• The public toilet at the glacier is very basic.
• Local people would ask you to take photos with them for a fee. Be sure to ask before taking photos to avoid potential little troubles.

Today, you will cycle about 95 km (about 8 hours) from Gyantse to Shigatse via a visit of Pelkor Monastery. Today’s riding is easy and relax without climbing mountain pass.

This morning if you are interested, you can ride to explore Pelkor Monastery (Palcho Monastery), an important site for Tibetan Buddhism that houses different sects including the Gelug, Sakyapa, and Kadampa. Pelkor Monastery, with a history over 600 years, is also renowned for its impressive architecture, which blends Tibetan, Nepalese, and Han Chinese styles. One of the main attractions of Pelkor Monastery is the Kumbum Stupa (Gyangtse Kumpum), which is a nine-story tower adorned with thousands of images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. It is said to be the largest such structure in Tibet. Visitors can enjoy their time by witnessing the daily rituals and prayers of the monks, and have a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape from the top of the Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda). You can also catch the far view of Gyangtse Fortress ( Gyantse Dzong).

Then, ride to Shigatse (3,860m), the second largest city of Tibet. On the way biking to Shigatse, you will notice vast expanses of barley fields, rapeseed flower fields, wheat fields, and even locals cultivating vegetables and fruits. It's no wonder that Shigatse is known as the "granary of Tibet." Along the journey, you will also come across yaks, sheep, and horses. As you enter Shigatse, you will see the railway, as the high-speed train connection from Lhasa to Shigatse has been established. Overnight in Shigatse.

今天，你將沿著中尼公路騎行約 62 公里（約 8 小時），從日喀則前往吉定鎮。今天的騎行輕鬆愜意。放慢腳步，在風景優美的平坦道路上騎行。

從日喀則出發前往吉定縣，沿途你會遇到典型的沙漠地形。山坡上明顯可見雨水侵蝕留下的痕跡。路線由鋪設良好的柏油路組成，人煙稀少。可能需要很長時間才能遇到另一輛經過的車輛。今天的騎行旅程相對輕鬆。穿過吉定大橋後，你將抵達吉定鎮。該鎮規模相對較大，你可以在那裡散步並休息。

夜宿吉定鎮。

Today, you will cycle about 90km (about 9hours) from Jiding Town to Lhatse via China-Nepal Highway.

Departing from Jiding Town, you will pass through vast fields of rapeseed flowers along the way. After about 40 kilometers, you will reach the famous 5,000km milestone of the G318 (318国道5,000km纪念碑). The starting point of G318 is Shanghai's People's Square, passing through Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Hubei, Chongqing, Sichuan, and finally reaching Zhangmu Town, Tibet, at the China-Nepal Friendship Bridge. The total length of the highway is 5,476 kilometers, and the distance from Shanghai to Latse is 5,000 kilometers. Traveling on G318 is a dream for many Chinese people and a must-visit route for countless pilgrims heading to Tibet. Each milestone on this over 5000-kilometer-long highway is filled with stories, forming the "Scenic Avenue of Chinese People中国人的景观大道." Only those who have traveled on G318 can truly understand the meaning of "the solitude of pilgrims." After an easy ascent of the Yunongla Pass (4,534m尤弄拉山口), you can enjoy a downhill ride all the way to the town of Latse, which is the intersection of G318 and G219 (Xinjiang-Tibet Highway).

Lhatse is renowned as the "North Gate of Mount Everest" and the "Land of Duixie" (堆谐之乡). "Dui" refers to Lhatse, Dingri, and other areas upstream of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, while "Xie" means dance, specifically referring to the dances performed by people in the "Dui" region. The dance moves are graceful and intense, and loved by the local people. It has been listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage. Lhatse, also known as the "Hometown of Tibetan Knives," is famous for its Tibetan knives, which are well-known both domestically and internationally. The entire set of craftsmanship is handmade, and the streets on both sides of the town center are lined with shops selling Tibetan knives. Overnight in Lhtase.

Today, you will ride about 83 km (about 10hours) from Lhatse to Pelba (Shegar) along G219 (Xinjiang-Tibet Highway) via Gyatso la Pass (5,248m). Today’s ride will be filled with stunning views.

Depart Lhaste, after climbing for over 30km, you will reach the highest mountain pass of your Tibet bike tour, Gyatso la Pass, at an altitude of 5,248 meters. Gyatso la Pass is also the gateway to the Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, and a massive conservation area sign with colorful prayer flags hanging on it stands on the road. At this high altitude, vegetation becomes scarce. The upper half of the landscape appears pure blue, while the lower half is dominated by monotonous reddish-brown and grayish-yellow colors. Apart from the gray mountain road, there are hardly any signs of life. Tibetan people raise colorful prayer flags here, and as the wind blows, the prayer flags flutter, blessing those who pass through this area. On clear days, at Gyatso la Pass, you will have the opportunity to catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest.

From Gyatso la Pass to Dingri, most of the 50-plus kilometers are downhill. You will pass by the Mount Everest viewpoint, where you can once again stop and admire the majestic peak. Upon reaching Pelba (Baiba, New Dingri), you can take a good rest and prepare for continuing along the Everest Highway the next day (the starting point of the Everest Highway is Lhatse, and the endpoint is Everest Base Camp at the foot of Mount Everest), getting closer to Everest Base Camp. Overnight in Pelba.

