From Munich to Tibet Motorcycle Tour2023-08-10T07:08:43+00:00

Munich-Tibet Overland Tour

The Silk Road Motorcycle Tour is a superlative adventure follows ancient trade routes from Munich to Lhasa, through 14 countries, over 12,500 kilometers, and across the continents of Europe and Asia. This spectacular tour traces Eurasian caravan routes to Tibet, the Roof of the World, and links numerous highlights of the historical and modern Silk Road.

The first few days of the Silk Road Motorcycle Tour take us through rarely-visited regions of Eastern Europe, with Ljubljana, the romantic capital of Slovenia, the post-Soviet atmosphere of Belgrade, and Beklemento Pass deep in the Balkan Mountains in Bulgaria. After reaching the Black Sea, it’s time to enjoy Istanbul, the city that bridges the continents of Europe and Asia, on a day off before taking the ferry to Asia.

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We wind our way into the Anatolian Highlands, following the Silk Road and spending the nights in caravanserais and historic UNESCO World Heritage Sites before tackling the passes and remote country roads of Georgia. From the wooded mountains and the hilly steppe of Georgia, the Silk Road Motorcycle Tour continues across the Caucasus to Russia. A broad horizon spreads out before us on the shores of the Caspian Sea. We travel through grasslands and past camel herds and explore the unknown expanse of southern Russia, inhabited by a Mongolian steppe people who settled here hundreds of years ago.

Continuing along the Silk Road, we cross the largest desert in Central Asia on our way to Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand in Uzbekistan – the pearls of the oriental trade routes with their numerous cultural and historical highlights.
From Samarkand, our Silk Road Motorcycle Tour continues to Tajikistan, where we reach the capital Dushanbe – the gateway to the Pamir Mountains. We travel to Kyrgyzstan via the spectacular Pamir Highway, the mother of all adventure trails in Central Asia, with its dizzying passes and sparsely populated mountains. The beautiful Kyrgyz trails make every single day a highlight, and we’ll spend the nights in homestays with friendly locals and in yurt camps – remnants of the historic caravanserais of the Silk Road. Tackling the quite literally breathtaking, nearly 4,000-meter Torugart Pass, we approach our destination: Tibet. A hot day of riding through the Taklamakan Desert – the “place of no return” – will bring us to the foothills of the Kunlun mountain range before reaching the Tibetan plateau, where 5,000-meter passes are waiting to be mastered. Our Silk Road Motorcycle Tour continues across the Roof of the World eastwards, stopping at Kailash, a mountain holy to Buddhists and Hindus, and improve our karma by hiking a part of the way with Tibetan pilgrims. The vast expanse of Manasarovar, a salt lake not far from Kailash and its monasteries, nomads and hermitages, brings us closer to the Tibetan culture and religion. A special highlight: the ride to Everest Base Camp and Rongbuk Monastery at the foot of Mount Everest – the highest mountain in the world. At an altitude of 5,200 meters, we enjoy one of the most spectacular views on the planet, with Everest towering over us and some of Asia’s twistiest roads and passes ahead. Riding past turquoise salt lakes, glaciers and historical monasteries and Tibetan cultural sites, we head toward mystical Lhasa, where the main part of our journey ends. There we can roam the old town at Barkhor Market with hundreds of Tibetan pilgrims and visit the former seat of the Dalai Lama, the iconic Potala Palace.

On the optional extension of the Silk Road Motorcycle Tour over the eastern Himalayas and through eastern Tibet, we’ll carry on to the subtropical province of Yunnan, the land “south of the clouds”. The mighty Yangtze, Mekong and Salween rivers, winding routes and spectacular canyon landscapes await us.
This route, which was off-limits to foreigners for many years, offers completely new Himalayan perspectives, historical places of Chinese culture and exhilarating, winding roads descending from the heights of the Himalayas to the tea-growing regions and fertile valleys of China. The journey passes through Tiger Leaping Gorge – one of the deepest in the world – and ends in Dali after visiting the Old Town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Center.

From either Lhasa or Dali, we fly to Chengdu and return home from there, while our team on the ground takes care of the return shipment of the motorcycles.

