ride to the center of the world
It's a dream to cycle to Mount Kailash- the center of the world. I am looking for 21 like-minded Indians to join me on this epic ride.
Disclaimer: Permits, weather, or border movement can shift dates by a day or two.
The journey in 5 phases
Breaking down the journey into simple, manageable stages.
Quick route snapshot
- 20 days with a support vehicle and controlled pace
- 475 km of riding before the three-day Kailash Parikrama
- Built for experienced riders with real altitude discipline
Phase 1 · Day 1-3
The Basics
Kathmandu to Kerung (Tibet border) by minivan. No cycling yet, with gear checks and acclimatization setup.
Phase 2 · Days 4–6
The First Ascent
Start riding from Kerung into the high plateau and climb toward Saga with support vehicle backup.
Phase 3 · Days 7–13
To Manasarovar
Ride from Saga toward Lake Manasarovar and continue to the Kailash base zone at Darchen.
Phase 4 · Days 14–17
Kailash Parikrama
Three-day parikrama on foot around Kailash with a controlled pace and altitude awareness.
Phase 5 · Days 18–20
Back to Basics
Return overland from Darchen to Kathmandu with buffer for border, weather, and road changes.
Phase 1 · Day 1-3
The Basics
Kathmandu to Kerung (Tibet border) by minivan. No cycling yet, with gear checks and acclimatization setup.
Phase 2 · Days 4–6
The First Ascent
Start riding from Kerung into the high plateau and climb toward Saga with support vehicle backup.
Phase 3 · Days 7–13
To Manasarovar
Ride from Saga toward Lake Manasarovar and continue to the Kailash base zone at Darchen.
Phase 4 · Days 14–17
Kailash Parikrama
Three-day parikrama on foot around Kailash with a controlled pace and altitude awareness.
Phase 5 · Days 18–20
Back to Basics
Return overland from Darchen to Kathmandu with buffer for border, weather, and road changes.
Key highlights
Fast facts from the route.
Total Cycling Distance475 km
From Kerung to Darchen, excluding vehicle transfers and the Kailash Parikrama.
Riding Above 4,000 M430 km
Most of the cycling route is spent above 4,000 m on the Tibetan plateau.
Gungtang La · Day 55,280 m
The first major pass of the ride and the first pass above 5,000 m.
Mayum La · Day 11First view of Kailash
A distant first sighting of Mount Kailash from the high plateau pass.
Dolma La · Day 165,630 m
The highest point of the journey, reached on foot during the Kailash Parikrama.
Mountain ViewsThree major landmarks
Shishapangma, Gurla Mandhata, and the Kailash North Face appear across the route.
How we ride
A few important points to make sure we are aligned.
The vibe
- We ride together. It's about sharing the journey, not trying to race.
- We stay flexible. The mountains and the border officials write the schedule, and we adapt.
- We share the rough days. The Tibetan plateau is cold, windy, and basic. A good attitude matters just as much as strong legs.
The reality
- You need a solid endurance base and prior high-altitude experience.
- We have a support vehicle. If you hit your physical limit or feel the altitude, you get in the van. No ego.
- We leave the bikes for three days. The Kailash Parikrama is a high-altitude trek done entirely on foot.
- We will be off the grid. Expect basic teahouses, limited charging, and days without phone signals.
Let's ride to Kailash
I am currently finalizing the background logistics for this ride. Drop your details below to start the conversation, and we'll hop on a call to talk through what it takes.