TIBET TOUR BY MOTORCYCLE
AC-CHINA 01 || 13 Nights / 14 Days
ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU
KATHMANDU (SIGHTSEEING)
KATHMANDU - NYALAM
NYALAM - TINGRI
TINGRI - SHIGATSE
SHIGATSE
SHIGATSE- LHASA
LHASA (SIGHTSEEING)
LHASA - GYANTSE
GYANTSE - SHEGAR
SHEGAR - RONGBUK
ZHANGMU
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connect@travel365days.comSpectacular mountain views, lively cultures, superb roads, bustling local markets and far-flung villages are all going to be a part of your Tibet tour by motorcycle. The tour starts from Kathmandu in Nepal and takes you to an exciting bike tour to the Tibetan Plateau, the roof of the world. This journey lets you explore the meandering roads of Tibet surrounded by might mountains and treat your eyes to some of the most mesmerizing views of the surroundings beauty. Another highlight of Motorcycle tour of Tibet is a visit to the Potola Palace of Lhasa, once the official residence of Dalai Lama. Enjoy a cultural treat and savor the sumptuous local food.
Note: This is just a suggested itinerary indicative of what could be possible. We customize holidays for your specific needs. Contact us if you want modifications so that we could customize a holiday to suit your need for an unforgettable International tour.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Swayambhunath Stupa and Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu
- Lovely views of mighty Himalayan ranges including Mt Everest
- Leisure activities at Tingri, Gyantse, Shegar, Rongbuk and Zhangmu
- Sightseeing in Shigatse including Tashilhunpo Monastery
- Explore the world heritage sites of Potala Palace and Jokhang temple, Lhasa
- Excursion around Mt. Everest Base Camp
- Drive past various high-altitude passes likes Karo La, Lalung La, Thong La, Gyatso La, Kamba La and more
Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu
Today, you arrive at the Kathmandu International airport. Meet our tour representative who helps
you with an assisted transfer to you hotel. Enjoy your welcome drink during completing the check-in
formalities. Take rest for a while. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2Kathmandu (Sightseeing)
In the morning, have breakfast, and get all set for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the capital and
the most famous city of Nepal. The city is dotted with a number of beautiful temples as well as
shopping arcades. Cross the modern area on the New Road and finally entering the very popular
Durbar Square, earlier known as Freak Street. Drive past the medieval architectures here. You visit
the popular royal palace, Hanuman Dhoka- formerly constructed between the 4th and the 8th
century, it was rebuilt in the 17th century. Located close to this site is the abode or official residence
of Kumari Bahal – the Living Goddess of Nepal. Two painted stone lions guard the entrance of this
house. If you want, you can enter the house to have a look at the Goddess. Clicking pictures is not
allowed here. Next you visit Kasthamandap- a temple made in wood taking material from a single
tree. This was constructed in the 12th century. Thereafter, you visit the Swayambhunath Stupa –
one of the most popular monument sites in the Kathmandu city, an important Buddhist pilgrim site
too. Enjoy views of the Kathmandu Valley from the balcony. Thereafter, relish lunch. Return to the
hotel where you are introduced to your motorbike, the captain informs you all about the rules of
driving in Nepal. After this, you can ride your bike here and there in the city.
Stay overnight.
Day 3Kathmandu - Nyalam (158 Km approx)
Today, you start riding out from Kathmandu and take the Ringroad cross section – Koteshwor. Later, you begin driving on the newly constructed highway to Bhaktapur that is just 12 km from Kathmandu. Drive past Bhaktapur towards Dhulikhel, around 18 Km away, via Jagati, Sanga and Banepa. You cross settlements and terraced farmlands. When you drive away for a few kilometers from Dhulikhel, the highway gives way to meandering roads offering lovely views of terraced lands and trails with forests, along Zero Kilo, a tiny settlement. From here, the road is going to get divided. The northern side takes you to Melamchi Bazaar and the southern one takes you to Kodari. You take the southern road that takes you to Dolalghat- placed on the Araniko highway at the meeting point of Rivers Sunkoshi and Indrawati. This area is 25 km from Dhulikhel and is known for its rich fish collection in both the rivers. Drive past the bridge and starts ascending on a meandering road for a few kilometers. After around 2 km, a sharp right turn takes you to the ridge. Keep driving for more 50 km to arrive at Kodari, the Nepal -Tibet Border.
