Tibet Motorbike Tour

Take a thrilling motorbike tour through Tibet’s beautiful landscapes. In 12 days, ride from Kathmandu to Lhasa, visit Everest Base Camp, and explore Tibetan monasteries. Feel the excitement of traveling across high-altitude terrain and immerse yourself in the unique culture and history of Tibet.

Duration

12 Days

Difficulty

Moderate

Requires some level of experience in trekking with basic physical ability.

Best Season

April, May, early June, Sept. Oct, early Nov

Max. elevation

17060ft / 5200m

Trip Code

CT-10096

Destination

Tibet

Activity

Mountain Biking In Nepal

Route

Kathmandu - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Gyantse - Lhasa

Overview
Itinerary
Equipment
FAQs

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Trip Highlights

Explore highlighted Hindu and Buddhist sites in Nepal and Tibet
Motorbike across the heart of the Himalayan Range, especially to the Everest Base Camp (EBC)
Capture stunning photographs of the majestic landscapes
Experience the exotic life on the roof of the world

Tibet Motorbike Tour Overview

Explore the beauty of Nepal and Tibet on a 12-day motorbike tour starting from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. As one of the most popular gateway cities to Tibet, Kathmandu serves as the ideal starting point for this thrilling adventure.

To obtain your China visa, you'll spend three days in Kathmandu, exploring the enchanting Kathmandu Valley and its myriad attractions. Once you have your visa, begin the motorbike ride from Kathmandu to the Kyirong border, the newly opened crossing between Tibet and Nepal. Previously, tourists would travel through the Dzangmu border, which was closer and more accessible before the earthquake struck.

The road from Kathmandu to the Kyirong border may be challenging, as it spans around 150 kilometers and takes approximately 8-9 hours to navigate due to its less-than-ideal condition. Known as the Sybrubisy border by locals, it is located near Nepal's Langtang National Park, a renowned trekking destination. Ride through hills and forests, reaching Syabrubesi on the Nepal side and Kyirong on the Tibetan side. After crossing the border, you'll continue your expedition to Kyirong town, a mere 20 kilometers away. The road conditions significantly improve on the Tibetan side, offering a smooth and wide path for your adventure.

This captivating 12-day Nepal to Tibet overland motorbike tour unveils the wonders of the great Himalayan mountain range, granting you awe-inspiring vistas of iconic peaks like Mt. Everest, Mt. Cho Oyu, and Shisha Bangma. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to visit charming Tibetan villages and interact with the locals, gaining insights into their culture and way of life. The journey follows the Friendship Highway and takes you to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet and home to the revered Panchen Lama. Continuing your expedition, you'll pass through Gyantse town with its fertile lands, the magnificent Palchoe Monastery, the Kubum Pagoda Stupa, and the majestic Noejin Kangsang snow mountain with its stunning glacier. See the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake before arriving in Lhasa, the cultural and political center of Tibet. Explore Lhasa's iconic sites, including the world heritage cultural sites of the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple.

From Rongbuk, take a 15-minute walk to Everest Base Camp and see Mt. Everest up close. Spend a night at Rongbuk Monastery and watch the sunrise and sunset over Mt. Everest. Return to the Kyirong border and make your way back to Kathmandu, cherishing the incredible memories and the joy of completing your Nepal to Tibet motorbike tour.

The best time to book this extraordinary adventure is during April, May, June, September, and October. The best months for this tour have good weather, making the ride safe and enjoyable. For more detailed information about the Tibet motorbike tour, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Day 01

Arrival In Kathmandu

Highest Altitude

1,350m

Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport, our guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax and acclimate to the surroundings. Our guide will provide a short briefing about the tour and motorbike ride from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Hotel

Day 02

UNESCO World Heritage Sightseeing In Kathmandu And Tibet Visa Preparation

Highest Altitude

1,350 m

Take a guided city tour in Lhasa by motorbike, visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites like Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Changu Narayan Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). This day also includes Tibet visa preparation and a test ride to ensure everything is in order. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Hotel

Day 03

Ride From Kathmandu To Chitlang

Trek Distance

22 km

Drive Hours

1-2 hours

Highest Altitude

1,833m

Begin your motorbike adventure by riding from Kathmandu to Chitlang. This scenic route offers stunning landscapes, village life experiences, and a contrast of greenery. Arrive in Chitlang and enjoy the mesmerizing views. Overnight stay in Chitlang.

Hotel

Day 04

Ride From Chitlang To Syabrubesi Via Kathmandu

Trek Distance

165 km

Drive Hours

7-9 hours

Highest Altitude

2,500 m

Guesthouse/ Hotel

Day 05

Cross The Sino-Nepal Border To Gyirong

Trek Distance

75 Km

Highest Altitude

2,700 m

After breakfast, cross the Sino-Nepal border and proceed to Gyirong. Spend the night in Gyirong for better acclimatization before heading to Old Tingri. Visit Padmasambhava Cave in the afternoon. Overnight stay in Gyirong.

