Motorcycle trip through Tibet: Lhasa and Kailash

You land in Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan. After a warm welcome at the airport, you will be transferred to our comfortable hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure - we can explore the city on our own or relax from the journey. Chengdu offers a fascinating mix of modern city life and traditional culture waiting to be discovered by you.

Today we need to take care of our driver's licenses. A vision test at the doctor and then a 'briefing' on how to drive in China. After successfully completing these formalities, we have the rest of the day free to further explore Chengdu. A good preparation for our upcoming motorcycle journeys through Tibet.

A short flight takes us early in the morning from Chengdu to Lhasa, the spiritual capital of Tibet. After our arrival and transfer to the hotel, we can explore the old town of Lhasa. A highlight of the day is the visit to the Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple in Tibet and an impressive testament to Tibetan faith. Let's be enchanted by the spiritual atmosphere of this place!

The day is all about acclimatization. We take a leisurely stroll through the old town of Lhasa and visit one of the famous monasteries, such as Sera or Drepung Monastery. In the evening, we can expect a particularly impressive sight: the Potala Palace, majestically illuminated against the night sky. This imposing impression will stay with us for a long time just like the upcoming stages of our motorcycle trips.

A first, not too wild, and only about 70 km long gravel road takes us to the Yarlung Tsangpo River, better known as Brahmaputra. After crossing it, we wind up on the beautifully paved road through countless curves to the Kamba La Pass (4800m). Here, if the weather is right, a dreamlike view of the sacred Yamdrok Lake opens up, which seems to shimmer in all shades of blue. The road leads along the Yamdrok-Tso and with breathtaking views of the 6000ers in the surroundings to Nagartse, where we will have our lunch stop. Afterwards, flanked by 6-7000ers, we first head to the Karo-La (5010m), where a glacier almost reaches down to the road. One of the most impressive riding days of this motorcycle trip ultimately ends in Gyantse.

A day of culture awaits us today. We visit the old town of Gyantse and one of the most impressive buildings in Tibet, the Kumbum Stupa, a three-dimensional mandala and symbol of the Tibetan Buddhist cosmos. Then a short stage to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet, home to the Panchen Lama and the Tashilunpo Monastery. In the afternoon we can dive into the bustling activity of the city and gather our first impressions of the local culture.

We enjoy our breakfast and then visit the Tashilunpo Monastery, the largest active monastery in Tibet and the seat of the Panchen Lama. It presents an impressive collection of temples. Right next to the monastery, we head back to the lunch meeting. Afterwards, we cross the 5000 km mark on the Shanghai - Kathmandu highway and after passing the checkpoint in Lhatse, we wind our way up to the Gyatso Pass. At over 5200 m, it is the highest pass we cross on motorcycles. If we are lucky, we will see Mount Everest and Cho Oyu appear in the distance just before reaching our destination today. In the evening, we reach Shegar, our today's destination of one of the most spectacular motorcycle journeys one can experience.

A highlight of our motorcycle journeys: We plan an early start. In good weather, we have the rare opportunity to see the summit of Everest here - an unforgettable moment for each of us. Shortly after Shegar, we wind our way up to another 5000 m pass before we then twist our way down a road that can be lightly compared to the Stelvio Pass. From the pass, an 8000 m panorama with Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Xishapangma, Cho Oyu and if all goes well, Kanchenjunga presents itself. After reaching the Rongbuk Monastery and the Everest Base Camp, we have time to wait if Everest does not show itself in full splendor before we head back down. In the evening, our hotel offers another chance to catch a glimpse of Everest and Cho Oyu.

From Lao Tingri, we continue our journey to the impressive Lake Manasarovar. Along the way, we pass the beautiful Pelkhu-Tso Lake and experience the vast, unspoiled landscapes of Tibet. We enjoy the tranquility and breathtaking natural scenery that this region has to offer. The first day of riding towards Kailash takes us to Saga (4600 m), where we will spend the night in a simple hotel. Accommodation in this part of Tibet can be quite sparse and it may happen that you have to walk across the courtyard to visit the toilet. Some parts are on gravel on a magnificent route to the deep blue Pelkhu Tso Lake located right next to the main Himalayan range. Along the way, amazing views of the Himalayas unfold.

