19 Days Nepal-China Tibet-Nepal Motorbike Tour with Kailash and Everest from Gyirong Border

Distance: 306 km

Duration: Approx. 6 hours 44 minutes

Road Condition: Mix of asphalt and rough gravel roads in higher altitudes, with occasional dirt tracks.

Description:

Start the motorbike journey from Kyirong (吉隆) and head towards Paiku Tso (佩库措), a picturesque lake nestled at the foot of the mountains. Paiku Tso offers breathtaking views of Shishapangma (希夏邦马峰), the 14th highest peak in the world.

Ride along the edge of the lake, stopping for some scenic views, photography, and a moment to enjoy the serenity of the area.

Continue towards Shegar (New Tingri), passing through remote Tibetan villages, vast plateaus, and winding mountain roads.

Accommodation: 1 Night in Shegar (New Tingri)

Hotel Recommendation: Local Tibetan inns or guesthouses in Shegar.

Distance: 212 km

Duration: Approx. 8 hours 43 minutes

Road Condition: Combination of asphalt and gravel roads, with challenging high-altitude terrain.

Description:

Ride towards Rongbuk Monastery (绒布寺), located at 5,100 meters—the highest monastery in the world. It is situated on the northern side of Mount Everest (珠穆朗玛峰) and offers stunning views of the world’s highest peak.

From Rongbuk, continue the ride towards Everest Base Camp (珠峰大本营) on the Tibetan side. The closer you get, the more majestic Mount Everest (珠穆朗玛峰) becomes.

Take time to walk around the base camp and soak in the grandeur of the world's tallest mountain. After experiencing the views, head back to Shegar (New Tingri) for the night.

Accommodation: 1 Night in Shegar (New Tingri)

Distance: 234 km

Duration: Approx. 4 hours

Road Condition: Mostly asphalt roads, with a few gravel sections.

Description:

After breakfast, leave Shegar (New Tingri) and ride towards Lhatse (拉萨). This route offers mesmerizing views of the Tibetan Plateau, winding roads, and impressive mountain landscapes.

Stop for a short rest in Lhatse (拉萨) before continuing to Shigatse (日喀则), Tibet’s second-largest city, known for its historical significance and cultural importance.

Shigatse (日喀则) is home to the Tashilhunpo Monastery (扎什伦布寺), the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama. Visit the monastery, learn about its history, and admire its beautiful Tibetan architecture.

Accommodation: 1 Night in Shigatse (日喀则)

Hotel Recommendation: Comfortable guesthouses or hotels in Shigatse.

Description:

Today is a rest day in Shigatse (日喀则) for motorbike permit formalities and exploration of the local attractions.

Temporary Motorbike License Plate: Complete the necessary paperwork for obtaining your temporary motorbike license plate. This process may take a bit of time, so it's a great opportunity to relax and take in the local sights.

If there’s time left after the paperwork, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery (扎什伦布寺) again, or explore Shigatse’s (日喀则) vibrant local market, where you’ll find Tibetan crafts, religious artifacts, and textiles. The market is also a lively place to pick up souvenirs.

Accommodation: 1 Night in Shigatse (日喀则)

Distance: Approx. 360 km

Duration: Approx. 6 hours

Road Condition: Asphalt roads, some gravel sections approaching Yamdrok Tso and Lhasa.

Itinerary:

Shigatse to Gyantse (江孜): The ride to Gyantse (江孜) takes about 90 minutes. Palkhor Monastery (扎什伦布寺) and Kumbum Pagoda (大圆顶塔) are must-see spots. The monastery features rich murals and statues.

Gyantse to Yamdrok Tso (羊卓雍措): Another 2-hour ride (100 km) takes you to Yamdrok Tso (羊卓雍措), one of Tibet’s sacred lakes. The lake’s turquoise waters contrast beautifully with the snow-capped mountains surrounding it.

Yamdrok Tso to Lhasa (拉萨): Finally, you ride the asphalt road to Lhasa (拉萨), the capital city of Tibet.

Attractions: Palkhor Monastery (扎什伦布寺), Kumbum Pagoda (大圆顶塔), Yamdrok Lake (羊卓雍措).

Accommodation: 1 Night in Lhasa (拉萨)

Duration: Full day (No riding)

Road Condition: N/A (City exploration)

Itinerary:

Potala Palace (布达拉宫): Visit the Potala Palace (布达拉宫), Tibet’s most iconic structure and former residence of the Dalai Lama. The palace offers stunning views over Lhasa (拉萨).

