Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with our Bike Tour to North Everest Base Camp Tibet – 11 Days—a high-altitude cycling journey like no other. Ride through the mystical landscapes of Tibet, where snow-capped peaks, centuries-old monasteries, and crystal-clear lakes line your path to the legendary north base camp of Mount Everest. This immersive 11-day expedition is perfect for thrill-seekers who crave a deeper connection with both nature and culture. Along the way, you’ll experience the spirit of Tibetan Buddhism, the warmth of local villages, and the raw beauty of the Himalayas—all from the saddle of your bike.
Your epic ride begins from Kathmandu and along the way in the sacred city of Lhasa, giving you time to adjust to the altitude before taking on the scenic route through Gyantse, Shigatse, and over jaw-dropping passes like Gyatso La. You’ll explore iconic landmarks such as the Potala Palace and the remote Rongbuk Monastery—the world’s highest—before reaching the base of the world’s tallest mountain. With experienced guides, full support, and breathtaking vistas every day, the Bike Tour to North Everest Base Camp Tibet – 11 Days delivers not just a riding challenge, but a soul-stirring Himalayan adventure you’ll never forget.
11 days / 10 nights North EBC Tibet Bike trip
Tibet Region: An Epic Journey Above the Clouds
Highlights
- Experience a thrilling motorcycle journey across the Tibetan Plateau, combining physical challenge with dramatic Himalayan scenery.
- Begin in Kathmandu and ride toward Lhasa, visiting iconic sites like the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple—perfect for cultural immersion and acclimatization.
- Explore Gyantse, Shigatse, and remote villages, passing turquoise lakes, high mountain passes, and sacred landscapes.
- Conquer mountain passes like Karo La and Gyatso La, rewarded with panoramic views and a sense of achievement.
- Discover the world’s highest monastery, located near Everest's north base camp—a spiritual and scenic highlight.
- Reach the base of Mount Everest for a rare, awe-inspiring view of its majestic and less-traveled northern side.
- Travel with experienced guides, support vehicles, and pre-arranged accommodations to ensure safety and comfort.
- A perfect mix of adrenaline, Tibetan spirituality, and natural beauty—ideal for adventurous riders and cultural explorers alike.
Itinerary
Early morning drive through scenic countryside to the Nepal–Tibet border at Kerung. After completing Nepalese immigration formalities, continue with either a one-hour uphill drive by jeep/bus (or a two-hour walk if there’s a landslide) to the Chinese immigration checkpoint. Proceed to Kerung and check into a hotel or guesthouse for the night.
Drive across the Tibetan plateau, the world’s highest, offering striking views of the expansive landscape. Weather permitting, enjoy panoramic views of Himalayan giants like Mt. Cho Oyu (8,201m) and Mt. Xishapagma (8,012m), with Mt. Everest (8,848m) visible from Tingri. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Continue the scenic drive, crossing Gyatchu La Pass (5,220m), the highest point en route to Lhasa. Near Lhatse, the road to Mt. Kailash branches off westward. Overnight at a hotel in Shigatse.
Morning visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of the Panchen Lama. Then drive to Lhasa. Overnight at a hotel.
Explore Lhasa’s major cultural landmarks over two days, including Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar, Potala Palace, and the Drepung and Sera Monasteries. Overnight at a hotel.
Drive through scenic landscapes, crossing the Karola (5,010m) and Kambala (4,749m) passes. Enjoy views of Yamdrok-Tso Lake and the Brahmaputra River. Visit Khumbum Stupa and Palkhor Chode Monastery in Gyantse. Overnight at a hotel.
After breakfast, ride motorbikes to Sakya. Visit the historic Sakya Monastery. Overnight at a hotel.
Continue the motorbike ride to Rongbuk. Visit Rongbuk Monastery, the highest in the world. Overnight at a guesthouse.
After breakfast, ride to Everest Base Camp. Explore the area, then return to Kerung. Overnight at a hotel.
