Home Other Regions Cycle Across Tibet To Mount Everest

Overview

This 1,170km adventure cycle across Tibet to Mount Everest is a unique adventure.

This adventure cycle across Tibet has the world’s longest down hill all the way back to Kathmandu. Before that we cycle across Tibet to Mount Everest Base Camp on the northern side. We will prepare in Kathmandu, before flying to Lhasa in Tibet. We will acclimatize, see the highlights of Tibet before hitting the road towards Mount Everest and this amazing journey.

Our fully supported expedition in Tibet and Nepal, riding from the ancient capital of Lhasa across Tibet via Mount Everest Base Camp and then ride into Nepal in the Kathmandu valley on the second-longest downhill (two and a half days) in the world. This trip, with accommodation in local tea houses and camping, offers those cyclists with an adventurous spirit to live up close with the mysterious nomadic people of Tibet and experience this vast and unique landscape on a more personal level.

This expedition allows time for exploring many of Tibet’s most fascinating cities and monasteries and gives the rider the opportunity to ride the best and most scenic portions of the friendship highway that links these two ancient Himalayan Kingdoms. Support vehicles carry all equipment (and riders who may need a rest on the climbs!) giving us the freedom to accommodate participants of many different levels of riding skills. The cost is $10,500.

Upcoming Trips

2026
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Dec
No trips found for Jan 2026.
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12
Apr
12th Apr – 3rd May
Cycle Across Tibet
12 SPACES OPEN
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Itinerary

1
Day

Day 1

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. You will meet up with your guide for dinner and a briefing on the trip and hand over your passport to the guide to sort your Tibetan visa.

2
Day

Day 2

Ride to Nagarkot via Bhaktapur (Acclimatization ride) We endorse Chinese visas; you check out the bikes and equipment then we ride due east to the medieval town of Bhaktapur, an ancient city full of Newari culture. There are many temples and squares here that we will have time to explore. From here we head North East to the beautiful hill top village of Nagarkot, on an excellent and quiet tarmac road. Nagarkot is the best destination to acclimatize before the Tibet tour. Distance: 38km Altitude: 2,168m/ 7,112 feet.

3
Day

Day 3

Ride back to Kathmandu via Shanku and Boudhanath Stupa. We descend on jeep tracks through the beautiful ancient village of Shanku. From here we are on tarmac road towards Boudhanath Stupa, here we will have lunch and then ride back to Thamel, Kathmandu either we ride or drive through a busy road. Distance: 30km Altitude: 1,340m/ 4,396 feet.

4
Day

Day 4

After a hearty breakfast, drive to the airport for an hour flight to Lhasa. It’s an approximately 1 hours (65km) drive to reach our hotel in Lhasa 3,658m/ 12,001 feet and we will go on a short walk to Barkhor Square to stretch our legs and following the crowds into the square which gives us the sensation of slipping into a medieval carnival. This is one part of Lhasa that has resisted any invasion of the modern world where ancient way of trading is still practiced.

5
Day

Day 5

Acclimatization day (rest day in Lhasa) or full day sightseeing in Lhasa. We will visit a few places such as the Sera Monastery which is one of the great monasteries that has survived the Cultural Revolution better than most. We can get up close and personal to a -Debate’ where the monks will try and outwit their colleagues with questions on religion. After Lunch, we will visit the famous Potala Palace. This is the cardinal landmark and a structure that deserves a place as one of the wonders of eastern architecture and it looks best from a distance. It takes about 3hrs sight-seeing the Potala so we would advise on wearing comfortable attire and comfortable walking shoes.

6
Day

Day 6

After a good breakfast we will start biking to the Drepung Monastery cycling right in front and passing the Potala. The monastery is situated 25km to the west of Lhasa, this is to further acclimatize and adjust to the climate and altitude. Drepung Monastery the largest of the monasteries of the great Gelugpa monasteries was home to around 10,000 monks during the Chinese takeover of Tibet in 1951. Once we reach the entrance to the monastery we will have to leave our bikes at the car park and climb up the stairs to the monastery.

