There are trips you take, and there are pilgrimages. Fourteen days on a motorcycle along the Ngari Southern Route, the most comprehensive journey through Tibet: from Lhasa to Mount Kailash, Asia’s holiest mountain, passing through the three sacred lakes—Yamdrok, Manasarovar, and Namtso—the Zanda Earth Forest, and the ancient ruins of the Kingdom of Guge, ending at the foot of Everest’s north face.
It’s about 3,800 km, 95% paved, at an average elevation of over 4,000 meters. This isn’t a technically challenging trip: it’s a journey of high altitudes, long distances, and landscapes that make anyone feel small. Guided in Spanish by R40MOTO and operated on the ground in partnership with Tibet EasyRider, a former official BMW Motorrad dealer in Lhasa, which handles all special permits for foreigners.
TRIP DETAILS
| Destination | Lhasa → Shigatse → Mount Kailash → Guge → Everest → Namtso → Lhasa |
| Duration | 14 days / 13 nights / 10 days on a motorcycle |
| Base Price | $6,990 per person (double occupancy, BMW F 800 GS included) |
| Next departure | September 17–30, 2027 |
| Difficulty | 6/10 — Challenging due to the elevation and distances |
| Required Level | At least 2 years of experience riding high-displacement motorcycles. 95% paved roads, at an elevation between 3,650 and 5,216 meters. |
| Language | Spanish / English |
| Group size | Minimum of 7, maximum of 12 riders |
ITINERARY
- Day 1 — Lhasa: Arrival at the Roof of the World (3,650 m). Rest, hydration, and a welcome dinner.
- Day 2 — Lhasa: Chinese driver's license, motorcycle pickup and setup, safety briefing on riding at high altitudes.
- Day 3 — Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor kora, and monk debates at Sera Monastery.
- Day 4 — Lhasa › Yamdrok Lake › Karola Glacier › Shigatse (365 km): Gampa La Pass (4,990 m), the first of the three sacred lakes, and the ancient city of Gyantse.
- Day 5 — Shigatse › Lhatse › Saga (450 km): Entry onto the Ngari Southern Route through grasslands and high-altitude desert.
- Day 6 — Saga › Manasarovar › Mount Kailash › Darchen (490 km): Mula La Pass (5,216 m), the highest point of the trip by motorcycle, and the first view of Mount Kailash.
- Day 7 — Darchen › Zanda (230 km): At the foot of Mount Kailash and the entrance to the Zanda Earth Forest Geopark.
- Day 8 — Zanda › Kingdom of Guge › Lake Rakshastal › Purang (330 km): Ancient ruins of Guge, a citadel carved into the mountain.
- Day 9 — Purang › Paryang › Zhongba › Saga (540 km): Sunrise over Lake Manasarovar and a long trek across the plateau.
- Day 10 — Saga › Lake Paiku › Shishapangma › Everest (320 km): Gyawu La Pass, with five eight-thousanders in sight, and an overnight stay facing the north face of Everest.
- Day 11 — Everest › Tingri › Lhatse › Shigatse (400 km): Sunrise over Everest and return via the G318.
- Day 12 — Shigatse › Tashilhunpo › Damxung (330 km): Tashilhunpo Monastery and the Yarlung Tsangpo Valley.
- Day 13 — Damxung › Lake Namtso › Lhasa (280 km): Nagen La Pass (5,190 m), the third sacred lake, and a farewell dinner.
- Day 14 — Lhasa: Transfer to the airport. End of services.
INCLUDED
- R40MOTO guide in Spanish for 14 days
- Trilingual local guide and local lead rider
- BMW Rentals (F 800 GS, R 1250 GS, R 1300 GS, or R 1300 GS Adventure) with panniers
- Gas and Commercial Motorcycle Insurance
- Support vehicle equipped with oxygen, a first-aid kit, and spare parts; replacement motorcycle within 24 hours
- 13 nights' lodging in a double room with breakfast
- Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Lhasa
- Special Permits: Tibet Travel Permit, Ngari, Everest, Border Permit, and Chinese Driver's License
- Admission: Potala, Jokhang, Sera, Tashilhunpo, the Kingdom of Guge, Zanda, and Everest National Park
- Transfers: Lhasa Airport – Hotel – Lhasa Airport
NOT INCLUDED
- International and domestic flights to and from Lhasa
- Chinese visa, if applicable based on your nationality
- Lunches and dinners not specified
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Personal travel insurance (required, with motorcycle coverage and altitude coverage up to 5,500 m)
- Motorcycle gear
- Damage to the motorcycle not covered by insurance, and fines
- Single Room Surcharge (USD 1,100)
RESERVATION POLICY
- $2,000 to reserve; balance due by July 1, 2027
- Reservations accepted through July 15, 2027 (permits for Tibet require 60 days)
- Prices by model: F 800 GS $6,990 · R 1250 GS $7,690 · R 1300 GS $8,240 · R 1300 GS Adventure $9,490 · Non-riding passenger $5,500
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Do I need a visa for Tibet? It depends on your nationality. In addition to a visa to enter China, Tibet requires special permits, which our local tour operator will arrange using a copy of your passport at least 60 days in advance.
- Is my motorcycle license valid? China does not recognize the international license. With your original license and a notarized translation, you can apply for a temporary Chinese license in Lhasa on the 2nd.
- How do you handle the altitude? The first three days in Lhasa (3,650 m) are for acclimatization. Oxygen is available at all times, and a support vehicle accompanies the group throughout the entire trip.
- Is there an age limit? Between 18 and 65 years old. If you're over 65, please contact us.
- What happens if the Chinese government closes Tibet? We will offer a new date or an alternative itinerary, or refund the portion of the trip that was not completed. We recommend purchasing cancellation insurance.
