South of the Clouds Motorcycle Tour to Yunnan, Dali & Shaxi

Q: What is the currency in China?

I n China, the currency is the CNY (Chinese Renminbi). The exchange rate is around 1€ to 7.56 CNY (as of 05/2020). The CNY is not a freely convertible currency, so you cannot get it at every bank in Europe. The exchange rate, which is determined by the Bank of China, can be observed under the following link: http://www.boc.cn/sourcedb/whpj/enindex.html However, we recommend withdrawing a larger amount of CNY from an ATM with all major credit cards or debit cards after arriving in China. Our on-site tour guide is happy to help. Due to the often very poor exchange rate for the CNY in Europe, it is not worthwhile to exchange significant amounts of CNY in Europe. There are also many ATMs in Lhasa where you can withdraw money. Our experience shows that the majority of our participants spend around 20€ a day.

Riding up the Yangtze and Mekong to the Tibetan Himalayas

Our South of the Clouds motorcycle tour has been our most popular China motorcycle adventure since 2016. We have now redesigned it from the ground up, adding new panoramic mountain passes and remote backroads to create an even more exciting and varied Yunnan motorbike route through regions previously untouched by tourism. This journey includes some of the most dramatic highlights and best motorcycling roads in southwestern China. China is a vast country — roughly the size of the United States — ranging from immense deserts and grasslands to the towering peaks of the Himalayas and the bustling megacities of the east coast.

According to the travel guide publisher Lonely Planet, if you could visit only one province in China, Yunnan would be the obvious choice. Yunnan means “south of the clouds,” and from the perspective of Beijing, it lies at the distant southwestern edge of the country. Here you can still experience the authentic, traditional China that existed before rapid industrialisation — a compelling blend of pristine landscapes, minority cultures and ancient mountain trade routes.

The scenic richness, biodiversity and spectacular panoramic roads of Yunnan have impressed not only the Lonely Planet authors, but us as well — so much so that we established our first motorcycle office in Shangri-La over a decade ago. The landscape along this Yunnan motorcycle tour is so varied that riding through it feels like crossing an entire continent in just two weeks.

Yunnan borders Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam — a region defined by high Himalayan foothills, deep gorges and breathtaking rice terraces. The mighty Yangtze and Mekong rivers originate here, carving dramatic valleys through subtropical forests and alpine plateaus. The many ethnic minorities of Yunnan — from Naxi to Yi, Lisu, Mosu and Tibetans — have preserved their own distinct languages, traditions and spiritual practices. This cultural and geographic diversity forms a central part of the experience. The province’s highest point is the sacred Tibetan peak Kawa Karpo (6,740 m), while its lowest lies beside the Mekong at only 470 meters. Between these extremes, riders can expect endless twisty mountain roads, cultural highlights, ancient towns, fantastic regional cuisine and plenty of adrenaline along the way.

Our China motorcycle tour begins in the legendary town of Shangri-La, part of the Tibetan cultural regions in southwestern China. Shangri-La sits in a wide high-altitude valley surrounded by yak pastures and the first mountain ranges of the Himalayas. From here, we enter Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges on Earth, framed by towering cliffs and a majestic 5,500-meter mountain chain. We then follow the Yangtze westward on a remote mountain road to a tiny stone village built high on a cliff — once a safe haven from marauding river pirates. After crossing a nearly 4,000-meter pass, we reach the turquoise Lugu Lake, surrounded by evergreen forest and home to the Mosu people.

Arriving in Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage old town at 2,600 meters, we have time to wander through its charming alleys, relax in small teahouses, or admire views of the towering Jade Dragon Snow Mountain that rises dramatically behind the valley. From there, we descend once again to the Yangtze, riding into a warm subtropical region where wheat fields give way to banana groves and tea plantations. Continuing along the Yangtze, we reach Dali, once the capital of an ancient kingdom and a major hub on the historic Tea Horse Road, which linked China with Myanmar and India. Dali lies between the 42-kilometre-long Erhai Lake and the 4,000-meter Cangshan Mountains. The following day is all about discovering the city at our own pace. We have many options such as visiting ancient and iconic monuments, the city’s majestic gates showcasing traditional architecture shaped by Feng Shui philosophy and much more.