AT A GLANCE

AT A GLANCE

Main Tour: 26.04. – 11.06.2024
Extension: 10.06. – 17.06.2024

Main Tour: 07.06. – 23.07.2024 Extension: 23.07. – 29.07.2024
Tour price with own motorcycle 14.980€
Passenger 7.980€
Single Room +1.390€

With extension:

Tour price with own motorcycle +2.490€
Passenger +1.600€
Single Room +350€

47 days / 46 nights / 38 riding days

With extension:
53 days / 52 nights / 42 riding days
Overnight stays in hotels of the middle class and in guesthouses

Highlights – Munich-Lhasa Overland Motorcycle Tour

  • an unparalleled adventure in 14 countries and over 12,500 kilometers: all the highlights of the Silk Road on the way to Tibet, the Roof of the World
  • the central Balkan Mountains with Beklemento Pass
  • the Anatolian highlands with the Silk Road towns of Safranbolu and Amasya
  • the highlands of Georgia and the steppes of Russia and Kazakhstan
  • the largest desert in Central Asia
  • plenty of time to see the sights of the Silk Road oases Samarkand, Khiva, Bukhara and Dushanbe
  • Tajikistan and the legendary Pamir Highway
  • the most beautiful tracks and caravanserais of Kyrgyzstan
  • crossing Tibet eastwards with all the highlights of the Tibet Motorcycle Tour, including Manasarovar Lake, the holy Mount Kailash, Everest Base Camp, Gyangze, Yamdrok Lake, Xigaze and Lhasa
  • the ride to Everest Base Camp, with an overnight stay at 4,900 meters in Rongbuk Monastery with a view to Everest
  • one of the most spectacular roads in the world at Everest Base Camp with views of the tallest mountains on the planet
  • full days for sightseeing and city tours in Istanbul, Samarkand and Lhasa
  • regular rest days for relaxation and sightseeing
  • proven and always up-to-date route guidance: our team has successfully completed the tour many times
  • support vehicle for passengers and bags / emergency vehicle
  • the services of a mechanic for the entire tour
  • return shipment of the motorcycle at no additional cost
  • local guides in many countries for the best insights into local culture
  • Optional extension from Dali to Lhasa

Parts of the route – up to entire day’s rides – are unpaved. In addition to good natural tracks, there are also tracks that were once paved and where the asphalt has crumbled. These are marked by potholes and bumps. Longer passages can be covered with sand or pebbles. The unpaved/paved ratio is around 40/60.

These routes feature the most challenging, winding mountain roads with a variety of surfaces. Narrow, often single-track roads with hairpin bends offer challenges for experienced riders. Focus and stamina are essential.

Visiting a place of interest every few days

With short breaks and photo stops, not counting breaks for lunch, which last about an hour. Average figures: 6-8 hours per day

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From Munich to Tibet

Extension: From Lhasa to Dali

Munich-Tibet Overland Motorcycle Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Meeting in Munich

Meeting of all tour participants in Munich. Detailed briefing on the Silk Road Motorcycle Tour in the afternoon. Getting acquainted over dinner in Munich.

Arrival in Leh
Road to the Hemis and Tikkse Monasteries

Day 2: Munich – Ljubljana

From Munich, we cross the eastern Alps and make our way to Ljubljana, the picturesque capital of Slovenia. The charming old town, which was built directly on the river Sava, gets our Silk Road Motorcycle Tour off to a relaxed start with a walking tour of the old town and dinner at the foot of Ljubljana Castle.

Distance covered: approx. 400 km, Slovenia

Day 3: Ljubljana – Belgrade

We cross the rugged, arid Croatian hinterland and reach Serbia, our first country outside the EU. Belgrade is a remarkable city that has emerged from the Soviet era and arrived in Europe. It has a lot to offer architecture fans with its eclectic mix of Soviet pomp coexisting with buildings from different eras. The town was built at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, and Belgrade Fortress thrones over the beautiful old town.

Distance covered: approx. 530 km, Croatia – Serbia

Snake Buddha statue at Likir Monastery
On our way to Fatu La Pass

Day 4: Belgrade – Nis

We have an easy day ahead of us! From Belgrade we continue to Nis, where we can explore the old town.

Distance covered: approx. 240 km

Day 5: Nis – Koprivshtitsa

Serbia and Bulgaria are the heart of the Balkans. The vastness of the landscape spreading out before us is unlike anything to be found in Central Europe. The rural and wild flavor of the Balkans harks back to a Europe long gone. To savor it fully, we’ll spend the night in Koprivshtitsa, a small town with rustic houses and a relaxed lifestyle.

Distance covered: approx. 270 km, Bulgaria

Across the water to Chilling
Khardung La Pass in the Indian Himalayas

Day 6: Koprivshtitsa – central Balkan Mountains – Sozopol

Today we’ll explore the central Balkan Mountains, a range that gave the whole region its name. We have a sweeping view over the expansive Bulgarian landscape at an altitude of more than a thousand meters and from Beklemento Pass (1,520 m). Descending on a beautiful winding road, we’ll continue on our way through the Bulgarian hinterland and head east to the Black Sea, to Sozopol. The region was once the Greek colony of Apollonia, and Sozopol is one of the oldest cities in Bulgaria, dating back more than 3,500 years. We can enjoy the rest of the day on the beach or on the Sozopol peninsula.

