Yunnan Motorcycle Family Friendly – Travel around the most beautiful place in China2024-01-06T11:10:33+01:00

Yunnan Motorcycle Family Friendly –
Travel around the most beautiful place in China

Discover Yunnan and its many landscapes and climates. The most beautiful region of China awaits you for this family trip where one or both of you can/will be able to satisfy their motorcycle passion. A circuit adapted for families and parents. Incredible sensations on the splendid mountain bends, through the Tibetan mountains? Your family comfortably settled in the car and enjoying the breathtaking scenery?…. Today we combine the comfort of a classic and family circuit with the sensations of skiing and adventure you have come to expect so much. No need to choose between motorcycle travel with friends or family travel. Our tour proposes it to you… Come and try the experience with your family: the splendors of Yunnan’s old towns, walks and hikes in the deepest gorges in the world, the discovery of Tibetan territory and so many other experiences await you…

On Request

On Request

12 days / 11 nights

Overnight stays in hotels and guest houses.

You want to change the tour a little bit?
No Problem!

Contact us

Nice Tour

I booked the tour with my son. He really enjoyed it. Thank you Tibetmoto!

Gerd H.

Yunnan Motorcycle Family Friendly – Itinerary

Day 1: Kunming-Dali

Arrival in Kunming. Bus transfer to the train station and continuation of the high-speed flight to Dali. Or with a connecting flight to Dali, Airport or train station transfer to the hotel in the old town of Dali.

Day 2: Dali

Visiting day Dali: Early in the morning (only in good weather) you take the cable car up to the viewing platform of the Cangshan Mountains at an altitude of almost 4,000 metres. Hike back to the Gantong Temple (2-3 hours, easy on paved paths). In between you can take the cable car to shorten the way. In the afternoon we visit the old town and pick up the motorbike.

Day 3: Dali – Shaxi

Drive to Xizhou. In this small old town, 30 kilometres from Dali, the traditional Xizhou Baba (bread) is baked in wood ovens. Short city walk. If you like, you can visit the shore of Lake Erhai on a small peninsula. Drive to Shaxi. The way to Shaxi leads over a remote and winding mountain road, through small villages and along colourful travel and grain fields. Here the original China can be experienced. Shaxi lies like many other places on the historical tea trade road. Even today it reminds of this time. So also the old town completely built of wood, the curved stone bridge over the river and the village square with the theatre stage built of wood. Walk through the old town and visit a traditional backyard house from the time of the Qing Dynasty. In the late afternoon the children can take horses and ride through the village and the adjacent fields – just like the traders of the tea trade route over a hundred years ago.

Day 4: Shaxi – Tacheng

Short drive to Shibaoshan (stone treasure mountain). Here you can see the oldest stone masonry work in southern China, and you get an impression of how prosperous, well connected and important the place was 1200 years ago. There are also important Taoist temples built into a rock face and a monkey colony to visit. Soon we reach Shigu, China’s longest river with 6380 meters and the third longest in the whole world. In Shigu the Yangtze makes its first bend of 170 degrees on its way out of the Himalayas. The wide valley with the meandering river takes the whole panorama as far as the eye can see. Due to the shallow water the armies of Kubilai Khan and the People’s Liberation Army crossed the river on their conquests. We follow the river directly beside the mighty river through floodplain forests and isolated small villages along the riverbank road. In Tacheng there is the option to visit two Tibetan Buddhist mountain monasteries with remote mountain roads. In Tacheng the world of the Tibetans begins, which will be explored in the coming days.

Day 5: Tacheng – Jiabe

We leave the Yangtze and drive into the Mekong Valley. We drive on winding roads along the Mekong from the jungle upstream into the barren, moon-like gorges of the Himalayas. Here a Tibetan family awaits us for dinner in their typical farmhouse, situated in a green oasis in a small village with ancient walnut trees. The roof terrace overlooks Kawa Karpo’s 6,700 metre high peak for a cold beer, while the children can explore the village, the farmhouse and the animals. Above the village there is a small saddle from which you have a spectacular view of the Mekong.

Day 6: Jiabe – Feilaisi – Benzilan

In the morning the fields visit the village. Here you get an impression of how the village community makes a living and what the fertile valley provides.

Drive to Feilaisi. From a viewing platform we can see the Kawa Karpo, the holy mountain of the Tibetans. Then we go up to the 4300m high pass of the White Horse. Behind it lies the important Dunzhuling Monastery. It goes far down to the Yangtze where we enjoy a breathtaking view. Benzilan, the destination of the day, is only 1,900 meters above sea level.

Day 7: Benzilan – Shangri-la

Short drive to Shangri-la, a picturesque town with a beautiful old town at 3,400 metres above sea level. In the afternoon we visit the colorful and with a height of over 20 meters largest prayer wheel of the world. If you want to improve your karma, you can turn the prayer wheel with the locals. But attention: Three times around is minimum! Then we go with strengthened Karma into the old town of Shangri-la to stroll.

In the afternoon we make a detour to Napa Lake. Here, on the grassland shore of the lake, the children can ride a horse or go for a walk. If you want to hike longer over the grassland, you can walk from Da Bao Temple to Shangri-la.