We then climb the Cangshan mountains the following day and continue to the Salween (Nujiang) River, which rises in a remote corner of the Himalayas before flowing south into Myanmar. Following the river’s endless curves northward, we approach the Tibetan border and traverse a nameless high pass before descending into the upper Mekong gorge deep in the Himalayas. This region, inhabited primarily by Tibetans, offers rugged, moon-like landscapes and dramatic canyons. We stop in a green oasis hidden in a side valley and spend the night in a traditional Tibetan farmhouse, enjoying a rare insight into the daily life and culture of local families. The next day we explore the upper Mekong, the last of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan — the Yangtze, Salween and Mekong — a UNESCO World Heritage nature reserve.

On the final riding day, we approach the highest and most spectacular stage of the journey, we ride narrow tracks and mountain gorges with incredible views of Kawa Karpo (6,740 m) before reaching the Mingyong Glacier, descending directly from the mountain’s summit. On our way back to Shangri-La, over hundreds of bends, we ascend the Pass of the White Horse — the highest point of the tour at 4,292 meters — before descending back into Shangri-La, arriving at the alleyways of the beautifully preserved wooden old town of Dukezong.

If you want to experience the authentic Middle Kingdom — far from crowded cities and standard tourist highlights — and explore a region of extraordinary natural beauty and cultural depth, this China motorcycle tour is for you. Join us and discover a side of China few travellers have ever seen.

I had …

… a lot of fun on the tour. We got along well within the group and the guides were also very nice. The tour was very well organized.

Anton P.

Motorcycle Tour

A beautiful tour through deep gorges and over huge mountains. The tour offered a breathtaking view which I will remember for a long time. The roads were very well paved and were great to ride.

Hannah E.

5 Stars

It is truly a discovery tour. There was something new every day and we never got bored on the tour. Thanks to Tibetmoto for the good organization.

Alfred H.

Highlights South of the Clouds

The entirely wooden old town of Shangri-La, home to the world’s largest Tibetan prayer wheel and a gateway to the Himalayas.
The Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan — the Yangtze, Salween and Mekong — a UNESCO World Heritage nature reserve of extreme biodiversity and dramatic mountain landscapes.
The remote Tibetan regions of northern Yunnan, where high-altitude valleys, monasteries and snow-capped Himalayan peaks create one of China’s most striking cultural areas.
A spectacular route along the Salween River near the Myanmar border, including the high pass linking the Salween valley to the upper Mekong.
An overnight stay with a local Tibetan family in a small village overlooking the Mekong, offering a rare glimpse into traditional rural Tibetan life.
The UNESCO World Heritage town of Lijiang, framed by the 5,500-meter Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Shan), one of the most famous landmarks in Yunnan.
The most picturesque Ancient city in Yunnan – Dali. Known for its natural beauty, including the scenic Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake, as well as its rich history, architecture, and culture, Dali has an abundance of attractions to explore.
The majestic headwaters of the Mekong River and sweeping views of the sacred Kawa Karpo (6,740 m), one of the highest and most revered mountains in the eastern Himalayas.
The legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest canyons, with vertical cliffs rising more than 3,000 meters above the upper Yangtze.
The high-altitude Pass of the White Horse (4,292 m), the highest and most panoramic mountain crossing of the tour.
A rustic cliff-side village hidden deep within the dramatic Yangtze gorges, reachable only by a remote mountain road.
The turquoise Lugu Lake, surrounded by alpine forests and the homelands of the Lisu, Mosu and Yi ethnic minorities.
Riding sections of the historic Tea Horse Road, the ancient trade route connecting Yunnan with Tibet, Burma and India — one of Asia’s most storied caravan paths.

The route is mostly well-maintained and paved. Two-lane roads alternate with small, sometimes single-lane mountain roads. Drivers should be accustomed to safely navigating hairpin turns and narrow, quickly changing curves. Highways are not taken.

No off-road sections. Gravel roads are only taken in exceptional situations or due to road construction. Occasional potholes, dirt on the road and in curves cannot be ruled out.

Including breaks, photo stops, and sightseeing, but excluding a lunch break, which lasts about one hour. On regular days, we start in between 8-9am and arrive at the tour hotel in the afternoon. Average times: Approximately 6-7 hours per day

2026
14.11. – 27.11.