7
Day

Day 7

Cycling through the busy roads for about 45 minutes we leave Lhasa behind please remember to always keep on the right hand side as there will be vehicles plying on this road as well and as we cycle along the Bhramhaputra river heading toward the bottom of Khamba-la, Approx. 6-7 hour’s ride and we will be camping tonight. Distance: 85km, Altitude: 3550m.

8
Day

Day 8

Biking over the Khamba-la pass (4794 m) on a newly smooth paved road, approx. 24km climb passing the old road between Gyantse and Lhasa the dazzling Yamdrok-tso (also known as Scorpion Lake) can be seen from the summit of the Kambha-la pass. The lake lies several hundred meters below the road, and in clear weather it is a fabulous shade of deep turquoise. We will have lunch at the beautiful Yamdrok lake. After lunch we cycle down to our camp site on the other side of Yamdrok Lake before Nagarze town Approx: 6-7 hours ride before getting to our camping site. Distance: 68km, Altitude: 4300m

9
Day

Day 9

After breakfast we pack up and cycle on a straight path toward the Karo-la (5045) pass, cycling on the out skirts of the town Nagarze, with a panoramic view sweeping from the left hand side up to the front thus having great views of the Himalayas & glaciers upon reaching the summit of Karo-la pass one can awe at the sight of the glacier which is approximately 50 metres below the pass. There is the perfect photographic opportunity for anyone who wishes to trade their bike for a yak! However brief! From here we ride down the path which has been slowly eroded by water that has made it resemble a water slide at an amusement park and taking us almost to the camp site before the Ralung Monastery intersection. Approx: 6 hours ride. Distance: 49km, Altitude: 4610m

10
Day

Day 10

Biking over the Simi-la pass (4,330m), we are on a pleasant and gradual ride to Gyantse town. The road is a gentle climb with a pleasant view of a man-made lake for the purpose of generating electricity from a dam. We enjoy a nice lunch at the summit of Simi-la. Upon reaching Gyantse (3950), in the Nyang Chu valley 254km south-west of Lhasa, is one of the least Chinese-influenced towns in Tibet and is worth a visit for this reason alone. The town’s principal attractions are the Gyantse Kumbum, a magnificent tiered structure (Jonang, 60km north-east of Lhatse) in the Buddihist world. Till the 14th century, there are no conclusive records of its existence but the town emerged as the centre of a fiefdom with powerful connections with the Sakyapa. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to visit the monasteries and Stupas contained within this historical town. Approx: 4-5 hours and we will spend the night in a local hotel. Distance: 87km, Altitude: 3950m

11
Day

Day 11

Leaving Gyantse, we also leave behind our one day of off road aches and pains as we find ourselves on a newly paved road which is a long day ride that will take us across vast stretches of flat agricultural land to Shigatse, Tibet’s 2nd biggest town in the traditional capital of Tsang. The Tsang kings exercised their power from the towering heights of Shigatse turning this town in to an important trading town as well as an administrative centre. Approx: 6-7 hours and spend the night in a hotel. Distance: 90km, Altitude: 3900m

12
Day

Day 12

Today will be a long day ride, with an occasional paved road making the rest of the road a dusty one and we will stop for lunch break beside the Ra Chu River, then we cycle on to our camp below the Tso-la pass (4500). Approx: 6-7 hours. Distance: 112km or 83KM if tired, Altitude: 4000m

13
Day

Day 13

After we leave Tso-La pass (4500m), we go down a long 9km descent & pass through Larze, which is a small truck stop and is a dusty place but has some shops with well stocked shelves and few guesthouses. Camp below the Gyatso-la near a river. Approx: 5-6 hours. Distance: 58km, Altitude: 4150m

14
Day

Day 14

In the morning after breakfast we cycle 25km climbing toward the highest pass Gyatso-La (5220m). The ride to Gyatso-la is an interesting one as we will be in the middle of a gorge during the start of this particular ride accompanied by a river on the right hand side. Approximately 7km before reaching the summit we suddenly come to an opening where we can once again see the great mountains but it will be very windy at this point (we advise you to have wind proof attire ready as our support vehicle will be at a distance just in case) until we cross the pass and descend down to Shegar and spend the night in a guesthouse. Approx: 6-7 hours. Distance: 70km Altitude: 4350m

