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Best Time to Have a Tibet Cycling Tour

Jun 21, 2024 11:18 By

For cyclists who are going to taking a cycling tour in Tibet, you should pay attention to the local climate and weather since many activities and sightseeing in Tibet have to be achieved with the weather conditions.

Located a high altitude with low atmospheric pressure, the temperature in Tibet varies greatly between day and night with obvious season changes.

On the whole, the climate of Tibet is characterized by cold and dry in the Northwest while warm and wet in the Southeast. And the best time to cycle in Tibet is mainly in dry seasons (spring and autumn) rather than the rainy season (summer).

The Best Time for a Tibet Cycle Tour

Generally speaking, if you are for a cycle tour within the terrain of Tibet Autonomous region, say in Lhasa, the best time would be from June to October. If you plan to follow the cycling route to Tibet from mainland China or Nepal, the best time to go would be from April to October.

In November, the routes to Tibet would be sealed by heavy snows and it would be very dangerous to travel to Tibet from outside. It’s not the time for a bicycle tour and nobody will cycle to Tibet in winter. 

Tibet Weather in Dry Season (Spring, Autumn, and Winter)

Tibet in these times is dry and windy, and the rainfall accounts for only 10% to 20% of the total in a year. The temperature now is cold with little rainfall and snow. The rainfall during this period in Lhasa accounts for only 3% of its year’s total. Thus it is called the dry season or the wind season. It is a pleasant time to cycling in Tibet with clear views of the great snow mountains in Tibet.

When cycling in Tibet in these months, you need to bring down coats with you since it is still chilly at night. In the day time, you can sportswear or a thin sweater as well.

Tibet Weather in Monsoon Season (Summer)

From July to August is the time when Tibet has the highest temperature averaging from 25 to 27°C with a clear sky and warm sunshine.

It is the best time for a cycle tour in Lhasa or some surrounding areas. Assisted by the nice weather in Tibet during these months, you could cycle to some of the most popular tourist attractions in Tibet. It would surely be a memorable cycling experience.


Enjoying Tibet cycling tour in summer

You can wear short T-shirts and shorts for summer riding in Tibet. Due to the strong UV rays in Tibet, you can also prepare some long-sleeves to prevent sunburn.

Besides, a light jacket is also needed, especially if you are going to ride in mountainous areas where the higher the altitude, the lower the temperature.

As summer is the rainy season in Tibet, you should also prepare a rain jacket for your Tibet bike tour in the summer.

The continuous rainfalls may bring some geological hazards, and this will bring many troubles to cyclists on a long-distance journey if you are entering Tibet from other provinces.

It may even be life-threatening in some route sections. So you must be fully prepared just in case. And we highly suggest that cyclists should intentionally avoid the rainy seasons for your own safety concern.

Popular Tibet Bike Tour

Tibet is a destination for outside adventures. There are kinds of cycling routes through Tibet plateau, like the popular biking route from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and the classic route from Lhasa to Kathmandu.

No matter you are looking for some sightseeing cycling tours or want to challenge yourself, you can find one here in Tibet.

Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Bike Tour

Cycling from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp is the most popular cycling route in Tibet. Generally, it takes around 19 days to complete this great journey with a total distance of around 670km.

The best time for taking this Lhasa to Mount Everest biking tour is from April to May and from September to early October when the temperatures are perfect for outdoor riding.


After more than ten days of cycling, we finally arrived at the Everest Base Camp.

Spring and autumn are also the dry seasons in Tibet with little rain, which allows you to get a clear view of Mount Everest, as well as other mountain peaks of the magnificent Himalayas.

Lhasa to Kathmandu Biking Tour

Riding along the famous Sino-Nepal friendship highway, you can reach Gyirong Border and finally get to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

Lhasa to Kathmandu cycling mapYou will follow the Sino-Nepal friendship Highway for the cycling.

This epic overland route can be also done by bike. The Lhasa to Kathmandu bike tour, covering around 1300km in total, takes about 22 days to finish. Starting from the Holy city in Tibet, you will fully explore all the best of this mysterious land through the Himalaya.

The best time to cycle from Lhasa to Kathmandu is from mid-April to mid-June, and from September to mid-October. The road to Kathmandu from Gyirong Border would be destroyed by the heavy rain in monsoon season, so it is better to avoid the summer months from July to August.