2027
13.11. – 26.11.

CF Moto 450 MT: 2.990€
CF Moto 450 CLC: 2.990€
BMW G310GS: 2.990€
CF Moto 800 MT: 3.490€
CF Moto 800MT-X: 3.490€
BMW F800GS: 3.490€
Pillion: 2.490€
Single Room: +390€

12 days / 11 nights / 9 riding days

Overnight stays in selected mid-range hotels and guesthouses. Bathrooms always en-suite.

South of the Clouds Motorcycle Tour – Media Library

Tibetmoto Tours …

… has put together a very nice tour with a lot of variety, huge gorges and wide mountain views. The tour was a lot of fun in the group and I’m already looking forward to the next tour with Tibetmoto!

Mark B.

The bikes …

… were very easy to ride on the tour. The winding roads in the gorge and on the mountains were easy for an experienced driver like me and were a lot of fun. For that alone I would book the tour again.

Winfired W.

It’s been …

… a long time since I found such a well-organized tour as this one. The many highlights, such as the city of Lijiang or the deep Tiger Leaping Gorge, were just as worth seeing as the biggest prayer wheel in the world in Shangri-La. But my personal highlight was spending the night with a Tibetan family. Excellent!

Hagen F.

South of the Clouds Yunnan Motorcycle Tour – Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Shangri-La

Our China motorcycle tour begins in Shangri-La, located at 3,300 meters in the southeastern foothills of the Tibetan Himalayas in Yunnan Province. The name Shangri-La comes from ancient Tibetan legends describing a hidden Himalayan valley where there is no aging, no illness and no suffering — a place of eternal peace, harmony and spiritual purity. This mystical idea became known worldwide after English novelist James Hilton depicted Shangri-La in his 1933 classic Lost Horizon.

Shangri-La is easily accessible by domestic flights from Chengdu, Kunming and other major Chinese cities. Alternatively, you may fly into Lijiang Airport; from there, we will arrange your private transfer to the hotel in Shangri-La. Please note that the drive from Lijiang to Shangri-La takes approximately two hours by taxi or private car.After settling into the hotel, we gather for a relaxed welcome dinner in a traditional Tibetan restaurant, enjoying regional specialties and excellent local beer — the perfect start to our Shangri-La motorcycle adventure and an opportunity to get to know your fellow riders.

After settling into the hotel, we gather for a relaxed welcome dinner in a traditional Tibetan restaurant, enjoying regional specialties and excellent local beer — the perfect start to our Shangri-La motorcycle adventure and an opportunity to get to know your fellow riders.

Day 2: Into one of the world’s deepest gorges

From Shangri-La, we ride through broad grasslands dotted with grazing yaks and continue into evergreen forests toward a 3,700-meter mountain pass. The landscape gradually shifts as we enter the traditional regions of the Naxi and Lisu minorities, where many families still live in simple wooden houses that reflect centuries-old rural life. The winding mountain road, filled with switchbacks and sweeping bends, leads us to the White Water Terraces, where lime-rich water from a sacred spring forms striking white pools cascading down the hillside.

We soon reach the foothills of the 5,396-meter Haba Snow Mountain, its snow-covered peak rising sharply above the valley. From here, a long descent takes us into the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest river canyons on earth. As we drop to around 1,900 meters, the cool mountain air gives way to a warm, subtropical climate — banana trees, cacti and lush vegetation suddenly appear along the roadside. Towering above us is the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain massif, with cliffs soaring nearly 3,000 meters straight up from the river, creating an unforgettable, almost unreal panorama. The narrow cliff-hugging road, not secured by crash barriers, winds along sheer rock walls and offers constant views into the roaring gorge below.

In the early afternoon, after settling into our guesthouse, we take an optional hike down to the legendary Tiger Leaping Stone, reached by a small suspension bridge over the thundering Yangtze. The steep ladders on the return climb add a touch of adventure to the experience. Those who prefer a quieter afternoon can simply relax and decompress with a cool beer on the terrace and take in the dramatic scenery.

Tonight, we stay in a cozy guesthouse inside Tiger Leaping Gorge, surrounded by some of the most breathtaking canyon landscapes in China.

