Experience one of the world’s greatest cycling adventures.
Over 12 unforgettable days, ride high-altitude roads above 5,000 meters, conquering epic climbs and exhilarating descents.
This Rouleur Edition combines breathtaking scenery with the rich culture of Tibet — ancient monasteries, nomadic life, and the spiritual draw of Everest.
Pedal to the world’s highest base camp and return with strong legs, a full heart, and a lasting connection to this extraordinary land.
This is a road event, not gravel.
The trip is designed for mixed-ability riders with a solid base level of fitness, achievable through regular cycling and cross-training.
Starting in January 2026, there will be monthly check-in calls with the team to discuss training, logistics, and progress. Additional training support is available through our partners at Rowe & King — please contact us for details and pricing.
Difficulty 3/5
12 days - 11 Nights
September 14 - September 25 2026
"If you’re searching for the ultimate ride—one that pushes your limits and fills your soul—this is it. Riding to Everest Base Camp isn’t just a cycling journey, it’s a life-altering experience. Every climb, every prayer flag, every moment in the shadow of the Himalayas stays with you forever."
Tris - Head of Rouleur Travel
Riding Summary
Day 1 – Arrive in Chengdu
Day 2 – Linzhi Acclimatization Ride (20–30km)
Day 3 – Along the Nyang River (93km / 945m)
Day 4 – Descent from High Pass (80km / 587m)
Day 5 – Lhasa Cultural Day (No ride)
Day 6 – Azure Lake & Glacier Pass (100–130km / 1,355m)
Day 7 – Old Quarters & Fast Flats (98km / 117m)
Day 8 – Highest Pass & Everest Views (76km / 1,300m)
Day 9 – Into the Himalayas (109km / 1,750m)
Day 10 – Everest Base Camp (Short ride)
Day 11 – Transfer to Shigatze
Day 12 – Return to Chengdu
Sleeping Altitude
Day 1 - Chungdu 500m
Day 2 - 2980m
Day 3 - 3100m
Day 4 - 3700m
Day 5 - 3650m
Day 6 - 3650m
Day 7 - 4000m
Day 8 - 3880m
Day 9 - 4300m
Day 10 - 4000m
Day 11 - 3880m
Arrive Chengdu Sichuan China late afternoon. Tonight we stay in the 5 star Airport Hotel 5 mins from the arrivals lounge. Riders will fly in from around the world - please arrive by 6pm.
Group dinner and briefing for the trip happens tonight.
Day 2 launches your Tibetan adventure with an early flight to Nyingchi. As you soar over the Hima-layas, the breathtaking aerial views offer a preview of the terrain you’ll soon cycle. Landing at 2,950 meters, you’ll feel the thin air - a reminder of the challenges ahead. Today’s focus is on acclimatization, with a light schedule allowing you to rest, hydrate, and adapt to the altitude. As you settle in, anticipation builds for the cycling journey that begins tomorrow, transforming the awe-inspiring landscape you’ve witnessed from above into an intimate, two-wheeled exploration.
Your day begins with an early morning ride along the spectacular Nyang River, immersing you in Ti-bet’s untouched wilderness. This route offers a cyclist’s dream: a solitary road winding through pristine landscapes, with only the rushing river for company. Your journey concludes at the turquoise waters of Basong Tso, where the award-winning Songtsam Resort provides a luxurious retreat on the lake’s shore.
Today’s ride showcases Tibet’s dramatic landscape diversity. Watch the scenery transform from lush pine forests to stark, lunar-like terrain as you approach your first high pass in our vehicles. We won’t start climbing yet as we are still acclimatizing. However you’ll have the chance to do the exhilarating 50km descent. As you navigate the twisting Yarlung Valley, be alert for the mischievous monkeys eager to snatch your water bottles!
Today we take a chill day to help with acclimatization. During the day we will visit one of the oldest Monasteries in Tibet - The Potala Palace.
In the afternoon explore the old town of Lhasa on foot. The sights and sounds are guaranteed to in-spire, and don’t forget to say a silent prayer for good legs and favourable winds as you spin the prayer wheels!
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 town is oozing with so much old world charm you won’t want to leave.
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.
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.
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 a fun filled descent then lunch you’ll head out along the back road into Everest.
Today marks the pinnacle of your cycling adventure - the legendary ride into Everest Base Camp.
Prepare for an experience that will etch itself into your memory forever, as you embark on a route few cyclists have dared to attempt. Your journey begins on the lesser-known “back road,” a route that unveils the hidden gems of the Himalayas. As you pedal, you’ll pass through timeless villages where life seems to flow at its own peaceful rhythm, untouched by the modern world rushing by elsewhere. Prayer wheels spin in the thin mountain air, and colorful prayer flags flutter against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Gradually, the landscape transforms as you snake your way up the valley. The air grows thinner, and each pedal stroke becomes a testament to your determination. You’re not just climbing a mountain; you’re ascending into legend, approaching an altitude of 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) where the air itself seems to whisper tales of mountaineering glory.
Today is a transit day in the car as we make our way back to Shigatze.
Time to say good-bye! We fly out of Tibet and back to Chengdu China today. You will arrive in Chengdu before lunch so you can fly out in the afternoon or spend a few days exploring the ultra modern city of Chengdu. The contract with Tibet will blow your mind and is a perfect way to reflect on the experience you've had over the last week.
From the pinnacle of professional cycle sport to the budding youth on their two-wheeled journey, we love bikes and the people who ride them. Rouleur stands for quality, whether in print, online, or in person.
Founded in 2006, Rouleur magazine is currently published eight times a year and is the world’s leading cycling magazine, featuring independent, award-winning journalism showcasing the culture of the sport. Its sister magazines, Rouleur Italia, are available in Italian and Spanish respectively, published six times a year. You can get each copy of our magazines directly to your doorstep, or through our app, by subscribing.
Online, Rouleur.cc brings you the very best features, analysis, and photography from the world of racing, with coverage from every major event throughout the season. Our team also explores, tests, and reviews the latest tech and kit, keeping you up-to-date with products and innovations that fuel the sport while providing impartial, expert guidance to help you make your next purchase. As well as that, Rouleur.cc examines the science and opinion behind better cycling, helping you to continually improve your riding, while our travel and explore features showcase the finest locations in the world you can experience on two wheels.
Rouleur’s storytelling can also be found via our four regular podcasts, which include Conversations, Tech, and Rouleur Italia – available across all major podcast providers.
For the latest content brought straight to you, our regular racing, tech, and women’s newsletters will deliver the very best of Rouleur directly to your inbox. You can subscribe to our newsletters for free here.
You can experience Rouleur first-hand and in person at our annual Rouleur Live event in London. Unique in the world of cycling, it’s a chance to hear from the stars of the sport in our theatre talks, see the very best of cycling tech up close in the exhibitor hall, and enjoy a weekend celebrating our shared love for all things cycling. For the latest information on Rouleur Live, click here.
Rouleur is a global multi-channel publication made for cycling fans around the world, whoever they are and wherever they are. Most of our team are based in the UK at the historic Somerset House in central London, with hubs in Italy and Spain.
If you’d like to speak to us, there’s plenty of ways to get in touch. For digital, magazine and membership queries, and all other enquiries, please send an email to [email protected].
To advertise with us, or to speak with us about commercial opportunities, please contact [email protected].
You can also reach us by post at: Rouleur, New Wing, Somerset House, London WC2R 1LA
Of course we’re also available on social media where you can contact us directly. Click the links below to find us:
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter