Lhasa & Ganden Biking Tour
- Duration:
- 6 Days
- Price:
- From USD937
- Route:
- Lhasa-Ganden-Lhasa
- Season:
-
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
- Tour Type:
- Private Tour
Overview
It's about 55km from Lhasa to Ganden Monastery, and it takes 5 hours to cycle. This two-day round-trip ride is suitable for most tourists after their sightseeing in Lhasa. Gandan Monastery is located on Wangbur Mountain at an altitude of 3,800 meters on the south bank of the Lhasa River in Dazi County, Lhasa. Starting from Lhasa city, you will move forward along the Lhasa River, and pass through some farmland and villages to Ganden Monastery. There's a nearly 10-kilometer winding mountain road, which also increases the difficulty of riding. A kora trail traverses the valley, where you're likely to meet more pilgrims than anywhere else. The best season to visit is in Summer.
| Day | Route | Attractions & Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Lhasa (3,650m) | Pick up and transfer to the hotel |
| 2 | Lhasa Sightseeing | Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street |
| 3 | Lhasa Sightseeing | Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery |
| 4 | Bike: Lhasa - Ganden, Ride 55km, Approx. 5hrs | Ganden Monastery |
| 5 | Bike: Ganden - Lhasa, Ride 55km, Approx. 5hrs | Enjoy your leisure time in Lhasa |
| 6 | Departure from Lhasa | Send off to the airport/railway station |
Daily Itinerary
CollapseThis is the first day in Tibet. Your guide will greet you at Lhasa Gonggar Airport/Railway Station and transfer you to your hotel. It usually takes around 1 hour to drive from Lhasa Airport to downtown Lhasa and takes about 20 minutes from Lhasa Railway Station. Tourists could have a look at the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the largest and longest river in Tibet on their way to the hotel. After check-in, you can have a good rest first. And if you feel like going out, you can wander around the city. But just remember that don't take too much stuff, try to go with a light pack. Meanwhile, drink some more water, and do not move strenuously. It’s really useful to get acclimatized to the high altitude.
Stay overnight in Lhasa
Today your Lhasa tour starts with the world heritage Potala Palace. It’s situated on the Red Hill of central Lhasa. Potala Palace is the highest ancient palace in the world, reaching 3,767.19m at the topmost point. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.
In the afternoon, take an easy visit to Jokhang Temple in the center of the Lhasa old town. Jokhang temple is the most sacred temple in Tibet and it is always bustling with earnest local pilgrims. After you visit the temple, you'll have time to walk around the Barkhor Street, which is one of the most devotional circuits as well as the crowded central market of Lhasa since the early days. As a symbol of Lhasa, it is also a must-see place for visitors.
Stay overnight in Lhasa
You are visiting the Drepung Monastery this morning. Drepung means "piles of rice" in Tibetan, which symbolizes prosperity. It was the world's largest monastery that housed more than 10,000 monks in the past. Also, It's the highest-ranking monastery in the Gelug Sect.
After lunch, you are going to the Sera Monastery, which is renowned as the most beautiful Tibetan Monastery. To witness the debate sessions of Sera Monastery is something you cannot miss. The topic of debate involves all aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. As a part of their study, lamas should participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study.
Stay overnight in Lhasa
Ganden Monastery is located on the Wangbo Ri Mountain, which looks like an elephant. Ganden Monastery stands beside the mountain, with overlapping buildings that are majestic and magnificent. It is about 55 kilometers from the city to Ganden Monastery, of which nearly 10 kilometers are winding mountain roads. This also greatly increases the difficulty of riding. This road belongs to National Highway G318 and is a must-ride route for many cyclists. Although it is only a short section from Lhasa to Ganden Monastery, the scenery is equally amazing. During the ride, you will pass by the Golden Pond, and the scenery here will make people happy in spring and autumn.
Camp outside of the monastery
Biking back to Lhasa. You can arrive in Lhasa city in the early afternoon. No other tour arrangement for the rest of day. You are free to wander around Lhasa on your own, maybe some last-minute souvenir shopping at Barkhor Street, or Potala Square in the evening to see Potala Palace all lighting up.
Your tour ends today. Our guide and driver will collect you from your hotel to transfer to Lhasa Airport/Railway Station for your next destination.
Tour Price and Service
From US$937 p/p
Based on 3-star hotels for 2 people in low seasons. Price varies according to travel season, number of people and level of accommodation.
INCLUSIONS
- Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet;
- All entrance tickets fee for tourist attractions listed in the itinerary;
- Experienced local English-speaking tour guide;
- Travel-licensed vehicle according to group size & season as itinerary needed including gas and parking fee;
- All lodging listed in the itinerary; it’s your decision about the accommodation class: luxury 5-star international hotel, comfortable 4-star hotel, economic 3-star hotel, or guesthouse. Please tell us your preference;
- Breakfasts provided by hotels;
- Bicycles;
- Pick-up & Drop-off service from Airport/railway station;
- Travel Agency Liability insurance;
- Government tax;
- Express delivery fee of Permit (eg. SF. Express);
- Food & lodgings for guide & driver;
- Oxygen tank for emergency use;
- Sleeping bags;
- Two bottles of mineral water per person per day.
EXCLUSIONS
- International flight to and out of China;
- Chinese Visa/China Group Visa; (Note: we could help you by providing the hotel or domestic flight reservation copies for your Chinese Visa or the invitation letter for your China Group Visa)
- Domestic flight/train to and out of Lhasa; (We can help you book the domestic flight/train ticket at the BEST price. Please contact us for details.)
- Meals are not included but we will recommend some good ones for you according to your requirements. Usually, it takes 5-15 USD per person for each meal.
- While the gratuity for guide and driver is NOT mandatory, it is expected. Based on their service, you can tip them on the last day of the tour. Each of you is suggested to tip them 8-15 USD/day in total;
- All the commission and tax charged by PayPal, Bank, and government when making payment. (e.g. PayPal --- 4.4%. Wire transfer --- 2%);
- Personal expenses, like laundry, phone call, snacks, soft drinks, optional tour activities, etc.
- Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions.
I am well thankyou. It turned out to be a great trip. I have two excellent guides and the driver. Especially as Lakdun (not sure how to spell her name) was there to help me at the airport when my flight got cancelled. You might also be interested to know that I run spiritual retreats and pilgrimages ....
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Typically Asked Questions from Our Clients
Asked by Mike***
Brother-in-law and I are looking to visit Tibet in late September, Mid October (50th birthday is Oct 19) and would love to include some biking. We are experienced cyclist but live in low elevations and nervous about altitude. Is there any opportunity to do some cycling during one of the group tours or should we limit ourselves to biking tours? Any insight you can provide would be helpful.
Dear Mike Haber, it's ok for you and your brother-in-law to visit Tibet including some biking in late September / Mid October. Don't be nervous about the altitude, I've already sent you some information by email and hope it's useful for you.
Since you plan to do some biking, I'm afraid you have to do that by yourselves. Of course, your guide and driver also will travel together with you. Please have a look at the itinerary I suggested you and tell me your thoughts.