15 Days Kyrgyzstan-China (Xinjiang-Tibet)-Nepal Motorbike Tour from Irkeshtam ) to Gyirong

Distance: No riding today, as it is a rest day in Kashgar.

Duration: Approx. 2-3 hours for customs formalities.

Road Conditions: No travel today.

Description:

• This day is primarily for vehicle inspection, customs checks, and obtaining the temporary driving license for China. It’s essential to ensure all paperwork is in order before continuing into Xinjiang.
• Relax and explore Kashgar at your own pace after completing your formalities. You can visit the local market and grab a few souvenirs.

Attractions:

• Kashgar Old Town: Visit the ancient market where Uyghur culture thrives.
• Id Kah Mosque: The largest mosque in China and an architectural gem.

Accommodation:

• Stay in Kashgar for the second night, giving you an extra day to rest and explore the vibrant city.

Distance: Approx. 70 km

Duration: Half-day city exploration.

Road Conditions: All paved roads around Kashgar.

Description:

• Today, you will do city sightseeing in Kashgar. This city is a melting pot of Central Asian, Persian, and Chinese influences, and it’s a historical jewel along the Silk Road.
• Visit the Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺), a magnificent Islamic site, and the Abakh Hoja Tomb (阿巴克霍加墓), which blends Islamic and Chinese architectural styles.
• Visit the bustling Kashgar Bazaar, where locals sell spices, carpets, and traditional clothing.

Attractions:

• Tomb of Abakh Hoja: Explore the elaborate architecture and learn about Uyghur culture.
• Kashgar Bazaar: Experience the old-world charm of the marketplace with traditional food and crafts.

Accommodation:

• Return to your hotel for the third night in Kashgar.

Distance: Approx. 272 km + 261 km (533 km total)

Duration: Approx. 6-7 hours riding time.

Road Conditions:

• The road is mostly paved with some gravel patches as you leave Kashgar.
• Expect desert roads, but they are manageable with minimal traffic.

Description:

• Depart Kashgar and head south towards Yecheng. This area will expose you to vast desert landscapes, with scenic stretches offering few interruptions.
• Continue on to Mazar in the afternoon. The Pamir Plateau offers magnificent views of barren mountain ranges and steppes.
• Prepare for a long ride with frequent breaks to stretch your legs and keep hydrated.

Attractions:

• Desert Views: Experience the rugged beauty of the Taklamakan Desert (塔克拉玛干沙漠), one of the largest deserts in the world.

Accommodation:

• Stay in Mazar at a simple guesthouse for a peaceful night before heading to Hongliutan the next day.

Distance: Approx. 247 km

Duration: Approx. 5-6 hours riding time.

Road Conditions:

• The road is primarily paved, with some gravel sections as you move deeper into the desert.
• Expect to pass through remote areas with little to no habitation.

Description:

• Depart Mazar and ride through the desolate terrain towards Hongliutan.
• The route will take you through vast open deserts and barren mountain ranges. With little traffic on the roads, you will experience the peace and isolation of this region.

Attractions:

• Desert Landscapes: Witness the endless sand dunes and rugged terrain of Xinjiang.

Accommodation:

• Stay at a simple guesthouse in Hongliutan for the night.

Distance: Approx. 351 km

Duration: Approx. 7-8 hours riding time.

Road Conditions:

• A mix of paved roads and rough gravel tracks, especially as you move towards higher altitudes.
• As you get closer to the Tibetan Plateau, expect altitude-induced fatigue and potentially windy conditions.

Description:

• Ride from Hongliutan to Domar through a combination of desert roads and high-altitude terrain.
• Prepare for a long riding day, as this is one of the more challenging stretches.
• Domar marks a transition point into more rugged, Tibetan-influenced landscapes.

Attractions:

• Tibetan Plateau: The altitude and rugged scenery start to feel distinctly Tibetan.

Accommodation:

• Stay at a simple guesthouse in Domar.

Distance: Approx. 231 km

Duration: Approx. 5-6 hours riding time.

Road Conditions:

• Gravel roads around Bangong Tso Lake (班公措), as well as some paved sections near Shiquanhe.
• Roads are generally in decent condition, but the high-altitude roads may be tricky.

Description:

• Ride from Domar to the stunning Bangong Tso Lake, a saltwater lake that sits at the base of snow-capped mountains.
• This area is known for its tranquil beauty, perfect for rest stops and photos.
• Continue your journey towards Shiquanhe, the last major settlement before heading into the heart of Tibet.

Attractions:

• Bangong Tso Lake: Known for its beautiful blue waters and the surrounding majestic mountain ranges.

Accommodation:

• Stay at the 2-star Guge Wangchao Hotel in Shiquanhe for a comfortable overnight rest.

Distance: 255 km

Duration: Approx. 5–6 hours riding time

Road Conditions:

• The road to Tsada is a mix of paved and gravel sections, especially as you get closer to Guge Kingdom. Expect remote and rough terrain as you approach the ancient ruins.

