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The journey
The ultimate Himalayan open-road adventure, this 14-day motorbiking journey combines high-altitude landscapes, legendary overland routes, and the cultural heart of Tibet. Starting from Kathmandu, you travel to the Nepal-Tibet border at Kerung and continue across dramatic plateau roads through Tingri, Lhatze, Shigatse, and Gyantse to Lhasa. Enjoy dedicated sightseeing time in Lhasa before riding onward to Everest Base Camp for a powerful high-altitude finale. Experience Tibetan culture and cuisine during this motorbike tour of Tibet, then return across the plateau to Kerung, followed by a jeep drive back to Kathmandu.
At a glance
Day by day
Drive early in the morning along a scenic route to Kerung Border, the Nepal-Tibet border. Check in to the hotel, or continue the drive to Kerung. Stay overnight at a guest house.
Travel from Kerung through Tingri to Lhatze, covering 260 km. Stay overnight at a guest house.
Travel from Lhatze to Shigatse, with a visit to Shakya Monastery along the way. Stay overnight in Shigatse.
Travel from Shigatse to Gyantse. Stay overnight at a hotel.
Travel from Gyantse to Lhasa, covering 220 km.
Spend the day sightseeing in Lhasa.
Spend the day sightseeing in Lhasa.
Spend the day sightseeing in Lhasa.
Travel from Lhasa to Shigatse, covering 250 km.
Travel from Shigatse to Tingri, covering 315 km.
Travel from Shigatse to Tingri, covering 315 km.
Travel from Tingri to Tashizong and continue to Everest Base Camp, covering 120 km.
Travel from Everest Base Camp to Kerung at the Tibet-Nepal border.
Drive from the Nepal border to Kathmandu by jeep, covering 180 km.
The route
The fine print
Permits & Visas: China/Tibet Group Visa, Tibet Travel Permit, Alien's Travel Permit, and EBC/monastery entry or conservation fees.
Motorcycle & Fuel: Rental of an adventure bike (e.g., Royal Enfield Himalayan or 450cc/500cc equivalent) plus petrol/fuel for the entire riding route.
Support Crew: Professional lead Road Captain, experienced local Tibetan guide, and a skilled mechanic.
Backup Vehicle: 4WD support jeep or van to carry luggage, spare parts, extra oxygen cylinders, and tired riders.
Accommodation: Twin-sharing hotel or guesthouse stays in Kathmandu and along the Tibet overland route.
Meals: Daily breakfast, plus full-board meals during the remote portions of the Tibet leg depending on the specific operator package.
Transfer/Logistics: Airport/border transfers and exit logistics from Lhasa.
International/Return Airfare: Flights out of Lhasa (e.g., Lhasa to Kathmandu or onward flight) and incoming airfares.
Meals in Hubs: Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and major city stops like Lhasa.
Nepal re-entry visa fee.
Any kind of travel insurance.
Expenses of a personal nature, souvenirs, and meals not specified.
Extra costs in case of landslides, road blockage, hiring porters, and additional transportation.
Photography charges, telephone, internet, laundry, etc.
Tips & gratuities.
The most necessary things to bring are proper paperwork, high-altitude safety gear, and specialized motorcycle protective clothing. Because Tibet sits at a very high elevation, weather changes quickly and it can get freezing cold even in the summer.
The essential packing list is broken down below:
Crucial Documents (The Paperwork) You cannot enter Tibet or ride a bike there without a strict set of legal papers. Most of these must be arranged through an official tour operator ahead of time.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months.
Home Country Driver's License: Plus your International Driving Permit (IDP).
Chinese Visa & Tibet Travel Permit: Essential documents provided by your tour agency.
Temporary Chinese Driving License: Handled by your operator so you can legally ride in China.
Motorcycle Riding Gear You will be riding for 5 to 7 hours daily. You must bring your own protective gear, as tours usually only supply the motorbike.
Full-face helmet: Keeps the cold wind, dust, and rain off your face.
Armored jacket and pants: Waterproof and windproof options are best to protect you from crashes and unpredictable rain.
Waterproof riding gloves: Consider bringing heated gloves or warm winter gloves.
Motorcycle boots: Sturdy, thick boots to protect your feet and ankles.
Layered Clothing (For the Cold) The Tibetan plateau gets extremely cold, so dressing in layers is key.
Thermal inner layers: Long underwear and shirts to trap body heat.
Fleece or down jacket: A warm layer to wear under your riding jacket.
Woolen socks: Keep your toes warm during long morning rides.
Health and High-Altitude Safety Altitude sickness can happen to anyone since Tibet is "the roof of the world."
Altitude medicine: Consult a doctor for pills like Acetazolamide (Diamox).
First aid kit: Pack pain relievers, band-aids, and personal medication.
Sunscreen and lip balm: The sun is incredibly strong at high altitudes, and the air is dry.
Polarized sunglasses: Protect your eyes from intense mountain sunlight.
Personal Electronics and Extras
Power bank: Cold weather drains phone and camera batteries very fast.
Waterproof dry bags/panniers: Keep your extra clothes and electronics dry.
Snacks: Energy bars, chocolates, and dry fruits for quick energy on the road.
Due to the possible altitude problem, you first drive to Lhasa so that you will have enough time for acclimatization and will not have a problem reaching the Advance Base Camp of Everest.
Essential Documents & Permits: Because this tour crosses an international border into the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, paperwork is strict and takes time to process.
Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of the journey.
China Group Tourist Visa: This is a special visa issued in Kathmandu. Regular Chinese individual visas are not valid for entry into Tibet from Nepal.
Tibet Travel Permit: Required for all foreign travelers entering Tibet.
Alien's Travel Permit & Military Permit: Needed to visit restricted areas like Everest Base Camp.
International Driving Permit (IDP): Required along with a home country motorcycle license. A temporary Chinese driving license is usually arranged by the tour operator upon arrival at the border.
Logistics
Your 14 days finish where they began, in Airport.
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