Trans Tibet Tour2023-10-23T10:33:45+00:00

Trans Tibet Motorcycle Tour

The ride to Everest Base Camp and all of the highlights of Tibet

Discover the spectacular highlights of the Roof of the World, Tibet’s ancient culture and mystical religion! This Tibet motorcycle tour will take you along twisty mountain roads to the remote plateaus of Tibet, snow-capped Himalayan peaks, the steppes and hills of Tibetan nomads, the sacred turquoise-blue Namtso and Yamdrok salt lakes, and to spiritual hermitages and meditation caves deep in the Himalayas. Our Tibet bike tour tackles winding passes at altitudes of more than 5,000 meters, visits the most important Tibetan monasteries and monuments, and explores half-forgotten places. The views of 8,848-meter Everest – and spending the night in Rongbuk Monastery with a view of this veritable king of mountains – are highlights of a bucket-list adventure you’ll never forget.

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Our motorcycle ride to Everest Base Camp starts in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. From there, we’ll take a domestic flight to Lhasa. We’ll visit Lhasa’s iconic Potala Palace in Lhasa, the former residence of the Dalai Lama, as well as the traditional Barkhor Market in the old town, the Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery and other highlights of the capital of Tibet. Once we’re acclimatized, we’ll set out on our motorcycles to the south along the Yarlung Tsangpo River to the first fortress of Tibet. The shore of the holy Yamdrok salt lake and the 5,100-meter Karo La glacier pass await us next. Riding the Friendship Highway and tiny side roads and valleys, we’ll reach Tingri, starting point of every trip to Everest.

A 5,000-meter pass will bring us to the “road of 108 bends” – one of the most spectacular panoramic roads in the world, with views of Everest and four other mighty 8,000-meter peaks. We’ll spend the night at Rongbuk Monastery at an altitude of 4,900 meters and savor the sunset and sunrise views of Everest – a magical experience in the crisp mountain air. The following day, our journey takes us off the sealed road and onto the highest pass of the journey, Gyatso La, at 5,220 meters, and through remote areas on our way back to Tingri and Xigatze. There we’ll visit the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and enjoy the amenities of a town before riding through the alpine hinterlands, along wheat fields and through tiny villages to the deep blue Namtso Lake, one of Tibet’s largest salt lakes. Our Tibet motorcycle ride ends in Lhasa one day later.

Join us and experience the unique highlights of Tibet and the unforgettable ride to Everest Base Camp at the very best time of year.

AT A GLANCE

AT A GLANCE

22.04. – 03.05.2024
13.10. – 24.10.2024
Shineray X5 400 3.890€
BMW G 310 GS 4.190€
BMW F 800 GS 4.490€
Pillion 3.350€
Single Room +590€

On Request BMW 1200 GS

12 days / 11 nights / 8 riding days
Overnight stays in hotels of the middle class and in guesthouses.

Highlights

All of the scenic and cultural must-sees of Tibet:

  • Sightseeing in Lhasa, including Barkhor Market, Potala Palace – the former residence of the Dalai Lama – and Jokhang, the holiest temple of the Tibetans, as well as the Drepung Monastery
  • Samye Monastery and the oldest fortress of Tibet, Yumbulakhang
  • The highest mountains on the planet: spectacular views of Cho Oyo (8,201 m), Shisha Pangma (8,012 m), Lhotse (8,561 m), Makalu (8,463 m) and of course Everest (8,848 m).
  • The 108 curves and serpentines of the ride to Everest Base Camp
  • A night at Rongbuk Monastery at the foot of Mount Everest at an altitude of 4,900 meters, close to Everest Base Camp
  • Yamdrok Lake and the 4,900-meter panoramic pass overlooking it
  • The 5,220-meter Gyatso La pass, 5,100-meter Karo La pass and its imposing glacier
  • Palcho Monastery with the largest pagoda in Tibet, Gyangze Fortress and the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery near Xigaze
  • Namtso Lake, one of the largest Himalayan salt lakes of Tibet, at 4,718 meters
  • The beautiful countryside between Xigaze and Natmso Lake, with pastures and farms at over 4,000 meters
  • Yerpa hermitage and the imposing Ganden Monastery at 4,300 meters
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Trans Tibet Motorcycle Tour Itinerary

Day 1: First meeting in Chengdu

Arrival in Chengdu: We’ll pick you up at the airport and bring you to the hotel. In the evening, we’ll get acquainted over a Chinese dinner featuring local specialties – the delights of Sichuan cuisine.