Distance covered: approx. 190 km

Day 3: Onwards through the cliff village at the Yangtze to the fantastic alpine Lugu Lake

The cliff village we visit today was founded in the 7th century atop an almost inaccessible rock ledge, chosen for its natural defences against plundering Tibetan raiders and river pirates. From this extraordinary perch, we enjoy sweeping views of the shimmering bluish-green Yangtze River and the narrow canyon it carves through the mountains. Reaching the village is a true highlight of the tour: the route winds through tiny remote hamlets, where rural Naxi life continues largely unchanged, and follows narrow country lanes that alternate with steep, single-lane mountain roads.

By late morning, we tackle an exciting descent along a rugged track leading down to the Yangtze itself, surrounded by dramatic cliff walls and deep valley scenery. The final approach into the stone village feels like stepping back in time.
We experience the warm hospitality of the local Naxi people with a lunch stop in the village before we continue riding along the upper Yangtze River, crossing it via a spectacular bridge and ascending toward a nearly 4,000-meter mountain pass. The entire afternoon unfolds on quiet, virtually deserted alpine roads — a paradise for motorcyclists. Long sweeping bends and high viewpoints offer constant panoramas of deep valleys, rugged peaks and dramatic highland landscapes.

By late afternoon, we reach Lugu Lake, set at an altitude of 2,700 meters and surrounded by dense evergreen forests. Its clear, turquoise waters and serene mountain backdrop create one of the most picturesque overnight stops of the tour. We stay near the lakeshore with beautiful views of the water, and small wooden rowboats are available for those who wish to explore the lake’s islands.

This region is home to the Mosu people, one of the last matriarchal societies in the world, known for their unique cultural traditions and lakeside villages. The shoreline is dotted with small Buddhist temples, tranquil walking paths and several short sandy beaches — a perfect place to unwind after a full day on the mountain roads.

Distance covered: approx. 290 km

Day 4: The Jade Dragon Snow mountain and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lijiang

Today’s ride takes us from the high-altitude shores of Lugu Lake, surrounded by alpine forests and the lands of the Mosu and Yi minorities, down through a dramatic series of valleys and rolling mountain landscapes toward Lijiang. The route offers flowing bends, sweeping viewpoints, and constant changes in elevation as we descend from nearly 2,700 meters into the warmer, subtropical foothills.

We arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Lijiang with plenty of time to park our bikes and decompress before wandering through its charming alleys, relaxing in small teahouses, or admiring views of the towering Jade Dragon Snow Mountain that rises dramatically behind the valley. We will also have the option to visit the iconic Black Dragon Pool – a landmark of Southwestern China.

In the evening, Lijiang’s many small bars and teahouses compete for our attention, inviting us to enjoy local drinks and the lively yet relaxed atmosphere of this UNESCO-listed mountain town.

Distance covered: approx. 220 km

Day 5: The Nanzhao Kingdom near Dali

We begin the day riding across the wide Lijiang plateau, enjoying open views before descending toward the banks of the upper Yangtze River. Soon we are cruising along quiet rural backroads with very little traffic, winding through small banana groves and tea plantations tended by local farmers — a wonderfully relaxed stretch of our Yunnan motorcycle tour.

In the afternoon, we reach a charming old town near the 42-kilometer-long Erhai Lake, whose elongated shape has earned it the nickname “ear lake.” From above, and with a bit of imagination, it really does resemble an ear set between the mountains.

We end our day with a short ride into Dali, the former capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom, beautifully situated on the western shore of Erhai at an altitude of 2,200 meters. The town is framed by the eleven rugged 4,100-meter peaks of the Cangshan Mountains, creating a dramatic natural backdrop.

Distance covered: Approx. 290 km

Day 6: Sightseeing in Dali

Today is all about exploring Dali, also known as the Most Romantic Ancient Town in China. In the morning, we have the optional excursion to the ancient Chonsheng Three Pagodas, a 1,200-year-old Buddhist temple complex, followed by lunch nearby. We then have a free afternoon where you have the opportunity to enjoy your time at your leisure. You can stroll through the Dali Ancient Town and visit the majestic city gates showcasing beautiful traditional architecture shaped by Feng Shui philosophy, or take the cable car up to Cangshan Mountain, or simply ditch the map and wander around. With a multitude of things to see and do, Dali is the perfect place to enjoy your own style of sightseeing and make the most of your rest day.