Hotel

Day 06

Ride From Old Tingri To Everest Base Camp

Trek Distance

70 Km

Drive Hours

3-5 hours

Highest Altitude

5,100 m

Ride from Old Tingri to Everest Base Camp for a full day of adventure. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including the magnificent Mount Everest. Pass high passes like Lamna-La and Pang-La, and arrive at Rongbuk Monastery. Capture engaging photos of Mount Everest and spend the night in a tented camp or Rongbuk guesthouse.

Guesthouse/ Tented Camp

Day 07

Ride From Gyirong To Old Tingri

Trek Distance

250 Km

Drive Hours

6-8 hours

Highest Altitude

4,300 m

Drive from Gyirong to Old Tingri, reveling in the dramatic landscapes and the awe-inspiring vistas of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest. Overnight stay in Old Tingri.

Guesthouse

Day 08

Head To Shigatse From Everest Base Camp

Trek Distance

340 Km

Drive Hours

7-9 hours

Highest Altitude

5,198 m

Witness the incredible sunrise over Mount Everest, then drive to Shigatse. Enjoy jaw-dropping Himalayan scenery and visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. Overnight stay in Shigatse.

Hotel

Day 09

Drive From Shigatse To Lhasa Via Gyantse

Trek Distance

375 Km

Drive Hours

6-8 hours

Highest Altitude

3,950 m

Continue your journey from Shigatse to Lhasa, passing through Gyantse. Visit the famous Kumbum Stupa in Palkhor Monastery and admire the Gyantse Fortress. Capture the enchanting views along the way, including the Karola Glacier and Yamdrok Lake. Arrive in Lhasa and settle into your hotel. Overnight stay in Lhasa.

Hotel

Day 10

Drive From Shigatse To Lhasa Via Gyantse

Trek Distance

375km

Start your day by traveling from Shigatse to Lhasa, passing through the charming county of Gyantse. Visit the Nepali-style Kunbum Stupa inside Palkhor Monastery and admire the magnificent Gyantse Fortress overlooking the town from Zhongshan Hill. Take a stroll in the old streets of Gyantse if time permits. Continue your journey and enjoy the scenic route, including the colorful prayer flags at the Simila Mountain Pass and the impressive Karola Glacier. You’ll also pass by the turquoise Yamdrok Lake. Finally, arrive in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 11

Lhasa Day Tour

Highest Altitude

3,650 m

Set on a full day of exploration in Lhasa. Start with a visit to the iconic Potala Palace, the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the intricate architecture and stunning views of the city and valley from the palace. Next, head to the sacred Jokhang Temple, the most revered Buddhist site in Tibet. Observe devout Tibetan pilgrims and explore the vibrant Barkhor Street that surrounds the temple.

Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the sweet tea and browse the local market. In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery, one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries, and witness the monks engaging in philosophical debates. Explore the Tibetan religious scripture printing house and admire the intricate sand mandalas and rock paintings of Buddha. Overnight stay in Lhasa.

Hotel

Day 12

Departure From Lhasa

Highest Altitude

3,650 m

After breakfast, our guide will transfer you to the airport or train station for your onward journey. The tour concludes here.

Please note that this is a sample itinerary and can be customized according to your preferences and requirements.

Breakfast

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Not satisfied with this itinerary?

CoreTreks offers a customized itinerary option that allows you to personalize your trek according to your preferences and requirements.

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Tibet Visa And Travel Permit Information:

To enter Tibet, all foreigners (except Chinese and Tibetans) need to obtain a Tibet visa and travel permit. The Tibet travel permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and can only be applied for by registered travel agencies like Global Holidays Adventure. It’s important to note that the Tibet permit is separate from the Chinese visa, and you cannot enter Tibet with just a Chinese visa. Before entering Tibet, you must obtain a Tibet travel permit.

Required Documents For Tibet Visa/Permit:

Clear scanned copy of your passport with at least six months of validity.
Chinese visa copy by email (for travelers entering Tibet from mainland China).
For travelers entering Tibet from Nepal, you need to fill out a form at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu with your latest passport-size photo. Global Holidays Adventure can assist you with this process.

The Tibet Tourism Bureau takes approximately one week to approve the travel permit. Sometimes it may take longer, so it is recommended to apply for your Tibet permit at least 15 days in advance to be on the safe side.

Please note that diplomats, journalists, professional media photographers, and government officials have different procedures for obtaining their Tibet travel permits and should make arrangements through the foreign affairs department.

