18 Days Yunnan-Tibet Motorbike Tour with Mount Everest from Kunming to Gyirong Border

This epic 18-day motorbike tour takes you from Kunming through the stunning landscapes of Yunnan and Tibet, and into Nepal. Experience the cultural richness, historical landmarks, and breathtaking natural beauty along the way, culminating in an adventurous ride through the Himalayas.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Yunnan’s beautiful towns: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La
• Ride through the scenic Tiger Leaping Gorge and Meili Snow Mountain
• Visit iconic Tibetan landmarks: Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery, and Barkhor Street in Lhasa
• Experience high-altitude riding and the majestic Himalayas
• Cross into Nepal through the Kyirong border

Motorbike Travel Tips

1. Physical Fitness: Ensure you are in good health and physically fit for long rides and high-altitude travel.
2. Gear: Bring appropriate riding gear, including a helmet, gloves, protective clothing, and sturdy boots.
3. Altitude Sickness: Be prepared for high altitudes; consider medication and gradual acclimatization.
4. Insurance: Obtain comprehensive travel and motorbike insurance.
5. Documents: Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including visa and permits for Tibet and Nepal.
6. Weather: Check weather conditions regularly and be prepared for varying climates, especially in high-altitude regions.

Itinerary with Distance

Day 1: Arrive in Kunming

• Activities: Arrival, meet your tour guide, briefing on the tour and motorbike handling.
• Overnight: Kunming

Day 2: Kunming to Dali (400 km)

• Route: Kunming to Dali
• Highlights: Ride on asphalt roads to Dali.
• Overnight: Dali

Day 3: Dali to Lijiang (160 km)

• Route: Dali to Lijiang
• Highlights: Visit the Three Pagodas, Erhai Lake, and Dali Ancient Town. Continue to Lijiang.
• Overnight: Lijiang

Day 4: Lijiang

• Activities: Explore Black Dragon Pool, Dongba Culture Museum, and Lijiang Ancient Town.
• Overnight: Lijiang

Day 5: Lijiang to Shangri-La (163 km)

• Route: Lijiang to Shangri-La
• Highlights: Visit The First Bend of the Yangtze River and Tiger Leaping Gorge. Ride to Shangri-La.
• Overnight: Shangri-La

Day 6: Shangri-La to Dechen (183 km)

• Route: Shangri-La to Dechen
• Highlights: Visit Sumzanlin Monastery. View the First Bend of Jinshajiang River.
• Overnight: Dechen

Day 7: Dechen to Markam (222 km)

• Route: Dechen to Markam
• Highlights: Overlook Meili Snow Mountain (weather permitting). Visit Yanjing’s Catholic Church.
• Overnight: Markam

Day 8: Markam to Baxoi (400 km)

• Route: Markam to Baxoi
• Highlights: Ride through scenic landscapes.
• Overnight: Baxoi

Day 9: Baxoi to Bomi (216 km)

• Route: Baxoi to Bomi
• Highlights: Visit Ranwu Lake en route.
• Overnight: Bomi

Day 10: Bomi to Linzhi (Nyingchi) (230 km)

• Route: Bomi to Linzhi
• Highlights: Ride through Lulang Wald. View Mt. Gyala Pelri and Mt. Namchak Barwa from Serkhyem La Pass.
• Overnight: Linzhi

Day 11: Linzhi to Lhasa (455 km)

• Route: Linzhi to Lhasa
• Highlights: Ride on asphalt roads to Lhasa.
• Overnight: Lhasa

Day 12: Lhasa

• Activities: Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery, and Barkhor Street.
• Overnight: Lhasa

Day 13: Lhasa

• Activities: Visit Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka, and Sera Monastery.
• Overnight: Lhasa

Day 14: Lhasa to Shigatse via Yamdrok and Gyantse (360 km)

• Route: Lhasa to Shigatse via Yamdrok Lake and Gyantse
• Highlights: Visit Yamdrok Lake. Visit Pelkor Monastery and Kumbum Stupa in Gyantse. Arrive in Shigatse.
• Overnight: Shigatse

Day 15: Shigatse to Shegar (290 km)

• Route: Shigatse to Shegar
• Highlights: Visit Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse. Ride to Shegar.
• Overnight: Shegar

Day 16: Shegar to Rongbuk Monastery / Everest (100 km)

• Route: Shegar to Rongbuk Monastery
• Highlights: Ride on sand roads to Rongbuk Monastery.
• Overnight: Rongbuk Guesthouse

Day 17: Rongbuk Monastery to Kyirong via Paiku Tso Lake (255 km)

• Route: Rongbuk Monastery to Kyirong via Paiku Tso Lake
• Highlights: Travel via sand and asphalt roads.
• Overnight: Kyirong

Day 18: Kyirong to Nepal

• Route: Kyirong to Nepal
• Activities: Exit China into Nepal. Service ends.

Tour Details

• Accommodation: Mix of hotels, guesthouses, and possibly camping in remote areas.
• Meals: Breakfasts provided; lunches and dinners can be arranged at local restaurants.
• Motorbikes: Reliable motorbikes suited for high-altitude and rugged terrain.
• Guides: Experienced motorbike guides with knowledge of the local regions.
• Permits: All necessary permits for travel in Tibet and border crossing into Nepal.
• Support: Backup vehicle for luggage and emergency support.

This tour offers an unforgettable adventure through some of the most stunning and remote areas of China and into Nepal, providing a unique blend of cultural immersion and thrilling motorbike riding.