24-Day Journey from Mohan → Lhasa → Everest Base Camp
[ Overall Overview ]
This is a long-distance, high-altitude adventure ride specifically designed for heavy motorcycle riders, covering the Yunnan-Tibet and Sichuan-Tibet loop. The entire journey starts and ends at the Mohan border crossing, connecting southern Yunnan, the western Sichuan plateau, the heartland of Tibet, and extending to Everest Base Camp. It then completes a loop return along G317 North Line and the Yunnan-Tibet Highway, spanning over 5000 kilometers in total.
The itinerary's altitude gradually ascends from 800 meters in the Yunnan tropical rainforest to 5200 meters at Everest Base Camp, then gradually descends. The riding pace is strictly planned according to high-altitude acclimatization principles to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
The entire journey is accompanied by a professional lead guide and a support vehicle, providing medical oxygen, vehicle repair tools, and spare parts support. We also handle all riding-related documents, such as Tibet travel permits and border defense procedures. This is an in-depth heavy motorcycle adventure route that combines rainforest scenery, high-altitude snowfields, and Tibetan culture. It is not a typical sightseeing tour and is suitable for heavy motorcycle riders with medium to long-distance riding experience.
Experience Details
Trip Duration
24 Days 23 Nights
Price
Starting from 17,800 RMB per person
May to October Annually
Best Time to Travel
[ Highlights ]Itinerary Highlights Explained
An Epic Journey from Rainforests to Snow-capped Regions
Starting from Mohan Port, this journey takes you through the tropical rainforests of Southern Yunnan, gradually transitioning to the grasslands of Western Sichuan, and the snow-capped mountains and glaciers of Tibet. Along the way, you'll discover breathtaking landscapes like Ranwu Lake, Yamdrok Lake, and Mount Everest. Experience dramatic changes in terrain and climate, and fully immerse yourself in the diverse natural beauty along the Yunnan-Tibet and Sichuan-Tibet routes.
A Professional Challenge: High-Altitude Riding
Conquer classic high-altitude passes like Zheduo Mountain and face the test of riding at over 4000 meters. Explore unique sections such as the G317 Northern Route and Gawula Pass. This journey involves a significant altitude ascent from the plains to the 'Roof of the World,' presenting a professional dual challenge for both heavy motorcycle handling and physical endurance.
Deep Cultural Immersion with Tibetan and Yunnan Ethnic Groups
Connect with cultural landmarks such as ancient Dai towns, Songzanlin Monastery, Potala Palace, and Tashilhunpo Monastery. Explore hidden Tibetan gems like Dzogchen Monastery. This journey integrates cultural experiences of ethnic groups like the Dai and Tibetan, ensuring your ride is not just about stunning scenery but also enriched with profound cultural heritage.
A Unique Riding Experience with a Loop Route Design
With Mohan Port as both the starting and ending point, this unique loop route ensures no backtracking. You'll enter via the Yunnan-Tibet route and return via a combination of the G317 Northern Route and the Yunnan-Tibet route. Discover stunning, lesser-known attractions like the First Bend of the Yangtze River and Tiger Leaping Gorge. Multiple rest days are strategically planned for acclimatization and relaxation, balancing the riding challenge with an enriching experience.
Tour Itinerary
Days 1-5: Entering Sichuan from Southern Yunnan, First Experience from Rainforest to Western Sichuan
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Day 1 | Mohan Port → Pu'er (180 km)
First, complete all necessary entry procedures at Mohan Port, then begin your ride. You'll journey through the tropical rainforests of Southern Yunnan, surrounded by lush tropical scenery. Gradually adapt to the pace of heavy motorcycle riding as you comfortably reach Pu'er.
Day 2 | Pu'er → Chuxiong (450 km)
Today's ride primarily involves long-distance highway cruising, transitioning from the rainforest landscapes of Yunnan to the central Yunnan terrain. The smooth road conditions are ideal for getting accustomed to your motorcycle. Arrive in Chuxiong in the evening and enjoy a night tour of the Yi Ancient Town, immersing yourself in the unique Yi ethnic culture and vibrant night scenery.
Day 3 | Chuxiong → Xichang (280 km)
Along the way, take in the beautiful pastoral and mountainous landscapes at the Yunnan-Sichuan border. Upon arriving in Xichang, enjoy a leisurely ride along Qionghai Lake, where the stunning lake and mountain views will help alleviate the fatigue of long-distance riding.
Day 4 | Xichang → Ya'an (300 km)
Today, the main highlight is the breathtaking scenery of the Dadu River Grand Canyon. Ride along the highway beside the canyon, directly encountering its majestic and rugged terrain, with magnificent views of the rushing river stretching before you. The route is mostly downhill, allowing for an easy arrival in Ya'an.