Distance covered: approx. 410 km

Day 7: Sozopol – Istanbul

Our Silk Road Motorcycle Tour follows the coast southward and crosses the Strandzha Mountains of Thrace. A curvaceous road through the forested mountains takes us to the Turkish border. The hills flatten out toward the dry steppe of Thrace, and soon we reach Istanbul. We have a fantastic hotel located directly in the historic old town. All of the major sights, such as the Hagia Sophia, are within walking distance.

Distance covered: approx. 320 km, Turkey

Camel ride in the dunes at Diskit
View of Lake Pangong

Day 8: Istanbul

Our full day in Istanbul starts with a three-hour guided tour in the morning. We’ll explore the modern metropolis on the Bosporus and enjoy the vibe of this unique city. The Hagia Sophia is definitely on the program, as is the spectacular old town and the bazaar.

Day 9: Istanbul – Safranbolu

The Mediterranean charm of the Bosporus slowly gives way to an alpine mountain world as our Silk Road Motorcycle Tour forges ahead into the North Anatolian highlands.

With its beautiful townscape of half-timbered houses, Safranbolu was put on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. Here we can get to know the authentic Turkey, exploring the narrow streets lined with small restaurants and craftsmen offering their goods for sale. A Turkish steam bath in a traditional hamam is a good opportunity for some serious decompression.

Distance covered: approx. 410 km

Motorcycling along the banks of Lake Pangong
At the Chang La Pass

Day 10: Safranbolu – Amasya

Winding roads lead us to Amasya. The village in the back country of the Black Sea coast is situated directly on a riverbank in a narrow valley of the Pontic Mountains.

The main part of this charming town is located on the eastern side of the river, with only a few rows of houses at the foot of the steep castle hill on the other bank. Five bridges link the two parts of the city.

The royal tombs of Pontus were cut into the rock of the hillside above the town during the Hellenistic period. Today they are open to the public. With its beautiful illuminations, Amasya has a charm all of its own in the evenings.

Distance covered: approx. 390 km

Day 11: Amasya – Bayburt

Further to the east, our route takes us along the North Anatolian Fault. Riding through the bucolic steppe, we’ll make our way to Bayburt, a town situated in the Anatolian highlands.

Distance covered: approx. 450 km

Lake Tso Moriri

Day 12: Bayburt – Savsat

A gorgeous winding mountain road leads to Savsat, a town in the very easternmost reaches of Turkey, close to the Georgian border. We’ll spend the night in bungalows beautifully situated in the wooded hill country.

Distance covered: approx. 350 km

Day 13: Savsat – Gori Uplistisikhe – Gori

Our day starts with a ride up to the Georgian border. The route there and then to Gori is a highlight of the tour as it winds its way up into the green Georgian mountains.

Gori is the site of a historical cave town, Uplistisikhe, and the famous castle of Gori, from where we can enjoy the sunset with a cool beer.

Distance covered: approx. 280 km, Georgia

Ride over the wooden bridge to Shakti Valley
crossing a stream in the Shakti Valley (Leh)

Day 14: Gori – Grozny

From Gori, we’ll head north to the Russian border. Expect time-consuming formalities. From there we’ll continue to Grozny, capital of the republic of Chechnya. Today, not many signs remain of the civil war that racked the region until the late 2000s. Grozny is a modern and peaceful place, and we’ll stay in the best hotel in town, from where we have a great view over the valley.

Distance covered: approx. 310 km

Day 15: Grozny – Astrakhan

Our Silk Road Motorcycle Tour continues through the steppe of southern Russia.

Astrakhan is situated on the Volga and features architecture dates from a range of periods, including Renaissance, Classicist and Orthodox influences. The sights include the Astrakhan Kremlin and Trinity Church.

Distance covered: approx. 490 km

Taj Mahal at Agra near Delhi

Day 16: Day off Astrakhan

Today will be a rest day for doing laundry, relaxing and catching up on all the things that world travelers need to deal with. Restaurants, exchange offices, supermarkets and the riverbank for walking are all in the immediate vicinity of the hotel.

Day 17: Astrakhan – Atyrau

Today, we cross the border to Kazakhstan. With a little luck, we’ll encounter camels along the way. Atyrau is located on the shores of the Caspian Sea, and its economy revolves around Caspian oil and gas deposits.

Distance covered: approx. 360 km, Kazakhstan

Day 18: Atyrau – Beyneu

Today’s ride takes us through the Kazakh steppe to Beineu.

Distance covered: approx. 440 km

Day 19: Beineu – Elabad

After crossing the border into Uzbekistan, the road conditions become decidedly rougher, and we have a challenging track ahead in the largest desert of Central Asia. We skirt what remains of the Aral Sea and have a view across the Aralkum Desert, the former seabed.

We’ll spend the night in a basic motel, which due to its location in the middle of the desert and its patrons could be straight out of a Quentin Tarantino movie. The deep red sunset that lights up the desert is often spectacular.

