Go East, Young Man

Day 2: Shangri-La & Surroundings

Our Tibet motorcycle tour kicks off in the vibrant old town of Shangri-La, situated at an altitude of 3,300 meters. Traditional two-story wooden houses adorned with detailed carvings give this old town its charm, creating a unique ambiance. On a walking exploration, we’ll visit the world’s largest prayer wheel, towering at 22 meters on Turtle Hill. For good karma and a smooth journey, we ensure to turn the wheel at least three times clockwise. To acclimatize optimally, we’ll take things easy today: short strolls, a warm fire at our motorcycle base in the old town, and an evening of Tibetan cuisine in a local specialty restaurant.

Day 4: Snow Mountain Kawa Karpo, 6.770m

After a hearty Tibetan breakfast with freshly made flatbreads, we begin our day. Today’s route winds along majestic mountain ranges and eventually leads us to Feilaisi, the “flying temple”. This sacred site is dedicated to the deity perched high atop the pyramid peak of Kawa Karpo. Standing impressively at 6,770 meters, Kawa Karpo is the highest summit of the Eastern Himalayas and undeniably a highlight of our motorcycle journey through Tibet. We then leave the picturesque province of Yunnan, continuing through the border region into Tibet province. The ride promises adrenaline and a steadily rougher landscape: we cross two breathtaking passes, ascending to heights of 4,300 and 3,900 meters. Our path winds further to Markham, granting us spectacular views of the wild shores and gorges of the Upper Mekong. Here, the Mekong appears as a powerful, roaring river—a stark contrast to the gently flowing Mekong of Southeast Asia.

Distance covered: approx. 240 km

Day 6: Winding Roads at Ranwu Lake

One highlight of our Tibet motorcycle tour awaits: the Serpent Pass with its 72 curves. A pure adventure that sets our hearts racing. We continue our tour and ride along the impressive Salween River, which originates from the Tibetan plateau and winds its way down to Myanmar, into the Shan state. Throughout the ride, breathtaking views of deep gorges surrounded by mesmerizing sandstone landscapes greet us. The mountain roads take us right through this stunning gorge, past dense pine forests, and up into the heights of Ranwu. Here, a 4,400-meter-high pass awaits. We find our rest for the night at nearly 4,000 meters, by the shores of the picturesque alpine lake of Ranwu. In the best resort of the area, an unparalleled view opens up to us: the lake, majestically framed by snow-covered peaks soaring 5,000 meters.

Distance covered: approx. 290 km

Day 8: To the Cradle of Tibetan Culture

We get up early, as a long riding day awaits. Our journey takes us through winding and well-paved roads alongside the picturesque Yarlung Tsangpo River heading west. On a newly paved road, we draw closer to our destination: Tsedang. Here, the magnificent Yumbulakhang Palace awaits us – Tibet’s oldest fortress which proudly gazes back over its two-thousand-year history. From this impressive stronghold perched atop a massive rock, a breathtaking view over the vast fertile valley unfolds. However, if pressed for time, we can opt to visit the Yumbulakhang Palace the following morning.

Distance covered: approx. 410 km

Day 10: Everest & the Word´s Highest Mountains

Today holds an absolute highlight of our motorcycle ride through Tibet: the majestic Mount Everest and its base camp. Climbing higher across the Gyatso-La Pass, we swiftly reach 5,222 meters – marking the highest point of our entire tour. The magnificent road, with its myriad of curves, presents us with spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, including several surpassing the 8,000-meter mark, and deep, captivating valleys. A truly unparalleled adventure. After passing Tingri, the road winds further uphill, especially on the renowned road of 108 curves, leading over the 5,200-meter high Pang La Pass. On a clear day, this pass offers a unique panoramic view of the Himalayan range, with Makalu (8,463m), Shisha Pangma (8,012m), Lhotse (8,561m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), and the imposing Mount Everest (8,848m).

Day 12: The Monastery of Gyangze

We set out on the Friendship Highway, a significant road link between China and Nepal. This highway runs through numerous picturesque villages, bypassing vast plateau landscapes and wheat fields shimmering golden in the sunlight. We soon reach our destination for the day: the historic town of Gyangze. Overlooking Gyangze is the impressive Gyangze Dzong fortress, which stands as a guardian above the town. Our first stop is the Buddhist Pelkhor Monastery. Renowned for its stunning architecture and art, the monastery is often dubbed the “Monastery of Ten Thousand Paintings,” hinting at the artistry that adorns its interiors. The highlight of the monastery, however, is its gigantic stupa, known to be the largest throughout Tibet. Within its four floors and 108 chapels, it conceals innumerable treasures. The 10,000 wall paintings are merely a fraction of what awaits discovery. Every corner of this magnificent structure narrates its own tale, inviting to delve deeper into Tibet’s culture and history.

Distance covered: approx. 240 km

Day 14: Lhasa´s Cultural Treasures

Today is dedicated to Lhasa’s cultural side, the mystical capital of Tibet. Lhasa, translated literally as the “Place of the Gods,” has a trove of attractions awaiting us. In the morning, we head to the iconic Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama. Exploring both its exterior and interior, we gain a deeper understanding of Tibet’s tumultuous history. Later, we wander through the narrow lanes of the Barkhor Market. This bustling market is a melting pot of Tibetan culture where vendors offer an array of goods and souvenirs, from traditional attire and jewellery to religious artifacts. Numerous pilgrims walk clockwise around the market’s centrepiece – the Jokhang Temple, which we visit subsequently.