15 Days Nepal-Tibet Motorbike Tour Starting and Finishing from Kathmandu

Tour Overview

This 15 days Kathmandu Namtso Lake Lhasa EBC Motor Bike Tour is designed for those travelers who are adventurous and want to explore the natural paradise to Tibet on a bike....

Code of Tour: YCT0000003498

Length of Travel: 15 Day

Destinations of Tour: Kathmandu - Nyalam - Shegar - Shigatse - Yangbachen - Namtso Lake - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shegar - Rongbuk - Nyalam - Kathmandu.

Departure City: Kathmandu

Price of Tour: Request

Type of Tour:

Features of Tour: Nature Minority Landscape Cycling

More Map & Picture

This 15 days Kathmandu Namtso Lake Lhasa EBC Motor Bike Tour is designed for those travelers who are adventurous and want to explore the natural paradise to Tibet on a bike. The tour also includes the once in a lifetime opportunity to explore the Namtso Lake and enjoy Everest Base Camp (EBC) experience. We organize this motorbike tour to Lhasa, Tibet from Kathmandu. Generally it takes 17 to 24 days, if you want to start and conclude the whole tour on a bike ride. So, this tour is specially designed  to conclude the tour in 15 days. You will drive from Kathmandu after your arrival here in Kathmandu and finally return to Kathmandu along the same route. You will cross the Nepal – Tibet border through Kodari road and  follow the route to Kathmandu – Nyalam – Shegar – Shigatse – Yangbachen – Namtso Lake – Lhasa – Gyantse – Shegar – Rongbuk – Nyalam – Kathmandu. You will explore guided sightseeing in Lhasa for the full two days.

Brief Itinerary

• Day 1: Kathmandu-Nyalam
• Day 2: Nyalam
• Day 3: Nyalam-Shegar
• Day 4: Shegar-Shigatse
• Day 5: Shigatse
• Day 6: Shigatse-Yangpachen
• Day 7: Yangpachen-Namtso
• Day 8: Namtso-Lhasa
• Day 9: Lhasa
• Day 10: Lhasa
• Day 11: Lhasa-Gyantse
• Day 12: Gyantse
• Day 13: Gyantse-Rongbuk
• Day 14: Rongbuk-Nyalam
• Day 15: Nyalam-Kathmandu

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Kathmandu – Nyalam

Sightseeing and Activities:Ride to Nyalam
Accommodation:Nyalam
Meals:Lunch

Early morning ride to Kodari. Complete Immigration and customs and ride to Nyalam (3700m) 156km.

Day 2 Nyalam

Sightseeing and Activities:Milerapa Cave
Accommodation:Nyalam
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast in the morning, you will enjoy an excursion to visit Milerapa Cave, a cave where the great Tibetan Buddhist philosopher, and Vajrayana Mahasiddha, Milarepa (c. 1052—c. 1135 A.D) spent many years of his life in the eleventh century. After the tour, trek back to Nyalam to check into the hotel for rest.

Day 3 Nyalam – Shegar

Sightseeing and Activities:Peiku-tso Lake, Mount Everest, Mount Shishapangma
Accommodation:Shegar
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, ride 225km to Shegar, crossing over a few mountain passes among which is Kungthang la pass (5236 meters), one of the highest and you will by pass Tibetan town of Old Tingri from where you will have a good view of Himalaya Mountain Range including Everest and few other mountain whose elevations are above 8000 meters. Along the way, you will see the Lake Peigu Tso and Mount Shishapangma (8013 meters) if weather permitting. Here is a breathtaking panorama of beautiful Himalayan ranges including Mount Everest (8848 meters) but is dwarfed by the vastness of the Tibetan plateau. This scenically rewarding ride provides plenty of opportunities for photography. Upon arrival at Shegar, you will check in at the hotel and rest. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 4 Shegar – Shigatse

Sightseeing and Activities:Sightseeing along the way
Accommodation:Shigatse
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, ride 244km to Shigatse. The total ride will be 6 hours, you will have lunch on the way and arrive at Shigatse in the late afternoon. Then check into the hotel, the rest of the time will be on your owns.

Day 5 Shigatse

Sightseeing and Activities:Tashilhunpo Monastery, Local Flee Market
Accommodation:Shigatse
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you will pay a visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery which is the seat of Panchen Lama, the equally important religious figure in Tibet as Dalai Lama. The monastery was built by the first Dalai Lama in 1447, and inside the Monastery placed the highest statue of Buddha in Tibet which is 26.8 meters high. After lunch, enjoy your leisurely time strolling around local flee market. Stay overnight at Shigatse.