Today, you will ride about 63km (about 8hours) from Pelba (Shegar) to Tashizong Village along Everest Highway via Gyawu La Pass (5,210m) and the 108 Turns of the Mountain Road.

Departing from Pelba, after about 34km of biking, you will climb up to cross the last mountain pass, Gyawu La Pass (5,210m), to reach EBC for your Tibet Cycling Tour. You would get your glimpse of Mt. Everest from the Gyawu La Pass (5,210m). Apart from Mt. Everest, you will be marveled at the zigzag road (108 Turns) and proud of the people who are involved in road construction and maintenance. Standing here, on clear days, you can see five mountains which are above 8,000m from east to west in the following order Mount Makalu 8,463m, Mount Lhotse 8516m, Mount Chomolungma 8,848.86m, Mount Cho-Oyu 8,201m, and Mt. Xixiabangma 8,012m. On the road, you may see local people hiking all the way to Everest Base Camp, for them reaching the base of the world's highest mountain is a must do goal or holy belief that is worth the effort.

After enjoy the breathtaking scenery in front of you, you will cycling down from the mountain pass to Tashizong village. Although Tashizong is a small village, it has two intersecting streets. Not only are there Sichuanese restaurants and small guesthouses, but there is even a small supermarket where you can buy fresh tomatoes. Overnight in Tashizong Village.

This morning, you will ride to Mount Everest Base Camp (5,200m) which is 50km (6 hours) away from Tashizong Village via Basom Village and Rongpuk Monastery. Today is the last cycling day of your Tibet Bike Tour Adventure, you will reach the foot of the Mt. Qomolangma (8848.86m) today and realize your dream trip finally.

Today’s riding route from Tashizong to EBC has no mountain passes to cross. As you wind your way through Rongbuk Valley, you might encounter wildlife such as blue sheep, pika, Tibetan antelope along the way. Take a break at Basom Village and savor a cup of butter tea. At last, congratulations to reach Rongbuk Monastery by bike! It is the highest monastery in the world and the best site to view the north side of Mt. Chomolangma (Mt. Everest), also known as the Third Pole on Earth. By the way, Chomolungma is the Tibetan name for Mount Everest. It translates to "Goddess Mother of the World" or "Goddess of the Valley". With both monks and nuns in residence, Rongbuk Monastery is a must-visit for spiritual travelers, and you will find it to be a photo-worthy destination. It used to be an area of meditation huts, and you can find hermitage meditation caves with a history of over 400 years, dotting the cliff walls all around the monastery and the valley. The humble stupa at the monastery is the same one that can be seen on most postcards and posters of Mt. Everest.

Not far from Rongbuk Monastery is the EBC, yes, you made it, all the way from Lhasa by bike. At Everest Base Camp (EBC珠峰大本营), you can admire the magnificent sunset on Qomolangma's steep north side in good weather.

Overnight in a tent guesthouse at Rongbuk Monastery or EBC. If you venture out at night, you will be rewarded with a heavenly starry night.

Notes:

Today you will head back to Shigatse by car (about 370km, 7hours) and have a quick stop at Gyawu La Pass. Your bikes and luggage will be transport by another car and meet you at your hotel. Enjoy the scenery on a car rather than on your bike.

The Everest Base Camp is sacred and filled with vitality in the early morning. Outdoor and mountain enthusiasts from all around the world gather here, beginning to embrace a new day. Try your luck to witness the great sunrise of Mount Everest (Mt. Qomolangma), the world’s tallest peak. (Note: Sunrise usually starts around 6:30 am to 7am). After breakfast at EBC, it's time to reach the Gyawu La Pass (5,200m) for another glimpse of Mount Everest. Apart from the mountain ranges, you will be amazed by the zigzag road that looks winding to the end of the world. Yes, that is the same road you ride a bike to the EBC (Mount Qomolangma Base Camp).

Overnight in Shigatse.

Today you will head back to Lhasa (about 270km, 5 hours) via a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery. Enjoy the scenery on a car rather than on your bike.

This morning, you will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery which is founded by His Holiness the 1st Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Gedun Drup in 1447. In Tashi Lunpo Monastery, you can unveil the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, Tibet's second-highest incarnation. Pay a visit to the ancient tombs of the fourth and tenth Panchen Lama and the chortens, which hold the bones and remains of the sacred Tibetan lamas. Learn more from your guide about Panchen Lamas and Dalai Lamas while appreciating the brilliant religious painting on Tibetan architecture, listening to the Tibetan Buddhism chanting by local monks, and even participating in the kora like locals. Don’t forget to hike up to the top of the monastery and have a stunning bird view of the monastery itself and Shigatse City.

After visit, drive toward Lhasa. Along the way, you will encounter many Tibetans on their pilgrimage to Lhasa. They set off from their hometowns and travel along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway or Sichuan-Tibet Highway, prostrating themselves and kowtowing all the way. With their bodies touching the ground and crawling forward, their unwavering determination reflects their profound devotion. Overnight in Lhasa and have a good rest.

It is time to end your 15-day Tibet Mountain Bike Tour. Your guide will escorts you to the airport/train station for your flight or train to your next destination.

Extension Ideas: If you prefer to travel longer in Tibet, you can extend your trip to other highlighted parts of Tibet, including Mount Kailash.

Safe journey!