Day 2: Flight to Lhasa

We’re up early for for our flight to Lhasa, followed by a transfer to our hotel near the historic old town. Barkhor Market is within walking distance. After check-in and a bit of time to relax, we’ll visit the old town and Barkhor Market, as well as Tibet’s most sacred temple, the Jokhang. A visit to Drepung Monastery is planned for the afternoon.

A traditional restaurant in the old town with Tibetan specialties, butter tea and Lhasa beer awaits us for dinner.

Fight time: approx. 2 hours

Day 3: Our first day in Lhasa

In the morning, a local guide will show us Potala Palace, the majestic former residence of the Dalai Lama. The palace in the historic center of Lhasa was the seat of the Dalai Lama’s government from 1642 to 1959.

The afternoon is free for you to kick back and acclimatize. Alternatively, you can check out other sights with our guide.

Day 4: Warming Up

For our warm-up ride, we’ll head out to Yerpa, an hermitage and place of meditation, a short distance to the east. A sense of enlightenment is virtually guaranteed here with the spectacular panorama of mountains and valleys at 4,500 meters above sea level. Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche), one of the most notable Tibetan spiritual leaders, practiced meditation and tantric yoga here.

Our ride continues to Ganden Monastery, founded in 1409. Situated at 4,300 meters, the monastery offers a great view of the surrounding countryside from its circular walk. The twists and turns of the road to the monastery give us a nice impression of the riding days to come.

Distance covered: approx. 130 km

Day 5: Lhasa – Tsedang

Time to set out! As we leave Lhasa behind, the first “real” riding day of our Tibet motorcycle tour takes us through tiny villages along the lush banks of the Yarlung Tsanpo River, heading southwest. After lunch, we’ll visit Samye Monastery and traverse the vast plateau to Yumbulakhang, Tibet’s first fortress, built 1,400 years ago by the first king of Tibet.

Distance covered: approx. 160 km

Day 6: Tsedang – Gyangze

From Tsedang, we continue along the Yarlung Tsanpo River to the sacred Yamdrok Lake (4,440 meters). It is said that bathing in the lake will wash away bad karma – so don’t forget your swimming trunks! The twisty road and stunning views from the 4,900-meter panoramic pass to the deep-blue lake far below is bound to leave a lasting impression. We’ll put in the occasional short stop for photos and to enjoy the scenery.

Our ride continues to Nagartse, then on to Gyangtse via Karo La pass, which takes us right up to the foot of a mighty glacier at 5,100 meters. Time permitting, we can visit Gyangze Dzong, an old fortress that towers majestically over the town. The Buddhist Pelkhor Monastery, built in 1427 and also known as the “Monastery of Ten Thousand Paintings”, is a further highlight. With its four floors, 108 chapels and over 10,000 murals, it is the largest pagoda in Tibet.

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Dinner will be at a restaurant in the center of town serving traditional Tibetan fare.

Distance covered: approx. 318 km

Day 7: Gyangze – Sakya

Our Tibet bike tour heads out of Gyangze and ascends toward Sakya on the “Friendship Highway” – a grandly-named country road. Sakya monastery, which dates back to 1073, is located in the green mountain valley and was once one of the key spiritual sites in Tibet. Its unique Mongolian architecture sets it apart from other Tibetan monasteries. Stroll through the placid village to decompress from the ride and experience the small shops and restaurants, or hike the mountain slopes opposite the valley to explore numerous temples and hermitages.

Distance covered: approx. 240 km

Day 8: Sakya – Everest Basecamp

From Sakya, we head south along salt flats before winding our way further up into the Himalayas, where the fabled 8,000-meter peaks and their surrounding valleys come into view. An incredible road with 108 bends and hairpins offers views of Cho Oyo (8,201 m), Shisha Pangma (8,012 m), Lhotse (8,561 m), Makalu (8,463 m) and of course Everest (8,848 m). Some of the tallest mountains on the planet are towering before us – all visible from one of the most thrilling roads in the world on our ride to Everest Base Camp. To reach the monastery, we have to tackle several 5,000-meter passes that have only recently been paved.

It’s the end of the line for motorcycles a few kilometers before Rongbuk, and we’ll take a bus for the last leg to the monastery, with its fantastic view of Everest. A modest guest house awaits, and many of the rooms open out to the highest mountain in the world. The simple accommodation has a tea room with a wood-fired stove – a cozy spot in a forbidding wilderness at 4,900 meters.