Day 6 Shigatse – Yangpachen

Sightseeing and Activities:Yangpachen Hot Spring
Accommodation:Yangpachen
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Today, you will ride 325km to Yangpachen. Along your way, you will pass by mountain ranges, tranquil lakes, Tibetan villages, etc.  Enjoy the nice view along the way and arrive at Yangpacheng in the late afternoon. Yangpachen Hot Spring is renowned as the Natural Wonder. From long distance, you will see many giant pillars of vapors rising up and gushing into the sky. If you are interested, you can have a bath in the spring is good for health and helps you get rid of strainRide to Yangbachen via Shogu la (4300m) 325km O/N at Guest House

Day 7 Yangpachen – Namtso

Sightseeing and Activities:Namtso Lake
Accommodation:Namtso Hostel
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast,you will ride 155km to Namtso Lake.Along the road are endless plateau landscapes: yaks, sheep, grasslands, snow mountains…  After arrival at Namtso Lake, you can take a rest, then go to explore the heavenly scenery around the Namtso Lake.

Namtso Lake is the highest saltwater lake in the world with an altitude of 4718 meters, also the second largest saltwater lake in China (after the Qinghai Lake). For travelers, Namtso is the ideal place for photography, while for Tibetans, it is a scared and magical lake for pilgrimage. In clear days the water is a stunning shade of turquoise. You will be surrounded by magnificent views of the nearby mountains. The wide open spaces, dotted with tents of local nomads, are breathtaking. You may also walk along the lake or climb up the hill near the lake to explore the area.

Day 8 Namtso – Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities:Tashi Dor Island
Accommodation:Lhasa
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

While enjoying the clear morning at the lake shore, you can trek along the lake shore to Tashi Dor Island to explore the meditation caves. Then, you will ride 240km to Lhasa. After arrive at Lhasa, check into the hotel for rest.

Day 9 Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities:Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Accommodation:Lhasa
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Today’s tour will first bring you to the Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama. It has been used since the 7th Century by the 33rd great king of Tibet. The most valuable collection are the gilded burial stupas of past Dalai Lamas and meditation Cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.  
After you take lunch and then head to Jokhang Temple which was founded by the 33rd great king of Tibet in the 7th century, in order to promote the Buddhist religion. Inside you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibet Buddhism.
Around the temple Barkhor Street where you can do kora (circling the Barkhor street) with pilgrims and locals and buy the souvenirs. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 10 Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities:Drepung Monastery, Carpet factory, Sera Monastery
Accommodation:Lhasa
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you are going to visit Drepung Monastery which was one of the “three greet” Gelug monasteries of Tibet and was founded in 1416 by Jamyang choge, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. Ganden palace is used as Dalai lama’s palace in the Drepung before moving to the Potala palace.
Afternoon, Sera Monastery—It was one of the “three great” Gelug monasteries of Tibet and was founded in 1419 by Jamchen chojey, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. The highlight is the Monks debate at around 3 – 5 in the afternoon. Stay overnight in Lhasa. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Day 11 Lhasa – Gyantse

Sightseeing and Activities:Yamdrok-tso Lake, Mount Nyenchen Khangsar, Korola Glacier, Manak Dam Lake, Pelkor Monastery
Accommodation:Gyantse
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, ride from Lhasa to Gyantse .On the way, drive over the Gampala pass (4790 m), and you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m) .The Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar, (7191m) the highest mountain near Lhasa .

Later, we will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside; At Manak Dam Lake, you can hang pray flag at Simila Mountain Pass; Then, we will arrive in Gyantse, historically Tibet’s third largest city (after Lhasa and Shigatse).In Gyantse, we will visit the famous Pelkor Monastery and enjoy the far view of Gyangtse Fortress.

Day 12 Gyantse – Shegar

Sightseeing and Activities:Sightseeing along the way
Accommodation:Shegar
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you will ride 334km to Shegar. Have lunch on the way and arrive at Shegar in the late afternoon, stay overnight in Shegar.

Day 13 Shegar – Rongbuk

Sightseeing and Activities:Rongbuk Monastery, Mount Everest
Accommodation:Rongbuk Hostel
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you will ride to visit Rongbuk Monastery. On the way towards Mt. Everest, you can see 4 of the highest mountains over 8000 meters (Mt. Everest; Mt. Makalu; Mt. Lotse; Mt. Cho Oyu) in the world at the same time on the top of the Gyalpo-la pass, what a great view! Before arriving at the EBC, you will first visit the highest monastery in the world – Rongbuk Monastery, which is also a good position to watch the Everest; continue drive till the tent guesthouse area, check in the guesthouse. The sunset view is fantastic when weather is good. Wish you a good luck to see the sunset.