Distance covered: approx. 380 km, Uzbekistan

Day 20: Elabad – Khiva

We follow the historic Silk Road through the desert and reach Khiva (sometimes written Xiva), the former capital of the Khanate Khiva in Khorezmia, a town with a flourishing textile industry. The local products include carpets. The historic town center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990 thanks to its authenticity and careful maintenance.

We’ll follow a hot day in the saddle with a memorable walk through the old town in the afternoon, through centuries-old alleys with their oriental-decorated facades and markets, and top it off with a cool beer.

Distance covered: approx. 350 km

Day 21: Khiva – Bukhara

Our Silk Road Motorcycle Tour continues through the Kyzylkum desert to Bukhara, which is one of the oldest cities in Uzbekistan. Like Samarkand, it was a marketplace and rest stop on the old Silk Road. With over 140 architectural monuments, Bukhara is an impressive open-air museum.

We’ll see the mosques and madrasas of Bukhara on a walk through the old town. The historic center has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.

Distance covered: approx. 460 km

Day 22: Bukhara – Samarkand

The Islamic architecture of this pearl of the Silk Road, which awaits us at the end of a hot riding day, is a feast for the eyes. It’s not surprising that Samarkand is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the same time, it’s a modern city that offers quite a few amenities.

Distance covered: approx. 280 km

Day 23: Samarkand

Today will be a rest day in Samarkand.

We’ll visit Registan Square, the nearby madrasas and other sights. There will be plenty of time to visit the night market and for errands.

Day 24: Samarkand – Dushanbe

After crossing the border, our next destination is the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe. Our Silk Road Motorcycle Tour continues across the desert, and soon starts ascending into more fertile countryside. We’re rapidly approaching the Pamir Mountains.

Dushanbe, which is located in Hissar Valley at an altitude of about 800 meters, is the cultural and economic center of Tajikistan. The beautiful, prosperous town features tree-lined avenues, international restaurants, and even nightlife.

Distance covered: approx. 300 km, Tajikistan

Day 25: Dushanbe – Kalaikhum

Only about half of our day’s mileage on the Pamir Highway today will be on paved roads. There are two routes to Kalaikhum from Dushanbe – a northern and a (longer) southern one. We’ll choose depending on which of the two routes is better at the time.

Kalaikhum, with a rushing river flowing through its center, is one of the most attractive towns in the Pamir Mountains.

Distance covered: 270/380 km

Day 26: Kalaikum – Khorog

All roads lead to Khorog: A wild ride on one of the most beautiful and spectacular routes of Central Asia – on mostly good gravel – awaits us. Khorog, with its numerous bazaars and tea houses, is the administrative center of the Pamir region.

Distance covered: approx. 240 km

Day 27: Khorog – Murghab

Murghab is located at the center of the Pamir plateau – a frontier town in the middle of nowhere on the roads to China and Kyrgyzstan. The last few kilometers into Murghab are demanding – it’s not an easy track.

Distance covererd: approx. 320 km

Day 28: Murghab – Sary Tash

Sary Tash is a small town in the Kyrgyz grassland. Before we get there, we need to handle border formalities before our Silk Road Motorcycle Tour can leave the beautiful Pamir Mountains behind for adventures in Kyrgyzstan.

Distance covered: approx. 230 km, Kyrgyzstan

Day 29: Sary Tash – Osh

About 150 kilometers east of Kokand, we’ll cross the border to Kyrgyzstan, where we’ll spend the night in Osh.

Distance covered: approx. 180

Day 30: Osh

Osh is one of the largest cities in the country and features an airport and a comfortable tour hotel. We’ll take a rest day there.

Day 31: Osh – Kazarman

Our journey continues to Kazarman – and we’re finally riding through mountains again. The first part of the route takes us toward Jalalabad. The road is paved, but traffic is heavy. We then continue on a gravel track that’s quite rough in places and cross four often-deserted passes through the beautiful and unforgettable mountain landscape of Kyrgyzstan. We’ll spend the night in the small town of Kazarman, where several local families will welcome us into their homes and cook for us in the evening.

Distance covered: approx. 260 km

Day 32: Kazarman – Tash Rabat

Tash Rabat is a well-preserved caravanserai from the 15th century, where we’ll stay in a yurt camp. Once again, fantastic trails lead the way to the historical settlement, the “Stone Hostel”. Tash Rabat is located in the At-Bashy Range (part of the Chinese Tian Shan mountains) on the ancient Silk Road.

Distance covered: approx. 180 km

Day 33: Tash Rabat – border station near Kashgar – Kashgar

We’ll reach the Kyrgyz-Chinese border area around noon. We pass an archaeological site and ride along a lake to the 3,752-meter Torugart Pass – the border between Kyrgyzstan and China – and descend into China. We need to park our vehicles 120 km away, at the Chinese customs station. We have a transfer to Kashgar in the afternoon, and the next morning another transfer back to the customs station to pick up our bikes.