Jokhang Temple (大昭寺): Explore Jokhang Temple (大昭寺), the most revered site in Tibetan Buddhism. The temple is home to a golden statue of the young Buddha and is surrounded by devoted pilgrims.

Barkhor Street (八角街): Spend some time in Barkhor Street (八角街), a bustling market filled with traditional Tibetan items, religious artifacts, and local food stalls.

Attractions: Potala Palace (布达拉宫), Jokhang Temple (大昭寺), Barkhor Street (八角街).

Accommodation: 1 Night in Lhasa (拉萨)

Duration: Full day (No riding)

Road Condition: N/A (City exploration)

Itinerary:

Parla Lupu Cave Monastery (帕拉鲁普洞寺): Visit this cave monastery for panoramic views of Lhasa (拉萨) and Potala Palace (布达拉宫).

Norbulingka (诺布林卡): Explore the Norbulingka (诺布林卡), the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, featuring beautiful Tibetan architecture and peaceful gardens.

Sera Monastery (色拉寺): End the day with a visit to Sera Monastery (色拉寺), famous for its vibrant monastic debates where monks argue Buddhist philosophy.

Attractions: Parla Lupu Cave Monastery (帕拉鲁普洞寺), Norbulingka (诺布林卡), Sera Monastery (色拉寺).

Accommodation: 1 Night in Lhasa (拉萨)

Distance: 220 km

Duration: Approx. 4 hours 45 minutes

Road Condition: Asphalt roads, some gravel sections approaching Nam Tso (那曲).

Itinerary:

Lhasa to Damxung (当雄): Ride 160 km from Lhasa (拉萨) to Damxung (当雄), a picturesque town with beautiful natural surroundings.

Damxung to Nam Tso (那曲): Continue to Nam Tso (那曲), one of Tibet’s highest and holiest lakes at 4718m. The lake offers a serene environment with snow-capped mountains and pristine waters.

Attractions: Nam Tso Lake (那曲).

Accommodation: 1 Night in Nam Tso (那曲)

Distance: 355 km

Duration: Approx. 7 hours 45 minutes

Road Condition: Mix of asphalt and gravel roads.

Itinerary:

Nam Tso to Bange (班戈): Begin your journey from Nam Tso (那曲) to Bange (班戈), riding through the vast Tibetan plateau, and passing by many remote Tibetan villages. The route features majestic mountain views and Tibetan wildlife.

Sheng Xiang Tian Men (圣象天门): Stop to see Sheng Xiang Tian Men (圣象天门), a natural rock formation that resembles the shape of an elephant, with stunning views of the surrounding plateau.

Attractions: Sheng Xiang Tian Men (圣象天门).

Accommodation: 1 Night in Bange (班戈)

Distance: 333 km

Duration: Approx. 5 hours 17 minutes

Road Condition: Asphalt and gravel roads.

Itinerary:

Bange to Serling Tso (色林错): Ride through the Tibetan plateau to Serling Tso (色林错), a beautiful lake located at 4715 meters. The ride is scenic, with views of vast open plains and Tibetan wildlife.

Serling Tso to Cuoe Lake (措卡湖): Continue towards Cuoe Lake (措卡湖), another pristine lake in Tibet.

Cuoe Lake to Nyima (尼玛): Finally, continue to Nyima (尼玛), a small Tibetan town where you can rest for the night.

Attractions: Serling Tso (色林错), Cuoe Lake (措卡湖).

Accommodation: 1 Night in Nyima (尼玛)

Distance: 341 km

Duration: Approx. 5 hours 14 minutes

Road Condition: Asphalt and gravel roads. Expect some bumpy sections.

Itinerary:

Nyima to Dongcuo (东措): Begin your day with a scenic ride through remote Tibetan landscapes. The route leads to Dongcuo (东措), a place of historical and spiritual significance.

Dongcuo to Gertse (格尔措): Continue to Gertse (格尔措), a small Tibetan town at 4425 meters. The town is known for its beautiful Tibetan scenery and is surrounded by majestic mountains.

Attractions: Dongcuo (东措), Gertse (格尔措).

Accommodation: 1 Night in Gertse (格尔措)

Distance: 364 km

Duration: Approx. 5 hours 53 minutes

Road Condition: Asphalt and gravel roads with high-altitude terrain; challenging but scenic.

Description:

Start your journey from Gertse (格尔措), located in the Tibetan Plateau, and head towards Gerkyi (格尔基), a small Tibetan town.

The route takes you through wide-open spaces, steep hills, and vast, untamed wilderness, giving you a feel for the remote high-altitude regions of Tibet.

Along the way, stop at various points to take in the spectacular views of the Qiangtang Plateau (羌塘高原), one of the most remote places on earth.