Day 14 Rongbuk – Nyalam

Sightseeing and Activities:Rongbuk Monastery
Accommodation:Nyalam
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

Morning explore Rongbuk Monastery and then ride 315km to Nyalam. Arrive at Nyalam in the late afternoon, stay overnight in local hotel.

Day 15 Nyalam – Kathmandu

Sightseeing and Activities:Ride back to Kathmandu
Accommodation:None
Meals:Breakfast

After breakfast, ride back to Kathmandu. Service ends.

Recommended Hotels

Service Included:

• Necessary Supporting Vehicle Throughout The Tour.
•  All Necessary Tibet Travel Permit And Bike Permit.
•  English speaking tibetan guide.
•  Accommodation on twin sharing room basis.
•  Sightseeing and monastery entrance fees as per our itinerary.
•  Meals as listed in the itinerary.
•  Chinese Driving license.
•  Accommodation with full board for nepali mechanic.
•  All Applicable Taxes and Service Charge. 
•  Border clearance charge.

Service Excluded:

•  Meals not listed in the itinerary.
•  Fuel, Maintenance and Parts Replacement Charge.
•  Insurance of Any KindTravel and Personal Expenses.
•  Rescue and Evacuation Service.
•  Any Additional Cost Due To Nature Calamity and Unforeseen Circumstances, tips for supporting staff and etc.

Travel Tips:

1. Tibet Permits

There are several permits required to visit Tibet. Tibet Entry Permit, issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau, is the most important one which has to be obtained before your trip because you must have it to take your flight/train to Tibet. To get the permit, you have to book a Tibet tour with us, and send us your passport and Chinese visa about 20 days in advance, and then let us apply for the permit (all Tibet permits can only be applied by travel agency). If you travel to other prefectures like Shigatse, Nyingchi, Shannan, etc, you also have to obtain an Alien Travel Permit. If you travel to Mount Everest, you have to obtain a Border Permit. (Tibet Discovery, with office in Lhasa, has always kept up with the latest news on Tibet Permits. Traveling with us, all your permits are guaranteed as long as you are qualified to the requirements.)

2. Available Months to Visit Tibet

Generally speaking, May to early October is the best time to for a Mount Kailash trip. July and August are the peak season and rainy season. It may be too cold to travel in Kailash area from November to March. There is usually heavy snow. The conditions in Namtso Lake and Mount Everest area are quite similar with Kailash. While other places like Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse are suitable for travel all year around.

3. High Altitude Sickness

The average altitude of Tibet is about 4000 meters above the sea level (Lhasa: 3700m; EBC: 5200m; Namtso: 4718m). You may suffer a bit from High Altitude Sickness in the beginning days of your Tibet trip if you haven’t had rich high plateau travel experience. But don’t worry too much, the high altitude can be acclimatized usually in 2~3 days. Our suggestion is to take a physical examination and get suggestions from your doctor, and also bring some medicines to prevent from High Altitude Sickness before your trip. While in Tibet, you should keep warm all the time, avoid strenuous activities, drink more water and eat more vegetables and carbohydrates. You’d better not take showers during the first two days after your arrival at Tibet. If you don’t feel well, get help from your tour guide or go to the hospital without any delay.

4. How to Go to Tibet

Basically you have two options – flight and train. Currently, you can take a flight to Lhasa from Beijing(4.5hrs), Xian(3.7hrs), Chengdu(2.5hrs), Chongqing(3hrs), Kuming(3hrs), etc. Among all these cities, Chengdu and Xian have more frequent flights to Lhasa. Kathmandu also has several flights to Lhasa each week.

If you a train travel, you can take a train to from Beijing(40.5hrs), Xian(32hrs), Chengdu(43hrs), Shanghai(47hrs), Chongqing(42hrs), Lanzhou(25hrs), Xining(22hrs), Guangzhou(54hrs).

5. Packing and Wearing Ideas

Firstly you can’t forget your passport and Chinese Visa. A large backpack and a smaller one are recommended (the smaller one can be used for daily activities). Also bring the necessary medicine you need. Other stuffs like sunglasses, snow glasses, hats, lip balm, sun block are recommended. As for wearing, you are suggested to dress in layers (both thin and thick jackets). Down jacket is necessary in Spring and Autumn. A pair of durable and comfortable shoes is necessary.