Motorcycle Tour from Nepal to Tibet

FAQs about the Motorcycle Tour from Nepal to Tibet Tour

• 1. What Is the Best Route for the Motorcycle Tour from Nepal to Tibet?

  The best Nepal to Tibet motorcycle route is the 15-day loop from Kathmandu to Lhasa, with a stop at the Tibet Everest Base Camp, before riding back to Nepal. This travel route blends the best Himalayan sights in Tibet with ample days for acclimatization on the towering Tibetan Plateau.

  Your adventure starts from Kathmandu, where you can enjoy a test ride to the rugged and mountainous terrains around the Kathmandu Valley.

  Then, you can ride through the Sino-Nepal border, Gyirong Port, to enter China’s Tibet side with two days’ acclimatization around both sides of the border regions.

  From the Gyirong Valley, you can ride eastward to Tingri, Shigatse, and further onward to Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet.

  After you explore Tibet’s most iconic attractions in Lhasa, you can travel back via turquoise Yamdrok Lake and enchanting Gyantse County to Shigatse and journey to New Tingri for acclimatization.

  The top highlight of the journe comes when you ride to the Tibet Everest Base Camp to closely admire the unobstructed north face of the Mt. Everest and other towering Himalayan peaks and spend an amazing night at the Tibet EBC before enjoying the final rollercoaster ride back to Kathmandu via the Gyirong Port.

  The most classic loop route for Nepal to Tibet motorcycle tour.

• 2. Do I Need Special Permits to Ride into Tibet from Nepal? Yes

  Yes, for foreign nationals riding the motorcycle from Nepal to Tibet, you need to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit from a local Tibet travel agency like us for the legal entry from Nepal to Tibet.

  Besides, if you choose to rent a Tibetan motorcycle to ride in Tibet, you will also need a temporary Chinese driving license. But no worries! We take care of all the paperwork for you. So, you can simply enjoy an immersive and worry-free motorcycle adventure from Nepal into Tibet.

• 3. What Type of Motorcycles Are Best for the Nepal to Tibet Motorcycle Tour? Powerful & Sturdy

  When choosing a motorcycle for riding across the mighty Himalayas from Nepal to Tibet, the primary requirement is that the motorcycle must have enough power to ride long climbs and mountain passes, which are often over 4,000m to 5,000m.

  At such altitudes, engines lose power, so your bike needs enough horsepower to handle steep ascents and thin air. Adventure bikes with engines around 400cc to 650cc are ideal choices.

  Besides, while most of the ride in Tibet is on a well-paved road, in the border regions and parts of the off-road sections, you will ride on bumpy and gravel roads. So, having a sturdy and reliable motorcycle with solid suspension can ensure you have a smooth ride on parts of the rugged terrains.

  We provide you with rugged KOVE 525 motorcycles (Tibet rental), BMW GS1200s (Tibet rental), and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 (Nepal rental). These tough and easy-to-ride mid-size motorcycles strike the perfect balance of power, toughness, and comfort for high-altitude touring.

• 4. Can I Ride My Own Motorcycle from Nepal into Tibet? Definitely

  Of course, you can! We will help you apply for the temporary Chinese License Plate for your motorcycle and a temporary driving license for you to enjoy a seamless ride to the Roof of the World.

  Alternatively, you may also rent our well-maintained and powerful motorcycles (KOVE 525 motorcycles, BMW GS1200s) when needed.

• 5. Can I Ride Solo, or Do I Need to Join a Group? Join an Organized Tour

  For overseas travelers who plan to ride the motorcycle from Nepal to Tibet, you can only travel through a pre-booked and organized Tibet tour with a local Tibet travel agency like us.

  It is a mandatory policy of the Tibet Tourism Bureau that aims to help international travelers deal with the language barrier, better understand the local Tibetan culture, and ensure your safe travel on the towering Tibetan Plateau.

  No worries! You can rest assured that after a day’s ride, you will still have free time to explore local bazaars, shop around, and try out local eateries. Our local Tibetan guide respects your privacy and will be happy to share their favorite spots.

