Jan K.
The motorcycle trips through Tibet from Chengdu to Lhasa offer challenging routes in the Tibetan highlands. The unpaved roads are especially challenging, partic...
MOTORCYCLE-TRIPS · TIBET
Motorcycle travel through Tibet
Experience a magical motorcycle journey through Tibet to the roof of the world! Admire breathtaking views of the highest mountains and visit fascinating monasteries. The tour lasts 14 days, leading from Chengdu to Lhasa and back.
How long?
12 Days
When?
Sep 6, 2027
Price
€ 3,990
/ Person
The Journey
From Chengdu to Lhasa: Your motorcycle adventure
Tibet: One of the most remarkable places in Asia. With its stunning views of the world's highest mountains and the fantastic monasteries, Tibet also has one of the most lovable populations one could ever get to know! A third of this motorcycle journey through Tibet takes us over unpaved roads - easy for experienced motorcyclists, but rather unsuitable for motorcycle beginners. Basic knowledge of dirt roads certainly doesn't hurt, but is not absolutely necessary for the Magical Mystery motorcycle tour. Tour start/end: Chengdu/Lhasa. Duration of the trip: 12 days, 10 riding days. Distance: approx. 2,100 km. Motorcycle: Yamaha YBR250cc (Yamaha Fazer), EFI, 21PS. Difficulty level: suitable for beginners, off-road experience not necessary. Accommodations: mid-range hotels and guesthouses.
Key Highlights of the Trip
Key Highlights of the Trip
01
Motorcycle adventure in the Tibetan highlands
01
Motorcycle adventure in the Tibetan highlands
Experience the spectacular mountain panoramas of Tibet!
02
14 days from Chengdu to Lhasa
02
14 days from Chengdu to Lhasa
An impressive journey of over 2,100 km through Tibet.
03
High up over the Gyatso-La
03
High up over the Gyatso-La
Cross the Gyatso-La Pass at an altitude of 5,220 m!
04
Visit impressive monasteries
04
Visit impressive monasteries
Discover fascinating monasteries and Tibetan culture.
05
A detour to Mount Everest
05
A detour to Mount Everest
The highlight of your trip: The Mount Everest Base Camp. Experience the majestic Himalayan peaks from Pass Pang La and enjoy breathtaking views of the highest point on Earth and other famous peaks in clear weather. An unforgettable adventure for adventurers and nature lovers!
Days 1-12
Arrival in Chengdu & Transfer to Lhasa
The plane lands in Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province. The flight to Lhasa follows and the transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure for acclimatization.
Lhasa
To carefully acclimatize to the altitude (Lhasa is at 3650 m), we initially avoid any unnecessary exertion to acclimatize. The rest of the day is free for sightseeing or resting. For example, you can walk around the sacred Jokhang Temple and the Bakhor Kora, a bustling market and the pilgrimage route around the holiest temple in Tibet. Additionally, you will receive your Chinese driver's license today so you can drive in Tibet.
Excursion to the surroundings
To get to know the traffic and for initial acclimatization to our motorcycles, we will take a warm-up tour to the Ganden Monastery, located at about 4000m. Here the "Gelugpa", or "Yellow Hat Sect", to which the Dalai Lama also belongs, was founded.
Through the Yarlung Valley to Tsetang
A relaxed, full first day of travel takes us along the Lhasa River to the Yarlung Tsanpo - which becomes the Brahmaputra in India - to Tsetang. We visit the Yumbulakhang Temple outside of Tsetang. Here, the first traces of human civilization in Tibet were discovered.
Gyantse
The next day we ride a few kilometers back with the motorcycles along the Brahmaputra before we start to wind up to almost 5000 meters in altitude. From the Kamba La Pass, we have a beautiful view back into the Brahmaputra valley, which grows into the most water-rich river in Asia on its way to the Indian Ocean, and of the holy Yamdrok Tso Lake. Along the lake, we pass by Nagartse on our way to Gyantse. However, before that, we will cross the Karo-La at 5010 meters, where the glacier of a 7000er almost reaches down to the road.
Sakya
Before we leave Gyantse today, we will visit the Pelkhor Chöde Monastery and the Kumbum Chörten. The only walkable stupa and one of the most impressive structures on our journey. Afterwards, we will pass Shigatse and go over another pass to Sakya.
Questions about the tour itinerary?
Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.
Over Gyatso-La to Shegar
After breakfast and a visit to the Sakya Monastery fortress, we return to Highway 318 and cross the 5220-meter-high Gyatso-La to Shegar.
Mt. Everest Base Camp
Today we are setting out early. A few kilometers after Shegar, we turn towards another highlight of our journey, the Mt. Everest Base Camp. Depending on the current conditions at the site, the route cannot always be traveled by motorcycle; in that case, we switch to the car. Before we reach the base camp, we have one of the most impressive panoramas of the Himalayas before us from the 5120-meter-high Pang La Pass, with views from Kanchenjunga to Xixiapangma and in between: Makalu, Mt Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu. The highest peaks in the world!
The Golden Buddha
We cross the Gyatso-La Pass again and drive back to Shigatse. On the way, we stop to visit the Tashilunpo Monastery, the home of the Panchen Lama, and admire the golden roofs of the monastery and the gilded Buddha statue.
Damxhung
We travel approximately 80 km back towards Lhasa along the Brahmaputra. Then we head north via a little-used road through rural Tibet to Damxhung. Along the way, we cross a spectacular pass at 5,400 m (17,716 ft).
The highest salt lake in the world
From Damxhung we drive to Namtso Lake, the highest and second largest saltwater lake in the world. Finally, we return to Lhasa to spend our last night in Tibet before going back home the next day.
Departure
Goodbye Tibet! With a plethora of memories in tow, the bus finally takes you back to the airport.
Want a detailed description of all tour days?
Our expert will walk you through the full itinerary and answer all your questions.
Verified Reviews
What riders say about Motorcycle-trips in Tibet
4.7
Daniel N.
The motorcycle trip through Tibet from Chengdu to Lhasa presents a challenge due to the high level of difficulty for experienced riders. The group dynamics were...
Florian B.
The route planning for this motorcycle tour through Tibet from Chengdu to Lhasa was overall well thought out and well structured. Particularly noteworthy is the...
PRICE
from
€ 3,990
/ person
Price Options
Special tour to Nepal (Motorcycle Yamaha YBR 250cc)
€ 3,990
Additional Options
Singular room surcharge
€ 490
Motorcycle upgrade CFMoto 450 MT
€ 519
Trip includes
- Chinese driver's license
- All meals and non-alcoholic drinks
- Flight from Chengdu to Lhasa
- Overnight stays in hotels and guesthouses
- Fuel and maintenance of rental motorcycles
- Tibetan guide and German-speaking tour guide
- Support vehicle for luggage
- Airport transfers in Tibet
- Rental motorcycle: Yamaha YBR250cc, (Yamaha Fazer), 21 HP
- Entrance fees
FAQS
-
What documents do I need?
Passport (valid for at least 6 months) China visa & special Tibet permit (will be organized by us) International motorcycle driving license!! -
Are there health risks due to the altitude?
Yes! altitude sickness can be an issue, so acclimatization is important. However, we will consciously start slowly to help the body adjust to the altitude. -
What accommodations are available?
A mix of mid-range hotels and guesthouses :)
OVERCROSS note on itinerary
The above travel description is a non-binding online proposal and does not represent a binding travel itinerary. We expressly reserve the right to make changes to the route, schedule, and accommodations (§ 651d BGB in conjunction with Art. 250 EGBGB). The terms and conditions of OVERCROSS apply.Terms and Conditions of OVERCROSS
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