Tibet Permit And Visa Fees:

American Passport Holders: US $175 per person
Romanian Passport Holders: US $115 per person
Canadian Passport Holders: US $155 per person
Other Nationalities: US $85 per person

Please email info@coretreks.com with your group size and requirements to get accurate cost information as it depends on the group size of riders. Additionally, our itinerary can be customized to suit your preferences and needs.

The Best Time To Go

Tibet offers favorable weather for a motorbike tour throughout the year. The best time for a Tibet motorbike tour is from April to November. During this season, you can experience the crisp air, deep blue skies, breathtaking landscapes, and the majestic Himalayan Range in all its glory. The weather is generally pleasant and conducive to an enjoyable riding experience.

While Tibet can also be visited during the winter months of December, January, and February, it is important to note that the weather can be extremely cold during this period. Due to the harsh winter conditions, it is not recommended to plan a motorbike tour during this time.

General

Do I Need License to ride in Tibet?

Yes, you will need a valid driving license to ride a motorbike in Tibet. For the Tibet motorbike tour, our agency will assist you in obtaining a temporary Chinese driving license, which will permit you to legally ride in Tibet. To facilitate the issuance of the temporary driving license, we will require a scanned copy of your international driving license.

Having a valid driving license is not only a legal requirement but also ensures your safety and the safety of others on the road. It demonstrates that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to operate a motorbike. Therefore, it is important to carry your license with you at all times during the tour.

Please note that the temporary Chinese driving license is specifically for the duration of your motorbike tour in Tibet and may not be valid for other regions or countries. It is recommended to check the specific requirements and regulations regarding driving licenses in Tibet and ensure that your international driving license is still valid during your travel dates.

Obtaining a temporary driving license will allow you to fully enjoy the motorbike tour in Tibet while complying with the local driving regulations.

Is there any supporting Van/Truck during the Trip?

Yes, during your motorbike tour in Tibet, we provide a private supporting van/truck to accompany you throughout the journey. The supporting van will carry your luggage and any spare parts or equipment required for the motorbikes. This ensures that you can ride comfortably without the burden of carrying heavy bags or worrying about mechanical issues.

The supporting van will be driven by one of our experienced drivers who will be responsible for transporting your belongings safely from one destination to another. You can rest assured that your luggage and important items will be well taken care of throughout the trip.

Having a supporting van/truck allows you to fully enjoy the motorbike tour without the need to carry excessive weight on your bike. It also provides a convenient option in case of any unexpected situations or emergencies during the journey.

Our team is dedicated to ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the tour, and the supporting van is one of the ways we strive to provide a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Do I have Airport pickup facilities?

CoreTreks offers airport pickup facilities to customers who have booked private tours as part of any of our packages. This service is provided free of charge, ensuring a seamless and convenient start to your adventure.

Will there be problems with the language barrier?

Language barriers should not be a concern during your visit to Tibet. CoreTreks ensures that each visitor is accompanied by an English-speaking tour guide who will assist and communicate with you throughout your trip. In addition, many staff members at major hotels in Tibet are fluent in English. The primary languages spoken in Tibet are Chinese, Tibetan, English, and Nepali. Even if you are traveling alone, you will encounter a significant number of people who can communicate in these languages, especially in the popular tourist areas of Tibet.

What type of motorcycle is provided for the Tibet Motorbike Tour?

CoreTreks offers the 411 CC Royal Enfield Himalayan and 500 CC Royal Enfield Classic motorcycles for the Tibet Motorbike Tour. These are two powerful motorbike tours that are suitable for high-altitude riding. The Royal Enfield Himalayan is designed specifically for off-road and on-road adventure. Meanwhile, the Royal Enfield Classic is a retro-style cruiser that combines classic designs with modern features. If you have any specific models or preferences, we can make arrangements accordingly.

Is prior high-altitude riding experience required for the Tibet Motorbike Tour?

Prior high-altitude riding experience is not mandatory but highly recommended for the Tibet Motorbike Tour. It is a moderate-grade tour that requires riders to be able to ride and handle a motorcycle across varied, high-altitude terrain. The motorcycle tour will take you to an altitude of up to 5,200 m, at the North Everest Base Camp. Prior high-altitude riding experience and operating heavy bikes in such challenging conditions are extremely helpful for the tour.

What level of physical fitness is needed for the Tibet Motorbike Tour?

You will need good physical fitness and endurance for the Tibet Motorbike Tour. During the tour, you have to ride on mountain roads, off-beat and gravelly terrain, and high mountain passes. Hence, it requires good health, reasonable physical fitness, and stamina. The highest altitude of the journey is 5,200 m at Everest Base Camp. You will also need reasonable endurance to operate a heavy bike at high altitude.

What accommodation and meal arrangements are included in the Tibet Motorbike Tour?