Distance covered: approx. 220 km, China

Day 34: Kashgar

Today we’ll visit the Kashgar motor vehicle authority to collect our provisional Chinese driving licenses and license plates. There will also be a quick health check for riders and technical inspection for the vehicles. Our local team will take care of everything – all we need is patience.

Distance covered: approx. 150 km

Day 35: Kashgar

Today is a further day of rest and organization in Kashgar intended as a buffer for the Chinese authorities, as formalities sometimes take a bit longer in China. We’ll visit the beautiful old town of Kashgar and watch the hustle and bustle of the market. The grilled lamb and beef in the numerous restaurants is some of the best in China.

Day 36: Kashgar – Sanshiyi

A very early departure for Sanshiyi.

On the way to Sanshiyi, we’ll encounter numerous checkpoints and have to register with the police several times – this will require quite a bit of patience. Our Silk Road Motorcycle Tour is taking us through one of the most tightly restricted regions in the world today. The climate here, very close to the Taklamakan Desert, is hot and dry.

Today we’ll start from the depths of the Tarim Basin and arid regions along the Silk Road, ascending to the Tibetan mountain world, tackling our first pass with an altitude of more than 5,000 meters.

Distance covered: approx. 620 km

Day 37: Sanshiyi – Dahongliutian

Another 5,000-meter pass awaits us after breakfast. We’ll then set out across the vast Tibetan plateau, passing mountains and rivers, on our way to Dahongliutian, a tiny place in the middle of nowhere.

The plateau is deserted, and with a little luck we can see wild horses, which the locals call kiang, eagles, migratory birds or the Himalayan wolf in the distance.

Distance covered: approx. 120 km

Day 38: Dahongliutian – Ali

Our route to Ali takes us past Pangong Lake, which is 134 kilometers long and straddles the border of China and India at an altitude of 4,250 meters. One side of the lake is filled with salt water, while the other side is fresh water. The area is inhabited in summer by nomads who let their yak herds graze on the grassland.

Our day’s destination, Ali, is the administrative center of western Tibet and the first real city since Kashgar.

Distance covered: approx. 550 km

Day 39: Ali – Mount Kailash

A short day’s ride to Kailash, a mountain that is holy to Tibetans. In Tibetan mythology, the mountain is the center of the universe and birthplace of the mightiest rivers in Asia.

The snow-covered peak, 6,638 meters high, rises majestically above the Tibetan plateau. Numerous pilgrims travel to Mount Kailash from all corners of Tibet, India and Nepal. According to numerous writings, all devout Buddhists should walk around this mountain at least once in their lives on a three-day trek. To attain complete enlightenment, however, they should do so no less than 51 times. After arriving in Darchen – the starting point for the mountain treks – we can either walk to Tarpoche Pagoda or ride the track to Tarpoche. We can also visit the shore of Manasarovar Lake, one of three holy lakes for Hindus and Buddhists. From Chiu Monastery, there’s a great view of the lake.

Distance covered: approx. 250 km

Day 40: Mt. Kailash – Saga

We’ll make our way to Saga along the deep blue Manasarovar Lake (“divine lotus lake”, at 4,586 meters altitude), a freshwater lake that’s 77 meters deep, with snow-capped mountains in the background.

Today we’ll once again experience the endless expanse of Tibet on our Silk Road Motorcycle Tour and wrap things up with a beautiful mountain pass.

Distance covered: approx. 490 km

Day 41: Saga – Everest Base Camp (EBC)

Our ride to Everest Base Camp today takes us past Peiku Lake (4,591 meters), skirts the Nepalese border, and passes over a number of winding passes at altitudes of nearly 5,000 meters. Sections of the road are in a somewhat rough state today, at least up to Paiku Lake.

From there we’ll take an incredible road with hundreds of twists and turns and views of the numerous 8,000-meter peaks – truly one of the most memorable moments of our tour. The road will first take us to Tingri and wind its way over two passes. From there we have a stunning view of the tallest and most legendary mountains on the planet: Shisha Pangma (8,012 m), Cho Oyu (8,201 m), Lhotse (8,561 m) Makalu (8,463 m) and of course Everest (8,848 m).

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Next up: Rongbuk Monastery at an altitude of almost 4,900 meters. The road is closed for motorcycles around 10 kilometers before the monastery – we’ll take local transportation for the final stretch. While the Base Camp, which is 2.5 km further up the road, has been closed since January 2019, we still have a spectacular, equally good view of Everest from the monastery. The unobstructed view of the 8,848 meter high summit of Everest is a rich reward for the exertions of the journey.

We’ll spend the night in Rongbuk Monastery’s very basic guest house and enjoy the mountain vistas.

