Trans Tibet Tour2024-10-20T11:46:24+00:00

Trans Tibet Motorcycle Tour

The Ride to Everest Base Camp & All 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 Everest Base Camp, the Tibetan high plateaus, 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 at Rongbuk Monastery with a view of this veritable king of mountains – are highlights of a bucket-list adventure you’ll never forget.

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, Sera 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. 

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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 5,269-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. With a bit of luck, Milky Way panoramas await you at night. The following day, our journey takes us to Gyatso La pass, at 5,220 meters, and through remote areas on our way to Tingri and Xigatze. There, we’ll visit the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and enjoy the amenities of the town before riding along wheat fields, small villages, and alpine backcountry to ascend the highest pass of the journey – and one of the highest drivable passes in the world – Suge La at 5,453 meters. Our Tibet Everest Base Camp motorcycle ride ends in Lhasa on the next day, after another night in Lhasa.

This tour is organized in conjunction with our partner, Tibetmoto Tours. As experts and direct providers of Tibet motorcycle tours, boasting their own motorcycle fleet, a base in Shangri-La, and a dedicated Tibetan team, they ensure you experience Tibet, its culture, and its people up close and personal.

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

27.04. – 08.05.2025
11.05. – 22.05.2025
25.05. – 05.06.2025
12.10. – 23.10.2025
26.10. – 06.11.2025
Shineray X5 400 3.890€
BMW G 310 GS/
CF Moto 450MT
 4.190€
BMW F 800 GS/
CF Moto 800MT
 4.490€
Pillion 3.350€
Single Room +590€
12 days / 11 nights / 8 riding days
Overnight stays in hotels of the middle class and in guesthouses.
26.04. – 07.05.2026
10.05. – 21.05.2026
30.08. – 10.09.2026
13.09. – 24.09.2026
Shineray X5 400 3.890€
BMW G 310 GS/
CF Moto 450MT
 4.190€
BMW F 800 GS/
CF Moto 800MT
 4.490€
Pillion 3.350€
Single Room +590€
12 days / 11 nights / 8 riding days
Overnight stays in hotels of the middle class and in guesthouses.
Date
27.04. – 08.05.2025
11.05. – 22.05.2025
25.05. – 05.06.2025
12.10. – 23.10.2025
26.10. – 06.11.2025
Price
Shineray X5 400: 3.890€
BMW G 310 GS/
CF Moto 450MT: 4.190€
BMW G 800 GS/
CF Moto 800MT: 4.490€
Pillion: 3.350€
Single Room: +590€
Duration
12 days / 11 nights / 8 riding days
Accomodation
Overnight stays in hotels of the middle class and in guesthouses.
Date
26.04. – 07.05.2026
10.05. – 21.05.2026
30.08. – 10.09.2026
13.09. – 24.09.2026
Price
Shineray X5 400: 3.890€
BMW G 310 GS/
CF Moto 450MT: 4.190€
BMW G 800 GS/
CF Moto 800MT: 4.490€
Pillion: 3.350€
Single Room: +590€
Duration
12 days / 11 nights / 8 riding days
Accomodation
Overnight stays in hotels of the middle class and in guesthouses.

Trans Tibet Motorcycle Tour – 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 Sera Monastery
  • The Yerpa Hermitage & the spectacular Ganden Monastery at 4,300 meters
  • The gentle landscapes and winding mountain roads of the Yamdrok River east of Lhasa
  • 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 & 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
  • New in our program: The 5,453-meter-high Suge La Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world
We will conquer these Himalayan passes

Suge La – 5,453m / one of the highest motorable passes in the world
Qomolangma La Pass – 5.269 / the second highest pass of the tour with Everest view
Tso La Pass – 5,248m
Gyatso La Pass – 5,222m / Near Everest Base Camp
La Chen La Pass – 5,190m / on the way to Namtso Lake
Karo La Pass – 5,042m / majestic glacier pass
Duose La Pass – 4,960m
Zhong La Pass – 4,905m
Lhunzub Pass – 4,900m
Kamba La Pass – 4,852m / near Yamdrok Lake

The roads on this tour are usually well paved and have two lanes. On some sections of the road there are typical potholes.

