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Features
This 18-day motorbike tour from Vietnam’s Lao Cai/Hekou border to the Tibetan Plateau offers an unforgettable adventure through diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and some of the most stunning scenery on earth. From lush rice terraces in Vietnam to the high-altitude roads of Tibet, you’ll experience thrilling rides, steep mountain passes, serene valleys, bustling towns, and sacred Buddhist sites. Whether you’re an experienced rider or an adventure enthusiast, this journey will be a unique and exhilarating experience.
Expect to encounter a mix of paved highways, rural roads, and rugged tracks. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in local cultures, savor authentic cuisine, and explore world-famous landmarks like the Potala Palace, Mount Everest, and Tiger Leaping Gorge. Each day will bring you closer to the heart of Southeast Asia and Tibet, revealing the region's history, spirituality, and stunning landscapes.
Tour Highlights
- Vietnam-Laos Border: Cross the Lao Cai/Hekou border into China, starting your journey in the northern Vietnamese highlands.
- Yuanyang Rice Terraces: Ride through the incredible rice terraces of Yuanyang, known for their dramatic landscapes and cultural significance.
- Kunming & Dali: Discover the historic city of Kunming and the charming ancient town of Dali, surrounded by scenic lakes and mountains.
- Lijiang: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lijiang, famous for its preserved old town and vibrant Naxi culture.
- Tiger Leaping Gorge: Experience the breathtaking ride through one of the world's deepest and most spectacular gorges.
- Shangri-La & Tibetan Culture: Dive into Tibetan culture with visits to monasteries, snow-capped mountains, and high-altitude lakes.
- Mount Everest Base Camp: Reach the legendary Everest Base Camp, and marvel at the world's highest peak up close.
- Lhasa: End your journey in Lhasa, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, and exploring the sacred heart of Tibetan Buddhism.
Day by Day Itinerary
Road Conditions:
The roads are generally in good condition, but as you approach Yuanyang, the road becomes narrow and winding due to its mountainous terrain. Watch out for occasional rough patches and traffic as you cross the border into China.
Attractions and Places to Visit:
Stay: A guesthouse or small hotel in Yuanyang with views of the rice terraces.
Road Conditions:
The road from Yuanyang to Jianshui is scenic but occasionally rough. The initial stretch through the mountains is curvy, so expect a slow but picturesque ride. Road conditions improve as you get closer to Jianshui.
Attractions and Places to Visit:
Stay: A traditional guesthouse in the heart of Jianshui.
Road Conditions:
Expect smooth and well-paved roads, with some rural stretches and busy areas as you approach Kunming. The roads around Fuxian Lake are especially scenic, perfect for motorbike cruising.
Attractions and Places to Visit:
Stay: Comfortable hotel in Kunming, close to the city center.
Road Conditions:
The road to Dali is mostly smooth, with some sections of mountain roads as you get closer to Dali. Prepare for gradual climbs as you get nearer to the town, which is located near Cangshan Mountain.
Attractions and Places to Visit:
Stay: A lakeside guesthouse with a view of Erhai Lake.
Road Conditions:
The road to Lijiang is smooth, with beautiful views of the mountains and agricultural areas. Some winding roads as you approach Lijiang, but overall a comfortable ride.
Attractions and Places to Visit:
Stay: Boutique hotel in Lijiang's Old Town.
Road Conditions:
Attractions and Places to Visit:
Stay: Guesthouse or hotel with a view of the surrounding mountains or Tibetan villages.
Road Conditions:
The roads become increasingly challenging as you head further into Tibet. Expect rough and winding roads, especially as you climb in altitude. Be prepared for long stretches of gravel roads and sections that can get muddy or slippery during rain.
Attractions and Places to Visit:
Stay: Guesthouse in Deqin, with stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Road Conditions:
The roads to Markam are still rough, with challenging high-altitude riding and winding mountain roads. Expect some sections with loose gravel or broken asphalt. At these altitudes, the air is thinner, which can make the ride more tiring.
Attractions and Places to Visit:
Stay: Simple guesthouse in Markam.
Road Conditions:
The roads are even more rugged as you approach Baxoi, with less-developed sections and more gravel roads. The ride becomes increasingly isolated, with fewer vehicles and services, so make sure to carry enough fuel and supplies.
Attractions and Places to Visit:
Stay: Overnight in a basic guesthouse in Baxoi.
Road Conditions:
The ride today is long and challenging with a mix of gravel, bumpy roads, and high-altitude stretches. However, the descent into Bomi will bring you to slightly smoother roads as you approach the lower altitudes.
Attractions and Places to Visit:
Stay: Basic guesthouse in Bomi, a town located at the foot of the Tibetan Plateau.
Road Conditions:
The roads heading into Linzhi are smoother compared to the previous days, though still somewhat winding. Expect more comfortable riding as you descend toward the valleys and forests.