Distance covered: approx. 400 km

Day 42: EBC – Xigaze

Today, we carry on to Xigaze. We’ll cross Gyatso-La Pass, the highest of the tour at 5,222 meters.

In Xigaze, a comfortable hotel in the center of the town awaits us. There are markets nearby, as well as Tashilhunpo Monastery, which we can visit in the late afternoon. Tashilhunpo is the second largest monastery in Tibet and was founded in 1791. From the temples of the monastery complex, we have beautiful views of the valley and the town of Xigaze.

Distance covered: approx. 340 km

Day 43: Xigaze – Gyangze – Lhasa

Our Silk Road Motorcycle Tour continues over the vast expanse of the central Tibetan Plateau to Gyangze. The barren high plateau of Tibet is giving way to vast wheat fields and small villages and farms. In Gyangze, we’ll stop at the largest stupa (Tibetan pagoda) in all of Tibet, which is located in Palcho Monastery, overlooked by Gyangze Dzong, a majestic fortress.

From Gyangze, we’ll ride the 5,100-meter Karo La Pass that takes us right up to the foot of a mighty glacier. At an altitude of 4,900 meters, we’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the azure-blue Yamdrok Lake and ride the winding roads along the Yarlung Tsangpo River. This may be our last encounter with shaggy yaks. Cresting the last mountain pass, we’ll descend into a fertile river valley and reach our ultimate destination – Lhasa. We met the challenge – riding from Munich along the Silk Road, all the way to the Roof of the World. Time for high fives all around!

Distance covered: approx. 360 km

Day 44: Lhasa

The bikes will be readied for shipping today. This is a buffer day in case of delays.

Day 45: Lhasa

We’ll enjoy the day at Bharkor Market in the old town of Lhasa, visit Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama, as well as the Jokhang, the holiest temple in Tibet. And, of course, there will be plenty of time for souvenir shopping.

Day 46: Lhasa – Chengdu

Today we depart Lhasa on a flight to Chengdu, followed by a transfer to the hotel. You can either extend your stay in Chengdu on your own – or join the journey from Lhasa to Dali.

(The onward journey to Dali over the eastern Himalayas is a seamless continuation of the tour from Lhasa on day 46. Please contact us for the separate short info.)

Airport transfer 1 hour

Day 47: Chengdu

Individual departure from Chengdu.

Check out the optional extension from Lhasa to Dali here!

Extension Lhasa – Dali: From Tibet to the land “South of the Clouds”

– The Eastern Himalayas and the Subtropics of China –

Until recently, the roads descending from the Tibetan plateau to the province of Yunnan via the Eastern Himalayas were off limits to foreigners. You can look forward to the finest views, remote mountain roads, undiscovered wilderness on the banks of the Mekong, snow-covered Himalayan peaks, deep evergreen forests, and of course endless winding roads and beautiful mountain passes.

The extension starts with a ride through primeval forests, the “Switzerland of the Orient” in Lulang, grasslands with grazing yaks and the the beauty of Ranwu Lake surrounded by 5.000 meter high snow-capped peaks. We’ll ride along the majestic Mekong, Salween and Yangtze – the longest river in Asia – and enjoy the views of rugged sandstone landscapes and deep gorges. We stay overnight at the farm house home of a Tibetan family and visit the colorful old town of Shangri-La before we take another winding road through the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges on earth.

Visiting the Chinese minority old towns of Lijiang and Dali and riding along tea plantations and banana trees let us realize that we have left the Himalayas and are in the subtropics, not far away at all from South East Asia.

From Lhasa to Dali (Extension) Tour Itinerary

Day 46: Lhasa – Nyingtri

Our last riding day on the Tibet high plateau. We’ll say “tashi delek” on the next day – goodbye – to the Tibetan plateau, cross our last 5,000-meter pass, then descend on a winding road through fragrant spruce forests into the “Switzerland of the Orient”, with its wooded mountains and rolling grasslands with grazing yaks.

Distance covered: approx. 400 km

Day 47: Nyintri – Ranwu Lake

Today is going to be another day for spectacular views on the Tibet Motorcycle Tour. We’ll take the various passes on the road to Ranwu and enjoy the fascinating landscapes rolling by. We’ll spend the night directly at the shore of Ranwu, a mountain lake framed by snow-covered peaks, at an altitude of nearly 4,000 meters – in the most beautiful resort of the region, of course.

Distance covered: approx. 270 km

Day 48: Ranwu – Zogang

The day begins with a ride along the Salween River, which originates on the Tibetan plateau and descends to Shan State in Myanmar. On the way, we can enjoy spectacular vistas in the gorges through the expansive sandstone landscapes.
But the treat of the day is yet to come: an iconic road, known by the locals only as “the road of 72 curves”. At the end of the serpentines, we reach a 4,300-meter pass with a view many miles into the valley below. The quiet mountain roads descend through gorges and evergreen forests to Zogang – a true highlight of ourTibet Motorcycle Tour.