Most of the route is on good, paved roads. Two-lane roads alternate with narrow, single-lane mountain roads. Riders should be comfortable with hairpin bends and narrow, winding roads. Rough surfaces, potholes and the occasional unpaved road shouldn’t be a problem.

At least one place of interest per day.

With short breaks and photo stops, not counting breaks for lunch, which last about an hour. Average figures: 5-7 hours per day

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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

In the morning, we head to the airport for our flight to Lhasa, situated at 3,600 meters. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel near the historic old town. The Barkhor Market, the heart of the old town and frequented by thousands of pilgrims and locals, is within walking distance. After checking in and taking a break to acclimatize, you can visit the old town and Barkhor Market, as well as the Jokhang Temple, the most important temple for Tibetans. There are also numerous teahouses, temples, and cafes to explore. Take a break and enjoy a free afternoon. Dinner will be at a traditional restaurant in the old town, featuring Tibetan specialties, butter tea, and Lhasa beer.

Fight time: approx. 2 hours

Day 3: Lhasa Visiting Day

In the morning, we will visit the spectacular Potala Palace. The Potala Palace is an architectural masterpiece and one of Tibet’s most famous landmarks. It rises majestically on the Red Mountain and served for centuries as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the political and religious center of Tibet. With its magnificent halls, chapels, and intricately decorated rooms, the palace offers a fascinating insight into Tibetan culture and history.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Sera Monastery. Founded in 1419, the monastery is one of the “Three Great Monasteries” of the Gelug order of Tibetan Buddhism. It is particularly known for the daily debates of the monks, where they deepen their knowledge of Buddhist philosophy and logic. Visitors can witness these lively and intellectually demanding debates in the monastery courtyard. The monastery also impresses with its beautiful murals and numerous sacred buildings.

Day 4: Let´s Roll – First Riding Day

A short drive to the east lies the majestic Ganden Monastery, situated at an altitude of 4,300 meters, offering wonderful views from its circular path. It is one of the most significant and oldest monasteries in Tibet. Perched picturesquely on Wangbur Mountain, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking view of the surrounding valley. The road to the monastery is delightfully winding, giving us a first fantastic impression of the coming days and what awaits us.

Afterwards, we follow the mighty Yarlung Tsangpo River, considered the lifeline of Tibet, and soon leave the main road. Crossing “smaller” passes over 4,500 meters in height, we head to Shannan through a landscape characterized by small villages and agriculture. Here we visit Tibet’s first fortress – Yumbulakhang – which was built on a steep rock.

Distance covered: approx. 300 km

Day 5: Sacred Yamdrok Lake

A short morning visit to Samye Monastery (optional). From Tsedang, we continue along the Yarlung Tsangpo River towards Yamdrok Lake (4,440 meters), one of Tibet’s sacred lakes. According to local belief, bathing in the lake frees one from negative karma. So, don’t forget your swimsuit! Winding roads with views from a 4,900-meter panoramic pass of the azure blue lake far below make this day a truly special experience. Along the way, we will take individual breaks for photos and panoramic views. We continue to Nagartse, then over the 5,100-meter-high Karo La Pass, which lies directly beneath a massive glacier, until we reach Gyangze. Depending on our arrival time, we will visit the old fortress of Gyangze, which majestically towers over the town. Dinner will be in a cozy Tibetan restaurant in the town center, featuring local specialties.

Distance covered: approx. 320 km

Day 6: Across the High Plateau

Another highlight is the Buddhist Pelkhor Monastery, built in 1427 and also known as the “Monastery of Ten Thousand Paintings.” With its four floors, 108 chapels, and over 10,000 murals, it is the largest stupa (pagoda) in Tibet. We leave Gyangze and gain altitude on the Friendship Highway (a country road) towards Sakya. Now we are on the Central Tibetan Plateau, with its farms and small villages. The area around the Sakya Monastery is beautifully situated in a green mountain valley and was once one of the most important places in Tibet. The Mongolian architecture stands out in contrast to other Tibetan monasteries, and the relaxed, non-touristy village life with its small shops and restaurants invites you to take a stroll. The mountain slopes opposite the valley can be hiked, offering numerous temples and hermitages to explore.