Description:

• Ride from Shiquanhe to Tsada, passing through some rugged terrain.
• You’ll visit the Ruins of Guge Kingdom (古格王国遗址), a fascinating archaeological site that was once a powerful kingdom in Western Tibet. Explore the Tholing Monastery (卓琼寺), which holds historical and cultural significance in the region.
• Enjoy the serene landscape of the Tibetan Plateau, which offers plenty of opportunities for photos.

Attractions:

• Ruins of Guge Kingdom: Ancient temples and fortresses that date back to the 9th century.
• Tholing Monastery: One of the oldest and most important Buddhist sites in Western Tibet.

Accommodation:

• Stay for the night at the simple Hebei Hotel in Tsada.

Distance: 369 km

Duration: Approx. 7-8 hours riding time

Road Conditions:

• Expect mostly gravel roads with some sections of smooth asphalt. The ride becomes increasingly challenging as you approach the Tibetan plateau and Kailash region.

Description:

• Continue from Tsada to Darchen, the gateway to Mount Kailash.
• On the way, visit Earth Forest (大地森林), an area filled with unique rock formations and a mesmerizing landscape.
• Also, make a stop at Tirthapuri (提尔塔布), a sacred site near Mount Kailash where Buddhist pilgrims often perform rituals.
• Arrive in Darchen, a small settlement near Mount Kailash, your base for the next leg of the journey.

Attractions:

• Earth Forest: Stunning geological formations and an excellent spot for photography.
• Tirthapuri: An important pilgrimage site with a deep spiritual history.

Accommodation:

• Stay overnight at a simple guesthouse in Darchen/Kailash.

Distance: 40 km

Duration: Approx. 1 hour riding time

Road Conditions:

• The road to Manasarovar Lake is paved but can be a bit bumpy as you approach the lake.

Description:

• Today is a short ride to Manasarovar Lake, one of the holiest lakes in Tibet.
• After arriving, take a short trek around the foot of Mount Kailash and enjoy the peaceful, spiritual atmosphere.
• The lake offers incredible views, especially with Mount Kailash in the backdrop. A perfect spot for reflection and relaxation.

Attractions:

• Manasarovar Lake: Known for its spiritual significance and breathtaking natural beauty.

Accommodation:

• Stay at a simple guesthouse near Manasarovar Lake.

Distance: 270 km + 250 km

Duration: Approx. 7-8 hours riding time

Road Conditions:

• Expect gravel roads with some paved stretches, but the roads become more challenging as you approach Saga.

Description:

• Continue from Manasarovar Lake towards Saga via Paryang. The ride will take you through the desolate Tibetan plateau, with the rugged landscape of plateaus and high-altitude deserts.
• Saga is a small town that acts as a resting point before the next stages of your journey.

Attractions:

• The vast, desolate landscape of the Tibetan Plateau, offering endless views of mountains and highlands.

Accommodation:

• Stay at the simple Saga Guesthouse for the night.

Distance: 280 km

Duration: Approx. 6-7 hours riding time

Road Conditions:

• Gravel roads in some parts, with unpaved stretches as you move closer to Old Tingri.

Description:

• Ride towards Paiku Tso Lake, a high-altitude lake known for its serenity and isolation.
• Continue to Old Tingri, where you’ll be treated to some of the most spectacular views of Mount Everest.
• The ride offers a mix of desolate plains, sparse vegetation, and rocky terrain.

Attractions:

• Paiku Tso Lake: A peaceful, remote lake with incredible views.
• Tingri: Mount Everest lies just to the south, and you can expect amazing views from the Tibetan plateau.

Accommodation:

• Stay overnight at the Snow Leopard Guesthouse in Old Tingri.

Distance: 70 km (Sand road)

Duration: Approx. 3-4 hours riding time

Road Conditions:

• The final leg of this ride is on sand roads, with a challenging but scenic route to Rongbuk Monastery.

Description:

• Ride towards Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world, located just below Mount Everest. The route is filled with dusty sand roads but is worth the effort as you approach the majestic Everest north face.
• The views of Everest are awe-inspiring, making this one of the most iconic parts of the trip.

Attractions:

• Rongbuk Monastery: The highest monastery in the world with incredible views of Mount Everest.

Accommodation:

• Stay overnight at a simple Rongbuk Guesthouse.

Distance: 255 km (Sand road and asphalt road)

Duration: Approx. 6–7 hours riding time

Road Conditions:

• Sand roads and asphalt roads. Expect dusty conditions but well-paved roads as you head into Kyirong.

Description:

• Begin your ride from Rongbuk and pass Paiku Tso Lake again on your way down towards Kyirong.
• The Tibetan landscape gradually gives way to the more fertile and green landscapes of Nepal, offering a striking contrast in the scenery.

Attractions:

• The majestic views of the Himalayas and Paiku Tso Lake.

Accommodation:

• Stay at a 2-star Kyirong Hotel in Kyirong, your final stop in China.

Distance: No ride today (Exit day)

Duration: Approx. 1 hour

Road Conditions: No riding today.

Description:

• The last day marks your exit from China into Nepal via Kyirong.
• Cross the border and enter the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal, marking the end of your journey through China.

Attractions:

• Experience the shift in landscapes as you enter Nepal with a much greener environment and beautiful mountainous surroundings.

Service ends in China. Enjoy your time in Nepal as you transition into a new adventure.