As you reach Kodari, the last town on the border of Nepal and Tibet, you are required to fulfill Nepal immigration formalities. Later, cross the friendship bridge and complete the Chinese immigration documentation. Here you meet your guide and driver from Tibet. Continue your journey to the Chinese customer clearance of your motorcycle. Once it is done, get inside a Land Cruiser that is waiting for you. Your bike is loaded in a truck. Both of you arrive at Zhangmu, around 8 km from here. Placed at an altitude of 2300 m above the sea level, it is locally known as Khasa, known for its architecture. Zhangmu is perched on a cliff’s face an altitude of 2300 m above the sea level. From the transport office, get a travel pass for your vehicle. Now get onto your bike and after driving for around an hour, you arrive Nyalam.
Here we obtain travel pass for vehicles from the transport office and then ride for an hour through the Tibetan landscape to Nyalam gaining an altitude of 1450 meters within a short span of 30 km. On arrival, complete the check –in formalities.
Stay overnight in the guest house.
Day 4Nyalam - Tingri (152 Km approx)
On the 4th day, start your bike journey to the world’s highest plateau offering a lovely view of the landscape of Tibet. It feels like you are on the top of the world. First, you drive past the Nyalam Pass, lying at an altitude of 3800 m above the sea level. After this, a steep ascend towards Thong La starts, taking you to an altitude of 5050 m. the drive takes around 2-3 hours. If the weather is clear, you can treat your eyes to the lovely views of Mt. Everest and Mt. Shishapangma. You can stop for a while and then continue to Lalung La, identified by prayer flags. Continue on the highway to Tingri. As you reach, check-in at a guest house. Savor lunch. Driving part is less today. You are given a chance to acclimatize. In the evening, you can take a walk in and around or can visit the local walk or can simply relax.
Stay overnight in the guest house.
Day 5Tingri - Shigatse (292 Km approx)
In the morning, have your breakfast ride and start your ride for Shegar or New Tingri, which is 70 km away. Enclosed by mountains, this peaceful town has ruins of a fortress that looks like emerging from a brown rock. The fortress was plundered by Nepalese in 1855. Later, ride your bike for another 100 km, crossing Gyatso La, the highest mountain pass on the way to Lhasa. This route offers some lovely views. As you cross the pass, treat your eyes to some stunning views. From here, descending drive to Lhatse settlement.
You now have an option to choose from- you can either continue on the same highway passing Shigatse or you can also take the diversion and follow the route along the river. Follow the advice of the road captain if he tells you about the conditions of the roads. Tibet’s second largest town, Shigatse is also the capital of Tsang. It is located 354 km westwards of Lhasa, at an elevation of 3810 m above the sea level. From this point, take the northern road to Lhasa, via Trakdruka, Nyemo, Chusul and Nyethang. On reaching, check- in at the guest house.
Overnight at the guest hotel.
Day 6Shigatse
In the morning, your bike is taken for an examination at the Police headquarters of Shigatse, a mandatory activity. Permits from Lhasa are rechecked here. You also get a temporary local driving license from here. After all the formalities, your drive to Shigatse begins. Embark on a sightseeing tour of the Panchen Lamas including Tashilhunpo Monastery, established by the first Dalai Lama, GendunDrup in the year 1447. This monastery is the seat of the Panchen Lama, counted next to the Dalai Lama in Tibetan Buddhist Hierarchy. After arrival and check-in, the day is at leisure. Explore the town on your own.
Stay overnight.