Lhasa to Namtso Lake Bike Tour

There is also a scenic cycling route from Lhasa to Namtso Lake. Starting from Lhasa, you will go north through the vast grassland in Northern Tibet, climb over Mount Nagenla and finally reach the holy lake Namtso.

Although the total distance from Lhasa to Lake Namtso is only 428km, the physical demand is moderate since you need to climb over the Nagenla Pass (5190 meters above the sea level) halfway up.

Because of the high altitude of the mountain areas en route, the road to Namtso Lake would be closed during the wintertime due to the heavy snow. The best time to take the cycling tour from Lhasa to Namtso Lake is from April to early October.

Biking Tours around Lhasa City

Besides those long-distance cycling routes, there are also some easy trails around Lhasa city, as a short bike tour from Lhasa to Ganden Monastery (about 106km) and a circular biking tour around Yamdrok Lake (about 262km).

You can also have a bike tour in Lhasa city on a sunny afternoon after a small cup of buttered tea. You can rent a bike in Lhasa city and follow the road to visit the most popular attractions like the Jokhang Temple, Norbulingka Park, and the Potala Palace together by bike.

Cycling around Lhasa
Our clients are cycling to Yamdrok from Lhasa.

Whenever you come to Tibet, you can experience a leisure cycling tour around Lhasa city. The weather is fine in Lhasa around the year, and you don’t have to worry about the road being destroyed out by heavy rain or closed due to heavy snow.

More Long-distance Cycling Tours to Tibet

Except for a cycle tour in or around Lhasa, many cyclists would choose to cycle to Tibet from mainland China, say from Yunnan, Qinghai, Xinjiang and Sichuan provinces. There are three main routes to Tibet, the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, Sichuan-Tibet Highway, Yunnan-Tibet Highway.

These three routes to Tibet are mostly taken by Chinese who want to enter into Tibet; along the route, you will see many cyclists take on their road.

As foreign cyclists who want to take these roads, we will provide guides and business cars to accompany your whole tour in Tibet just in case some problems may arise. And we will suggest that your bicycle tour will only cover a small part of the routes, for it would be unrealistic to cover the whole distance by bike.

Useful Travel Tips for Cycling in Tibet

Be discrete when having a cycle tour in Tibet 

To have a cycle tour would cost more energy compared with trekking. So you must well preserve your energy. We suggest that you shall not have a bicycle tour immediately after you arrive in Tibet. Do it after your acclimatization after two or three days in Lhasa, or else you may encounter the altitude sickness.

Pay attention to your safety

Slow down your speed when descent, for you may encounter a brake failure. There are too many cases where cyclists met accidents when descending too quickly downhill and collided to the hillside. You shall never ignore the possible dangers that may arise if you just seek pleasure when descending hills at a high speed.

Food to eat during your Tibet cycling tour

In remote areas of Tibet, it is difficult to find a store or restaurant. So you need to prepare some food for your cycling trip in Tibet. Instant food is the best, like instant noodles, ham sausage, steamed bread, pickles, chocolate, drinks, alcohol for warming your stomach after eating cold food, and drinking water.

Clothes to wear during your Tibet cycling tour

The temperatures change greatly in different areas of Tibet and between day and night. In Lhasa, the temperature in July arrives at 30 °C at daytime, but falls to -10 °C at night.

While the temperature at mountain areas is much lower than that in Lhasa. Sometimes it will snow or sleet at night, so you'd better take some down garments (those with hats will better), woolen sweaters, warm gloves, warm and wind-proof shoes and socks. Wear several layers of clothing that can be easily added or removed.

Even in summer, a down coat is necessary for those who are traveling beyond Lhasa and Shigatse into more remote areas such as Everest Base Camp.