• 6. How Difficult Is the Motorcycle Ride from Nepal to Tibet?

  The motorcycle ride from Nepal to Tibet is easy to moderate level. With our local experts and professional team support, everyone with a normal level of fitness can enjoy this epic trans-Himalayan journey.

  Most of the main roads in Tibet are well-paved and surprisingly smooth. Riding across the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway from Gyirong to Shigatse and Lhasa is a breeze, with wide open views of Himalayan peaks, shimmering alpine lakes, and picturesque Tibetan villages.

  However, in parts of the roads around the border regions and in some remote sections in Tibet, you will ride through gravel, bumps, and uneven stretches. You can lower your speed to safely pass these parts of the bumpy ride.

  The real challenge comes with the altitude ascent and thin air. From Kathmandu Valley (1,400m) to the soaring Tibetan Plateau, you often ride above 4,000 meters, and some mountain passes are above 5,000 meters.

  However, no worries! Our itineraries are well-paced and offer you enough acclimatization days to rest and adapt to the altitude gain.

  Meanwhile, we offer you oxygen supplies along the way and a support truck and mechanic to make sure that you can enjoy a safe and thrilling ride on the towering Tibetan Plateau.

• 7. What Is the Best Time of the Year for the Nepal to Tibet Motorcycle Tour?

  March to May and September to November are the best times to ride a motorcycle from Nepal to Tibet. You will enjoy the clearest Himalayan view, crisp air, and comfortable daytime temperatures, which are perfect for exploring Mt. Everest and acclimatization on the Tibetan Plateau.

  Besides, the roads, especially on the Nepal side, are drier and more stable, making your overland journey smoother and safer. On the Tibet side, you will enjoy perfect road conditions for all outdoor activities across Tibet. Learn the best time to visit Nepal and Tibet.

  In addition, the monsoon season in Nepal (from June to August ) is not an ideal time to ride across Nepal to Tibet.

  During these months, the mountain roads near the Sino-Nepal border often have heavy rain, landslides, and even flash floods. These can cause unexpected roadblocks and delays, making the trip both risky and uncomfortable. So, unless you're fully prepared for the monsoon adventure, it’s best to skip this period.

• 8. What Support Is Provided during the Nepal to Tibet Motorcycle Tour?

  When you sign up for our motorcycle tour from Nepal to Tibet, you are not riding alone. As the leading local Tibet travel agency since 1984, with headquarters in Lhasa and a branch office in Kathmandu, we provide you with every support you need as follows:

  From your first email inquiry, our warm and expert travel consultant will provide personalized, free, and professional travel advice to you. Our local staff will help you apply for the Tibet Travel Permit, temporary driving licenses, or Chinese Car plates for you to ride from Nepal to Tibet smoothly, and take care of all the other paperwork and arrange quality and diverse accommodation and dining in Tibet. So, you can enjoy your ride, 100% worry-free.

  In addition, whether you want to ride your own motorcycle or rent one in Nepal or Tibet, we can offer you powerful, sturdy, and well-maintained motorcycles (KOVE 525 motorcycles, BMW GS1200s, Royal Enfield 450) to enjoy the exhilarating ride on the Roof of the World, together with all the driving license or motorcycle plate assistance.

  Most importantly, you can travel with our seasoned local Tibetan experts whose in-depth knowledge of the customs and traditions of Tibet and its landscape will make the whole journey very interesting and enriching. They will take you to great places to eat and are always ready to help with translation and solve any issues quickly and efficiently, with an infectious smile.

  What’s more, a support vehicle will follow your group with oxygen supplies, Tibetan sweet tea, spare parts, tools, luggage, and daily essentials. A professional mechanic travels with you to handle regular maintenance and fix any breakdowns quickly. So, your adventure keeps rolling.

  Furthermore, your personal travel consultant and a whole team behind, including a local travel service manager in Lhasa will closely follow your journey and coordinate with your guide. When you need, they can help you adjust your itinerary, upgrade accommodation, and dining with flexible alternatives to match your interests and personal needs.