15
Day

Day 15

Today we start our ride on a paved road up to the police check post. Here we would have to produce our passport to the authorities and after the check post we will turn off the Friendship Highway around 6km west of the Shegar checkpoint where our guide will sort out the permits for the Everest region. From here the path will be the toughest of bumpy roads. The road is very windy both up hill and downhill with sharp turns. On this particular road we would like to advise everyone to stay on the edge of the road at a safe pace because of heavy vehicle also using this road which takes us to the Pang la pass (5200m), a rocky uphill. From here a superb panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu can be seen on a clear day. We will bike downhill towards the river where after crossing it we will face the windiest place of our tour. We will cycle through Tashi Zong village toward our camp at Pasoom. Approx: 5-6 hours. Distance: 62km Altitude: 4350m

16
Day

Day 16

Today we will be on a bumpy road but a gentle climb up to Rongphu monastery from our campsite. Rongphu Monastery is the main Buddhist centre in the valley and once coordinated the activities of around one dozen smaller religious institutions. Approx: 4-5 hours. Distance: 33km Altitude: 5000m

17
Day

Day 17

After breakfast, we ride for Everest Base Camp which is 8km one way from the Rongphu monastery. The road up to the Base Camp is a rocky one. There is also a pony ride available for 60 ““ 80 Yuan for visitors because the government has recently banned all motor vehicles from going up to the Everest Base Camp and because of this we will not have our support vehicle with us. There is little to see at the Base Camp but just imagine you are actually standing on the world’s highest mountain. At the Base Camp you can take photos next to a marker that reads -Mt. Qomolangma Base Camp’ which means -Mother God’ and indicates on a marker reading 5200m. Return to Pasoom campsite. Approx: 6-7 hours. Distance: 49km Altitude: 4350m

18
Day

Day 18

Drive and bike towards Tingri, our campsite from Pasoom where we will be once again on a repeat trail to Pangla pass and back on the Friendship Highway where we will be on a smooth jeep road. When we reach Tingri it is another picturesque view with a huddle of Tibetans homes overlooking a sweeping plain bordered by the towering Himalaya Range. It is also called Tingri Dzong overlooked by ruins that were once a fort that was not blown up by the Chinese Red Guards but in fact destroyed by the invasion of Nepalese in the late 18th century. Nearby our campsite there is place called Tsamda where we can find a Hot Spring. Approx: 7-8 hours. Distance: 112km Altitude: 4340m

19
Day

Day 19

On this day we will cycle on the Friendship Highway to and camp at Lhavlung Dovang (Dovang means a place road construction workers live) between Thong-la (5050) and Zarakpa (5000m). After we leave the highway we paddle onto a road which is dusty during the dry season and muddy when it is wet. Approx: 5-6 hours.

20
Day

Day 20

Today the biking takes us over the pass of Lalung-la, which offers spectacular views of Gaurishankar, Dorje Lhakpa, Shishapangma and Langtang. Please make sure that you check your brakes properly because we will be riding mostly downhill from here with another 6 hours biking that brings us to Nyalam which literary means -The Gateway to Hell’ in Tibetan. This is because the road drops from Nyalam like a stone off the Tibetan plateau into a mossy gorge of waterfalls and cascades which during the monsoon creates a sea of clouds that submerges the road and thus giving the effect of an eerie scene out of a horror movie. Before reaching Nyalam just 10km off there is a place with the closest cultural sight which is Nyalam Pelgye Ling, a small temple that is associated with the Cave of Milarepa, the famous Buddhist mystic and composer of songs who lived during the late 11th to the early 12th century. We camp after Nyalam. Approx: 5-6 hours. Distance: 65km Altitude: 3650m

