13 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Motorcycle Tour with Western Tibet Adventure (Mt.Kaialsh & Guge Kingdom)

Welcome to Lhasa!

Upon your arrival in Lhasa, our Tibetan guide will welcome you at the airport or train station with a traditional white Hada.

Then, you'll be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa. After checking in, you can take some time to rest and allow your body to acclimate to the high altitude.  

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Insider Tips:
If you ride your motorcycle to Lhasa, either from the mainland of China or Nepal, our guide will meet you at the designated place, where you enter the Tibet Autonomous Region.

• Tibetan tour guide greets you at Lhasa Airport.
• Lhasa River

In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, another of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet, to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). Your guide will intricately explain how Tibetan monks engage in these debates to acquire knowledge and advance in their academic degrees.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Drepung Monastery, one of the Great Three Gelug monasteries of Tibet
• Monk Debate is a highlight of Sera Monastery

After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

Then, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside, you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple.

After visiting the Jokhang Temple, you can stroll along the Barkhor Street around the temple, follow the kora route with local pilgrims, and explore the lively street markets.

Next, you’ll follow your guide to an authentic Tibetan local teahouse in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Potala Palace is always the No.1 attraction for travelers visiting Tibet.
• A Tibetan pilgrim is worshipping Jokhang Temple

In the morning, you’ll start the motorcycle journey from Lhasa to Shigatse. The entire journey is around 360 kilometers via Yamdrok Lake and Gyantse Ancient Town.

First, you’ll ride across the Gampala Pass (4,790m) to catch a glimpse of Yamdro Lake (4,400m). The turquoise Yamdrok Lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In the distance, you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7,191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa City.

For lunch, you’ll enjoy a homemade meal after visiting a local family in the village. It’s a great chance to explore the real life of local Tibetans and taste the authentic family food by the lakeside.

Next, you’ll follow the route to the Karola Glacier, enjoying the largest glacier in Tibet on the roadside. As you see the ice tongue of the glacier climb the entire hillside, you will feel the magical power of nature.

Then, continue your journey to Gyantse. On the way, you will stop at Simila Mountain Pass, where you can hang prayer flags to pray for world peace and the health of your family. After arriving in Gyantse, you can spend some time taking photos of the ancient city of Gyantse.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. After checking into the hotel, you can take a good rest and prepare for the next day’s trip to Mount Everest.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

• Yamdrok Lake at Gampala Pass, where you can get a marvelous bird's-eye view of the lake.
• The Karola Glacier is so close that you will appreciate a spectacular view of the white glacier contrasted with blue sky.

After breakfast, you will head directly to Mount Everest.

First, you will pass Gyatsola Pass (5280m). At Gyatsola Pass viewpoint, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest. Hidden behind the mountain range, the Everest resembles a budding lotus flower, a captivating sight along the roadside.

Shortly after we enter Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, you will enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas at Gawula Pass (5198m). At this viewpoint, you will marvel at the majestic lineup of the five highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Everest at the forefront. This is your second glimpse of Everest.

Then we drive along the new zigzag road to Everest Base Camp (5000m). As you get close to the base camp, the majestic Everest gradually unfolds before you, drawing nearer with each winding turn. This marks your third view of Everest.

Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, the colossal white pyramid peak of Mount Everest stands towering before you. As the day transitions to dusk, witness the golden hues of the sun casting a warm glow on Everest's northern face—your fourth view.

As night falls, the sparkling Milky Way and the snow-white peak of Mount Everest reveal your fifth and final encounter with Everest.

Stay overnight at Everest Base Camp or in the local village near EBC if the EBC tent hotels are closed during the winter season.

Insider Tips:
1. The visibility of Everest is subject to weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

2. During the winter season, typically from November to March, the tent hotels at Everest Base Camp close. Therefore, if you’re traveling in winter, your accommodation options are limited to the village near EBC.

• Drive along the zigzag road to Everest Base Camp
• Enjoy your group tour to Everest Base Camp

In the morning, you may have the chance to see the pink sunlight casting its glow upon the summit of Mount Everest.

After breakfast, visit the Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest-altitude monastery at 5154 meters above sea level.

Then, you’ll ride to Saga, the main transfer hub in western Tibet. On the way, you’ll pass by Mt. Shishabangma (8,027 meters), one of the world’s highest mountains over 8000 meters. You can enjoy a close view of the three main peaks of Shigabangma, as well as the golden glow of Pelku Tso Lake beneath the peaks.

After crossing the grassland around Peiku Tso Lake, you’ll reach Saga County. This marks your entry into the gateway of the Mount Kailash region.

Stay overnight in Saga.

• Rongbuk Monastery, the higest monastery in the world
• Pelku Tso Lake is surrounded by rugged mountains.

After breakfast, you’ll start today’s ride through the Saga Valley between the Himalayan Range and the Gangdis Range.

En route, you’ll witness herds of yaks and sheep on the vast grasslands beneath the snow-capped mountains. Meanwhile, you’ll pass by the beautiful green lake - Gongzhucuo Lake.

