11 Days form China to the Forbidden City of Lhasa
SUMMARY
Tibet is one of the world’s great travel experiences. Serk 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.
Since 2014 we’ve carefully crafted experiences which 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.
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. You’ll leave with not only an amazing 9-days of high-altitude cycling in your legs, but a new understanding of one of the most incredible cultures on earth.
DURATION
12 DAYS
DISTANCE
700km
HOTELS
Three Stars
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
• CULTURAL IMMERSION: Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, stay in traditional Berber villages, and experience authentic Moroccan hospitality.
• DESERT EXPERIENCE: Spend a night in a desert camp beneath the stars, surrounded by the towering dunes of the Sahara.
• EXPERT GUIDANCE: Ride with professional guides who know the region intimately and provide support every step of the way.
• FLEXIBLE ITINERARY: Includes both challenging rides and moments of relaxation with a fully supported tour.
LEVEL
• INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED: This tour is designed for cyclists who are comfortable with long rides over rough, varied terrain. Daily distances range from 45 to 75 km, with plenty of support and breaks along the way.
DAY 1 CHANGDU
Arrive Chengdu Sichuan China 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 Serk jersey!
oKM
DAY 2 INTO TIBET
Into Tibet
Up early for flight and our first foray into Tibet. As part of our acclimatisation we take it super easy today.
40km
DAY 3 ALONG THE YARLONG
We leave early morning and ride along the spectacular Yarlong River. Hardly a vehicle or village in sight, so it’s just you, the road and the river.
105km
1000m
DAY 4 CLIFF & SAND DUNES
You’ll notice the vegetation gradually change today from lush pine forests to dry rocky cliff faces, and even some sand dunes. Today’s road twists and turns and it undulation urge you to get out of the saddle and accelerate. The snowy peaks in the distance remind you you’re riding in one of the highest places on earth.
130km
1600m
DAY 5 LHASA
Today we take a chill day and ride to one of the oldest Monasteries in Tibet.
We arrive in Lhasa late afternoon at our 5 star hotel and explore the old town of Lhasa on foot. The sights and sounds are guaranteed to inspire, and don’t forget to say a silent prayer for good legs and favourable winds as you spin the prayer wheels!
50 km
300 m
DAY 6 LHASA
DAY 7 AZURE LAKE
Rise early and leave for Tibet’s famous azure coloured lake. We ride along the shore of the lake before conquering a 5000m pass. The road travels by the a glacier before dipping down into a majestic valley. It’s one of the most scenic days of riding on the trip. Our destination hotel is oozing with so much old world charm you won’t want to leave.
110km
1355m
DAY 8 OLD QUARTERS & FAST FLATS
Rise early and visit the authentic old quarters. Then it’s 98km along the mostly flat and fast road. 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.
In the afternoon rest & relax in your hotel or visit the local monastery.
98km
117m
DAY 8 OLD QUARTERS & FAST FLATS
Rise early and visit the authentic old quarters. Then it’s 98km along the mostly flat and fast road. 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.
In the afternoon rest & relax in your hotel or visit the local monastery.
98km
117m
DAY 9 TOWARDS EVEREST
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 its downhill all the way to our Hotel. 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.
76km
1200m
DAY 10 EVEREST
Early morning 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. Just as you summit you will see the early light appearing on Everest – this has to be one of the worlds ultimate #WYMTM moments. After fun filled descent and gradual climb you’ll reach Everest Base Camp. Expect to be exhausted and exhilarated by the time you reach Base Camp. High five’s all around.
98km
1638m
DAY 11 EVEREST - RESTDAY
A transit day travelling back to Shigatze. We stop by a delicious dumpling restaurant for breakfast and arrive in Shigatze for our final group meal. After dinner its time to hit the Tibetan clubs and sink a few hard earned beers with the local Tibetan cowboys and cowgirls.
oKM
DAY 12 RETURN FLIGHT TO CHENGDU
Time to say good-bye! We fly out of Tibet and back to Chengdu China today.
HOTELS
• 6 nights of accommodation in traditional, guesthouses, and a desert camp.
• All meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day (unless noted).
• Transfers between all locations, including airport pickup and drop-off.
• Professional, English-speaking cycling guide for the duration of the tour.
• Support vehicle during all rides, providing snacks, water, and mechanical assistance.
• Luggage transfers between accommodations.
SUPPORT
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
• International flights to and from Marrakech.
• Bike rental (available for an additional fee).
• Personal travel insurance (required).
• Gratuities and personal expenses.
GUIDES
You will be supported by the best guides.
DATES
May 11th – 23rd 2026 (special edition)
August 3rd- 14th 2026
September 1st – 12th 2026
BIKE HIRE
Bike hire in Shanghai possible – Serk Titanium
PRICE
USD 6000
RESERVATION and PAYMENT
DEPOSIT
30% to book your tour.
BALANCE
The Balance two weeks before departure.
Bike Hire in China
ANY QUESTIONS?
info@gravel-bikes.cc
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