Cycling or motorbiking from Lhasa to Kathmandu is a unique adventure, allowing you to experience Tibet’s stunning landscape and culture up close. You can travel at your own pace when exploring the turquoise lakes, snow-capped mountains, Tibetan villages and ancient monasteries.

Though challenging, the journey can be generally safe as the roads are mostly well-paved. And if you choose to travel from April to June and September to October, you will also benefit from the best weather conditions.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about a Lhasa to Kathmandu cycle or motorbiking trip. Read to know the recommended route, where to stay, what to eat, what to pack, etc. Get ready for this epic trans-Himalayas adventure!

Why Ride from Lhasa to Kathmandu by Cycle or Motorbike? Is It Safe?

Different from a typical road trip by tourist bus, cycling or motorbiking from Lhasa to Kathmandu offers you more flexibility to fully immerse yourself in the landscapes of Tibetan Plateau. You can travel at your own pace and explore less-visited villages or monasteries as you like.

Following the scenic Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway, you will have the chance to challenge yourself - crossing high mountains, passing vast holy lakes, traversing massive plains, and even stopping by the foot of Mount Everest. You can also contact with local Tibetans, and enjoy some local street snacks along the way.

What’s more, it is much safer than you think to cycle or motorbike from Lhasa to Kathmandu. Since all international tourists are required to join a pre-arranged tour, you will be riding with a local Tibetan guide and support team throughout your journey. The road from Lhasa to Kathmandu is also mostly well-paved, with a speed limit to ensure safety.

While altitude can be a big concern, you can first stay in Lhasa for a couple of days to acclimatize properly. Your guide will also take good care of you during the ride, and give timely help whenever needed.

The Lhasa to Kathmandu overland trip is a thrilling world-class journey across the Himalayas.

When Is the Best Time to Cycle or Ride a Motorbike from Lhasa to Kathmandu?

The best times to go cycling or motorbiking in Tibet are from April to mid-June and from September to October. The weather in these shoulder seasons is pleasant and calm, with clear blue skies, good views, and warm temperatures, though it can still get chilly at night.

You may not want to ride in the rain, so it is best to avoid the summer monsoon season from July to August. While it is true that there is not much rain in Tibet, getting wet while cycling would be uncomfortable. Not to mention the slippery road conditions, possibility of mudslides caused by rains, and a greater chance of accidents.

Avoid winter as well, as the icy roads and snow covering can be deadly to riders. Also, some high-altitude areas in Tibet are often impassable through the winter months, due to ice and snow.

What Is the Best Route for Cycling or Motorbiking from Lhasa to Kathmandu?

Similar to the overland trip from Lhasa to Kathmandu, the best cycling or motorcycling route generally follows the Friendship Highway, and passes many Tibet’s top attractions, like Yamdrok Lake and Everest Base Camp. Depending on your mode of travel, the journey generally takes about 16 days by cycle and 11 days by motorcycle.

Stage One: Acclimatization and Sightseeing in Lhasa

Before you start riding, you will first spend three days in Lhasa (3650 meters) acclimatizing to the high altitude while exploring the city. During the time, you can visit iconic attractions like the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple, and the Sera and Drepung Monasteries.

Stage Two: Lhasa to Shigatse via Yamdrok Lake

Next, you will ride to Shigatse from Lhasa. On the way, you will pass scenic sites of Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Manla Dam, and the ancient town of Gyantse, before reaching Shigatse. This part of route will take four days by bicycle and two days by motorcycle.

Stage Three: Shigatse to Everest Base Camp

From Shigatse, you will challenge more adventurous road to Everest Base Camp, reaching the height of 5000 meters. You will not miss the stunning Himalayan views at Gawula Pass along the way. The road is still well-paved despite it is winding.

Stage Four: Everest Base Camp to Gyirong Border and Then Kathmandu

After taking in the impressive summit views of Mount Everest, you will continue westward to the Gyirong border, where you will exit Tibet and enter Nepal. On the way, you will pass by Peokutso Lake and Gyirong town.

What are the Highlights along the Lhasa to Kathmandu Route?

The cycling and motorbiking route to Kathmandu from Lhasa passes by many of the most spectacular and popular attractions of the Tibetan Plateau, not least of all Mt. Everest.

1. Potala Palace: The most iconic symbol of Tibet, the Potala Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the world’s highest ancient palace, it’s also the largest and most complete of its kind, reflecting the grandeur of Tibetan architecture and culture.

2. Yamdrok Lake: The vast lake is one of the three great holy lakes of Tibet. The clear blue water beautifully reflects the surrounding vista of the Nyenchen Thanglha, with its jagged, snow-capped peaks spearing towards the sky.

3. Karola Glacier: Right after Yamdrok Lake, you will reach the Karola Glacier, one of Tibet’s three major continental glaciers.

