The vast landscapes of the Kathmandu Valley and Tibetan Plateau are places of striking natural beauty. One of the best ways to experience them is up close, with the freedom of a motorcycle. On the back of a motorcycle, you will not only see but feel the incredible nature around you and have the freedom to explore off the beaten track. Learn everything you need to know with this ultimate guide to motorcycle tours from Nepal to Tibet.

Motorcycle Tour from Nepal to Tibet: When is the Best Time?

It's possible to visit Nepal and Tibet any time of year, but motorcycles are more affected by the weather, so the choice of season has a big impact.

Spring and autumn are the best times for a motorcycle tour from Nepal to Tibet. Spring lasts from April to early June, and autumn is from September to early November. In these seasons, the weather is warm and stable. Temperatures are up to the low 20s, and rain is very minimal. Sunny weather and clear skies provide excellent visibility for breathtaking views of the Himalayas and other natural wonders.

Summer, July and August, is warm, but also the monsoon season. It is the peak period for rain, and slippery road conditions aren't the best for driving. During heavy rains, landslides are possible near the Gyirong border. Visibility can be reduced due to clouds or fog. Summer is only recommended for people who have riding experience.

Winter, from November to February, brings cold weather and challenges road conditions. Temperatures can drop well below 0°c, particularly at night. Some roads and mountain passes can be inaccessible due to heavy snowfall or icy conditions.

Motorcycle Tour from Nepal to Tibet: What Permits to Obtain?

Entering Tibet from Nepal has different requirements than when entering from other parts of mainland China. International travelers starting from Nepal must obtain a Chinese Group Visa in Kathmandu. It is a single-entry tourist visa usually valid for 30 days.

The Chinese Group Visa is applied for at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu and takes 3-4 working days to process. Our staff will apply for the visa on your behalf so you can enjoy the sights around Kathmandu in the meantime.

A Tibet Travel Permit is also required for tours of Tibet. It can only be applied for by an authorized travel agency based in Lhasa and can be obtained together with the group visa. As long as you book your Nepal and Tibet tour with us, we will help you to get the Tibet Travel Permit for free.

Additional permits are needed to visit specific areas of Tibet. The Alien's Travel Permit is needed for Mount Everest and Everest Base Camp. If you plan to visit Mount Kailash, you will also need a Military Travel Permit and Foreign Affairs Permit. But now worries, our tour service includes arranging all necessary permits.

Motorcycle Tour from Nepal to Tibet: What are the Most Popular Routes?

Two of the most popular motorcycle tour routes from Nepal to Tibet are via Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash.

1) Motorcycle Tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa via Tibet Everest Base Camp

The route via EBC takes 12 days, including four days in Kathmandu while the Chinese Group Visa is being processed to enter Tibet from Nepal. In Kathmandu, you'll explore the city and surrounding area, including places like Durbar Square and the Hindu temple Pashupatinath.

The motorcycle tour properly starts with the journey to the border at Gyirong, passing through Langtang National Park. From Gyirong to Old Tingri, you'll start to see the scenery change from lush forests to towering mountains. From Tingri, the next stop is the Tibetan Everest Base Camp to spend a night in the shadow of the great mountain.

The ride continues to Shigatse, passing through Gawu La Pass with views of the four highest peaks of the Himalayas. In Shigatse, you can see the sacred Yamdrok Lake and the majestic Karola Glacier.

Finally, you'll arrive in Lhasa and have three days to explore the iconic sites of the provincial capital of Tibet, such as Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung, and Sera Monastery.

2) Motorcycle Tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa via Mount Kailash

A motorcycle tour via Mount Kailash is an epic adventure across Tibet. The first five days are the same as going via EBC, touring Kathmandu, and seeing Gyirong.

From Gyirong, you'll see out for Saga, passing by Mount Shishapangma (8,027 meters) and Lake Paiku Tso. The next day is a 493 km ride to Lake Manasarovar through the valleys of the Himalayas, the Gangdise Mountains, and across vast grasslands with herds of yak and sheep.

Darchen is the next stop and serves as the starting point of the three-day kora trek around Mount Kailash. After completing the trek, you have the option to return southeast through Saga to visit Everest Base Camp, following the route from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Alternatively, you can choose to return directly along the same path you came to Kathmandu, crossing through Gyirong.

Motorcycle Tour from Nepal to Tibet: What to Pack for the Adventure?

For any Tibet tour, dressing for the weather is the first step. Temperatures vary greatly from day to night, so dress in layers. Start with a thermal base, lightweight pants, a shirt, and a warm sweater.

Pack motorbike leathers for riding that fit over warm underlayers. Motorcycle boots that protect the toes, heels, and ankles are also important. Don't forget warm gloves for riding.

Safety is always a priority. We'll make sure you have a safe vehicle and helmet, but you should pack sun and wind protection. Tibet's sun is very strong, so bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Lip balm and moisturizer will stop your skin from cracking in the wind. Also, bring personal items such as a spare power bank and any personal medication.

Motorcycle Tour from Nepal to Tibet: How to Physically and Mentally Prepare?

It is better to see your doctor for a physical health check before taking the motorcycle tour. Physically anyone can visit Tibet, but a reasonable level of physical fitness is recommended for a motorcycle tour, considering the high plateau environment.

Talk with your doctor about altitude sickness. Our tours are designed to minimize risks, but it can still happen. It is suggested to learn what symptoms to look out for and what medicine to prepare in advance.

Mentally, the most important thing to prepare for is the amazing views you'll see during the ride. It does take concentration to stay safe while riding. There is very little traffic in Tibet, but you need to be vigilant for sharp turns or dips in the road.

Motorcycle Tour from Nepal to Tibet: What are the Dining and Accommodation Options along the Way?

In larger cities like Lhasa and Kathmandu, there are a range of hotels to choose from. Everything from guesthouses to five-star luxury hotels can be booked, and you get let us know your preferences.

In other parts of Tibet, guesthouses and hostels may be the only options. You can expect clean rooms and toilets but with only basic facilities. Wi-fi may or may not be available.

Big cities have Tibetan, Chinese, and international cuisine, but you'll mostly be eating Tibetan food. Local food is delicious and hearty, designed to keep you going in the challenging terrain. Yak meat and mutton are prominent, and butter tea will keep you warm.

Bring any snacks you can't live without. Stores, particularly outside of Lhasa, will have a limited selection of international snacks.

Motorcycle Tour from Nepal to Tibet: Contact a Trustworthy travel agency for A Smooth Trip

Finding a trustworthy travel agency is always advisable. It is even more important when booking a motorcycle tour. Travel agencies should have a long history of local expertise in planning tours for international travelers.

We're a well-established travel agency with local staff on the ground in Lhasa, Kathmandu, and Chengdu. Our dedicated and friendly staff are available 24/7 for one-stop service planning and arranging tours of Tibet, Nepal, and China.

The safety of our clients is always a top priority. Our guides are well-trained and always prepared with oxygen supply devices and first aid kits. The wide network of support services maintained by our professional team will arrange permits, take care of rentals, and plan all the logistics so you can focus on the ride and enjoy the majestic scenery.

Conclusion

There is no experience like the freedom of traveling by motorbike across the Tibetan Plateau. The sights of towering vistas and vast grasslands are best appreciated with nothing in between you and nature. We guarantee you the trip of a lifetime with a smooth and safe motorcycle tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Contact us anytime to book your tour or find out more information.