Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour via EBC (Everest Base Camp) by a 4-wheeled vehicle is the most amazing overland Tibet tour of all. But to make this traversing tour ever more fulfilling, a motorbike overland tour is a good choice.
Immerse yourself in the mysterious atmosphere of Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism and enjoy the mind-blowing Himalayan vista and exotic culture, and the adventurous motorbike journey will bring you once-in-a-lifetime memory.
Let's Start Our Biking Tour
Recently, we’ve just had a motorbiking tour from Royal Enfield and the warriors rode all the way from Kathmandu to Lhasa via EBC. Want to find more about the most adventurous part from Kathmandu to EBC? Follow me!
Firstly, they spent two days riding from Kathmandu to Gyirong Border, with two separate night’s stay in Syabrubesi and Gyirong Town. We do this to get our guests to better acclimatize to the altitude in Tibet.
Yes, a motorcycling tour in Tibet is less physically demanding compared to a biking tour, but usually we still need to do a test motorcycling to Ganden Monastery to see if cyclists can fully get adapted to the altitude on this highland.
However, for this tour, they took the trip the other way round. So we deliberately give them more time to acclimatize before and after visiting Everest Base Camp. Why? As you may find, the altitude of Syabrubesi is at 2,380m while Gyirong is at 2,800m above sea level, but the Everest Base Camp area is around 5,200m.
From Kathmandu Valley to Syabrubesi, because of the rocky and uneven single lane road condition, you’re suggested to be very careful when driving. Also, the bumpiness of the journey may cause some little problems on your bike, like loose joints and prickly things in your tire. With the help of our supporting truck, we will check your motorbikes fully and change or repair some parts if necessary. Actually, this is going to be a daily routine on our side, to give you smooth riding experience.
The Road from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi is bumpy
Drive across the Friendship Bridge (China-Nepal Border), you will come to the second stop, Gyirong Town. After finishing all the documents process, our guides at Tibet side picked you up and keep your company for the rest of the journey before you leave Tibet. Gyirong is a lush small village after passing through the border. It is a short distance to the border and you will arrive there in the early afternoon. Since the border closes at 5 pm every day, it’s important to arrange today’s itinerary like this. You can relax and enjoy the Paba Temple, a Nepali style monastery built at the proposal of the Nepali wife of the Tibetan King Songtsan Gambo.
Riding towards EBC from Gyirong Town
After enjoying the subtropical scenery along the way to Gyirong border and being fully acclimatized in Gyirong Town, they then headed for Old Tingri. After passing the snowline, the lush forest and vegetation gradually give way to lofty mountain passes and awe-inspiring Himalayan peaks. You will drive pass the mighty Mt. Shishapangma (8012m), the only 8000-meter-peak wholly situated in Tibet. Later on, the beauty of the picturesque Pekutso Lake (4,594m) will take your breath away.
Our riders having a rest by Pekutso Lake
Wait, so you’re worried about the road condition in Tibet as well? NO need to! The road condition is very biking-friendly, compared to that of Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. Look at the tarred and paved road!
The tarred road in EBC area
However, there are still some parts unpaved. But in general, it’s totally safe to drive in Tibet.
There’s still unpaved road in Tibet, but it’s totally safe to drive on
The next day, they rode from Old Tingri to New Tingri via EBC. After visiting Rongbuk monastery, the highest monastery in the world, and otherworldly beauty of Mt.Everest, they passed the Gawula Pass and took gorgeous photos of the panorama of the Himalaya mountains.
Today’s ride can be a bit rough, altitude-wise. With EBC at 5,200m and Gawula Pass 5,198m above sea level, you may have altitude sickness. And if you are not feeling well because of the sickness, it will be very dangerous for you to ride. Luckily, our supporting truck also provides oxygen supplies. So, again, you just enjoy your ride, we’ll take care of everything else, and this is what ‘worry-free’ is all about, isn’t it?
Have a rest and take a photo
Our guests enjoying the Himalayan views from afar
Yeah! We made it!
A photo at Gawula Pass
After that, they spent three days in Shigatse and then headed for Lhasa via Gyantse. The main reason we stayed in Shigatze for three days is for our guide to help you apply for temporary Chinese motorcycle drivers license and the license plate. Take some time to enjoy the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the home of Panchen Lama, you can see the well preserved largest statue of Jampa (future god) in the world. If in the right time, you will also be able to enjoy the Buddha exhibition in the Tashilhunpo Monastery Thangka Festival.
Guests checking motorbikes on the way
Riding across Karola Glaciers
Our guests having a rest and chatting with local Tibetans
Riding on the well-paved road in Nargaze County
To find more details of the whole trip, check our 12 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa via EBC Motorcycle Tour.
About Bike Renting
To be able to ride in China, you need a Chinese license plate and a Chinese driving license. We can help with that but usually we suggest motorbikers rent bikes in China for the sake of convenience, and we can help with renting and transportation too. However, our guests this time bring their own motorbikes. We fully understand: riding on your own bike is like travelling with an old friend you know. You know each other well and are mutually supportive.
Some of the motorbikes for rental in Lhasa
For bike rental, I’d like to briefly mention some of the bikes available. Right now, we offer BMW motorcycle for rental in Lhasa. Motorcycle Series are G310(399RMB daily rental fee), F800 (899 RMB daily rental fee), and R1200 (1099RMB daily rental fee) and Adventure (1199RMB daily rental fee), etc. And a back-up truck will be taking care of logistic supply, oxygen supply and Tibetan guide, etc.; a cook is available, if needed.
Ending
Riding your motorbike up from Kathmandu Valley to the Everest Base Camp offers a challenge for the brave heart. With an expertly-designed tour, you can safely follow our epic overland route from Kathmandu to Tibet. Come and has a cool motorbike journey in Tibet!
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