Trans-Himalayan Ride
Trans-Himalayan Ride: Kathmandu-Lhasa – Everest Base Camp-Kathmandu
Time Frame: May or September
Duration:
15 Days
Max Group Size: 10
90% Paved Roads
Max altitude: 5254m
Tibet
Ride the Roof of the World
Embark on an unforgettable trans-Himalayan Kathmandu to Lhasa motorcycle tour. Beginning in the colourful chaos of Kathmandu you will ride north immersing yourself in the magnificence of the Nepali Himalaya.
Accommodation will be 2-4 star hotels throughout. Riding at an average of 400m+ everyday on mostly well maintained tarmac roads and travelling with a support vehicle for your luggage, the bikes spare parts and oxygen.
Traverse the Tibetan Plateau with our seasoned guides and old or new friends. You will cross high passes of 5000m+ and test your limits on this motorcycle tour as we ride into thin air.
Enjoy two full days to explore Tibet’s capital, the now modernised and vibrant city of Lhasa (3650m). Discover the old palaces of the Dalai Lama in Lhasa and the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. Journey to the highest monastery in the world to view the north face of the world’s tallest mountain, Mt Everest standing at 8849m.
On the return to Kathmandu our riders carry treasured memories of their adventure beyond the Himalayas.
Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, where your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities.
*Please note there is a government enforced age restriction for riding a motorcycle in Tibet for people 70 years and older.
15 Day Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal! Your journey begins at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport where you will be met by a member of the Ride Nepal Team and driven to the hotel. You will have the rest of the day for your leisure, meeting for dinner in the evening with the rest of the group and your guides for the tour. Hotel accommodation 3*
Today we will assist you with the necessary paperwork to obtain your Tibet Visa and necessary permits. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at Hotel Manaslu (or similar).
20km We leave Kathmandu excited to start our journey to one of the most difficult places to access on earth, the roof of the world. Our first stop is Shivapuri, just north west from Kathmandu, we will stay just on the edge of the National forest. Today’s ride will familiarise you with the Nepali roads and riding style. We aim to have a relaxed start to the tour leaving mid morning and arriving by lunchtime. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing and enjoying some views of the Himalayas from your hotel.
90km Heading north we cross the Guruje Bhyanjyang 1888m, which is a pass taking us out of Kathmandu valley. We descend all the way to Trishuli River Valley which is 500m and the lowest altitude of the whole trip. Syabru Besi is the last stop in Nepal on our approach to the borderlands between Nepal and China. There are many beautiful scenic spots along the way, it is a spectacular ride through the heart of the Himalayas.
Overnight in Syabru Besi Trekking Lodge.
42km Today we cross over from Nepal into the Tibetan Autonomous region of China. It will be a short ride to the border where we will go through the standard checking procedures of our visas, permits etc. Once we cross the border we add 3hr15min as we are now on the Beijing timezone. Then it’s a short but epic ride to Kyirong where we will stay overnight. Kyirong used to be part of Nepal until the 70s. There is a Nepali Hindu Temple in the town and a view of Ganesh Himal.
267km Today we traverse a very small but mighty section of the vast and pristine Tibetan plateau. Our first pass is a not so small 5222m then it’s down to Peikucuo Lake at 4573m. After having a packed lunch by the lake we ride to the old trading town, Old Tingri. Tibetan Seasalt was traded here for Nepali Ghee (clarified butter).
Overnight in Old Tingri.
291km We ride to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet and the world’s third highest city. If road and weather conditions are normal we should arrive well in time to explore the city. Shigatse is home to a famous monastery, Tashilhunpo. Monks chant Buddhist prayers morning and evening, prayer flags flutter in the wind and bells ring out to the heavens. This monastery is special because it also houses the largest gold gilded bronze buddha statue in the world.
Overnight in Shigatse.
271km This morning we ride to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Following the Brahmaputra river and the main highway we arrive mid-afternoon at the Hotel.
Start today’s Lhasa exploration with an exciting visit to the iconic Potala Palace, regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. In addition, you will also visit Jokhang Temple which is considered to be the temple where the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism lies. The last site of the day will be the famous Sera Monastery where you will have the opportunity to observe monks debating in a courtyard as they have done for hundreds of years.
268km We will leave the hotel after breakfast and ride to Gyantse. Along the way we will admire the sacred Yamdrok Lake located at an altitude of 4400m, covering over 360 square kilometers. And to top it off we also pass by Karola glacier (5045m)
313km We take the main highway from Gyantse, riding out of the historic town past it’s iconic Gyantse Dzong. The ride through the Tibetan highlands continues to inspire awe at it’s unique beauty.
Day 12 EBC Highway –Old Tingri 4500m
254km We start our early morning ascent passing through old Tibetan villages. We continue to the Gyawu-La pass (5198 m) from where you can see a large stretch of the Himalayas, including Mt. Makalu (8463m), Mt. Lyou chotse (8561 m), Mt. Everest (8844 m) and Mt. Cho Oyu (8201 m) towering over the barren landscape. From the pass we ride down 48 switchbacks and continue to Rongbuk Monastery (5000m), the highest monastery in the world, just 7km from Everest Base Camp. From here Mt. Everest is in full view, standing at 8848m. After spending some time gazing at the tallest mountain on earth we ride back to lower ground and stay over in Old Tingri at the Snow Leopard Hotel.
We ride back to Kyirong and finally return to the familiar lush green valleys.
160km We cross the China-Nepal border and ride back to Kathmandu triumphant after completing the momentous Trans-Himalayan journey. Carrying memories of Tibetan hospitality and warmth, as well as the thrilling ride traversing the roof of the world and encountering the world’s tallest mountain.
You will be transferred back to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your onward flight. Time to say farewell to the magical Himalayas, we hope to meet you again! Our trips are highly addictive, you have been warned 😉
Pricing
Price Includes
Dates
Pricing
Price on Enquiry; grace@ridenepal.co.uk
*Minimum group size 5 ( if the minimum number is not reached the date will be postponed or the client may choose to cancel the booking).
Price Includes
- Rental Motorcycle; Honda CRF250L
- Fuel
- All meals (B,L,D)
- All Accommodation (2- 4* Hotel)
- All transfers
- All permits including Tibet Entry Permit
- Tibet Visa
- Mount Everest Permit
- Expert English Speaking Motorcycle Guides
- Support vehicle and crew (carrying your luggage & spare parts)
- Supplementary Oxygen
Dates
Open for bookings. Please enquire for dates or check our dates and prices page here.
Average Riding Hours
5 hours per day
Total DIstance
2069km
Max altitude
5254m
Enquire about this tour
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