Bike gears and equipment for Tibet cycling tours

1. Mountain bike with bicycle rim of 26 inches is the best size. Before your trip, it's better to learn some bicycle mix skills and adjust the bike in the best condition.
2. Take a helmet in consideration of your safety.
3. Magic headscarf which can be used as a wrist brace, scarf, face mask, and headband.
4. Riding gloves are necessary for sweat-wicking, anti-skid, and breath freely.
5. Steel bicycle carrier
6. Riding trousers
The riding trousers are divided into male design and female design. Ladies can wear a riding skirt.
7. Spare wheel, bicycle pump, toolkit
Riders should prepare at least 2 inner spare wheels with good quality. Please prepare bicycle chains and other necessary bicycle parts.
8. Compass; Altitude watch; Flashlight; 10 batteries. Consider for the security, riders should take a flashlight, headlight, taillight.
9. Raincoat of high quality
10. A watch to calculate the mileage, cards including ID card, Credit card.
11. Skincare products such as sunblock and lipstick. Ladies should bring some female wet wipes.
12. Riding cloth, sleeping bag, gaiter, sports glasses, rearview mirror, moisture-proof pad
13. Swiss Army knife, tableware, water can, lighter
14. Food, tea, instant coffee, juice powder, chocolate, peanut, ham bowel, liquor
15. E-book

Conclusion

Tibet has always been a dream place for many cyclists from all over the world. However, the preparation for a Tibet cycling tour would be a huge project.

When is the best time to take a cycling trip to Tibet? What to see in different seasons to go? What to pack and what to wear in a Tibet Cycling Tour? All these things are details that entail careful preparations and arrangements.

To tell you when the best time is to cycle in Tibet with detailed weather information in different seasons, we also provide Tibet bike tours with Tibet permit application, mountain bike rental, and other related services. Hoping you will enjoy an unforgettable cycling experience in Tibet with us.

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34 Comment ON "Best Time to Have a Tibet Cycling Tour"

Jun 21, 2024 2:17
Asked by Ke** from Singapore

Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash

Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin

Jun 21, 2024 2:17
Answered by Tibet Vista

Thanks for your inquiry. Our travel expert will send you a detailed itinerary according to your plan and help you arrange the best trip. Please check your email box.

Jun 21, 2024 12:30
Asked by Debo** from USA

Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.

Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah

Jun 21, 2024 12:31
Answered by Tibet Vista

Thank you for your inquiry. Travel time by vehicle depends on your route. For tours outside Lhasa, it often involves several hours of driving, with opportunities for short stops in local villages. Our one-on-one travel consultant will contact you to learn more about your plans and provide detailed schedules based on your route.

Jun 20, 2024 6:59
Asked by S** from HongKong

Tibet Tour from HK

May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you

Jun 20, 2024 7:00
Answered by Tibet Vista

Dear Shek, Thank you for reaching out and we are here to help. For Hong Kong residents that want to travel to Tibet, a Tibet Travel permit is not required, as long as you have the HKSAR passport, as well as the Home Return Permit (HRP). Officially known as the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents, the HRP can be issued to Chinese nationals that are permanent residents of Hong Kong in order to enter mainland China. Cheers!

Jun 20, 2024 2:30
Asked by Na** from USA

Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?

Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?

Jun 20, 2024 2:30
Answered by Tibet Vista

Dear Nayak, Thank you for reaching out! We're here to help. Well, for Indian passport holders who plan to visit Mt. Kailash, you have to book your Tibet tour with a licensed Nepali or Indian travel agency that is authorized by the Foreign Affairs Office of TAR or Pilgrim Center (also known as Tibet-India Pilgrim Reception Center) to get your Tibet Travel Permit and run your Tibet tour. If you are an Indian origin who lives outside of India and have another passport, let's say a US or Canadian passport, in this case, we can help you get the Tibet Travel Permit and other travel documents and arrange the Mt. Kailash tours for you.

Jun 16, 2024 9:40
Asked by A** from Singapore

Enquiry on private tour

We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.

Jun 16, 2024 9:40
Answered by Tibet Vista

Dear Azmi, Thanks for your inquiry. A viable option is to fly from HK to Chengdu and later take Chengdu-Lhasa train to Lhasa. You may enjoy the Lhasa to EBC tour from Lhasa to Gyantse, Shigatse, and EBC, which is the most popular itineraries in Tibet. Our travel consultants will have a detailed discussion with you and give you an accurate quotation. Looking forward to seeing you in Lhasa. Best Wishes.