You will stay in well-facilitated hotels in Kathmandu and Lhasa, and in remote areas, you will stay in local guesthouses during the Tibet Motorbike Tour. The local guesthouses are mostly basic, and rooms are usually arranged on a twin-sharing basis. The tour package includes standard three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). On the final departure day from Lhasa, only breakfast is included.

What safety measures are in place for riding during the Tibet Motorbike Tour?

A support van/ truck will accompany you as part of the safety measures for the Tibet Motorbike Tour. The van/ truck will carry your luggage and any spare parts or equipment necessary for the motorbikes. It allows you to ride comfortably without carrying heavy bags or worrying about mechanical issues. Similarly, our tour includes a test ride in Kathmandu the day before departure and gradual acclimatization to adapt to the high altitude.

Can the Tibet Motorbike Tour itinerary be customized for private groups or specific interests?

Yes, the Tibet Motorbike Tour itinerary can be fully customized for private groups or specific interests. From scheduling the tour date to customizing the itinerary, CoreTreks offers the flexibility to “plan your private trip” as per your needs and preferences. Similarly, you can request specific motorbike models (we offer Royal Enfield Himalayan or Classic), and we will do our best to make the arrangement according.

The Tibet Motorbike tour is specifically designed for adventure enthusiasts who are physically fit and possess good motorbike riding skills, especially in the cold and challenging terrain of the Himalayas. It is important to note that this tour involves crossing altitudes as high as 5,200 meters by motorbike, which requires a certain level of physical fitness and endurance.

To fully enjoy and participate in this adventure, it is recommended that participants have good physical condition and stamina. Regular exercise, cardiovascular fitness, and strength training are beneficial for preparing your body for the demands of the tour. It is also advisable to consult with a medical professional before undertaking the tour to ensure you are in good health and physically capable of enduring the challenges of riding in high-altitude conditions.

Additionally, it is essential to have prior motorbike riding experience and be comfortable riding in various terrains, including mountainous regions. Familiarity with handling a motorbike in different weather conditions and maintaining control on uneven surfaces is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Being fit, having motorbike experience, and preparing for high-altitude conditions are important before starting this tour.

We offer two options for motorbikes during the Tibet motorbike tour: the 411 CC Royal Enfield Himalayan and the 500 CC Royal Enfield Classic. Both bikes are known for their power and comfort, making them suitable for long drives in the Himalayan region.

The Royal Enfield Himalayan is a versatile adventure bike designed specifically for off-road and on-road adventures. It provides a comfortable riding position, good suspension, and a powerful engine, making it an ideal choice for tackling the diverse terrains you will encounter during the tour.

The Royal Enfield Classic, on the other hand, is a retro-style cruiser that offers a classic design combined with modern features. With its larger engine displacement, it provides a smooth and powerful ride, perfect for enjoying the open roads and breathtaking landscapes of Tibet.

500 CC Royal Enfield Classic — 500 Cc Royal Enfield Classic

We understand that comfort is a personal preference, and everyone has different riding preferences. If you have a specific preference between the two models mentioned, please let us know, and we will make the necessary arrangements for your preferred choice.

Additionally, if you have a specific brand or model of a motorbike in mind that is available in Nepal or Tibet, please inform us, and we will do our best to accommodate your request, provided the desired brand is available in our inventory.

Our goal is to ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable motorbike tour, and we are committed to meeting your requirements and preferences to the best of our ability.

To obtain a Tibet visa, if you are traveling from Nepal, you can follow these steps:

Contact CoreTreks: Get in touch with CoreTreks, our registered travel agency, at least ten days in advance of your planned departure to Tibet. Provide them with all your passport details and passport-size photos.
Submit Necessary Documents: Submit all the required documents to CoreTreks. These documents typically include a photocopy of your passport and a filled-out visa application form. Make sure to provide accurate and complete information to avoid any issues with the visa process.
Visa Application Processing: CoreTreks will process your Tibet visa application on your behalf. They will submit your documents to the appropriate authorities, such as the Tibet Tourism Bureau.
Visa Stamping: Once your Tibet visa application is approved, the visa will be stamped in your passport before your departure to Tibet. This will typically be done in a group-wise manner, with a minimum of 2-5 people on the same visa sheet. One entry will be stamped for your entry into Tibet, and the other will be for your final departure from Tibet.

It’s important to note that the Tibet visa application process may have specific requirements and may vary based on individual circumstances. It is recommended to consult with Global Holidays Adventure or your chosen travel agency to ensure you have the most up-to-date information and to address any specific questions or concerns regarding the visa application process.

Remember, obtaining a Tibet visa is crucial for entering Tibet, and it is recommended to apply well in advance to allow sufficient processing time and avoid any last-minute complications.

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If these dates do not suit your plans, please contact us to request alternative dates. We are more than happy to customise the itinerary and schedule to better fit your needs.

There is no additional cost on the private trip. Group discount will be applied on checkout.