The field notes
A journey with rhythm
Private guiding, thoughtful pacing, and enough room to absorb each place rather than simply pass through it.
PrivateThoughtfulLocal
Journey overview
The experience at a glance
The Tibet Motorcycle Tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa is a high-altitude road adventure across the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau, with a memorable detour to the north side of Mount Everest. Designed for experienced riders, this 10-day journey begins in Kathmandu and crosses into Tibet through the Rasuwagadhi–Kyirong border before continuing through Tingri, Everest Base Camp, Shigatse, Gyantse, Yamdrok Lake and Lhasa.
The journey is divided sensibly across the first two days. Riders first travel from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi and stay overnight near the Nepal–Tibet border. The following morning, the group rides to Rasuwagadhi, completes Nepalese and Chinese immigration and customs formalities, and continues to Kyirong, also written as Gyirong or Kerung. From Kyirong, the route climbs through vast valleys, high roads and remote Tibetan settlements toward Tingri. On a clear day, the Himalayan skyline may reveal Shishapangma, Cho Oyu and other great peaks.
The defining experience of this Everest Base Camp motorcycle tour is the ride toward Rongbuk Monastery and the Everest visitor area. From the Tibetan side, riders can see the mountain’s imposing north face across a stark, open landscape. Access within the protected Everest area is controlled, and visitors may need to park their motorcycles and use an authorized eco-bus for the final section, depending on current regulations.
Beyond Everest, the journey continues east through Lhatse to Shigatse, where Tashilhunpo Monastery represents one of Tibet’s most important religious centers. In Gyantse, visit Palcho Monastery and the Kumbum Stupa before riding past Karola Glacier, turquoise Yamdrok Lake and Kamba La Pass on the approach to Lhasa.
Two days in Lhasa complete the cultural side of this Tibet motorbike tour. Explore the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar, then visit Drepung and Sera monasteries with a licensed Tibetan guide. Motorcycle use may be restricted within central sightseeing areas, so local sightseeing is normally completed by the authorized support vehicle.
The trip includes the principal Tibet route permits, temporary Chinese riding-document assistance, a Tibetan guide, a support vehicle and a mechanic, as specified in the final quotation. Motorcycle hire, fuel, meals other than breakfast, visas and departure travel from Lhasa are normally separate. Because the route reaches approximately 5,200 meters and includes long riding days, participants need suitable motorcycle experience, strong protective gear, appropriate insurance and realistic expectations about altitude, weather and road changes.
Trip highlights
What makes this journey
- 01
Experience the thrill of riding Royal Enfield Motorbikes through the highlands of Tibet, designed for adventurous travelers.
- 02
Travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa, crossing the Nepal-Tibet border and passing through Kerung, Tingri, Lhatse, Shigatse, and Gyantse.
- 03
Experience an unforgettable motorcycle journey to Rongbuk Monastery and the north side of Everest Base Camp.
- 04
Discover Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, high mountain passes and the sweeping landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau.
- 05
Enjoy guided tours of Lhasa's major attractions using alternative vehicles, as motorbike touring can sometimes be restricted.
Day by day
10 days
Walk the route one day at a time — meals, overnight stays, and the details that shape each stage.
Meet the riding team in Kathmandu and begin the journey north through Trishuli, Dhunche and the hills of Rasuwa. The road is scenic but demanding, with numerous bends, changing surfaces and possible delays caused by traffic, construction or landslides. Arrive in Syabrubesi, a small mountain town near the Nepal–Tibet border. The mechanic will check the motorcycles, and the tour leader will brief the group about the next morning’s immigration, customs and border procedures.
- Overnight
- Guesthouse
- Distance
- 140 km
NoteDue to the recent flash flood at the Rasuwagadhi–Kyirong border, entry and exit through this crossing are suspended until further notice. Please contact us to arrange a suitable alternative route.
After breakfast, ride from Syabrubesi to the Rasuwagadhi border. Complete Nepalese immigration and motorcycle export formalities before crossing the Friendship Bridge into Tibet. At the Chinese checkpoint, the group completes immigration, customs inspection, motorcycle documentation and temporary vehicle-entry procedures with assistance from the local team. Once every rider and motorcycle has been cleared, continue to Kyirong town at approximately 2,700–2,900 meters. Border processing can take several hours, so today’s schedule remains flexible.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Overnight
- Hotel
- Distance
- 50 km
- Altitude
- 2,800m
NoteDue to the recent flash flood at the Rasuwagadhi–Kyirong border, entry and exit through this crossing are suspended until further notice. Please contact us to arrange a suitable alternative route.