After completing border formalities at Kerung/Rasuwagadhi, return to Kathmandu. End of the tour.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Twin-sharing accommodation in a 3-star hotel with breakfast (BB basis)
- English-speaking Tibetan guide
- Transportation as per the itinerary (one support truck)
- Monastery entrance fees
- Mechanic services and allowance
- Tibet Travel Permit
- Motorbike transportation and basic parts
Cost Excludes
- Motorbike rental and fuel
- Bike maintenance and spare parts
- Lunch and dinner
- Train or airfare for any sector
- Any type of insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g., drinks, tips, porter fees)
- Visa fees
- Unforeseen costs due to natural disasters or political unrest
FAQs
Tibet is located in southwest China and shares borders with India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Historically, Tibet consisted of three provinces: U-Tsang, Kham, and Amdo. While the people of these regions all identify as Tibetan, each has its own distinct dialect and cultural identity.
Today, under Chinese administration, Tibet has been restructured. The Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) includes U-Tsang and part of Kham. The remaining parts of Kham were integrated into Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, while Amdo was divided among Gansu, Sichuan, and Qinghai. Covering approximately 1.22 million km², Tibet makes up 12.8% of China’s total area. With its dramatic landscapes, strong Buddhist culture, and proximity to Nepal, Tibet is a top destination for mountaineers and trekkers.
Tibet follows China Standard Time (GMT+8), which is 6 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
To visit Tibet, travelers need both a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. These can be arranged through a travel agency in Kathmandu when entering via Nepal. A Chinese visa alone is not sufficient; the Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory even for those entering from other parts of China. Travelers must book a guide for the entire journey and pre-arrange private transport for areas outside Lhasa. Additional permits are required for these regions and will be arranged by your travel agency.
Passport
- Must be valid for at least 6 months.
Chinese Visa or Group Visa
- If entering Tibet from Mainland China, a Chinese visa is required.
- Tourist (L) visas are commonly issued for 30 days; longer or multiple-entry visas are possible.
- Travelers entering Tibet from Nepal must obtain a Group Visa, which overrides any individual visa in your passport.
Tibet Entry Permit
- Issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and mandatory for all foreign travelers.
Additional Permits
- Travel Permit: Required for restricted areas.
- Military Permit: Needed for sensitive border regions.
By Road:
- Sichuan-Tibet Highway: Chengdu to Lhasa
- Qinghai-Tibet Highway: Xining to Lhasa
- Yunnan-Tibet Highway: Yunnan to Tibet
- Xinjiang-Tibet Highway: Across deserts and mountains
- China-Nepal Highway: The only international road, linking Kathmandu and Lhasa
By Air:
- Flights to Lhasa usually transit through cities in China or Kathmandu. Lhasa Gonggar Airport is about 98 km south of Lhasa.
By Rail:
- The Qinghai-Tibet Railway runs from Golmud to Lhasa, covering 1,142 km.
Tibet generally has cold, dry weather with significant temperature differences between day and night. Days can be sunny and mild, especially in Lhasa, while nights are cold. Warm clothing is essential.
The ideal travel season is from April to early November, with peak months in August and September. Lhasa has a milder climate and can be visited year-round. Sun exposure is intense due to the high altitude, earning Lhasa the nickname “Sunlight City.”
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Chinese Visa or Tibet Group Visa
- Tibet Entry Permit
- Travel Permit (for restricted areas)
- Military Permit (for sensitive regions)
No. Due to strict regulations, travelers cannot apply for permits independently or travel alone in Tibet. All arrangements must be made through an authorized travel agency.
Yes. Tibet’s high elevation can cause altitude sickness, especially for those coming from low-lying areas. Common symptoms include headaches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Most symptoms subside within a few days. Consult your doctor for AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) medication before traveling.
Yes, in major cities like Lhasa and Shigatse. However, ATMs are rare in smaller towns.
The Chinese Yuan (CNY). Currency exchange is available at the Bank of China. Credit cards and traveler’s cheques are generally not accepted outside Lhasa.
Not typically. Tourists who follow their tour itinerary and avoid political discussions or activities usually face no issues.
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria & Tetanus
- Hepatitis A & B
- Influenza
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- Pneumonia
- Polio
- Rabies
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever
No. All tours include English-speaking guides, and major hotels in Lhasa have English-speaking staff. Tibetan, Chinese, English, and Nepali are commonly spoken in the region.