Day 7Shigatse- Lhasa (Approx. 300 Km)
On day 7, you begin driving your bike on a road covered with tar. The morning views are lovely. The journey is around 6-7 hours. Drive along Yarlung Tsangpo River and treat your eyes to the views of yak hair skin boats and green irrigation fields. The capital of Tibet, Lhasa is located at an altitude of 3650 m above the sea level and is placed on the northern banks of River Kyichu. Lhasa is known to be the religious, political and cultural center of Tibet that has been blessed with lovely scenery and friendly people. Two hills here are extremely note-worthy- Red Hill carrying the very popular Potala Palace (the residence of the Dalai Lama) and Iron hill, capped by an antenna.
Divided into 2 parts, Lhasa is known for different lifestyle, people and architecture. The Old Lhasa is centered around the Jokhang temple and the Tibetan portion is marked by narrow streets and white-washed stone houses. The Chinese portion here was erected in the span of last 30 years, around Potala’s base. This portion is marked by utilitarian buildings, broad streets, government houses and Chinese-style departmental stores. There is a Revolutionary Museum just below the Potala, showcasing the social and economic changed brought by the Chinese in the last 30 years. This friendly city is an ideal mix of its old charm and modernization. On reaching Lhasa, complete the check- in formalities at the hotel. The evening is at leisure. You can explore the place or can just relax.
Stay Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 8Lhasa (sightseeing)
Begin day 8 of the tour by exploring the legendary Potala Palace, erected in the top of a hill. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the 8th century as the winter palace of Dalai Lama. This huge red and white structure3 was expanded in the 17th century. This palace has now been turned into a museum that has 12 stories of buildings that comprise of over 1000 rooms, 10000 religious sanctuaries and around 200,000 statues. Located in the heart of Lhasa Valley, this palace is placed at an altitude of 3700 m. Relish Lunch and later continue with sightseeing. The next visit is to the well-known Jokhang Temple- also known as Qoikang Monastery, it lies in the middle of old Lhasa and is another world heritage site. It houses a golden statue of Shankyamuni Buddha, one of the most valuable religious artifacts. Known to be the divinest sites of Tibetan Buddhism, it also becomes the venue of initiation ceremonies of Dalai Lama and Panchen Llamas. It is equally popular amidst Tibetan pilgrims and tourists. Once you come out of the temple, you can explore the lively Barkhor market, showcasing the social center of Lhasa.
Overnight stay in Lhasa.
Day 9Lhasa - Gyantse (264 Km)
Today, begin your motorbike ride to Chusul, 26 away. From here a steep climb to the Kamba pass starts that lies at an altitude of 4790 m above the sea level. This La offers superb views of crystal clear water of the man-made lake created by the dam below and the might Himalayas that form the backdrop. You can even spot Yaks and Tibetan Mastiffs being reared by their masters who are nomads. Do not forget to click photographs. Now, begin descending towards the beautiful Lake Yamdrok. Continue your drive along its banks. Also known as Turquoise Lake, it is set amidst a picturesque surrounding and boasts of a mystical charm. On crossing the lake, an ascending ride to Karo La, at an altitude of 5010 m starts. Here, you also have an opportunity to ride Yaks here. Later, continue your ride towards Gyantse (3950m). You drive past another manmade lake and an ascending ride to the Simi Pass (4300 m). After this, a descending trail to Gyantse town begins. The 3rd largest town in the region. Gyantse carries the magic of a traditional Tibetan town which is away from modernization. It was known for its excellent-quality carpets. It also lies on the traditional trade route between India and Tibet.it earlier has 19 monasteries and still has its popular Gyantse Dzong. The Kumbum Stupa (erected by local prince, Rabten Kunsang Phak in Kumbum style, it boasts a terraced stupa exterior with several-layered inner chapels. With a height of 35 m, it is known to comprise of 75 chapels, 108 cells and a total of 9 storeys) and Pelkhor Chode Monastery (establish by the 1st Pachen Lama and local chieftain Kusang Rabten way back in 1418, this monastery comprises of 15 chapels and halls, belonging to 3 different orders of Tibetan Buddhism) are worth-visiting here. As you reach the town, check- in at the hotel. The day is now at leisure. You can simply relax or explore the town on your own.
Stay Overnight.
