Trans Tibet Motorcycle Tour – Everest Base Camp2024-10-20T13:42:14+02:00

I give 5 stars …

… for a successful tour in Tibet. I actually wanted to travel to Tibet with my own car, but riding a motorcycle made it a unique experience.

Dieter S.

Everest Base Camp Motorcycle Tour – A Trans Tibet Motorbike Adventure

Discover the spectacular highlights of the Roof of the World, Tibet’s ancient culture and mystical religion! This Tibet motorcycle tour will take you along twisty mountain roads to Everest Base Camp, the Tibetan high plateaus, snow-capped Himalayan peaks, the steppes and hills of Tibetan nomads, the sacred turquoise-blue Namtso and Yamdrok salt lakes, and to spiritual hermitages and meditation caves deep in the Himalayas. Our Tibet bike tour tackles winding passes at altitudes of more than 5,000 meters, visits the most important Tibetan monasteries and monuments, and explores half-forgotten places. The views of 8,848-meter Everest – and spending the night at Rongbuk Monastery with a view of this veritable king of mountains – are highlights of a bucket-list adventure you’ll never forget.

Our motorcycle ride to Everest Base Camp starts in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. From there, we’ll take a domestic flight to Lhasa. We’ll visit Lhasa’s iconic Potala Palace in Lhasa, the former residence of the Dalai Lama, as well as the traditional Barkhor Market in the old town, the Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery and other highlights of the capital of Tibet. Once we’re acclimatized, we’ll set out on our motorcycles to the south along the Yarlung Tsangpo River to the first fortress of Tibet. The shore of the holy Yamdrok salt lake and the 5,100-meter Karo La glacier pass await us next. Riding the Friendship Highway and tiny side roads and valleys, we’ll reach Tingri, starting point of every trip to Everest.

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A 5,269-meter pass will bring us to the “road of 108 bends” – one of the most spectacular panoramic roads in the world, with views of Everest and four other mighty 8,000-meter peaks. We’ll spend the night at Rongbuk Monastery at an altitude of 4,900 meters and savor the sunset and sunrise views of Everest – a magical experience in the crisp mountain air. With a bit of luck, Milky Way panoramas await you at night. The following day, our journey takes us to Gyatso La pass, at 5,220 meters, and through remote areas on our way to Tingri and Xigatze. There, we’ll visit the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and enjoy the amenities of the town before riding along wheat fields, small villages, and alpine backcountry to ascend the highest pass of the journey – and one of the highest drivable passes in the world – Suge La at 5,453 meters. Our Tibet Everest Base Camp motorcycle ride ends in Lhasa on the next day, after another night in Lhasa.

Join us and experience the unique highlights of Tibet and the unforgettable ride to Everest Base Camp at the very best time of year.

The Mt. Everest …

… was incredible! Also the way there with its endless curves was great. Exploring Tibet on a motorcycle is one of my most beautiful adventures that I have experienced so far.

Inge W.

Lhasa is …

… an incredible city. The Dalai Lama’s residence is impressive. But the roads are great too. The bikes run flawlessly and we were able to embark on a new adventure every day. Thank you Tibetmoto Tours for the good organization.

Adrian V.

Our guides …

… showed us the most beautiful places in Tibet. The ride to Mt. Everest with its many winding roads was one of my highlights on the tour. I can only warmly recommend the tour to everyone who would like to get to know a country on a motorcycle!

Peter K.