In the evening, we reconvene and have dinner together, sharing our experiences and delving into tomorrow’s adventure.

Day 7: Following the Tea Horse road to Shaxi

The remote mountain road leading to Shaxi is wonderfully twisty and scenic, taking us past small rural villages and colorful rice and grain fields. Our ride continues to Shibaoshan — the “Stone Treasure Mountain” — home to some of the oldest stone carvings in southern China. These ancient sculptures and impressive Taoist temples carved directly into the cliffs show how prosperous, well-connected and culturally significant this region already was more than 1,200 years ago.

Shaxi is a beautifully preserved historic town along the ancient Tea Horse Road, the legendary trade route that once linked China with Myanmar and India. Chinese merchants traded silk, while traders from the south transported tea over high Himalayan passes, forming one of the most important caravan networks in Asia. Much of that history is still visible today: Shaxi’s wooden old town, the graceful arched stone bridge, and the central village square with its traditional wooden theatre stage all reflect centuries of cultural exchange. We take a walk through the old town and visit a beautifully preserved Qing Dynasty courtyard house, offering a glimpse into the region’s architectural heritage.

Distance covered: approx. 210 km

Day 8: Into the Salween valley

Today we ride toward one of the most remote and dramatic regions of our journey. In the afternoon, we reach the mighty Salween River — known in China as the Nu Jiang — a 2,815-kilometer river that cuts through some of the steepest and wildest gorges in Asia. The road follows the river closely, winding through towering canyon walls and rugged mountains as the Salween rushes south from the Tibetan Himalayas toward Myanmar, Thailand and eventually the Andaman Sea. The landscape becomes increasingly raw and powerful, offering a taste of true expedition riding deep in southwestern China.

Distance covered: approx. 300 km

Day 9: Riding along the Salween in the Tibetan Himalayas

We continue following the Salween River northward, riding parallel to the Myanmar border through a landscape of steep cliffs, narrow valleys and powerful river currents. Along the way, we make several scenic photo stops, with plenty of opportunities to take in the raw beauty of the Tibetan Himalayan foothills. Today’s highlight is the spectacular view of the first great loop of the Salween, where the river bends dramatically as it drops from the high plateau toward the lowlands. As we ride, the road gradually gains altitude, and by the end of the day we are back at nearly 2,000 meters — deep in the mountains and very close to the Tibetan border.

Distance covered: approx. 290 km

The gorges of the Yangtze River in Tibet

Day 10: Visiting a Tibetan family on the Mekong

Today we cross a remote, nameless 3,870-meter pass that links the Salween valley with the Mekong gorge. This region belongs to the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan — the Yangtze, Salween and Mekong — a vast nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic topography and exceptional biodiversity.

The road across the pass is brand new. Some sections are not completely paved, adding a touch of adventure to the ride. The descent is breathtaking, offering sweeping views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks and rugged mountain faces. On the far side of the pass, we enter the spectacular gorges of the upper Mekong, where the landscape becomes steeper, narrower and more intensely Tibetan.

In a small riverside village shaded by ancient walnut trees, a local Tibetan family welcomes us into their traditional farmhouse — a genuine highlight of the tour. Nestled in a lush green oasis, the home offers warm hospitality, regional dishes and even homemade wheat brandy and red wine for dinner.

From the rooftop terrace, we enjoy unforgettable views of Kawa Karpo (6,740 m), one of the most sacred and imposing peaks in the eastern Himalayas. A short walk to a saddle above the village provides another sweeping vantage point over the Mekong and the surrounding mountains. The time spent with our hosts offers unique insight into everyday Tibetan life and culture — an experience you simply cannot find anywhere else.

Distance covered: approx. 140 km

Day 11: The Mekong, Kawa Karpo & The Pass of The White Horse

On our final day riding back towards Shangri-La, lots of experiences still await us.

Today, we approach one of the absolute highlights of the entire journey. Riding along remote tracks and through narrow Himalayan gorges, we enjoy ever-changing views of Kawa Karpo — the awe-inspiring 6,740-meter peak revered as the “king” of the eastern Himalayas. The mountain dominates the skyline as we travel deeper into the upper Mekong region, and before long we reach the impressive Mingyong Glacier, which descends directly from Kawa Karpo’s summit. Our team knows the best, largely uncharted routes in this remote area, giving us extraordinary vantage points that few visitors ever experience.