Distance covered: approx. 230 km

Day 9: Everest Basecamp – Shigatse

In the morning, we can enjoy a beautiful sunrise at Mount Look forward to a beautiful sunrise at Mount Everest. We’ll let the sun drive away the chill before we head out. A busy day of riding will take us back to Shigatse. From Rongbuk Monastery, we’ll take a new route – a challenging track – back to the Friendship Highway. On the road to Shigatse, we’ll cross Gyatso La pass, the highest of our trip at 5,220 meters, and once again take in the stunning panorama of Tibet. In Shigatse, the second largest town of Tibet, a comfortable hotel awaits. A fortress towers over the alleyways of the old town, and a small market for devotional objects is worth exploring.

Distance covered: approx. 330 km

Day 10: Shigatse – Namtso Lake

We’ll start our day with a visit to the renowned Tashi Lhunpo Monastic University, one of the largest monasteries in Tibet and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. The monastery’s three central halls feature imposing Buddha statues. Leaving Shigatse, we’ll take side roads that wind their way through villages and the beautiful Tibetan countryside. We’ll have lunch with a family of nomads who graze their cattle along a small alpine lake, and stop for the night in Damxung.

Distance covered: approx. 390 km

Day 11: Ride to Lhasa

In the morning, we’ll cross a 5,100-meter pass and reach the shore of one of the largest lakes in Tibet at an altitude of 4,718 meters. The winding road down from the pass and the views of the azure Namtso Lake will quicken the pulse of even the most jaded riders. Riding along the shore on a gravel road, we’ll enjoy views of the lake and the often snow-covered mountain ranges that surround the lake, the grazing yaks, small monasteries, meditation caves and hills. Taking side roads back to Lhasa, we’ll cross one last 4,900-meter pass and say farewell to the vast, otherworldly landscapes as our Tibet motorcycle tour draws to a close.

Our farewell dinner will be in Lhasa’s old town.

Distance covered: approx. 260 km

Day 12: Tour ends in Lhasa

Transfer to the airport and departure from Lhasa.

Don’t Miss Out On a Wonderful Experience

Book your Tour Now – Trans Tibet Tour

We can accommodate only 14 motorbikes on this tour.

Since our tours get filled up fast, please book our Trans Tibet Tour now to avoid disappointment.

Our Next available tours are as follows:

2023
09.10. – 26.10.
2024
22.04. – 03.05.
13.10. – 24.10.
Book Now

Included Services

  • English-speaking guide on their own motorcycle
  • English-speaking Tibet guide
  • Domestic flights Chengdu – Lhasa and Lhasa – Chengdu
  • Airport transfers
  • All entrance fees for attractions mentioned in the itinerary
  • Breakfast, lunch snack (Days 2-11), dinner (Days 1-11), mineral water throughout the entire tour, non-alcoholic drinks with meals
  • Gasoline for the motorcycle, wear parts
  • Motorcycle of choice, partial insurance with deductible
  • 11 nights in typical mid-range local hotels, one simple overnight stay at Rongbuk Monastery
  • Mechanic service throughout the entire trip
  • Support vehicle for luggage and passengers

Not included Services

  • International flights
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tips (optional)

Questions & Answers

What do I need to bring along for a motorcycle tour?2020-01-06T11:30:46+00:00

You will definitely want to bring your riding suit with protectors and a helmet. You will also need motorcycle boots or lighter riding shoes and gloves. While your gear should be breathable in hot climates, you need to be ready for anything at high altitudes and in the Himalayas. We recommend winter gloves, warm socks, liners for jackets and trousers, a scarf and face protection. Rain gear is a good idea if your riding suit is not waterproof.
Please note that we do not hire out clothing. We believe that your own riding gear will fit best and thus give you the best protection. If you forget anything, we’ll find a solution, however. We often have spare gear with us, or we can point you in the direction of a shop.

Do I need travel insurance and travel health insurance?2019-12-18T06:24:21+00:00

We always recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover costs incurred if you need to cancel the trip due to illness or other reasons. When shopping for travel health insurance, make sure the policy covers the potentially high cost of medical evacuation to your home country. Both forms of insurance can save you a lot of money in an emergency and we recommend them unreservedly. In many countries, your national motoring organization can provide the coverage you need.

What should I keep in mind when riding with a passenger?2019-12-18T06:24:20+00:00

Riding two-up is almost always possible. In difficult terrain or on rough tracks, every passenger has a guaranteed seat in the support vehicle to keep things relaxed for both rider and pillion.

Do pillion passengers have a guaranteed seat in the support vehicle?2019-12-18T06:24:16+00:00

Yes, all passengers have a guaranteed seat. In bad weather or challenging riding conditions, they can switch to the support vehicle at any time – and back to the bike when conditions improve.