21
Day

Day 21

Our last day in Tibet, we descend 2,850m/ 9,350 feet to Barabise on the longest downhill of our tour on a bad road which is muddy, rocky and slippery with a big drop on the right hand side into the river Bhote Kosi. Heading towards the border Zhangmu which also is known as Khasa in Nepali and Dram in Tibetan and entering Nepal through the border of Kodari. Approx. 3-4 hours of biking, we will have lunch at Barabise 870m a small town with shops and basic hotels. From here after lunch we will be transferred to a resort in Dhulikhel in our support van before Kathmandu. The last day party will be held in this resort. Approx: 4 hours. Distance: 127km Altitude: 1600m

22
Day

Day 22

The last day of our biking trip brings us back to where our journey began. Your Cycle across Tibet is over and you are back in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. We will have a group dinner and enjoy the last evening together. Approx: 3 hours. Distance: 32km Altitude: 1300m

23
Day

Day 23

Departure day. Your Cycle across Tibet is over. You will be transferred to the airport for your return flights home. You can spend some additional nights in Kathmandu exploring this amazing city, relax and take in the journey you have just undertaken.

Advice

1. Train for Endurance

You’ll be cycling for long days across high passes, often above 4,500m. Oxygen levels are much lower, and what feels manageable at sea level will feel a lot harder on the Tibetan Plateau.

Your training should focus on:

  • Long steady rides (4 to 6+ hours)
  • Back to back cycling days
  • Climbing strength and hill repeats
  • Core and lower body strength work

Build endurance and consistency. Steady pacing is what matters the most at high altitude.

2. Respect the Altitude From Day One

Much of the route sits well above 4,000m. Even strong cyclists can struggle if they underestimate altitude.

We build acclimatization into the itinerary, but you need to:

  • Drink water constantly
  • Eat even when you’re not hungry
  • Avoid pushing hard in the first few days
  • Speak up about symptoms early

3. Prepare for Remote Conditions

Tibet is huge and isolated. Once you’re deep into the journey, there are limited facilities and communication which can make it challenging to abort midway.

Its very important to be well prepared both physically and mentally before embarking on this journey.

4. Get Your Equipment Right Early

Your bike setup really matters at altitude and over long distances.

We suggest:

  • A properly fitted endurance bike or gravel setup
  • Reliable gearing for sustained climbs
  • Quality cold weather cycling layers
  • Wind protection and insulated gloves

Since temperature changes are very common between morning and afternoon, having the right gear can make the difference between a good day and a rough one.

5. Focus on the Experience, Not Just the Finish Line

The end goal is to successfully reach EBC from Tibet. However, people often get carried away by the end goal that they forget to experience the beautiful scenery along the way.

The Journey across Tibet involves:

  • Crossing high Himalayan passes
  • Riding through traditional Tibetan towns
  • Experiencing vast, untouched landscapes
  • Immersing yourself in a unique culture

The real beauty lies in experiencing the landscapes, not just finishing the goal.

Training

1. Add Aerobic Exercises to Your Training

Focus on steady, conversational paced rides and gradually increase your weekly volume over 12 to 16 weeks. By the time you leave, you should be comfortable doing 4 to 6 hour rides and recovering well enough to ride again the next day.

2. Train Specifically for Climbs

You’ll cross multiple high mountain passes, so climbing strength is important.

Work on:

  • Sustained hill efforts
  • Low cadence strength intervals
  • Controlled pacing on long climbs

Smooth, efficient climbing helps you save energy and avoid getting tired too early at altitude.

3. Do Strength and Core Training

Cycling alone isn’t enough.

Two gym sessions a week focusing on legs, glutes, and core stability will improve power transfer, posture, and help prevent injuries, especially during long, back to back days of cycling.

4. Practice Back to Back Riding

In the final weeks of training, schedule long rides on consecutive days to get your body used to building fatigue. Learn how your legs respond and adjust your nutrition and recovery as you go.

5. Get Your Nutrition and Hydration Right

At altitude, your appetite often drops, but your body still needs plenty of fuel.

Use your long training rides to practice eating regularly, staying hydrated, and figuring out what works best for you. You don’t want to be experimenting once you’re deep into Tibet.