Everest Base Camp Motorcycle Tour Highlights:

All of the scenic and cultural must-sees of Tibet:

  • Sightseeing in Lhasa, including Barkhor Market, Potala Palace – the former residence of the Dalai Lama – and Jokhang, the holiest temple of the Tibetans, as well as the Sera Monastery
  • The Yerpa Hermitage & the spectacular Ganden Monastery at 4,300 meters
  • The gentle landscapes and winding mountain roads of the Yamdrok River east of Lhasa
  • Samye Monastery and the oldest fortress of Tibet, Yumbulakhang
  • The highest mountains on the planet: spectacular views of Cho Oyo (8,201 m), Shisha Pangma (8,012 m), Lhotse (8,561 m), Makalu (8,463 m) and of course Everest (8,848 m).
  • The 108 curves and serpentines of the ride to Everest Base Camp
  • A night at Rongbuk Monastery at the foot of Mount Everest at an altitude of 4,900 meters, close to Everest Base Camp
  • Yamdrok Lake & the 4,900-meter panoramic pass overlooking it
  • The 5,220-meter Gyatso La pass, 5,100-meter Karo La pass and its imposing glacier
  • Palcho Monastery with the largest pagoda in Tibet, Gyangze Fortress and the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery near Xigaze
  • Namtso Lake, one of the largest Himalayan salt lakes of Tibet, at 4,718 meters
  • The beautiful countryside between Xigaze and Natmso Lake, with pastures and farms at over 4,000 meters
  • New in our program: The 5,453-meter-high Suge La Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world

We will conquer these Himalayan passes:

Suge La – 5,453m / one of the highest motorable passes in the world
Qomolangma La Pass – 5.269 / the second highest pass of the tour with Everest view
Tso La Pass – 5,248m
Gyatso La Pass – 5,222m / Near Everest Base Camp
La Chen La Pass – 5,190m / on the way to Namtso Lake
Karo La Pass – 5,042m / majestic glacier pass
Duose La Pass – 4,960m
Zhong La Pass – 4,905m
Lhunzub Pass – 4,900m
Kamba La Pass – 4,852m / near Yamdrok Lake

2025
27.04. – 08.05.
11.05. – 22.05.
25.05. – 05.06.
12.10. – 23.10.
26.10. – 06.11.

2026
26.04. – 07.05.
10.05. – 21.05.
30.08. – 10.09.
13.09. – 24.09.

Shineray X5: 3.890€
BMW 310 GS:
4.190€
CF Moto 450MT: 4.190€
BMW 800 GS: 4.490€
CF Moto 800MT: 4.490€
Pillion: 3.350€
Single Room: +590€

12 days / 11 nights / 8 riding days

Accommodation in mid-range hotels and guest houses.

Contact us

Everest Motorbike Tour – Media Library

Tibetmoto …

… has once again surpassed itself with the tour. The ride over high passes with wide views and along fast rivers to azure blue salt lakes was AWESOME. Tibet is a beautiful country that is made for motorcycle tours. Thank you Tibetmoto for the great tour.

Toni A.

The tour …

… was great. We had one great day after another and enjoyed every single minute. Tibetmoto Tours knows what they are doing!

Eberhardt S.

Nice Tour

The organization in advance ran smoothly. The tour was well planned and the guides were very experienced.

Rainer E.

Motorcycle Ride To Everest Base Camp – Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu

We’ll pick you up at the airport and bring you to the hotel. In the evening, we’ll get acquainted over a Chinese dinner featuring local specialties – the delights of Sichuan cuisine.

Day 2: Flight to Lhasa

In the morning, we head to the airport for our flight to Lhasa, situated at 3,600 meters. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel near the historic old town. The Barkhor Market, the heart of the old town and frequented by thousands of pilgrims and locals, is within walking distance. After checking in and taking a break to acclimatize, you can visit the old town and Barkhor Market, as well as the Jokhang Temple, the most important temple for Tibetans. There are also numerous teahouses, temples, and cafes to explore. Take a break and enjoy a free afternoon. Dinner will be at a traditional restaurant in the old town, featuring Tibetan specialties, butter tea, and Lhasa beer.