Distance covered: approx. 290 km

Day 49: Zogang – Jiabe

Two more passes with altitudes of 4,300 and 3,900 meters await us.
We’ll ride along the rugged banks and gorges of the Upper Mekong – which is quite unlike the placid river downstream in Thailand – to Feilaisi, the “Flying Temple”, and say farewell to Tibet. Yunnan awaits. The temple is dedicated to the deity enthroned on the peak of Kawa Karpo, the last snow-covered peak of our journey, and at the same time the highest mountain of the eastern Himalayas and final highlight with its majestic 6,700 meters.
We’ll spend the night there, at the foot of the mountain, at the home of a local Tibetan family where we enjoy homemade red wine, “arak” liquor and home cooked food in a beautiful farm house.

Distance covered: approx. 410 km

Day 50: Jiabe – Shangri-La

From our Tibetan host family, our journey will take us over the 4,300-meter Pass of the White Horse and down into the gorges of the Yangtze, the longest river in Asia and third-longest in the world. Here, at “only” 1,900 meters above sea level, we’re at the lowest altitude of the tour. It’s quite warm and cacti grow on the river banks – an incredible contrast.
Our final riding stage takes us to the romantic old town of Shangri-La. Its small two-story houses are built entirely of wood and are richly decorated with carvings. In Shangri-La, we’ll visit the 22-meter prayer wheel – the largest in the world – and we should turn it at least three times for good karma.

Distance covered: approx. 180 km

Day 51: Shangri-La – Lijiang

Today´s ride will bring us from the Shangri-la on a small countryside road into one of the deepest gorges on earth – the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Cliffs of 3.2 kilometers height are above us, forming the peaks of the 5,500 meter high Jade Dragon Snow Mountain range. On to Lijiang, a UNESCO world heritage site featuring an old town, many shops, restaurants and bars. Civilization is back and we surely enjoy it.

Distance covered: approx. 340 km

Day 52: Lijiang – Dali

Our last short riding day along farm land to Dali. Goodbye dinner and party.

Distance covered: approx. 180 km

Day 53: Dali

End of the tour in Dali.

Don’t Miss Out On a Wonderful Experience

Book your Tour Now – Munich-Tibet Overland Tour

We can accommodate only 14 motorbikes on this tour.

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

Our Next available tours are as follows:

2024
Main Tour: 26.04. – 11.06.
Extension: 10.06. – 17.06.

Main Tour: 07.06. – 23.07.
Extension: 23.07. – 29.07.

Book Now

Included Services

  • All airport transfers
  • Domestic flights Delhi – Dharamsala – Kullu – Delhi
  • All accommodations in double/twin rooms, with en-suite bathroom. Mid range options and guesthouses (always best possible hotels at the destinations).
  • Breakfast, lunch snack, dinner (without beverages)
  • Drinking water in the service vehicle
  • Rental motorcycle Enfield Bullet 500 cc with comprehensive insurance with a retention of EUR/US$ 500, motorcycle touring kit, electronic starter Bullets
  • Seats in the service vehicle for pillions
  • Experienced English speaking tour guide on own motorcycle
  • Experienced motorcycle mechanic (spare rider who can ride your bike in case of need)
  • All road and bridge tolls, entrance admission fees for sights for the entire program

Excluded Services

  • International flights from/to Delhi
  • All beverages (beside drinking water which is always carried in the service vehicle)
  • Optional tips for guide and mechanic, souvenirs, shopping
  • India tourist e-visa (around € 65)
  • Travel rescission costs and repatriation insurance

Questions & Answers

Do I need a visa for India?2019-12-18T06:33:21+00:00

Visitors to India need a tourist visa, which you must obtain in advance.
Visas are not issued on arrival.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of your stay.
The e-Tourist Visa costs around 20 to 80 euros and you can apply for it online.
Important note: The terms for the e-Tourist Visa can be found here: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html
The visa application itself can be found here: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/info1.jsp

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 kind of bikes will we ride?2019-12-18T06:24:12+00:00

We ride 500cc Royal Enfield Bullets manufactured from 2014 to 2017 that feature electric starters, 5-speed gearboxes with the gearshift on the left, front disk brakes, roomy and rugged leather saddlebags, crashbars, 19” tires and twin horns.

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.

What are the import regulations for India?2019-12-18T06:32:08+00:00

Up to 200 cigarettes and 2 liters of alcohol may be imported duty-free. All international cigarette and spirits brands are available in India. Customs checks of arriving tourists have become considerably less strict in recent years.

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.

Do I need to buy an Indian SIM card for my phone?2019-12-18T06:30:59+00:00

European SIM cards now work almost everywhere in India. You’ll need patience if you want a local SIM card, as the registration takes a minimum of three days, and in some regions it is not possible at all.