6. Train Your Discipline

Altitude rewards patience.

Start rides conservatively, don’t surge on climbs, and finish feeling like you could keep going. Being disciplined with your pacing will be one of your biggest strengths on the Tibetan Plateau.

Why Us

We won the International Tourism award in Nepal in 2019. We only run quality treks to Mount Everest Base Camp, with the best staff, service, acclimatization, and itineraries. All of our teams have 4 guides for every group of 10 trekkers, which is not the norm in the region.

We have developed a wonderful team of full time staff on the ground in Nepal, who work directly with us year round.  We never outsource our trips. Ian Taylor has climbed Everest to the top and led over 40+ Everest Base Camp treks.

Our team has the experience and knowledge on the journey and are here to help make sure you have the right advice and information for your trek to Everest.  Pick up the phone or email us today to discuss your adventure to Nepal!

FAQ

How difficult is the Cycle Across Tibet to Mount Everest expedition?

This is a challenging, high altitude endurance expedition, not a leisure cycling tour.

You’ll ride for multiple days in a row, often between 4 to 6+ hours per day, at elevations above 4,000m. Several passes go above 5,000m, and the reduced oxygen levels make everything physically harder.

With good training and sensible pacing, strong recreational cyclists can absolutely complete this, but it needs to be approached with respect and preparation.

Do I need prior high altitude cycling experience?

Previous altitude experience is helpful but not essential.

What matters most is:

  • Strong aerobic fitness
  • Being comfortable riding long distances
  • The ability to pace yourself conservatively

Much of the route is on the Tibetan Plateau, and we build acclimatization into the itinerary. That said, altitude affects everyone differently, so staying disciplined and communicating how you’re feeling are really important.

What kind of terrain and road conditions should I expect?

The route mostly follows paved roads, but conditions can vary.

You can expect:

  • Long sustained climbs over high passes
  • Exposed sections with potential headwinds
  • Remote stretches with limited services
  • Dramatic, wide open plateau landscapes

The scale of the terrain is huge. Riding across Tibet takes both physical stamina and mental resilience.

What type of bike should I use?

We recommend an endurance road bike or gravel style setup with reliable gearing suited for long climbs.

Key things to consider:

  • Comfortable bike fit
  • Lower gearing for sustained climbs
  • Durable tires
  • Proper cold weather riding gear

You should do several long training rides on your expedition setup before you leave to make sure it’s comfortable and working well.

How cold does it get during the ride?

Temperatures on the Tibetan Plateau can change a lot.

Mornings and high passes can be near or below freezing, while the sun during the day at altitude can feel really intense. Wind chill can also make it feel colder.

Layering is really important. You need to be ready for both cold early starts and warmer afternoons on the same day.

Is medical support available during the expedition?

Tibet is remote, and medical facilities are limited along the route.

Our team keeps a close eye on altitude and how everyone is doing throughout the expedition. That said, evacuation options can depend on weather and can be logistically complicated because of how isolated the region is.