After passing through the Mayum La Mountain at 5,211 meters, you officially enter the Ngari Region. Crossing the mountain pass feels like entering a wilderness inhabited by wild animals, with the holy Lake Manasarovar coming into view. The view of Lake Manasarovar, with Mount Kailash in the distance, often makes people feel amazed and inspired.

Driving along the lake, you reach the sacred Mount Kailash, the ultimate destination of this journey.

Upon arrival in Darchen, the little town at the foot of Mount Kailash, settle into your hotel.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

• Breathtaking scenery of Lake Manasarovar
• Far-distant view of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar

In the morning, you’ll enjoy a scenic ride to Lake Manasarovar and approach the shores of the sacred lake to touch its holy waters.

At the lakeside, you can engage in meditation, listen to the rhythmic waves of the sacred waters, or simply clean your body with the holy water, which holds significant spiritual meaning for Hindus and Buddhists.

Then, you can go back to Darchen, have a short trek around the foot of Mount Kailash as you like, or just take a good rest in Darchen Town, preparing for the following ride to the in-depth region of Ngari.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

• The road leading into Darchen village.
• Lovely antelopes living around Mount Kailash

After breakfast, you will take a scenic ride from Darchen to Zanda. As road wind through this territory, wildlife roams freely, creating a surreal journey towards the Ruins of Guge Kingdom in Zanda County.

Upon arrival in Zanda, your first stop is Toling Monastery, a hidden gem in western Tibet. The monastery boasts exquisite Buddhist murals comparable to the famous Dunhuang Mogao Caves, depicting heavenly scenes, playful animals, intricate patterns, and more. The architectural fusion of Indian, Nepali, and Tibetan styles at Toling Monastery provides a unique glimpse into Tibetan arts. Surrounded by 83 stupas, the monastery exudes a solemn atmosphere, adding to its ancient grandeur.

Then, you’ll explore the Ruins of the Guge Kingdom. Ruling the western Tibetan plateau for 700 years, the Guge Kingdom mysteriously vanished 400 years ago. The remnants, resembling ancient fortresses, reveal exquisite carvings, gold and silver Buddha statues, and well-preserved murals, including the renowned "Guge Silver Eyes." This vanished kingdom leaves behind a splendid legacy, blending Tibetan Buddhism and political history in enduring masterpieces.

After today’s visit, get back to your guesthouse in Zanda.

Stay overnight in Zanda.

• Toling Monastery, the most important monastic complex in Ngari
• Explore Guge Kingdom

In the morning, you will explore the Donggar and Piyang Caves, the world's largest Buddhist cave complex, showcasing monasteries, castles, grottoes, and pagodas. These sites unveil ancient cave dwellings and vibrant murals, leaving a lasting impression. These off-the-beaten sites stand as spectacular relics on the western Tibetan plateau, showcasing ancient cave dwellings adorned with vibrant murals. The caves offer a unique glimpse into cultural remnants spanning from grottoes to Buddhist temples, featuring enduring murals depicting diverse themes - from Buddha statues to celestial maidens. This historical tapestry extends from the prehistoric period to the era of Buddhist civilization.

After your exploration of these ancient wonders, you’ll ride back to Darchen.

Stay overnight in Darchen.

• Appreciate the marvelous ancient murals in the caves
• Pass through the stunning Zada Clay Forest

After breakfast, you’ll start the journey back to Saga and relive the scenic wonders of the Ngari Plateau, the Himalayas, and the Gangdise Mountains. Along the journey, you can stop at grassy pastures and lakes to get close to the nature and wildlife of Ngari.

Later today, you will finally arrive in Saga.

Stay overnight in Saga.

• Take a glimpse of Tibetan gazelle in the distance
• You can enjoy the picturesque scenery along the way back to Saga.

In the morning, start your journey to Gyirong Valley, the hidden gem on the Sino-Nepal border. As the altitude drops, the scenery along the roadside changes from snow-capped mountains and wastelands to dense forests and canyon landscapes.

Upon reaching Gyirong Town in the afternoon, you’ll explore Gyirong Valley, described by British explorer Howard-Bury as the most beautiful valley in the world in his book 'Mount Everest: The Reconnaissance'.

Here, you can visit the Sherpa villages and admire dense forests, serene villages, and beautiful snow peaks above the woods. Additionally, you can experience the humid and mild oxygen, quite distinct from the dry and thin air of the Ngari Plateau.

In the afternoon, you will visit Paba Monastery in the center of Gyirong Town, ride to Jipu Village, and hike to the Meditation Cave of Master Padmasambhava.

Stay overnight in Gyirong.

• Immersed in the local way of life here in Gyirong Valley.
• Paba Monastery in Gyirong

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to your Tibetan guide and driver.

After entering Nepal, you will see many snow mountains in the southern foothills of the Himalayas. You'll be treated to captivating landscapes along the way, savoring the last glimpses of the Himalayas.

Finally, you’ll arrive at your hotel in Kathmandu, which you booked by yourself.

Insider Tips:
1. Prepare some US dollars in cash to pay the Nepali visa fee when crossing the border.
If you need us to book the hotel in Kathmandu or arrange a Nepal tour for you, feel free to tell us when you inquire about the trip.

• The picturesque scenery of Gyirong Town
• You will be transferred to Gyirong Port.