Ride out of the forested Kyirong Valley and climb onto the broad Tibetan Plateau. The route passes expansive highland scenery, rivers, grazing areas and distant Himalayan peaks. Weather permitting, views may include Shishapangma and Cho Oyu. Reach Tingri at approximately 4,300 meters and rest. This is a significant altitude gain, so the evening should remain quiet and unhurried.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Overnight
- Hotel
- Distance
- 280 km
- Altitude
- 4,300m
Today is the signature riding day of the tour. Follow the permitted route through the Everest region toward Rongbuk Monastery, famous for its extraordinary setting beneath the north face of Mount Everest. Continue to the authorized Everest visitor area. Depending on the regulations in force, motorcycles may need to remain at a designated parking point while visitors take an eco-bus for the final approach. Enjoy views of Mount Everest when weather permits, then return to Tingri for a second night at altitude.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Overnight
- Hotel
- Distance
- 180 km
- Altitude
- 4,300m
Continue east along the Friendship Highway through high, open landscapes and the trading town of Lhatse. Cross mountain passes (5200m) decorated with prayer flags and descend toward Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. The long but rewarding ride ends at a more comfortable elevation of approximately 3,800–3,900 meters.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Overnight
- Hotel
- Distance
- 280 km
- Altitude
- 3,900m
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama and one of Tibet’s most important monastic institutions. After sightseeing, ride to the historic town of Gyantse. Visit Palcho Monastery and the multi-tiered Kumbum Stupa, known for its chapels, murals and distinctive architecture. Overnight in Gyantse.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Overnight
- Hotel
- Distance
- 90 km
- Altitude
- 3,950m
Ride toward Lhasa on one of the most scenic sections of the journey. Pass Karola Glacier, cross high mountain roads and follow the shore of sacred Yamdrok Lake. From Kamba La Pass, enjoy a sweeping view of the turquoise lake when the weather is clear. Descend toward the Yarlung Tsangpo Valley and continue to Lhasa at approximately 3,650 meters.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Overnight
- Hotel
- Distance
- 280 km
- Altitude
- 3,650m
There is no motorcycle riding today. Explore Lhasa with the Tibetan guide in a private authorized vehicle. Visit the Potala Palace according to the assigned entry time, then continue to Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. Walk around Barkhor Bazaar with pilgrims following the traditional kora route. The sightseeing sequence may change according to ticket availability and local regulations.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Overnight
- Hotel in Lhasa
- Altitude
- 3,650m
Continue sightseeing in a private vehicle; there is no motorcycle riding today. Visit Drepung Monastery, once one of the largest monastic universities in Tibet. Continue to Sera Monastery, where the monks’ debating session may be observed when scheduled. The remainder of the day is available for rest, final shopping or preparation for onward travel.
- Meals
- Breakast
- Overnight
- Hotel
- Altitude
- 3,650m
After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you by private vehicle to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station. Fly to Kathmandu or continue by flight or train to Chengdu, Beijing or another destination in Mainland China according to your confirmed travel plan. Airfare and train tickets are not included unless stated in the quotation.
- Meals
- Breakfast
NoteThe motorcycles’ return, freight, or border-transfer arrangement must be agreed before the tour begins.
Private vehicle & English-speaking guide throughout · Kathmandu to Lhasa
Trip essentials
What your journey covers
A clear split between what we arrange and what you budget yourself.
- Assistance with the pre-trip document check and route briefing in Kathmandu
- Applicable Tibet Travel Permit and additional route permits required for the confirmed itinerary, including the Everest region
- Processing assistance for the temporary Chinese motorcycle driving authorization and approved vehicle-entry documents
- Border handling and coordination for the riding group and pre-approved motorcycles
- English-speaking licensed Tibetan tour guide throughout Tibet
- Support vehicle with an experienced driver for the confirmed riding itinerary
- Motorcycle mechanic accompanying the group from Kathmandu, as specified in the final quotation
- Nine nights’ accommodation on a twin-sharing basis in hotels or the best available local guesthouses
- Daily basic breakfast during the tour
- Entrance fees for the listed monuments and monasteries
- Authorized sightseeing transportation in Lhasa where motorcycle access is restricted
- Lhasa airport or railway-station transfer on Day 10
- Applicable local service charges and government taxes included in the quotation
- Motorcycle rental, security deposit and bike insurance
- Refundable customs deposits, motorcycle freight or return-to-Nepal transport
- Fuel, engine oil, puncture repair, maintenance, spare parts and damage-related repair charges
- Tibet Group Visa or China visa fee, visa-center charges, photographs and other personal document costs
- International and domestic flights or train tickets, including travel from Lhasa
- Nepal entry or re-entry visa fees
- Lunch, dinner, snacks, bottled drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Single-room supplement and room upgrades
- Personal riding equipment, including helmet, armored jacket and trousers, gloves, boots and rain protection
- Travel insurance, high-altitude medical cover, motorcycle-riding cover, evacuation and repatriation insurance
- Personal expenses, laundry, telephone charges and tips for the guide, driver and mechanic
- Costs arising from weather, road closure, border delays, permit changes, flight disruption, natural events or other circumstances outside the operator’s control
- Any service not specifically listed under “What Is Included” or in the final tour confirmation
Before you go