Gerkyi (格尔基) offers a quiet resting spot, and you’ll be surrounded by traditional Tibetan villages and peaceful landscapes.

This is also a great place to interact with local Tibetan nomads and learn about their way of life.

Accommodation:

1 Night in Gerkyi (格尔基) at local guesthouses or inns.

Distance: 371 km

Duration: Approx. 7 hours 38 minutes

Road Condition: Gravel roads and well-maintained asphalt sections, high-altitude with some rough patches.

Description:

Depart from Gerkyi (格尔基) and ride towards Shiquanhe (狮泉河), a key town in Tibet’s Western regions.

The ride is beautiful, passing through Tibetan highlands where you can witness Tibetan wildlife and nomadic herders on horseback.

Stop at Tsada Tulin (察尔达土林), known for its unique "Earth Forest," a series of striking, naturally-formed stone pillars. This geological wonder will offer some unforgettable photo opportunities.

Continue on your ride to Tsada (察尔达), located near the ruins of the ancient Guge Kingdom (古格王朝遗址), a historical Tibetan city-state that was once a flourishing kingdom before it collapsed in the 17th century.

Tsada is a quiet place that gives you a chance to relax and prepare for the next day.

Accommodation:

1 Night in Tsada (察尔达) at local Tibetan guesthouses.

Distance: 231 km

Duration: Approx. 4 hours 39 minutes

Road Condition: Mostly gravel roads with some asphalt sections.

Description:

Depart from Tsada (察尔达) and head toward the Ruins of Guge Kingdom (古格王朝遗址). The kingdom's ruins lie in a remote area and can only be accessed by motorcycle via rugged terrain. The site is an archeological marvel, offering a glimpse into Tibet’s ancient history and culture.

Tholing Monastery (透林寺), founded in the 10th century, is another highlight. Explore this historical Tibetan Buddhist monastery, which still houses important cultural relics and sacred texts.

Continue towards Darchen (达尔尓琼), the gateway to Mount Kailash (冈仁波齐). Darchen is where most pilgrims begin the Kailash Parikrama (circumambulation of Mount Kailash).

You’ll feel the spiritual energy of the region as you approach Kailash, one of the most sacred mountains in the world.

Accommodation:

1 Night in Darchen (达尔尓琼) at local guesthouses.

Distance: Short ride to Manasarovar Lake

Duration: Approx. 2 hours

Road Condition: Mostly asphalt roads, some rough gravel sections.

Description:

This day is one of the most spiritually significant in your journey. Mount Kailash (冈仁波齐) is revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon practitioners. The Mount Kailash area attracts pilgrims who believe that circumnavigating the mountain will bring blessings and remove past sins.

You will have a short walk at the foot of Mount Kailash, taking in the mystical atmosphere of this sacred site.

From there, ride to Manasarovar Lake (玛旁雍措), a sacred lake where many pilgrims come to bathe. The lake is considered one of the most sacred sites in Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism.

Enjoy some rest by the lake, allowing time for reflection and relaxation.

Accommodation:

1 Night in Manasarovar (玛旁雍措) at guesthouses near the lake.

Distance: 339 km

Duration: Approx. 4 hours 43 minutes

Road Condition: Gravel and asphalt roads with occasional rough sections.

Description:

After leaving Manasarovar (玛旁雍措), ride towards Paryang (帕羊), a small Tibetan village.

Continue to Zhongba (中巴), a town located near the Western Tibetan Plateau. The road here becomes more remote, and you will encounter high-altitude landscapes and traditional Tibetan nomadic settlements.

This is an isolated part of Tibet, and while riding, you will enjoy sweeping views of valleys, plains, and snow-capped peaks.

Accommodation:

1 Night in Zhongba (中巴) at local guesthouses or inns.

Distance: 270 km

Duration: Approx. 5 hours 45 minutes

Road Condition: Asphalt roads and gravel sections.

Description:

From Zhongba (中巴), ride back toward Kyirong (吉隆), passing through stunning Tibetan villages and winding mountain roads.

The scenery throughout this final leg of the journey is magnificent, with views of the towering Himalayas.

Kyirong (吉隆) is a peaceful town located near the Nepal-China border, and it is a perfect place to relax before you cross back into Nepal.

Accommodation:

1 Night in Kyirong (吉隆) at local guesthouses.

Description:

• After completing all customs formalities at the border, you will cross into Nepal and say goodbye to your Tibetan adventure.
• The journey concludes with an opportunity to reflect on the incredible landscapes and experiences of Tibet.
• Your motorbike tour officially ends as you enter Nepal, continuing your adventure in a new land.