As if the journey had not already offered enough highlights, today follows another. The Saga Dawa Festival. The largest religious festival in Tibet at the holy site of Tibet. Amid the celebrations at the holy mountain Kailash, we can experience the deep spiritual significance and cultural diversity of Tibet up close. Nothing can compare to the impressions of this day, and it cannot be described. Go there, see it... Thousands of pilgrims, many in traditional clothing, religious rituals, and all just below the sacred Kailash and next to a place for sky burials. Here, body parts are laid out, which are then carried away and consumed by vultures. Literally, feeding the vultures.

From Kailash, we travel to the mystical Kingdom of Guge. We explore sacred sites like Thirtapuri and the ancient Tholing Monastery, embedded in a fascinating landscape. Our journey takes us along the Sutlej Canyons, where, with a bit of weather luck, we can enjoy a breathtaking view over the canyon all the way to the Indian Himalayas with the holy mountain Nanda Devi (7816 m) to Zanda. A full day remains to enjoy the landscape and visit the Tholing Monastery, one of the few visible remnants of the former Kingdom of Guge. These days offer us profound insights into the rich history and culture of this once powerful region.

We will be taken to Tarboche, 13 km from Darchen, where we will begin our 'Holy Round'. From Darchen we hike to Dirapuk and immerse ourselves in the spiritual atmosphere of this significant place. About 7 km and 5-6 hours later we reach Dirapuk at 4860 m where we will rest our heads at the monastery's hostel. The path goes only slightly uphill and we take it easy. There is also time to observe the Tibetans on their rounds.

Another breathtaking day in the truest sense of the word. The altitude alone is a challenge, and today a pass crossing at over 5200 m is added, and the way up to the pass is anything but easy to manage. However, at a reasonable pace, everyone should be able to manage it. After around 18 km and about 9 hours, we should reach our camp at Zuthulphuk (4760 m). This hike requires endurance, but offers unforgettable experiences and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

After the strenuous previous day, today we are rewarded with a leisurely, flat walk downhill. About 10 km and 4 hours of marching and we reach Darchen. After lunch, we travel a few kilometers to our hostel on the shores of Lake Manasarovar. Right above our hostel, there is a monastery to visit. The climb is worthwhile just for the view it offers. And a short walk also takes us to the hot springs located near the lake. The 6714 m high Kailash is regarded as the source of four major rivers and is a sacred mountain for Buddhists, Bon, Hindu, and Jain religions. And Hindus bathe in the waters of the holy Manasarovar Lake to cleanse themselves of western burdens.

Today we return to Saga on a picturesque route. In Prayang, about halfway along the way, we will make a lunch stop. We will then spend the night in Saga, where we can quietly reflect on the experiences of the trip.

The track leads from there over a wide plain and then continuously higher and culminates finally at the 5050 m high Lalung-La. From here, a dreamy view of the Himalayan mountains with the peaks of Shishapangma (8046 m) and Gauri Shanker (7134 m) presents itself. The change of climate zones and vegetation is more than impressive. The short travel day gives us time to enjoy the changing landscape.

Today we say goodbye to our bikes. We cover the last 170 km to Kathmandu by bus. From the border town to the actual border it is another about 20 km and almost 1000 m in elevation. A varied and hopefully not (anymore) too bumpy route takes us to Kathmandu in Nepal.

Our motorcycle journeys end in Kathmandu, where you have the opportunity to extend your stay or explore the city on your own. The numerous temples, palaces, and bazaars invite exploration and you can immerse yourself in the vibrant hustle and bustle of this fascinating city. But even the most beautiful time comes to an end. Finally, it's off to the airport and back home.