Kawa Karpo is one of the three most sacred mountains in Tibetan Buddhism. In special pilgrimage years, thousands of Tibetans journey here to circumambulate the mountain on an arduous, week-long kora — one of the most demanding and spiritually significant treks in the Himalayas.

After taking in the glacier and its sacred surroundings, we continue riding through the high mountains toward the Pass of the White Horse — at 4,292 meters, the highest pass of the entire tour. The road offers hundreds of sweeping bends and dramatic Himalayan scenery. On the descent, we stop at a remote Buddhist monastery hidden deep in the mountains, a peaceful final encounter with Tibetan culture.

Our journey concludes as we return to Shangri-La, rolling back into the atmospheric wooden alleys of Dukezong Old Town, where our Himalayan adventure first began.

Distance covered: approx. 320 km

Day 12: Goodbye, and have a safe trip home!

Today, we organise your transfer to the airport — either in Shangri-La or Lijiang, depending on your onward travel plans. With unforgettable memories of Himalayan passes, ancient towns and remote river valleys, it’s time to say goodbye and begin your journey home.

Your Most Unforgettable Motorcycle Adventure is just a Click away

Book your Tour now! South of the Clouds Yunnan Motorcycle Tour

Since our tours get filled up fast, please book the South of the Clouds Motorcycle Tour to Yunnan, Dali, Shaxi and Tibetan Himalayas now to avoid disappointment.

Our Next available tours are as follows:

2026

14.11. – 25.11.

2027
13.11. – 24.11.

Book Now

Included Services

English-speaking guide on their own motorcycle
English-speaking licensed Tibet guide
Mechanic service throughout the journey
Support vehicle for luggage and passenger
All overnight stays in selected mid-range hotels and guesthouses
Motorcycle of your choice, partial comprehensive insurance with deductible
Gasoline for the motorcycle, wear parts
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, mineral water throughout the tour, soft drinks with meals
All entrance fees to attractions noted in the tour itinerary (except for the free afternoon in Dali)
All Airport transfers

Excluded Services

Domestic and International flights
Alcoholic drinks
Gratuities (optional)

Questions & Answers

B: China General

Will every tour take place exactly as described in the tour itinerary?Anne2021-01-08T23:13:47+01:00

Will every tour take place exactly as described in the tour itinerary?

All our itineraries give you a good overview what you will experience and discover when booking with tibetmoto. The itineraries are nevertheless best understood if they are seen as a suggestion rather than as a 100% planned and a thousand times done way of traveling. We like to keep every tour, every adventure, every trip unique and special. We are proud to say that we have never done a trip two times exactly the same way. Our team does not like to offer mainstream tourism tours, and we believe that people enjoy their time best when they have freedom and possibilities to choose from. Freedom and flexibility are very good ingredients to cook an exceptional discovery or adventure, to meet unusual people and visit off-the-beaten-track places.

How does camp life look like on expeditions?Anne2020-11-12T18:02:03+01:00

How does camp life look like on expeditions?

After arriving at the camp ground we pitch up the tents, our team will set up the mobile kitchen, the electricity generator is being started and we can think of having a cold beer. All supplies and the luggage is carried by our supply truck. We do not have always pre-chosen camp grounds which are always frequented by us, since every expedition is different. Depending on the time in the afternoon we start looking for “the perfect spot”. Perfect spots have a water source such as a river or a lake and a flat piece of land for the tents. Some spots we use more frequently since they are so perfect that the location is hard to beat. Camping together with nomads offers an opportunity to experience their way of live, culture and habits. Sitting in the evening together in a nomad tent somewhere on the Tibetan grassland and listening to Tibetan nomads` songs is a truly genuine experience.

Dinner is being served in a large dining tent where we have tables and chairs to comfortably sit together, eat and drink. The separate, smaller, sleeping tents are designed to accommodate each two people, but if you choose the “single room” option (you will find that option below each expedition itinerary) you will have your own tent. Our tents are army tents where you can almost stand upright. The sleeping “hard wear” is a foldable army field bed, which puts your body about knee height away from the ground. We provide you with the entire hard wear, plus blankets and insulation mats. The only item you should bring along is your personal sleeping bag. If you don´t want to bring your sleeping bag all the way to China we can provide you with a new sleeping bag for a reasonable price.

