14 Days Nepal-China (Tibet-Xinjiang)-Kyrghyzstan Motorbike Tour with Mount Kailash from Gyirong to Irkeshtam

Distance: No riding today

Road Condition: N/A

Riding Time: None

Description:
Rest Day: The day is set aside for altitude acclimatization, as the altitude can affect travelers, especially when heading into Tibet. Today, relax and take short walks around Kyirong (吉隆) to help your body adjust to the higher elevation. Avoid strenuous activity to prevent altitude sickness. The town is located in a beautiful valley, and the surrounding views of the Himalayas are stunning. The slower pace allows you to recover and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Accommodation: 2nd night in Kyirong (吉隆).

Distance: 255 km

Road Condition: Sand roads (to Paiku Tso), asphalt roads (from Paiku Tso to Shegar)

Riding Time: Approx. 7-8 hours

Description:
Start the ride by heading toward Paiku Tso (帕依库错), a picturesque lake surrounded by stunning mountain views. The first part of the journey takes you on rugged sand roads that lead to the lake. Take a break at the lake, where you can enjoy the serene beauty and crystal-clear waters. The second half of the ride moves to asphalt roads, and the ride becomes smoother as you head to Shegar (吉隆), situated at an altitude of 4,300 meters. Shegar, an important Tibetan trading town, serves as a hub for travelers heading toward Mount Everest.

Accommodation: 1 night in Shegar (吉隆).

Distance: 100 km

Road Condition: Sand road

Riding Time: Approx. 4-5 hours

Description:
Ride from Shegar (吉隆) to Rongbuk Monastery (日喀则), located at the base of Mount Everest (珠穆朗玛峰). The route includes sand roads, which are challenging but offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Rongbuk Monastery (日喀则), situated at 4,980 meters, is the highest monastery in the world and provides a breathtaking view of the north face of Mount Everest. The monastery holds spiritual significance for Buddhists, and the site is a must-see for those journeying through Tibet.

Accommodation: 1 night at Rongbuk Monastery (日喀则), a simple, but beautiful place to stay.

Distance: Approx. 390 km

Road Condition: 100 km (sand road) + 290 km (asphalt road)

Riding Time: Approx. 8-9 hours

Description:
Leave Rongbuk Monastery (日喀则) early in the morning and head back to Shegar (吉隆), then continue on to Lhatse (拉萨) and finally to Shigatse (日喀则). The route includes sand roads between Rongbuk and Shegar, which gradually turn to asphalt as you approach Lhatse (拉萨) and Shigatse (日喀则). Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, is an important cultural and religious center, home to the Tashilunpo Monastery (扎什伦布寺), one of Tibet’s largest and most significant monasteries.

Accommodation: 2 nights in Shigatse (日喀则).

Distance: No riding today

Road Condition: N/A

Riding Time: None

Description:
Spend the day in Shigatse (日喀则), exploring the Tashilunpo Monastery (扎什伦布寺) and the local market. The Tashilunpo Monastery (扎什伦布寺), established in the 15th century, is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. It’s one of the most prominent religious institutions in Tibet. If time permits, visit the bustling market where locals sell a variety of Tibetan goods. This is also the day to complete the vehicle paperwork, including applying for the temporary vehicle plate and driving license for your time in Tibet.

Accommodation: 2nd night in Shigatse (日喀则).

Distance: 190 km (to Lhatse) + 281 km (to Saga)

Road Condition: Asphalt road

Riding Time: Approx. 9-10 hours

Description:
Today’s ride takes you from Shigatse (日喀则) to Saga (萨嘎) via Lhatse (拉萨). The road is mostly asphalt, making for smoother riding. Saga (萨嘎), located at an altitude of 4,504 meters, is an important town in Tibet, known for its trading activities and proximity to Mount Kailash (冈仁波齐). Saga marks the beginning of your journey towards the sacred Mount Kailash (冈仁波齐), one of the most revered mountains in the world. The landscapes during the ride will begin to change as you move closer to the more remote areas of Western Tibet.

Accommodation: 1 night in Saga (萨嘎).

Distance: 250 km + 270 km

Road Condition: Asphalt and rough gravel roads

Riding Time: Approx. 9-10 hours

Description:
Depart from Saga (萨嘎), riding through the scenic Tibetan Plateau towards Paryang (帕扬). From here, you will continue on to Manasarovar Lake (玛旁雍错), one of Tibet’s most sacred lakes. This vast freshwater lake is revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike. It’s a stunning location with clear blue waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Upon arrival at Manasarovar, enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Manasarovar Lake (玛旁雍错) holds immense spiritual significance, and you can feel the serenity as you prepare for the next day’s journey to Mount Kailash.

