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Tibet Motorbike Tour
Embark on the Tibet Motorbike Tour for an adventurous ride across the Tibetan Plateau, exploring remote landscapes, ancient monasteries, and the unique cultural heritage of Tibet while experiencing the thrill of motorcycling through high-altitude terrain.
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
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Routes:
Kathmandu - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Gyantse - Lhasa
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
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Nepal and Tibet on an exhilarating 12-day motorbike tour starting from Kathmandu, the vibrant capital city 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 in hand, you'll embark on a thrilling motorbike journey from Kathmandu to the Kyirong border, the newly opened border crossing between Tibet and Nepal following a devastating earthquake. 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. Throughout your journey, you'll traverse picturesque hillsides and forested landscapes, eventually reaching Sybrubisi on the Nepali 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. Marvel at the turquoise splendor of Yamdrok Lake before arriving in Lhasa, the cultural heart and capital city of Tibet. Explore Lhasa's iconic sites, including the world heritage cultural sites of the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple.
From Rongbuk, you'll embark on a 15-minute walk to reach the Everest Base Camp, where you'll be treated to an unforgettable view of the majestic Mt. Everest. Spend a night at the Rongbuk Monastery, marveling at the breathtaking 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 the months of April, May, June, September, and October. These months offer favorable weather conditions for a truly immersive and memorable motorbike tour from Nepal to Tibet. For more detailed information about the Tibet motorbike tour, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Tibet Motorbike Tour Itinerary
Arrival In Kathmandu
1300m
Highest Altitude
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.
UNESCO World Heritage Sightseeing In Kathmandu And Tibet Visa Preparation
1300m
Highest Altitude
Embark on a guided city sightseeing tour by motorbike, visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites such as 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.
Ride From Kathmandu To Chitlang (28 Km)
28 Km
Trek Distance
1833m
Highest Altitude
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.
Ride From Chitlang To Syabrubesi Via Kathmandu (165 Km)
165 Km
Trek Distance
1300m
Highest Altitude
Cross The Sino-Nepal Border To Gyirong(75 Km)
75 Km
Trek Distance
2700m
Highest Altitude
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.
Ride From Old Tingri To Everest Base Camp (70 Km)
70 Km
Trek Distance
Old Tingri (4300m)
Highest Altitude
Embark on an exciting ride from Old Tingri to Everest Base Camp. 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.
Ride From Gyirong To Old Tingri (250 Km)
250 Km
Trek Distance
Old Tingri (4300m)
Highest Altitude
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.
Head To Shigatse From Everest Base Camp (340 Km)
340 Km
Trek Distance
Gawu La Pass (5198m)
Highest Altitude
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.
Drive From Shigatse To Lhasa Via Gyantse (375 Km)
375 Km
Trek Distance
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.
Drive From Shigatse To Lhasa Via Gyantse (375km)
375km
Trek Distance
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.
Lhasa Day Tour
Embark 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.
Departure From Lhasa
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.
Not satisfied with this itinerary?
CoreTreks offers a customized itinerary option that allows you to personalize your trek according to your preferences and requirements.
Essential info for Tibet Motorbike Tour
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.
Read more: Tibet Travel Permit from Nepal
The Best Time To Go
Tibet offers favorable weather for a motorbike tour throughout the year. However, the best time to embark on 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.
FAQs For Tibet Motorbike Tour
General
Do I Need License to ride in Tibet?
Is there any supporting Van/Truck during the Trip?
How do I get Tibet Visa?
Do I have Airport pickup facilities?
Will there be problems with the language barrier?
Tibet Motorbike Tour Additional Information
Physical Requirements For Tibet Motorbike Tour:
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.
Overall, being physically fit, having experience in motorbike riding, and being prepared for high-altitude conditions are important prerequisites for embarking on a Tibet Motorbike tour.
Motorbike We Will Provide
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.
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.
Plan your private Trip
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.
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