Fight time: approx. 2 hours

Day 3: Lhasa Visiting Day

In the morning, we will visit the spectacular Potala Palace. The Potala Palace is an architectural masterpiece and one of Tibet’s most famous landmarks. It rises majestically on the Red Mountain and served for centuries as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the political and religious center of Tibet. With its magnificent halls, chapels, and intricately decorated rooms, the palace offers a fascinating insight into Tibetan culture and history.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Sera Monastery. Founded in 1419, the monastery is one of the “Three Great Monasteries” of the Gelug order of Tibetan Buddhism. It is particularly known for the daily debates of the monks, where they deepen their knowledge of Buddhist philosophy and logic. Visitors can witness these lively and intellectually demanding debates in the monastery courtyard. The monastery also impresses with its beautiful murals and numerous sacred buildings.

Day 4: Let´s Roll – First Riding Day

A short drive to the east lies the majestic Ganden Monastery, situated at an altitude of 4,300 meters, offering wonderful views from its circular path. It is one of the most significant and oldest monasteries in Tibet. Perched picturesquely on Wangbur Mountain, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking view of the surrounding valley. The road to the monastery is delightfully winding, giving us a first fantastic impression of the coming days and what awaits us.

Afterwards, we follow the mighty Yarlung Tsangpo River, considered the lifeline of Tibet, and soon leave the main road. Crossing “smaller” passes over 4,500 meters in height, we head to Shannan through a landscape characterized by small villages and agriculture. Here we visit Tibet’s first fortress – Yumbulakhang – which was built on a steep rock.

Distance: approx. 300 km

Day 5: Sacred Yamdrok Lake

A short morning visit to Samye Monastery (optional). From Tsedang, we continue along the Yarlung Tsangpo River towards Yamdrok Lake (4,440 meters), one of Tibet’s sacred lakes. According to local belief, bathing in the lake frees one from negative karma. So, don’t forget your swimsuit! Winding roads with views from a 4,900-meter panoramic pass of the azure blue lake far below make this day a truly special experience. Along the way, we will take individual breaks for photos and panoramic views. We continue to Nagartse, then over the 5,100-meter-high Karo La Pass, which lies directly beneath a massive glacier, until we reach Gyangze. Depending on our arrival time, we will visit the old fortress of Gyangze, which majestically towers over the town. Dinner will be in a cozy Tibetan restaurant in the town center, featuring local specialties.

Distance: approx. 320 km

Day 6: Across the High Plateau

Another highlight is the Buddhist Pelkhor Monastery, built in 1427 and also known as the “Monastery of Ten Thousand Paintings.” With its four floors, 108 chapels, and over 10,000 murals, it is the largest stupa (pagoda) in Tibet.

We leave Gyangze and gain altitude on the Friendship Highway (a country road) towards Sakya. Now we are on the Central Tibetan Plateau, with its farms and small villages. The area around the Sakya Monastery is beautifully situated in a green mountain valley and was once one of the most important places in Tibet. The Mongolian architecture stands out in contrast to other Tibetan monasteries, and the relaxed, non-touristy village life with its small shops and restaurants invites you to take a stroll. The mountain slopes opposite the valley can be hiked, offering numerous temples and hermitages to explore.

Tagesetappe: ca. 240 km

Day 7: Ride to Everest Basecamp

From Sakya, we head south along salt flats before winding our way further up into the Himalayas, where the fabled 8,000-meter peaks and their surrounding valleys come into view. An incredible road with 108 bends and hairpins offers views of Cho Oyo (8,201 m), Shisha Pangma (8,012 m), Lhotse (8,561 m), Makalu (8,463 m) and of course Everest (8,848 m). Some of the tallest mountains on the planet are towering before us – all visible from one of the most thrilling roads in the world on our ride to Everest Base Camp. To reach the monastery, we have to tackle the 5,269-meter high Qomolangma pass.. It’s the end of the line for motorcycles a few kilometers before Rongbuk, and we’ll take a bus for the last leg to the monastery, with its fantastic view of Everest. A great newly build hotel awaits, and many of the rooms open out to the highest mountain in the world. The hotel has a restaurant with a wood-fired stove – a cozy spot in a forbidding wilderness at 4,900 meters. With a bit of luck, there will be views of the Milky Way at night.