Accommodation: 1 night in a simple guest house near Manasarovar Lake (玛旁雍错).

Distance: 268 km

Road Condition: Rough gravel and asphalt

Riding Time: Approx. 6-7 hours

Description:
Today, ride towards Darchen (扎尔臣), a small settlement near the base of Mount Kailash (冈仁波齐), one of the holiest mountains in the world. You’ll have the option to take a short trekking journey at the base of Mount Kailash, allowing you to connect spiritually with the mountain. After the trek, continue riding towards Tsada (措拉). The landscape on this route is barren, remote, and otherworldly, with views of vast plateaus and snow-capped peaks. The area around Mount Kailash (冈仁波齐) is renowned for its spiritual energy, attracting pilgrims from all over the world.

Accommodation: 1 night in Tsada (措拉).

Distance: 255 km

Road Condition: Asphalt and rough roads

Riding Time: Approx. 6-7 hours

Description:
From Tsada (措拉), head towards Shiquanhe (狮泉河), the administrative center of the Ngari Prefecture (阿里地区). Along the way, make a stop at the Guge Kingdom Ruins (古格王国遗址) near Tsada (措拉). The Guge Kingdom was a powerful Tibetan kingdom that thrived from the 10th to the 17th century, leaving behind breathtaking ruins and ancient monasteries. Visit the Toelin Monastery (托林寺), which dates back to the 10th century. Then continue riding towards Shiquanhe (狮泉河), which lies at an altitude of 4,255 meters and offers a glimpse into Tibet’s rural life.

Accommodation: 1 night in Shiquanhe (狮泉河).

Distance: 581 km

Duration: Approx. 9 hours

Road Condition: Gravel, rough roads, and high-altitude mountain roads

Riding Time: Approx. 9-10 hours

Description:
Today is one of the longest riding days, but it offers unparalleled views of Tibetan highlands. Ride from Shiquanhe (狮泉河) to Bagong Tso (巴供错), a serene lake surrounded by vast plains. From here, you will head towards Domar (多玛) and cross Jieshan Daban (杰山达坂), a high-altitude pass at 6,700 meters. The altitude here can make the ride challenging, so take your time and stop to adjust. The route then continues down to Hongliutan (红柳滩), a remote area known for its sparse vegetation and isolated beauty.

Accommodation: 1 night in Hongliutan (红柳滩).

Distance: Approx. 490 km

Duration: Approx. 9 hours 32 minutes

Road Condition: Asphalt and gravel roads

Riding Time: Approx. 9-10 hours

Description:
Ride from Hongliutan (红柳滩) to Mazar (麻扎) and then to Yecheng (叶城). The route takes you through remote desert-like landscapes, with vast expanses and very little vegetation. The ride is long but offers scenic views of the Tian Shan Mountains and distant peaks. Yecheng (叶城) is located at the southern tip of the Tarim Basin, and it is a strategic town in Xinjiang Province. The area is culturally diverse, with influences from both Han Chinese and Uyghur cultures.

Accommodation: 1 night in Yecheng (叶城).

Distance: 244 km

Duration: Approx. 3 hours 26 minutes

Road Condition: Asphalt road

Riding Time: Approx. 3-4 hours

Description:
A relatively short ride to Kashgar (喀什), a historical city that was once a major stop on the Silk Road. Visit the Akba Khojia Mausoleum (艾克巴·霍贾墓), a beautiful example of Uyghur Islamic architecture. Take some time to explore the Old City of Kashgar, with its bustling bazaars, narrow streets, and unique architecture. This city is a melting pot of cultures, where you can experience the rich history and traditions of the Uyghur people.

Accommodation: 1 night in Kashgar (喀什).

Distance: 234 km

Description:
Ride from Kashgar (喀什) to the Irkeshtam Border (伊尔克什坦), which is the gateway between China and Kyrgyzstan. The journey takes you across the rugged, remote landscapes of the Tian Shan Mountains. Upon arrival at the border, you will go through exit formalities to complete your journey through China. The ride ends here, as you cross into Kyrgyzstan, ready to explore more of Central Asia.

Note: Service ends in China at the Irkeshtam Border (伊尔克什坦).