Distance covered: approx. 240 km

Day 7: Ride to 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 the 5,269-meter high Qomolangma pass.. 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 great newly build hotel awaits, and many of the rooms open out to the highest mountain in the world. The hotel has a restaurant with a wood-fired stove – a cozy spot in a forbidding wilderness at 4,900 meters. With a bit of luck, there will be views of the Milky Way at night.

Distance covered: approx. 230 km

Day 8: Across High Passes to 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 third 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. 340 km

Day 9: Visiting Day Shigatse

Today, we’re gearing down! The morning begins leisurely with a visit to the famous Tashilhunpo Monastic University, the largest monastery in Tibet and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. The monastery has three main halls with impressive Buddha statues. You can also spend more time here, letting your soul relax in the monastery grounds and gardens. The afternoon is free, allowing for a visit to the market or the fortress overlooking the city.

Day 10: Deep Blue Namtso Lake & Highest Pass

Early departure. After leaving Shigatse, we take backroads that lead us through beautiful Tibetan landscapes and villages. Then we go over the Suge La Pass, one of the highest drivable passes in the world at 5,453 meters. We reach the village of Damxung, where we leave our motorcycles at the hotel. From here, we take the national park bus to Namtso Lake, as private vehicles are not allowed in the nature reserve.

We then reach the shore of one of the largest lakes in Tibet, located at 4,718 meters, after climbing a 5,100-meter pass. The winding descent and the stunning views of the azure blue lake will make any heart beat faster. We ride along a gravel track on the shore, with fantastic views of the lake and the surrounding, often snow-covered mountain ranges, grazing yaks, small monasteries, meditation caves, and hills waiting to be climbed.

Distance covered: approx. 330 km

Day 11: Winding Roads to Lhasa

On the way to Lhasa via side roads, we take one last 4,900-meter pass and bid farewell to the endless, otherworldly landscapes of Tibet. In Yerpa, a hermitage on a mountainside, we are granted one last breathtaking view. Here, at 4,500 meters, a panorama of surrounding mountains and valleys unfolds – and one feels very close to enlightenment. One of Tibet’s most famous yogis, Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), meditated here and practiced tantric yoga. Then we arrive in Lhasa. Final dinner and a visit to a bar.

Distance covered: approx. 330 km

Day 12: Goodbye Tibet

Transfer to the airport and departure from Lhasa in the morning. Flights home can be booked from 7 PM onwards.

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 Tibet with Everest base camp motorcycle Tour now to avoid disappointment.

Our Next available tours are as follows:

2025
27.04. – 08.05.
11.05. – 22.05.
25.05. – 05.06.
12.10. – 23.10.
26.10. – 06.11.

2026
26.04. – 07.05.
10.05. – 21.05.
30.08. – 10.09.
13.09. – 24.09.

 
Book Now

Tibet with Everest Base Camp Motorcycle Tour – Included Services

  • English-speaking guide on their own motorcycle
  • English-speaking licensed Tibet guide
  • Domestic flights Chengdu – Lhasa & 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 mid-range local hotels
  • Mechanic service throughout the entire trip
  • Support vehicle for luggage and passengers

Tibet with Everest Base Camp Motorcycle Tour – 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

Do I need a chinese visa?2024-09-15T09:54:50+00:00

Entry/Visa:

Many nationalities can enter China visa free for up to 15 days. Those include:
Germany, France, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Some other nationalities need a visa to enter China.

Should the duration of the stay exceed 15 days, you must apply for the visa yourself or hire an agency to do so. Due to frequent changes in the application procedure, we recommend using an agency. Although you can apply for the visa yourself, it is only slightly more expensive to hire an agency and often saves a lot of work. The visa for China costs approximately EUR 300. More detailed information on the visa can be found in a specific appendix after booking upon request.

Tour Concept by RC Hendrik

About RC Hendrik