How big are the groups? What’s the minimum number of participants?2019-12-18T06:24:15+00:00

Groups generally consist of 8 to 14 riders and 2 to 6 passengers. The minimum number of participants is 6 riders.

What’s the Classic Bike Adventure travel team like?2022-04-14T10:41:11+00:00

Our European tour guides are skilled motorcyclists and inveterate travelers who love India. They’re resilient in the face of stress and know the history and culture of the regions they cover. Our Indian mechanics are experienced Enfield specialists who all speak English and are happy to help with any technical problem, great or small.
A stand-in rider is always available. More information on our travel concept is available here.

What do I need in the way of documents?2019-12-18T06:24:09+00:00

You will need your passport, national driving license, international driving license and flight ticket. Please be sure to make photocopies of all of your important travel documents and carry them separately. They can be invaluable in an emergency.

Do I need a driving license?2019-12-18T06:24:05+00:00

All riders must have a valid motorcycle driving license issued in their home country. An international driving license is also required. Be sure to contact the relevant authorities in your home country well in advance for more information on obtaining an international driving license.

Will I need maps?2019-12-18T06:31:37+00:00

Simple street maps are often available locally. The best road maps are available from the German publishers Reise Know How and Nelles. These are only available in specialized bookstores or online.

Where can I stow my bags?2019-12-18T06:24:02+00:00

Your baggage will be carried by the support vehicle. Please don’t pack too much – remember: less is more. From time to time, we’ll have to carry our baggage over short distances to the hotel. Baggage is not insured, so please be sure to purchase your own baggage insurance for the trip if necessary. Your personal items for the day are best kept in the saddlebags or your daypack. Tank bags – including magnetic ones – can be used on the Enfields, but we don’t provide them.

What’s a typical day on the road like?2019-12-18T06:22:49+00:00

A travel day normally begins at 8 am with breakfast. Around 9 am, after a short briefing by the road captain, it’s time for the day’s riding, the mileage of which can vary quite a bit. Plenty of time will be available for lunch and coffee breaks, of course. Depending on the day’s mileage, we’ll reach the destination hotel between 3 and 4 pm.
Since our tours vary considerably, we may also hit the road at 8 am on high-mileage days – which is also nice, because then we have the whole day ahead of us.

Why we’re starting and ending our Tibet Motorcycle Tour in China2019-11-22T09:42:55+00:00

In the wake of the earthquake in Nepal in 2015 and road construction in many parts of the country, the journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa has not only become time-consuming, but also dangerous. The entire route from Kathmandu to the Chinese border at Rasua Gadhi on the Nepalese side and Gyirong on the Chinese side is currently a construction site. The road surface consists of sand and large stones, and it’s extremely dusty. Numerous trucks also use the road. Not even enduro enthusiasts would enjoy the ride. We would also have to factor in the time-consuming border procedures on the Nepalese and, in particular, the Chinese side, that can take up to a full day.

Starting and ending the Tibet Motorcycle Tour in Kathmandu would thus mean putting up with the same route and dealing with comparably long border procedures twice on the same tour. Regardless of what other organizers may think, that’s not our idea of a fun Tibet Motorcycle Tour. The road conditions and waiting times would not exactly be the highlights of a ride to Everest Base Camp. In our opinion, it makes no sense to start and end a tour with a focus on Tibet as its highlight in Kathmandu. And besides, a fleet of state-of-the-art bikes is waiting and ready to roll in Tibet.

If you want to discover the best Nepal has to offer – and not just see it as a transit country – we recommend our Magic Nepal Motorcycle Tour, or our spectacular Mustang Motorcycle Tour. On our Tibet Motorcycle Tours we hardly ever take the same road twice – we only have the most beautiful routes, and we don’t waste precious time at borders. We want you to remember your ride to Everest Base Camp as a true highlight.

What kind of bikes will we ride?2019-12-18T06:26:11+00:00

Depending on the specific tour, the following bikes are available for our motorcycle tours in Tibet and China: The BMW models G 310 GS, F 800 GS and R 1200GS, as well as the Shineray X5, a 400cc single-cylinder enduro.

How much is the deposit for the bike on China and Tibet tours?2019-12-18T06:26:03+00:00

The deposit for the motorcycle varies depending on the choice of bike:
Shineray X5 400: EUR/US$ 500
BMW G 310 GS: EUR/US$ 1,000
BMW F 800 GS and R 1200 GS: EUR/US$ 1,500

Tour Concept by RC Hendrik

About RC Hendrik