Reviews

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Excellent420 reviews
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Scott Medley
24 August 2026
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+0
Amazing trip to Ecuador. The Ian Taylor team made everything easy prior to the trip and during. We didn’t have to think about anything other than what adventure lies ahead. I will be planning future trip with this company.
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Heather Egan
21 August 2026
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+6
Roland, Shibani and the whole team were amazing!! We had the best time on the mountain and while the Summit night was very difficult, Roland, Shibani and “Ruff Ruff” (as we nicknamed him) went above and beyond to get us to the top!! Thank you for the best time and helping our accomplishment.
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Karin Schmitt
15 August 2026
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An outstanding Kilimanjaro experience with Ian Taylor Trekking Our whole family climbed Kilimanjaro with Ian Taylor Trekking, and it was a truly fantastic experience from start to finish. The guides were outstanding. They know the mountain incredibly well, but what impressed us just as much was their calmness, professionalism and positive energy. Throughout the trek, we always felt that we were in very good hands. The supporting team was equally impressive, and their enthusiasm and friendliness created such a positive atmosphere throughout the climb. For us, the small group size was particularly important. It made the experience feel much more personal and allowed the guides to really pay attention to everyone in the group. The whole trek was exceptionally well organised, and yet it never felt rigid or impersonal. And then there was the food! We honestly hadn't expected to eat so well on a mountain. At times it felt almost like a glamping experience rather than a trek — fantastic food, a wonderful support team and everything taken care of, while still having the real adventure of climbing Kilimanjaro. Most of all, Ian Taylor Trekking gave us the confidence to enjoy the mountain rather than worry about the logistics. The guides' knowledge of Kilimanjaro, the excellent organisation and the incredibly positive team made this a very special experience for our whole family. We would wholeheartedly recommend Ian Taylor Trekking to anyone considering Kilimanjaro. It was an unforgettable adventure, and we are so glad we chose them.
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jose ahedo diaz
14 August 2026
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On August 1st I summited Kilimanjiaro for the second time with ITT. 9 years after the first summit I got to the roof of Africa with two very special partners, my Dad and my 16-year old son! It was amazing. In 2017 the experience was great but this time it was even better. It is fantastic to experience how the ITT Africa team keeps improving. The route was adjusted and summiting got easier. Logistics were impressive and the crew has still grown in efficiency and experience management. Congratulations Athumani and team for your great work!!!
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sue wright
6 August 2026
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My second trip with Ian Taylor. The Inca trail to Machu pichu. Thanks so much to Ian Taylor for making this happen! I am retired and haven’t done a serious trek before. I really wasn’t sure if I was taking on too much, but with the advice of the company (I started slowly with the one day trek last year before taking on the full challenge this year) and the support of the amazing guides and porters, I successfully completed the 5 day Inca trail. Unforgettable views, food and campsites (and endless steps up Dead Woman’s Pass!) They even produced an unexpected birthday cake on the trail for my son’s birthday! Thankyou so much!
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Charlie Wenner
3 August 2026
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My wife and I summited Kilimanjaro with ITT and I can't recommend them enough! All future expeditions that we do will be through Ian Taylor Trekking - no need to look anywhere else! UPDATE: Completed another expedition to Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with ITT. No better company to do trekking with!
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Janet Copeland
27 July 2026
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+1
I’ve just completed the Classic 5 day Inca Trail. This was my 3rd trek with Ian Taylor Trekking after hiking Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro with them a few years back. I cannot say enough good things about this company. The support services are so communicative and helpful with comprehensive pre trip prep and the teams on the ground, no matter the country, are incredible. The work they put in to ensure you’re safe, comfortable and happy is of such a high standard. As a solo traveller on this last trip I set out knowing I could trust them to provide a fantastic trip and they did not disappoint. The guide, Percy, and his team were incredibly calm, supportive and encouraging even during the tough days. They took such amazing care of our small group, particularly anyone struggling. Every trip I come back from with Ian Taylor Trekking makes me immediately want to go on another one and I’m already looking! Thank you guys so much for another incredible experience x
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Nikki Rossetter
14 July 2026