Yes, but it is limited to major cities such as Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse, and Tsedang. Some hotels and cafes in these areas offer internet access.
Embark on the Bike Tour to North Everest Base Camp Tibet – 11 Days, an unforgettable riding adventure across the Tibetan Plateau. This high-altitude journey blends thrilling rides with breathtaking Himalayan views, spiritual landmarks, and a rare close-up of Mount Everest. Perfect for adventure seekers and riding enthusiasts, the tour offers a unique mix of physical challenge, cultural immersion, and natural beauty.
The journey begins from Kathmandu and along the way to Lhasa, Tibet’s spiritual heart, with visits to iconic sites like the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple—ideal for acclimatization. From there, you’ll ride through historic towns like Gyantse and Shigatse, past turquoise lakes, towering passes, and remote villages. Every stage of the Bike Tour to North Everest Base Camp Tibet – 11 Days is designed to reveal the rich culture and landscapes of Tibet.
As you climb rugged terrain and mountain passes like Karo La and Gyatso La, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views and a deep sense of accomplishment. The fully supported tour includes expert guides, support vehicles, and pre-arranged accommodations for a smooth and safe experience. A key highlight is Rongbuk Monastery, the world’s highest, near the Everest north base camp.
The final leg takes you to the base of Mount Everest, offering a rare and awe-inspiring view of its majestic north face. For many, this is the pinnacle of the journey—a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or an adventurous traveler, the Bike Tour to North Everest Base Camp Tibet – 11 Days delivers the perfect blend of challenge, discovery, and inspiration amid one of the world’s most remote and mystical landscapes.
Visa Information
Traveling to Tibet requires both a Chinese Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. If entering Tibet from Nepal, both documents can be arranged in Kathmandu with the assistance of a travel agency. Please note that a Chinese visa alone is not sufficient; even travelers holding a valid Chinese visa must still obtain a Tibet Travel Permit.
To get the permit, you must:
- Book a guide for your entire trip.
- Pre-arrange private transport for any travel outside Lhasa.
Travel beyond Lhasa also requires additional permits, which will be arranged by your travel agency.
Required Travel Documents
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months.
- Chinese Visa: Apply through a Chinese Embassy or via authorized agencies when entering from China.
- Group Visa: Required for entry from Nepal. This visa also allows continued travel in mainland China after your Tibet tour. Note: Any existing individual Chinese visa will be canceled when the group visa is issued.
- Tibet Entry Permit: Issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and mandatory for all foreign travelers.
- Travel Permit: Required to visit restricted areas within Tibet; arranged upon arrival.
- Military Permit: Needed for travel to military-sensitive regions.
Weather Information
Tibet’s weather is similar to mainland China’s but cooler due to its high altitude. Summer brings warm days, intense sunlight, and cool to chilly nights—especially at higher elevations. Winters are cold with little snowfall, and Lhasa remains sunny even during winter months.
- Frost is common across Tibet for over half the year.
- Some high-altitude lakes remain frozen from October to March.
- Weather conditions vary by region. Lhasa, in a lower-elevation valley, generally enjoys milder weather.
Safety Guidelines
To ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, please follow these essential safety tips:
- Carry at least two copies of your Tibet Travel Permit.
- Safeguard your valuables at all times.
- If you feel unwell due to altitude or experience any issues, inform your guide immediately.
- Avoid rushing to visit attractions right after arriving in Lhasa—spend a few days acclimating.
- Shop carefully, avoid aggressive bargaining, and never purchase wildlife products or unknown herbal medicines.
- Keep important documents and money with you at all times.
- Ascend to higher altitudes gradually to avoid altitude sickness.
- Avoid heavy drinking and smoking, especially at higher elevations.
- Respect local religion, customs, and taboos.
- Prepare for strong sunlight and sudden weather changes.
- Carry necessary medications, as advised by your doctor.
- Never travel alone at night or to unfamiliar places without notifying your guide.
- Cash is preferred in most areas—carry enough, including small denominations.
- In emergencies, contact your guide immediately.
- Do not carry materials related to the Dalai Lama, Tibetan independence, or guidebooks discussing sensitive topics.
