16 Day Guided Specialized Himalayan Motorbike Tour from Nepal to Tibet

Overview

Tibet is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Normal visits to the Tibet terrain are so extraordinary, that a motorbike tour could be thought of as even more exciting. This motorbiking tour to the “roof of the world” will be so thrilling and a lifetime experience. With open roads and the White Mountains greeting you, the motorbike experience to Tibet is unlike anything.

Highlights

• Starts and ends in Kathmandu
• Ride along the ancient Silk Road
• Excursion to Mount Everest Base Camps
• 500cc Royal Enfield Motorcycle hire with spare parts
• Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu with transport and guide
• Local Tibetan English speaking guide
• 14 nights' accommodation
• Airport transfer

Itinerary

1. Day 1- Arrive in Kathmandu, rest and relax

   Upon arrival in Kathmandu International Airport, your tour guide will transfer you to your hotel. At the hotel lobby, there will be a short briefing about the tour whilst the guest are having welcome drinks. Later the guest can retire to the allocated rooms for much deserved shower and rest. Overnight at the hotel.

2. Day 2 - Kathmandu sightseeing and visa processing

   After breakfast in the hotel restaurant, meet at the hotel lobby for your city sightseeing in Kathmandu. You will visit Swambhunath and Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka, Kumari Temple. Evening is free for personal activities. Overnight at the hotel.

3. Day 3 - Kathmandu to Syabrubesi / Ramche (186 kilometers / 116 miles)

   Enjoy a steep winding descent to Trishuli with the beautiful scenery to match and ride along rolling hills, deep forests, and flowing streams. Negotiate traffic out of the Kathmandu city to the Ring Road cross section - Balaju. From here, follow the Nagarjun highway to Kakani with the winding and narrow forested road. From here it is a steep winding descent till Trishuli but the scenery is fantastic. Deep forested areas, with clear flowing streams and waterfalls provide visitors of what Nepal is all about. The beauty of the area is not easily forgotten. The rolling hills, the Trishuli River, e

4. Day 4 - Rasuwa Border - Kyirong Thil

   Kyirong - Nepal / Tibet border is the last border town. Complete Nepali Immigration formalities and cross the friendship bridge. You will complete Chinese Immigration and be met by your guide and driver from Tibet. Proceed for China custom clearance for the motorcycles and after completion, load up the gear on the waiting mini truck and ride for another 24 kilometers to Kyirong town. Nature Reserve is the famous beauty spot. Upon arrival and check in at the hotel, the rest of the day is free to relax or explore Paba Temple, built around 637 AD. According to legend, the Nepalese Princess Bhriku

5. Day 5 - Kyriong Thil - Old Tingri

   After breakfast, you will start to journey to Old Tingri. You could see forest disappeared and surrounding are all mountains, now you are in Himalaya mountain range now. When driving pass the Kongtang Lhamo pass (5236m), you could see the panoramic view of Himalaya mountain range very close to you. On the way, you will enjoy the view beautiful border line and snow-capped mountain and evergreen forest, you can appreciate the epic mountain outlook of Himalayan range.Including Mt Cho Oyu (8201m), Mt Shishapangma (8012m), and Piku Tso lake. Stay overnight in Old Tingri.

6. Day 6 - Old Tingri - Shigatse

   After breakfast, ride to Shegar for a few kilometers. Turn off the Friendship Highway and ride to Sakya. You can enjoy the panoramic view of Himalayas range. You will arrive in Shigatse, second-largest city in Tibet, by afternoon. The monastery is the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas. Stay overnight in hotels in Shigatse.

7. Day 7 - Shigatse - Gyantse

   In the morning after breakfast, you will visit the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the first Dalai Lama. It is a historic and culturally important monastery. Next to Shigatse, there is a short ride just 92 kilometers to Gyantse, which boasts a variety of important cultural and historical sites - Khumbum, Palkhor Chode Monastery, and Gyantse old street.