4. Gyantse & Shigatse: The two are respectively Tibet’s third and second largest cities. You can get a better understanding of Tibetan culture and history here.

5. Gawula Pass: At an altitude of 5,250 meters, Gawula Pass is the best viewing platform to see the mighty Himalayan ranges. Here you can see five mountains all above 8,000 meters, namely Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma.

6. Everest Base Camp: Unlike the Nepal base camp, you can drive right up to the Tibetan side, so taking your bikes there is not a problem. The views from the tourist base camp are some of the best in the world, and it is the closest you can get.

7. Gyirong Valley: The valley is a beautiful, vast stretch of lush grasslands and stunning wildlife. The comfortable climate in the valley makes for a pleasant place to relax before the final stage of the journey to Kathmandu.

Explore exotic Tibet on this overland journey across the Roof of the World.

What to Eat and Where to Stay during the Ride from Lhasa to Kathmandu?

There are various hotels and guesthouses along the route from Lhasa to Kathmandu. In larger cities like Lhasa and Shigatse, you can even find luxury five-star hotels. In other small cities, remote towns, or local villages, there are also cost-effective hotels and basic guesthouses.

Your guide will be traveling with you in the support vehicle, as required, and will be able to point you to the best places to stay. If you are interested, you can also camp in the wilderness.

As for the food, you can find local restaurants along the way, and you can get Chinese food, Tibetan food, and sometimes Western food. Your guide can recommend the best dining place for you based on your needs. Also, it is best to carry some snacks for the trip, in case you may need replenish energy en route.

What to Pack for a Lhasa to Kathmandu Cycling or Motorbiking Trip?

While the weather can be quite warm in the shoulder seasons, it can also drop to freezing at night. Warm clothes are always necessary when touring Tibet, but you can also bring lighter clothes for warmer days.

Waterproof clothes and shoes are a good idea as well, as there are times when it may rain, and a windproof jacket for cycling would help, as it can get quite windy in such a mountainous region.

Also, remember to bring a hat, lip balm, and sun block, as the sun and wind can damage the skin, and leave lips dry and chapped. The plateau altitude is high, and the low oxygen content of the air means stronger solar radiation.

For the cycling gear, mountain bikes are the best type of bicycle for the rough terrain in Tibet. You can bring your own bike or motorcycle, or rent one from us. We offer a variety of bikes and BMW motorcycles, all designed to handle the terrain and road conditions from Lhasa to Kathmandu.

No matter how you ride from Lhasa to Kathmandu, we will provide full logistical support, including carrying luggage, oxygen supply, etc. Our Tibetan guide will accompany you throughout your journey, and offer timely assistance in case of emergencies.

What Permits are Required for a Lhasa to Kathmandu Cycling or Motorbiking Trip?

Before you can even enter Tibet, you need to obtain the Chinese Visa and Tibet Travel Permit. You need to get your Chinese Visa on your own, while if you are from a visa-free country to China, then you don’t need to obtain it.

Then, you will also need the Tibet Travel Permit, which can be obtained through us. Simply send the copies of your Chinese Visa and passport to us, we will then take care of the rest.

As for other documents to visit remote areas of Tibet, we will handle them all for you. Just book your Lhasa to Kathmandu cycling tour with us in advance, and we will take care of all the permit application on your behalf, ensuring you a seamless journey.

We take care of all details including Tibet travel documents for your Lhasa to Kathmandu tour!

Tips for a Smooth Lhasa to Kathmandu Cycling or Motorbiking Trip

1. It is recommended to do some training before you cycle from Lhasa to Kathmandu. You can do exercises such as trekking and swimming to build up endurance and strength.

2. If you are traveling from afar, it is best to rent a bike from us, instead of bringing your own one. We provide kinds of bike options to meet different needs. We also provide one-stop logistical support to lighten your load during your biking trip in Tibet.

3. Before venturing to western areas from Lhasa, it is best to spend a couple of days here for acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness. The route from Lhasa to Kathmandu includes several high mountain passes with altitudes over 5000 meters.

4. Take care and don’t rush even if you are an experienced rider. The road from Lhasa to Kathmandu is generally well-paved, while there may be slippery road after rainfall or some occasion landslide. You may also encounter groups of Tibetan yaks and horses on the road.

5. Stay hydrated during your journey. It is recommended to drink plenty of water, even if you are not quite thirsty. This can help you acclimatize to the dry climate of the plateau, and also make you refreshed during your ride.

Conclusion

A trip from Lhasa to Kathmandu by bike or motorbike is one of the most epic journeys you will ever undertake. Crossing over one thousand kilometers on the plateau, the journey offers you both stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences. With careful planning and choosing the best travel time, you can make the most of the epic trip.

For more questions, feel free to contact us or book your tour with us today! We are here to help you enjoy a hassle-free journey from Lhasa to Kathmandu!