Distance: approx. 230 km

Day 8: Across High Passes to Shigatse

In the morning, we can enjoy a beautiful sunrise at Mount Look forward to a beautiful sunrise at Mount Everest. We’ll let the sun drive away the chill before we head out. A busy day of riding will take us back to Shigatse. From Rongbuk Monastery, we’ll take a new route – a challenging track – back to the Friendship Highway. On the road to Shigatse, we’ll cross Gyatso La pass, the third highest of our trip at 5,220 meters, and once again take in the stunning panorama of Tibet. In Shigatse, the second largest town of Tibet, a comfortable hotel awaits. A fortress towers over the alleyways of the old town, and a small market for devotional objects is worth exploring.

Distance: approx. 340 km

Day 9: Visiting Day Shigatse

Today, we’re gearing down! The morning begins leisurely with a visit to the famous Tashilhunpo Monastic University, the largest monastery in Tibet and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. The monastery has three main halls with impressive Buddha statues. You can also spend more time here, letting your soul relax in the monastery grounds and gardens. The afternoon is free, allowing for a visit to the market or the fortress overlooking the city.

Day 10: Deep Blue Namtso Lake & Highest Pass

Early departure. After leaving Shigatse, we take backroads that lead us through beautiful Tibetan landscapes and villages. Then we go over the Suge La Pass, one of the highest drivable passes in the world at 5,453 meters. We reach the village of Damxung, where we leave our motorcycles at the hotel. From here, we take the national park bus to Namtso Lake, as private vehicles are not allowed in the nature reserve.

We then reach the shore of one of the largest lakes in Tibet, located at 4,718 meters, after climbing a 5,100-meter pass. The winding descent and the stunning views of the azure blue lake will make any heart beat faster. We ride along a gravel track on the shore, with fantastic views of the lake and the surrounding, often snow-covered mountain ranges, grazing yaks, small monasteries, meditation caves, and hills waiting to be climbed.

Distance: approx. 330 km

Day 11: Winding Roads to Lhasa

On the way to Lhasa via side roads, we take one last 4,900-meter pass and bid farewell to the endless, otherworldly landscapes of Tibet. In Yerpa, a hermitage on a mountainside, we are granted one last breathtaking view. Here, at 4,500 meters, a panorama of surrounding mountains and valleys unfolds – and one feels very close to enlightenment. One of Tibet’s most famous yogis, Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), meditated here and practiced tantric yoga. Then we arrive in Lhasa. Final dinner and a visit to a bar.

Distance: approx. 330 km

Day 12: Goodbye Tibet

Transfer to the airport and departure from Lhasa in the morning. Flights home can be booked from 7 PM onwards.

Your Most Unforgettable Motorcycle Adventure is just a Click away!

Book your Tour now! Trans Tibet Tour

Since our tours get filled up fast, please book the Trans Tibet Everest Base Camp Motorcycle Tour now to avoid disappointment.

Our Next available tours are as follows:

2025
27.04. – 08.05.
11.05. – 22.05.
25.05. – 05.06.
12.10. – 23.10.
26.10. – 06.11.

2026
26.04. – 07.05.
10.05. – 21.05.
30.08. – 10.09.
13.09. – 24.09.

 
Book now

Included Services

  • English-speaking guide on their own motorcycle
  • English-speaking licensed Tibet guide
  • Domestic flights Chengdu – Lhasa & Lhasa – Chengdu
  • Airport transfers
  • All entrance fees for attractions mentioned in the itinerary
  • Breakfast, lunch snack (Days 2-11), dinner (Days 1-11), mineral water throughout the entire tour, non-alcoholic drinks with meals
  • Gasoline for the motorcycle, wear parts
  • Motorcycle of choice, partial insurance with deductible
  • 11 nights in mid-range local hotels
  • Mechanic service throughout the entire trip
  • Support vehicle for luggage and passengers

Excluded Services

  • International flights
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tips (optional)

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?2024-09-15T11:54:27+02:00

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

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