Day 8: Shangri-la – Tiger Leaping Gorges

From Shangri-la, the road winds its way up to 3,700 metres above sea level. We drive through the area of the Naxi and the Lisu, who often live here only in simple wooden huts. Suddenly we reach the Tiger Jump Gorge – one of the deepest gorges in the world. Above the gorge stands the 5,500 meter high Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Range. Smooth cliffs on both sides often rise more than 2,000 meters. The road is not secured by crash barriers and numerous bends lead to the highest point of the gorge. In the early afternoon, after arriving at the guesthouse, we descend on foot into the gorge to the tiger jump rock. The rock is accessible via a wooden suspension bridge and is washed by the raging Yangtze on both sides. Via steep ladders the path leads back to the road and the guesthouse. You can also take the easier, but longer route back as you came.

Attention: This hike is only recommended for people with a good stamina and absolute head for heights – it is not a walk. It goes without saying that good sturdy shoes should be worn. For those who don’t want to or can’t do this to themselves, there is an alternative drive to a panoramic terrace further down in the valley with easier access. However, this terrace is often very well visited by Chinese bus groups. We spend the night in a simple guesthouse in the gorge.

Day 9: Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge

Today the high trail is taken – here you can also rent horses. The 28 bends in the path lead up to the Tiger Jumping Gorge. Overnight in a small guesthouse in the mountains.

Day 10: Tigers Leaping Gorges – Lijiang

In the early afternoon we reach the Baisha near Lijiang, which seems to stand still during this time. Baisha is the less touristic counterpart to Lijiang, the UNESCO World Heritage city and is only 10 kilometres to the north.

Afterwards we go to the old town of Lijiang, where we spend the day and walk through the small and winding alleys to visit the Black Dragon Pool, the landmark of southwest China.

Day 10: Lijiang – Dali

The new motorway takes us quickly back to Dali. Before arrival the Daoist WuWei Kung-Fu Temple is visited. Kung-Fu is still taught there today by monks.

Day 12: Dali

Dali Departure Amount. Transfer to the airport or train station.

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Book your Tour now! Yunnan Motorcycle Family Friendly

Since our tours get filled up fast, please book the Yunnan Motorcycle Family Friendly Tour now to avoid disappointment.

Our Next available tours are as follows:

On Request

 

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Included Services

  • Shineray X5 400/BMW F 800 GS
  • Dinner, Mineral water
  • 11 overnight stays in hotels and inns
  • German tour guide (English speaking) on own motorcycle and/or French Guide
  • Native tour guide (English speaking)
  • Escort vehicle with driver for passengers and baggage
  • Assistance with organising the trip to/from China
  • Assistance with applying for visa to China
  • Spare parts, engine oil
  • Temporary Chinese driving license

Questions & Answers

Will every tour take place exactly as described in the tour itinerary?2021-01-08T23:13:47+01:00

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?2020-11-12T18:02:03+01:00

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.

How is the climate in Tibet?2020-11-11T22:27:20+01:00

The temperature differences between day and night are around 10 degrees or more. Especially in the Himalayan areas it can often get very cool, especially when the sun is not shining. During the travel times of the Tibet motorcycle tour, rain can only occur in exceptional cases. However, you should be prepared for everything and have warm and water-repellent clothing in your luggage.

How are the hotel in Tibet?2020-11-11T22:25:06+01:00

The hotels in which you stay have a decent, but typical three to four star standard. All rooms have a private bathroom, with the exception of the Rongbuk Monastery.

Do I need vaccinations?2020-11-11T22:24:05+01:00

Vaccinations are not required for the Tibet Motorcycle Tour.

Altitude Sickness and Oxygen Supply2020-11-11T22:22:16+01:00

Oxygen:
Starting
from Lhasa we will provide medical oxygen. This can support a person with oxygen for up to 24 hours. Before starting the Tibet Motorcycle Tour, you should also contact a doctor who will prescribe a Diamox. Diamox is a drug that can be taken prophylactically against altitude problems. As a result, groups that take Diamox hardly or not at all experience altitude-related symptoms. For a smooth running of the Tibet Motorcycle Tour, the personal health and well-being of each participant is important. We therefore strongly recommend that you consider taking Diamox.

Which documents do I need?2020-11-11T22:35:03+01:00

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?2020-11-12T18:01:15+01:00

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?2020-11-11T21:59:51+01:00

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?2020-11-11T21:57:31+01:00

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

What is the currency in China?2020-11-11T21:56:01+01:00

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?2020-11-11T21:51:45+01:00

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?2020-11-11T22:26:29+01:00

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?2020-11-11T21:45:13+01:00

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?2020-11-11T21:42:45+01:00

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?2020-11-11T21:39:18+01:00

Entry/Visa:

All participants in the Tibet and China motorcycle tours require a visa to enter China. The passport must be valid for another six months. You have to apply for the visa yourself at a service center, the Chinese embassy or on behalf of an agency. Due to frequent changes in the application procedure, we recommend that you use an agency. This is slightly more expensive than filing your own application, but it saves you a lot of work and time.

We will apply for all of the necessary Tibet permits for the motorcycle tour.

Tour Concept by RC Hendrik

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