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Ian Taylor Trekking was truly a life-changing experience. From the very beginning, the company set us up for success by clearly communicating expectations around fitness, health preparedness, and training requirements. Their team was responsive, easy to communicate with, and provided helpful reminders and guidance at just the right times. I especially appreciated the detailed dossier, which became an invaluable resource that I referenced repeatedly in the months leading up to the trek. We trained at elevations of 5,000–6,000 feet for about three months before the trip, hiking 1-2 times per week up and down terrain, and while the Inka trek was certainly challenging, it was challenging in all the right ways. We felt well prepared and able to fully enjoy the experience because of the expectations Ian Taylor Trekking helped us establish. One of the aspects that mattered most to me was safety and ensuring that our travel positively impacted the local community. Ian Taylor Trekking excels in both areas. They genuinely employ and empower local people, and we were honored to work with our incredible guide, Aldo Quispe Cusihuaman. His name is very important to our experience - he is what set the entire trip apart. Aldo made this journey extraordinary. He is an expert historian, fluent in Quechua, Spanish, and English, and his knowledge of the land, culture, and history brought every moment to life. We were provided with rich historical context and accurate information far beyond anything we could have hoped for. His passion, expertise, and connection to the region transformed this trek from an amazing trip into a deeply meaningful experience. Quite simply, if it weren't for Aldo, our journey would not have been nearly as special or life altering. Ian Taylor Trekking is incredibly fortunate to have him on their team, and future trekkers are equally fortunate to learn from him. I cannot recommend Ian Taylor Trekking highly enough for anyone seeking a safe, well-organized, authentic, and unforgettable trekking experience.
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Natthapol Songdej
13 July 2026
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We had an amazing and unforgettable multigenerational family trip on the 5 day Inca trail trek (which is definitely the way to go!) with Ian Taylor trekking ranging from my 74 yo mother to 13 yr old daughter and 10 yr old son. This was led by Miguel Mayorga with Lis Magali, who were wonderful, so knowledgeable, kind, caring, humorous, and took great care of our family as if their own. We truly couldn’t imagine doing this without them. The experience was seamless, from initial contact with Laura, who answered many questions for us along the way, to our contacts with Erin prior to the trip, and “on the ground” with Percy. They also arranged a great Rainbow Mountain trip for us. Extremely special and meaningful was the Inca trail trek itself and we couldn’t have imagined a better experience than with Miguel and Lis, who became part of our family, and the caring and enthusiastic team of porters, leading and supporting us along the way. The food was also second to none and highly nutritious – it was amazing how they could prepare those meals. They even prepared an absolutely delicious cake for my birthday during first night of camp! It was a once in a lifetime experience for us and created memories that we will be reminiscing, sharing, and talking about forever. Thank you!!!
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Eve Songdej-Tran
13 July 2026
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+5
My family completed the 5-day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu with Ian Taylor Trekking, and the experience was nothing short of incredible. Our head guide, Miguel Mayorga, second guide, Lis Magali, and the entire team of porters exceeded every expectation. They were professional, knowledgeable, personable, and genuinely cared about making this an unforgettable experience. Miguel and Lis took exceptional care of my 74-year-old mom, ensuring she could trek safely and efficiently each day. When my sister’s air mattress was punctured one night, Lis immediately offered her own (fortunately, the porters were able to repair it with a patch kit). On our first night at camp, the chef even surprised my brother with a homemade cake for his birthday. These are just a few examples of how this team consistently went above and beyond. Miguel’s deep knowledge of the Inca Empire, combined with his engaging storytelling, made reaching Machu Picchu even more meaningful. He set clear expectations each day, was honest about the challenges ahead, and always encouraged us along the way. Lis was equally thoughtful, regularly checking in to make sure everyone was comfortable with the pace and doing well. The porters were absolutely amazing. Every morning as we set off on the day’s trek, they cheered us on with so much enthusiasm, and they welcomed us at every rest stop with smiles and encouragement. Their positivity, kindness, and incredible hard work were truly inspiring. Thank you to Miguel, Lis, the chef, and the entire porter team for creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our family. We will never forget this journey—it simply wouldn’t have been the same without all of you!
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Pooja Rao
13 July 2026
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Our family recently completed a 5 day Inca trail trek with Ian Taylor. Along with our extended family, we also had our 2 children (13 and 10 years old) on the trek. It was truly an amazing experience. All lodging and meals were taken care of. The food on the trek was amazing- fresh and nutritious- and we all looked forward to all the meals. The trek itself was challenging but being able to do it together with family was amazing and our absolutely amazing tour guide Miguel Mayorga was encouraging, humorous and so knowledgeable. He and his wonderful assistant Lis Magali took care of us all as if we were all their own family. They made the hard work fun and very rewarding. Along with the incredible staff who travelled with us who took such good care of us, I wouldn’t change anything about this incredible trek. If you’re ready to learn about one of the world’s greatest civilizations, all while challenging yourself physically and mentally in the most beautiful of environments with some of the kindest people I have ever met, I highly recommend this trek!