Which documents do I need?Anne2020-11-11T22:35:03+01:00

Which documents do I need?

You will need your passport, a pass picture, 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.

We also need a scan of the Chinese visa six weeks before the tour starts.

All scanned documents should be sent to us on an A4 sheet of original size

What can I expect from an overnight stay with a tibetan host family?Anne2020-11-12T18:01:15+01:00

What can I expect from an overnight stay with a tibetan host family?

A home stay is an opportunity to get access into another culture by joining the host family for dinner and breakfast and sleep under their roof, as their guest. Most families live together in a several generation house, from children to old grandparents. A lot of home stays are semi-farms with at least a few cattle such as chicken and cows around the house. Often are fields attached where family member go to work after breakfast. Here, local family and work life can be experienced as it is instead of “only” observing it from the outside.
We believe that joining a home stay is on of the best ways to get in touch which what surrounds you in a foreign country.

How well do I have to be able to ride a motorcycle?Anne2020-11-11T21:59:51+01:00

How well do I have to be able to ride a motorcycle?

You should be able to ride a motorcycle safely, especially on winding mountain roads. An uncertainty is common, but you quickly get used to the local traffic. Our tour guide will give the group useful and good tips on riding in China. Before the start of the Tibet and China Motorcycle Tour, there will be an introduction to road traffic behavior.

Do I need a driving license?Anne2020-11-11T21:57:31+01:00

Do I need a driving license?

For the Tibet and China motorcycle tour you need a valid national and international driver’s license.

What is the currency in China?Anne2020-11-11T21:56:01+01:00

What is the currency in China?

In China, the currency is the CNY (Chinese Renminbi). The exchange rate is around 1€ to 7.56 CNY (as of 05/2020). The CNY is not a freely convertible currency, so you cannot get it at every bank in Europe. The exchange rate, which is determined by the Bank of China, can be observed under the following link: http://www.boc.cn/sourcedb/whpj/enindex.html

However, we recommend withdrawing a larger amount of CNY from an ATM with all major credit cards or debit cards after arriving in China. Our on-site tour guide is happy to help. Due to the often very poor exchange rate for the CNY in Europe, it is not worthwhile to exchange significant amounts of CNY in Europe. There are also many ATMs in Lhasa where you can withdraw money. Our experience shows that the majority of our participants spend around 20€ a day.

What about my luggage? Where can I transport it?Anne2020-11-11T21:51:45+01:00

What about my luggage? Where can I transport it?

The luggage will be transported in the support vehicle. Don’t forget that on domestic flights, the pastries usually cannot exceed 20 kg!

What clothes should I pack?Anne2020-11-11T22:26:29+01:00

What clothes should I pack?

For a motorcycle tour you should bring motorcycle clothing including a helmet. Of course you also should pack warm clothing (as layers or as undersuit). It can get cold! You should also bring gloves and a rain suit.

How is the Road Condition?Anne2020-11-11T21:45:13+01:00

How is the Road Condition?

The roads on the motorcycle tour are mostly paved (with a few exceptions). Due to the new asphalting of road sections, it can temporarily lead to a poor condition of the road. The paved roads are mostly in good condition. However, there may be isolated potholes or gravel lying on the ground. The route on the motorcycle tour also includes sections with new asphalt, on which you can enjoy European standards or even better. These routes are wonderful to ride! Due to moisture and the difficult to see oil or diesel traces, however, extreme caution is always required!

What is the deposit for renting a motorcycle?Anne2020-11-11T21:42:45+01:00

What is the deposit for renting a motorcycle?

Deposit for a rental motorcycle (partial cover):

The following cash deposits are required:

Shineray X5 400: EUR 500
BMW G 310 GS: EUR 1,000
BMW F 800 GS: EUR 1,500

If the participant/motorcyclist causes damage during the Tibet motorcycle tour, the deposit is the maximum amount.

Do I need a chinese visa?Anne2024-09-15T11:54:27+02:00

Do I need a chinese visa?

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