How much is the deposit for the bike?2019-12-18T06:24:00+00:00

Riders must make a deposit of USD/EUR 500.00 in cash for their bikes. The deposit will be refunded when the bike is returned in good condition. The deposit corresponds to the comprehensive insurance deductible for damage to the rented bike and damage or injuries to third parties caused by the rider.
(The deductible is payable in such cases!)

Important note: The deductible also applies to damage or injury to third parties. In practice, the rider is initially liable for the full damages. The costs are later refunded by the insurance company, minus the deductible.

What are the specs of the bikes?2019-12-18T06:23:59+00:00

Technical specifications: Single-cylinder four-stroke, 499 cc, 16 kW (28 bhp) at 4,600 rpm, 178 kg, 80 cm seat height, 123 kph max.

Our Enfields were manufactured from 2013 to 2017 and are well-maintained. Naturally, some of them bear the minor battle scars typical of touring motorcycles. Technically, they are all in top shape and perfectly suited to the planned tours. They’re tremendous fun to ride, and their handling is safe and predictable after a brief familiarization period. Our average speeds on the tour range from 40 to 60 kph, depending on the road conditions and traffic.

On which side do you ride in India?2022-04-14T10:40:16+00:00

Indians drive on the left. The flexible and generally considerate driving style of the locals makes it easy to adjust to riding on the “wrong side” and coping with traffic conditions that initially seem chaotic. The behavior of pedestrians and cyclists, and the frequent presence of animals on the road call for considerably more attention, however. Extreme caution is required around children.
Further information on traffic and riding can be found here and here.

What kind of food and drinks will we be having in India?2019-12-18T06:29:54+00:00

Western food is generally not available, so we’ll be having simple, often vegetarian meals as well as regional specialties throughout the tour. Hearty breakfasts will not always be available. We can promise you a wide range of cuisine, with a special emphasis on local specialties. In general, a lot of curry is served in India, and little meat – chicken being the most common non-vegetarian food – but plenty of vegetables, legumes and rice. Indian cuisine is generally well-spiced, easily digestible and not overly hot. Vegetarians will have no problems in India.
Indian beer is not always up to international standards. The most common brands are Kingfisher, Castle and San Miguel. The local Chang beer is quite effective but requires a bit of getting used to. Wine – when it’s available – is even more of an acquired taste than Chang. Mineral water and beverages such as Coca Cola can be purchased anywhere and must be carried individually.

Should I bring Indian rupees to India, or are US dollars preferable?2019-12-18T06:29:18+00:00

You are not allowed to bring Indian currency into the country or take it out. You may bring the equivalent of up to US$ 5,000 in foreign currency into the country without prior notice. We recommend bringing euros in €50 and €100 notes. Please make a note of the daily exchange rate to avoid getting a bad rate at the airport. American Express Traveler’s Cheques are no longer in common use and will cause unnecessary hassles. Credit cards (Maestro, Visa and MasterCard) with PINs can be used for cash advances from ATMs in many towns.
You will need the equivalent of around €100 to €150 for drinks, lunch and tips per week.

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.

What’s the time difference?2019-12-18T06:28:18+00:00

Indian standard time is 5.5 hours ahead of GMT.

Why does the tour only take place in the summer months?2022-11-03T08:44:03+00:00

We have planned the tour for the best season as the new high passes are only open for a very short time between the rainy season and the onset of winter.

Is the tour suitable for passengers?2022-11-03T08:44:30+00:00

The tour is generally not or only poorly suited for passengers, as many stages can only be driven alone. Most of the time, the passenger would have to sit in the escort vehicle.

Are there river crossings?2022-11-03T08:44:56+00:00

There are short river crossings in several places in Zanskar and Ladakh, sometimes with challenging road surface.

How difficult are the gravel roads?2022-11-03T08:45:08+00:00

These are the most demanding gravel roads from our entire program, only comparable to Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan during our Overland tour from Munich to Lhasa. If you have little or no experience, you should book a different and less challenging tour first, for example our “3 Lakes of Ladakh” tour, which is also very popular.

What motorcycles are available?2022-11-03T08:45:28+00:00

We only offer this tour on the Royal Enfield Himalayan. The travel enduro is perfect for the terrain.

What happens if I can’t or don’t want to ride part of a stage?2022-11-03T08:45:44+00:00

Some stages are demanding, we understand that! Our mechanic, who accompanies the tour, can step in as a substitute rider for your motorcycle at any time.

Will there be rider training for riding in gravel roads?2022-11-03T08:46:05+00:00

Unfortunately, our tour guides cannot offer this, riding experience on grvael must be brought along. This is not a beginner’s tour. Our tour guides are happy to provide help and the briefing explains some theoretical aspects, but it is not a training ride.

Tour Concept by RC Vinod

About RC Vinod