8. Day 8 - Gyantse - Lhasa (265 kilometers / 165 miles)

   After breakfast, ride 265 kilometers to Lhasa. As you pass Manak Dam Lake, you may hang pray flag at Simila Mountain Pass. Next, comes the close view of Korola Glacier on the roadside. Then, you will pass the Khamba La Pass (4760m) to view turquoise Yamdrok Lake and snow-capped Mount Nyichen Khangsa. Finally, you will also cross the Brahmaputra River and finally reach Lhasa. Stay overnight in hotels in Lhasa.

9. Day 9 - Sightseeing in Lhasa

   Today you will visit famous Potala Palace, the cardinal landmark of Tibet and the masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. It was first built by 33rd King Songtsen Gangpo in seventh century and later in 17th century rebuilt by fifth Dalai Lama, since then it was home to the Dalai Lama and his government. Walking though the long steps are quite challenging but it is worthwhile to leave your footsteps in the spiritual palace of God of Compassion which listed in the world heritage in 1994. After lunch, take an easy visit to Jokhang Temple in the center of the Old Lhasa city. Jokhang Temple is one of

10. Day 10 - Lhasa - Shigatse

    Today after breakfast ride will be along the Brahmaputra River to Shigatse by northern road. On the way, you will visit small Tibetan villages.

11. Day 11 - Shigatse - Rongbuk

    After breakfast ride to Rongbuk. Ride along the Brahmaputra River and through the Tongmei and reach Lhatse, crossing several passes along the way. You will have views of the Himalayans at Gyatso La Pass (5220m) and Gawu La Pass (5250m), a great spot for a view of all the Himalayan Range’s mountains above 8000 meters. From left to right, you will see Mt. Makalu (8463 m), Mt. Lotse (8516 m), Mt. Everest (8844 m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8201 m), and Mt. Shishapama (8020 m). After arriving at Rongbuk, you will have the highest mountain in the world towering above you.

12. Day 12 - Explore Everest Base Camp and ride bike from Rongbuk - Old Tingri

    After breakfast, you have the opportunity to explore Everest Base Camp (5200 m). The base camp itself is dry and barren, but the views of Everest more than compensates for it. It truly is an awe-inspiring place with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world. After lunch, ride back to Old Tingri.

13. Day 13 - Old Tingri - Kyirung Thil

    You will see beautiful scenery over the Kontang la Pass and impressive views of Mt. Shishapama and Peikutso lake. As you wake up the next morning, a striking view of luminous peaks is highlighted by the sun and it is to say goodbye to this landscape. Next, you will ride south to Nepal.

14. Day 14 - Kyirong - Syrubisi - Kathmandu (170 kilometers / 106 miles)

    After breakfast, ride down 24 kilometers to the border of Nepal and Tibet. Here the porters will transfer the luggage to the Nepal side and you will bid farewell to your guide and driver from Tibet. Complete the Chinese Immigration and then cross the small makeshift bridge and enter Rasuwagadhi, Nepal. Here, you will be met by representatives from Nepal to assist and complete Nepal Customs and Immigration. Overnight at hotel.

15. Day 15 - Leisure day in Kathmandu

    Today you will be handed back your motorcycles followed by a free day at leisure to explore around the town for the souvenir shopping before a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at hotel.

16. Day 16 - Final departure

    Today, you will have free time in the morning and by afternoon or evening, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to home, three hours prior to your flight time.

Ride Details

Terrain

asphalt

Bike

rental (Royal Enfield 500cc or Himalayan 411cc)

Mileage

2000 kilometers / 1243 miles

Daily mileage

182 kilometers / 113 miles

Riding gear

not included: personal gears and clothing for motorbike ride like safety helmet, gloves, glass, jackets, etc

Meals

all breakfasts

Accommodation

You will be accommodated at a three-star hotel on twin sharing basis in Kathmandu with breakfast for three nights. During your stay in Tibet, you will be accommodated at three-star standard hotels or guest houses on a twin sharing basis.