10 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and Lake Namtso Motorcycle Tour

Welcome to Lhasa!

Upon your arrival in Lhasa, our Tibetan guide will welcome you at the airport or train station with a traditional white Hada.

Then, you'll be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa. After checking in, you can take some time to rest and allow your body to acclimate to the high altitude.  

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Insider Tips:
If you ride your motorcycle to Lhasa, either from the mainland of China or Nepal, our guide will meet you at the designated place, where you enter the Tibet Autonomous Region.

• Tibetan tour guide greets you at Lhasa Airport.
• Lhasa River

In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Sera Monastery, another of the ‘great three’ Gelug monasteries of Tibet, to witness the famous Tibetan Monks Debate (15:00 - 17:00, from Monday to Saturday). Your guide will intricately explain how Tibetan monks engage in these debates to acquire knowledge and advance in their academic degrees.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Drepung Monastery, one of the Great Three Gelug monasteries of Tibet
• Monk Debate is a highlight of Sera Monastery

After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

Then, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside, you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims prostrating in front of Jokhang Temple.

After visiting the Jokhang Temple, you can stroll along the Barkhor Street around the temple, follow the kora route with local pilgrims, and explore the lively street markets.

Next, you’ll follow your guide to an authentic Tibetan local teahouse in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Potala Palace is always the No.1 attraction for travelers visiting Tibet.
• A Tibetan pilgrim is worshipping Jokhang Temple

In the morning, you’ll start the motorcycle journey from Lhasa to Shigatse. The entire journey is around 360 kilometers via Yamdrok Lake and Gyantse Ancient Town.

First, you’ll ride across the Gampala Pass (4,790m) to catch a glimpse of Yamdro Lake (4,400m). The turquoise Yamdrok Lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In the distance, you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar (7,191m), the highest mountain near Lhasa City.

For lunch, you’ll enjoy a homemade meal after visiting a local family in the village. It’s a great chance to explore the real life of local Tibetan and taste the authentic family food by the lake side.

Next, you’ll follow the route to the Karola Glacier, enjoying the largest glacier in Tibet on the roadside. As you see the ice tongue of the glacier climb the entire hillside, you will feel the magical power of nature.

Then, continue your journey to Gyantse. On the way, you will stop at Simila Mountain Pass, where you can hang prayer flags to pray for world peace and the health of your family. After arriving in Gyantse, you can spend some time taking photos of the ancient city of Gyantse.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. After checking into the hotel, you can take a good rest and prepare for the next day’s trip to Mount Everest.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

• Yamdrok Lake at Gampala Pass, where you can get a marvelous bird's-eye view of the lake.
• The Karola Glacier is so close that you will appreciate a spectacular view of the white glacier contrasted with blue sky.

After breakfast, you’ll start your adventure to Mount Everest on two wheels.

First, you will pass Gyatsola Pass (5,280m). At the Gyatsola Pass viewpoint, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Everest. Hidden behind the mountain range, the Everest resembles a budding lotus flower, a captivating sight along the roadside.

After entering Mount Everest National Nature Reserve, you’ll enjoy the thrill of riding on well-paved roads, surrounded by stunning Himalayan peaks.

Finally, you’ll arrive in Tingri (4,300m), a small town at the foot of Mount Everest.

Stay overnight in Tingri. 

• If you are lucky enough, you can see the Mt. Everest from Gyatsola Pass.
• Old Tingri

In the morning, you’ll ride along the way to Everest Base Camp.

En route, you’ll enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas at Gawula Pass (5,198m). At this viewpoint, you will marvel at the majestic lineup of the five highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Everest at the forefront.

Then, continue your ride on the zigzag road to Everest Base Camp. As you get close to the base camp, the majestic Everest gradually unfolds before you, drawing nearer with each winding turn.

Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, the colossal white pyramid peak of Mount Everest stands towering before you. You’ll visit the Rongbuk Monastery near the base camp. At 5,154 meters above sea level, it is the world’s highest monastery. From there, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the white pagoda and ancient monastery set against the backdrop of Mount Everest.

After visiting the Everest Base Camp, you will get back to Tingri.

Stay overnight in Tingri. 

• Tourists can enjoy the panorama of Himalaya at Gawula Pass
• Scene of Everest Base Camp

After breakfast, you’ll return to Shigatse along the same route. Experience the pristine landscapes once again and bid farewell to Mount Everest.

Upon arrival in Shigatse, you can have a good rest at your hotel or explore the city as you like.

Stay overnight in Shigatse.

• Riders posing with Mt. Everest at Tibet EBC
• Ride straight to Shigatse City

After breakfast, you will visit the Tashilunpo Monastery, the home of the Panchen Lama. The grand and magnificent halls of the largest local monastery occupy the entire hillside. This is the spiritual home of the Tibetan people in Shigatse, housing the world's largest statue of Maitreya Buddha. Inside, you will see monks adorned with yellow hats and red robes, moving about the temple.

Then, you’ll ride about 325 kilometers to Damxung in northern Tibet. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to see herds of yaks and sheep tended by local Tibetan nomads.

Finally, you will arrive in Damxung and spend the night at a local hotel.

Stay overnight in Damxung.

• A stunning bird’s-eye view of Shigatse city unfolds from the top of Tashilhunpo Monastery.
• International Wanhu Hotel, the best accommodation in Damxung

After breakfast, you’ll ride from Damxung to Namtso Lake. En route, you will drive across the snow-capped Nyenchen Thanglha Mountain ranges, and pause at the renowned Lagenla Pass (5,190 m) to marvel at the stunning vista of holy Namtso Lake from a distance. Descend the road to reach today’s destination, Namtso Lake, one of the ‘Three Holy Lakes’ in Tibet.

Upon reaching the lake, you can enjoy your time doing a leisurely trek around Tashi Dor Island and along the lakeshore. For a panoramic view of Namtso Lake, climb to the top of the hill on Tashi Dor Island, where the circular lake resembles a boundless blue sea surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Marvel at the magical stone pillars and peaks, and explore meditation caves and Buddhist holy sites on the island with your travel guide.

After visiting Namtso Lake, you will ride around 186 kilometers back to Lhasa via the well-paved road.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Insider Tips:
Some sections of the mountain road leading to Namtso Lake may be closed due to heavy snow in winter.

• Enjoy the heavenly Namtso Lake with all motorcyclists
• Take photo with Tibetan Yak at holy Namtso Lake

Today marks the end of your Tibet tour.

Please make sure to verify your departure flight/train details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport or train station.

Thank you for choosing Tibet Vista, and we extend a warm welcome for your return to Tibet in the future.

• Big farewell to Lhasa, and may you have a safe and pleasant journey back home!
• Your guide will escort you to Lhasa Railway Station if you depart Tibet by train.