Attractions and Places to Visit:
Stay: Guesthouse or hotel with views of the Brahmaputra River or mountains.
Road Conditions:
The ride today is one of the longest, but the roads are relatively smooth. As you approach Lhasa, the altitude can cause fatigue, so take regular breaks to acclimatize.
Attractions and Places to Visit:
Stay: Comfortable hotel in Lhasa with easy access to the main attractions.
Road Conditions:
Rest day with no motorbike ride, giving you a chance to explore Lhasa and adjust to the high altitude.
Attractions and Places to Visit:
Stay: Hotel in Lhasa.
Road Conditions:
The ride to Shigatse is smoother with fewer curves, but still requires caution due to the high-altitude roads. As you pass through open spaces, keep an eye out for wildlife.
Attractions and Places to Visit:
Stay: Comfortable hotel or guesthouse in Shigatse.
Route: Shigatse – Tingri – Rongbuk Monastery / Everest Base Camp
Description: Today, you’ll ride to Tingri, and then continue towards the legendary Rongbuk Monastery, located near Everest Base Camp. The journey to Tingri (approximately 230 km) takes you through the beautiful Tibetan plateau, and from Tingri, you’ll head to the foot of the Himalayas. This part of the journey is all about mountain vistas, and you'll feel the air becoming thinner as you approach the higher altitudes.
Road Conditions: Expect a mix of paved roads and gravel paths, with several steep climbs as you approach Rongbuk. The road conditions can be quite rough in parts, especially towards Rongbuk Monastery. Make sure to take it slow as the altitude increases and road conditions worsen near the base camp.
Attractions:
Stay: Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse or local guesthouses near Everest Base Camp. Accommodation is basic, but the experience of staying near Everest is worth it.
Route: Rongbuk Monastery / Everest Base Camp – Tingri – Shigatse
Description: After spending time at Everest Base Camp, retrace your steps back towards Tingri and then continue your journey to Shigatse. The ride back allows for reflection on the experience at Everest, and the beauty of the Tibetan plateau landscape continues to unfold around you.
Road Conditions: Expect a return to paved roads for the most part, although the roads between Tingri and Shigatse may have occasional gravel or rough stretches. The ride will be less physically demanding compared to the previous day, but the winding roads through high-altitude regions can still be tiring.
Attractions:
Stay: Spend the night in Shigatse at a comfortable hotel, where you can relax after a long day of riding.
Route: Shigatse – Lhasa
Description: On the final leg of the journey, you’ll ride from Shigatse back to Lhasa. The road is mostly paved, with some remote areas still featuring rough patches. As you travel east, you’ll continue to be captivated by the dramatic scenery of the Tibetan plateau and the surrounding Himalayan ranges.
Road Conditions: The road is primarily paved, but with some rough sections along the way. Expect some undulating terrain, but the ride should be easier compared to the previous days. It’s a long ride, so make sure to take breaks to stay refreshed.
Attractions:
Stay: Spend the night in Lhasa at a comfortable hotel. Celebrate the completion of your journey with a final evening in the spiritual capital of Tibet.
Route: Lhasa
Description: On Day 20, the final day of your incredible motorbike journey, you’ll have some free time to either relax or do some last-minute exploration of Lhasa before your departure.
Morning: After a restful night in Lhasa, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast and, if time permits, a brief walk around the city. If you haven’t visited some of the iconic spots like the Jokhang Temple or Barkhor Street, this could be your final opportunity to take in the atmosphere of Lhasa, with its bustling Tibetan markets and spiritually significant locations.
If you wish to explore, you could head over to:
Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Depending on your departure time, your tour guide or driver can take you to the Lhasa Gonggar Airport (or Lhasa Railway Station) for your flight or train. The airport is approximately 60 km from Lhasa city, so ensure you leave with plenty of time to account for travel time, possible traffic, and any last-minute arrangements.
Departure: After your memorable 20-day motorbike adventure, it’s time to depart from Lhasa. You can choose to fly or take a train depending on your next destination.
Flight: Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) is the primary international gateway for flights to cities like Chengdu, Kathmandu, or Beijing. There are also domestic connections if you're heading to other cities in China.
Train: If you’re taking a train, you can depart from Lhasa Railway Station, which is connected to major cities in China via the Tibet Railway.
End of Tour
As you leave Lhasa, you’ll carry with you memories of one of the most unique and transformative motorcycle tours ever undertaken, passing through some of the world’s highest landscapes and most spiritually significant sites. Your journey through Tibet and China will have been a true adventure in every sense of the word, and you’ll no doubt leave with a deep sense of achievement, awe, and connection to the Tibetan culture and nature.
If you plan to continue traveling in China or Tibet, or if you have any other plans, feel free to ask for recommendations or travel tips!
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