• 9. What Kind of Accommodations Can I Expect for the Journey?

  During the motorcycle tour from Nepal to Tibet, your overnight stops are mainly at the Sino-Nepal border region (Syabrubesi and Gyirong Town), Tingri County, the Tibet Everest Base Camp, and two of Tibet’s biggest cities, i.e., Shigatse and Lhasa.

  Syabrubesi (Nepal) & Gyirong Town (Tibet Border)

  At the border region, accommodation is basic but clean. In Syabrubesi, you will find simple lodges with private rooms, hot showers, and hearty meals. After you cross the Gyirong Port, Sino-Nepal border to Gyirong Town on the Tibetan side, you can stay at a local 4-star hotel or many budget-friendly 3-star hotels. The room is spacious, clean, and tidy with all the amenities needed. There is even a small fitness room available.

  Tingri County, a Major Gateway to Mt. Everest

  Tingri (Shegar) does have some good hotels, and for those traveling to Mount Everest, they are ideal for staying for one night as you travel west to the world’s highest mountain. Facilities at the hotels in Shegar are pretty basic, but clean and comfortable for a single-night stay.

  Tibet Everest Base Camp

  The best accommodation at Tibet EBC (5,000m) is the Rongbuk Hotel, equipped with an oxygen supply, private western toilets, a decent restaurant, tap water, underfloor heating, humidifiers, and, more importantly, rooms with epic window views of Mt. Everest. It is such a “luxury” accommodation here, given the extreme altitude and harsh climate.

  Alternatively, you can stay at the newly renovated EBC tents. Now, you enjoy solid steel rooms with clean flooring, twin beds, soft mattresses, fresh linens, extra blankets, and even small windows with Himalayan views. At night, you can stargaze right from your bed without braving the freezing cold outside.

  Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city

  Shigatse (3,845m) is a crucial place for lodging before heading to the Tibet EBC in Tingri County. Over 500 accommodations are available, ranging from limited 4-star hotels to tons of 3-star hotels and hostels scattered around the downtown Samzhubzê District. The 4-star Hilton Shigatse hotel is one of your go-to choices, with only 1.6km to Tashilunpo Monastery.

  Lhasa, the capital of Tibet

  Lhasa (3,650m) is not only the spiritual heart of Tibet for pilgrims but also the largest tourist hub that offers over 1,200 accommodations for global travelers, ranging from 5-star international luxury hotels and chic boutique hotels with views of Potala Palace to budget-friendly chain hotels, and newly-renovated 3-star hotels and hostels that perfectly blend Tibetan-décor with modern elegance.

• 10. What Food Can I Enjoy during the Nepal to Tibet Motorcycle Tour?

  On the Nepal to Tibet motorcycle journey, you can enjoy a mix of Nepali, Tibetan, and Chinese cuisines, with some familiar Western and Indian options in the bigger cities like Shigatse and Lhasa.

  In Kathmandu and the Sino-Nepal border regions, you can enjoy flavorful Nepali cuisine, like dal bhat (lentils with rice), momos (dumplings), noodle soups, and spicy curries. In Kathmandu, you will also find plenty of Western restaurants if you want a pizza or burger before the ride begins.

  After you enter Tibet, you will have tons of opportunities to savor the local Tibetan dishes, such as Tsampa (roasted barley flour eaten with butter tea), Tibetan momo (dumplings), yak meat, chewy Tibetan noodles (Thenthuk), Tibetan hot pot, and more.

  Chinese cuisine is readily available throughout your journey, like rice with stir-fried vegetables and meats, tofu, stir-fried greens, and mushrooms for vegetarians.

  In Lhasa and Shigatse, you can find a variety of Tibetan, Nepali, Indian, Chinese, and Western cuisines, such as pasta, pizza, burgers, Indian curries, and naan bread, and beyond. Discover more about the food and restaurants in Lhasa.