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Norm Borger
12 July 2026
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Ian Taylor Trekking made hiking the Inca Trail an absolutely incredible experience. I commend them and highly recommend them. From start to finish Ian Taylor was present. Every detail was taken care of to include pre and post activities booked through Ian Taylor. The food; I was stunned by the quality and type of food that was swrved. I have no words. It was above and beyond. I consider myself pretty adapt at cooking backcountry meals but these were at another level. truly impressive.Everything having to do with the trek went without a hitch; hotel checkin, airport transfers, to and from the airport, amazing all around. I woud definitely use Ian Taylor Trekking in the future.
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Anne Songdej
10 July 2026
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+6
Best trekking experience!! My family and I (8 in total) did the 5-day Inca Trail. Our head tour guide, Miguel Mayorga, and assistant, Liz, along with the chef, sous chef, and porters were extremely warm and highly professional! It was no easy feat taking care of my mother who is 74 years old and my nephew who was 10 years old!!! They took special care of all our individual needs, ensured our safety, while also anticipating and strategizing how we should group up ahead of time. The food on the trek was amazing!!!! The culinary, seasonal foods, and the snack time once we arrived at camp was a once in a lifetime experience. Arriving to the porters’ warm welcome was always a highlight!!! Thank you!!
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John Carver
3 July 2026
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+0
I recently completed my second trek with Ian Taylor Trekking – and also my second time hiking with Ian! This time I did the 5 day Classic Inca Trail. Based on my earlier experience with Ian Taylors team in Tanzania and Mt. Kilimanjaro, followed by an unforgettable safari with them, I knew this would be another amazing experience. From the time you first contact the company (usually Erin or Ian’s wife Laura), you get quick friendly and competent service. If you then follow the preparation training and packing recommendations from Ian, you are pretty much set for success. You show up, follow the support guidance from the superb guides and large support staff, and you have a great time, even when things get challenging. The simply amazing food, trekking accommodations waiting for you each day, and many small things along the way - like a wake up morning hot drink served at your tent, happy hour popcorn and snacks, wash up materials after each days hike, and fun group pictures along the trail (to name just a few things) all add to an environment where you build a supportive and collective team, not only with your fellow trekkers, but with the Ian Taylor team too. It’s so impressive. There are many trekking companies that can take you places. But, I can’t think of any company that can provide such a safe, comfortable and fun experience as this company. And, the company commitment to staff and community are exceptional. You will seldom find companies that give so much back to their employees and communities where they live and work. They truly care. I’ve already booked my next Ian Taylor trek for the El Camino in September 2027 and can’t wait for it to start!
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Erin Jones
12 June 2026
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The 5-Day Classic Inca Trail was my third trip with Ian Taylor Trekking. After two seamless adventures with the team (Everest Base Camp and Kilimanjaro), I had signed up for the Inca Trail before the end of my last trek. It's not just the attention to detail before and during the trip—airport transfers, luggage storage and delivery, meals, detailed training plans, and packing lists. It's also the way Ian Taylor Trekking invests in local communities and how well they treat and pay their staff. You can genuinely see the difference in the happiness and professionalism of the team compared to other operators on the trail. The way the staff are treated is reflected in the quality of the experience. From the moment you arrive, you're set up to succeed, with safety always being the priority. The guides are incredibly knowledgeable, the food is outstanding (honestly hard to believe you're on a trek), and the whole experience is genuinely enjoyable. And that's not something I say lightly as a girl who lives at sea level and HATES the cold. If you're thinking about booking with Ian Taylor Trekking, save yourself the research. This was my third trip with the team and I insist you book with them. I can't wait for my next Ian Taylor Trekking adventure.
Price
From
$10,500
/ person
Information

Country:

Nepal / Tibet

Duration:

23 Days

Distance:

1,170 km

Max. Altitude:

5,100m / 16,732ft

Difficulty:

Challenging

Group Size:

10

Ready to go?

You want to take on the cycling challenge of a lifetime. You want to visit Nepal and Tibet in one amazing adventure? If you would like to see Mount Everest from the iconic north side of the mountain. Join us!


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