Jun 15, 2024 11:14
Asked by Na** from Canada

We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa

Hello We are a family of 3 (2 adults, 1 child) and would like to visit Tibet again in 2025. We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa, then stay in Lhasa and mostly just walk around Barkhor, but also visit 3 monasteries: Sera (by bus), Drak Yerpa (by pilgrimage bus) and Tschokhang. We would like to stay in Lhasa for 10 days total, then leave by plane. Can you arrange a permit for this trip for us (3 Canadians)? Best regards, Brigitte Mueller

Jun 15, 2024 11:14
Answered by Tibet Vista

Dear Nancy, We appreciate your message and are here to help. Of course, it is our great privilege to arrange a private Lhasa family tour for your family and help you secure the Tibet Travel Permit and Xining-Lhasa train ticket to Lhasa. Our friendly travel consultants will discuss with you for more details and help you plan an uplifting Tibet tour. Cheers!
Jun 15, 2024 11:12
Asked by Gr** from Canada

The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply

I heard from my friend that says there is difference between the above mentioned are: "Individual Tibet Entry Permit" - Individual Entering Tibet is granted. "Group Tibet Entry Permit" - Anyone from the group is Absent, the whole group is deny entry. May I know which one is the correct facts?

Jun 15, 2024 11:12
Answered by Tibet Vista

Tibet Travel Permit, the required travel document for entering Tibet Autonomous Region, has no distinction between individual and group. . What your friends might have mentioned is the Group Visa, specifically required for entry into Tibet from Nepal. You'll have to apply for the Group Visa at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, and you'll need at least four people in your group. You'll all have to enter and leave Tibet together. But if you're entering Tibet from mainland China, you don't need this group thing. Our travel consultant will contact you with more details and help you arrange your trip to Tibet.
Jun 15, 2024 11:10
Asked by Tam** from Singapore

Sightseeing Potala Palace

I would like to travel to Tibet in September 2024 from Kathmandu. Sightseeing Potala Palace, Jokhang temple and many more.

Jun 15, 2024 11:10
Answered by Tibet Vista

Dear Tamang, We appreciate your message and are here to help. September is a perfect time to travel from Kathmandu to Tibet. You can sign up for our 8-day Kathmandu to Lhasa overland small group tour via Gyirong, EBC and Shigatse. This tour has fixed departures on Sept 6/13/20/27 and you can travel with other global travelers to share the tour cost. Another great option is to fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa and book the 8-day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour to admire the majestic Himalayan range and travel across Lhasa and Shigatse, two of the biggest cities in Tibet. For both ways, our travel agents will help you get your Tibet Travel Permit and other travel documents needed and arrange the accommodations, local expert guide, etc. based on your travel preferences and interests. Cheers!
Jun 15, 2024 11:06
Asked by Ka** from Singapore

plan to travel to Mount Kailash

Hi I am Indian residing in Singapore and plan to travel to Mount Kailash in first week of September. I am all by myself and would like to join any travel group. How do i apply for tibet visa? How do i apply for Chinese visa? Could you help me with Travel Itinerary? Regards.

Jun 15, 2024 11:06
Answered by Tibet Vista

Dear Kadam, We appreciate your message and are here to help. If you are an Indian national with a Singapore passport, you can sign up for our 15-day Kailash and Manasarova Small Group Tour that departs on Sept, 1st. Firstly, you need to go to the Chinese Embassy in Singapore and fill out the application form to apply for the Chinese Visa yourself. After you get your Chinese Visa, you are expected to email the photos of your Singapore passport information page and Chinese Visa page to us to apply for Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf. Remember to do this at least 20 days before your departure to Tibet. We will manage to deliver the Tibet Travel Permit to your hotel in the Chinese arrival city. So, you can show the Tibet Permit and board the flight or train to Lhasa. Our expert travel agents will offer you more details and help you plan a seamless Lhasa to Mt. Kailash tour. Cheers!
Jun 15, 2024 11:04
Asked by Nyen** from India

Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit

Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit, we are three people and 2 adults and 1 infant 2 Indian Passport and 1 Nepal passport. we have applied for a China visa also.

Jun 15, 2024 11:04
Answered by Tibet Vista

Dear Nyendak, Thank you for reaching out! Well, if you have applied a China Visa, a great option is to email the image of your Chinese visa page to us and we can help you apply for Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf. So, you can fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa for Tibet visit. A recommended tour for you is 5 Days Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake Small Group Tour where you can visit the landmarks of Tibetan monasteries in Lhasa and explore the holy turquoise Yamdrok Lake on a short excursion. Another important thing to consider is that due to the high elevation and thin air in Tibet, do consult a doctor to decide if it is safe to bring the infant to Tibet for travel with you. Our expert travel consultants will discuss more with you and help you plan a perfect Tibet journey. Cheers!

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