Day 10Gyantse - Shegar (320 Km)
Have your breakfast today and start your bike ride towards Shegar via Shigatse, Drongtse, Panam and Gyatso. The second largest town of Tibet, known for its rich culture, Shigatse is called the Granary of Tibet. Boasting of a history that is over 500 years old, this town lies at an altitude of 3800 m above the sea level. Southwards of this town is the world-popular Qomolangma Peak and, Sakya, Palkor and Shalu are the monasteries that lie in its vicinity. From Shegar, continue your journey to Lhatse. After driving for 100 km, you ascending trail to Gyawala Pass (5200 m) starts before you descend to Shegar, lying at an altitude of 4200 m. As you reach, complete the check-in and relax for a while. You are now free to explore the town.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 1111Shegar - Rongbuk (104 Km)
On the 11th day of the tour, have your breakfast and move to the Check point for the routine check. Later drive for a kilometer and take the left turn carrying the marker. Continue till the the Everest Base Camp. You first reach the check post of the Quomolomgma National Park. Permits are checked here. Continue on an ascending zigzag road towards Gyawo la at an altitude of 5200 m. Later, you descend on a zigzag of around 100 turns to arrive at the settlement of TashiDzom. Halt here for lunch. From here your ride is slightly a difficult one on a graveled path. Keep driving along River Rongbuk and enjoy lovely views of Mt. Everest (Note- subject to weather conditions). On arriving in Rongbuk, check into a guest house. The views of the Mt. Everest are now breathtaking. If time and energy permits, you can explore the town.
Stay overnight in Rongbuk.
Day 12Excursion around Mt. Everest Base Camp - Zhangmu (223 Km)
Have your breakfast, start riding your bike on a dirt road southwards. You see Dzakar Chu on your right. After sometime, the valley area gets broad. You now leave the river banks and continue your journey on an ascending trail. The slide’s base is chorten and its top are the ruins of Samdrupo Nunnery, formerly a tiny chapel. The settlements of Everest Base Camp and DzaRongphu have now been brought here, right beyond the moraine hills. The afternoon is now/ you can explore the tented town. (Note: As per the new rules vehicles from are not allowed beyond DzaRongphu area. You can travel through the Government coach). Get aboard a coach that takes you 4 km inside the Everest Base Camp area. On reaching, take the small ascending to a small ridge dotted with prayer flags. Treat your eyes to the lovely views of the Mt. Everest and the Tibetan plateau. Reach the Camp II. Thereafter, walk on a descending route to the Bus stand for boarding bus back to Dza Rongphu. Spend leisure moments here- you can enjoy a hot cup of noodle soup or get your hands on the region’s souvenirs.
After this, get onto your bike and take it towards Rongbuk by repeating the route till 26 km, here you cross a bridge and then ride onto a steady ascend towards Tingri. This drove is around 4 hours. From Tingri, you drive takes you to the world’s highest plateau offering a view of the Tibetan landscape. Drive past Lalung La (5200m) and Thong La (5050 m). If the weather is clear, you can get a lovely vies of the Himalayan ranges. Drive on a descending route for about an hour to reach a familiar setting, close to the Mileapa Cave, site where Milerapa- the great Yogi of Tibet is said to have meditated. Drive for more 30 minutes and you reach Nyalam. Continue your drive ride for another 30 Km and you finally arrive at Zhangmu. Check into a guest house.
Overnight Stay.
Day 13Zhangmu - Kathmandu (128 Km approx.)
Post breakfast on day 13, fulfil the Chinese custom and border formalities where your motorbike and permits are re-checked. From here, you drive for another 8 km towards Kodari and then to the Nepal Tibet Friendship Bridge. The porters here are going to transfer your luggage to the Nepal side. Say goodbye to the Guide and drivers from Tibet. Fulfill the Chinese Immigration formalities and then cross the friendship bridge. Our representatives from Nepal assists you in completing Nepal Custom and Immigration formalities. You drive more for 120 Km to return to Kathmandu. Complete the check-in and you are free to explore the place on our own.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 14Departure from Kathmandu
On the last day of the tour, get on-time transfer to the airport for departure to your onward destination.