Day 5 | Ya'an (Rest Day)
Visit the Bifengxia Panda Base and Wildlife Park to get up close with the national treasure, pandas. While relaxing your mind and body, take the opportunity to check your vehicle's condition and prepare for the upcoming high-altitude riding.
Days 6-11: Entering Tibet from Western Sichuan, High-Altitude Riding to the Holy City of Lhasa
Day 6 | Ya'an → Kangding (270 km)
Today marks the official start of your high-altitude acclimatization journey before entering Tibet. Along the way, you'll gradually transition from the plains of Western Sichuan into the mountainous plateau, where road conditions become more varied. Slowly increasing your riding altitude will allow your body to adapt to the high-altitude environment, ensuring a smooth arrival in Kangding.
Day 7 | Kangding → Litang (270 km)
Today is a crucial day for high-altitude riding. We will first cross over Mount Zheduo (4298m), facing strong winds and the challenge of altitude sickness at the pass. Afterwards, we will ride across Maoya Grassland, where the vast plains are mirrored by snow-capped mountains, offering an immersive experience of the breathtaking plateau ride.
Day 8 | Litang → Zogang (400 km)
Departing from Litang, the 'Highest City in the World,' we will ride along the plateau highway, stopping to check in at Haizishan Twin Lakes. The crystal-clear lake water reflects the snow-capped mountains, creating a stunning landscape. After a brief rest, we will continue our journey and successfully reach Zogang.
Day 9 | Zogang → Bomi (220 km)
Today, we will discover the classic scenery of the Tibetan region, riding between Ranwu Lake and its glacier landscapes. The azure lake water complements the glistening glaciers, with every turn revealing a new breathtaking view. Although the road conditions may be undulating, the stunning scenery makes the ride enjoyable, and we will easily reach Bomi, known as the 'Jiangnan of Tibet'.
Day 10 | Bomi → Basum Tso (340 km)
Departing from Bomi, we will enjoy the stunning plateau scenery of Guxiang Lake along the way, where the lake water blends seamlessly with forests and snow-capped mountains, offering a tranquil and healing landscape. We will ride along the lake and mountain roads, arriving at Basum Tso in the evening to experience the serenity of this sacred lake.
Day 11 | Basum Tso → Lhasa (350 km)
Today, we set off for the holy city of Lhasa. En route, we will visit Ganden Monastery to experience the profound heritage of Tibetan Buddhism. Afterwards, we will ride along the Lhasa River, enjoying the stunning plateau river valley scenery all the way, successfully reaching our final destination, Lhasa, and completing the core section of the Sichuan-Tibet route.
Days 12-16: Depart from Lhasa, heading to Mount Everest Base Camp, the Roof of the World
Day 12 | Lhasa (Rest & City Tour)
Explore Lhasa in depth, visiting the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, and strolling along Barkhor Street to experience the cultural charm of this holy city. Concurrently, we will service our vehicles, preparing for the upcoming journey to Mount Everest.
Day 13 | Lhasa → Shigatse (360 km)
We will ride along the S307 East Line, with a key stop at the east bank of Yamdrok Tso, where we will circumnavigate the lake to admire the breathtaking scenery of the azure sacred lake. Afterwards, we will pass through the Karola Glacier, experiencing its grandeur up close. The journey offers stunning views all the way until we reach Shigatse.
Day 14 | Shigatse → Everest Base Camp (340 km)
Today, we journey to the Roof of the World, first crossing over Gyatso La Pass, where we can simultaneously admire multiple 8000-meter-class snow peaks, offering a magnificent visual feast. Afterwards, we will continue riding, successfully reaching Everest Base Camp, and spend the night at the foot of the snow-capped mountain.
Day 15 | Everest → Shigatse (290 km)
In the early morning at Everest Base Camp, we will await the sunrise, capturing the majestic silhouette of Mount Everest and freezing the breathtaking moment at the Roof of the World. Afterwards, we will enjoy a special lunch in Tingri. After a short rest, we will begin our return journey, riding back to Shigatse along the original route, easing the fatigue from the high-altitude ride.
Day 16 | Shigatse → Lhasa (270 km)
Before heading back, we will first take an in-depth tour of Tashilhunpo Monastery to experience the charm of Tsang's Buddhist culture. Afterwards, we will ride back to Lhasa along the smooth plateau highway, reminiscing about the awe-inspiring Everest trip. Upon arrival in Lhasa, we will take a short break before embarking on our northern route exploration.
Days 17-22: Northern Route Exploration, from the Secret Realm of Tibet to Shangri-La
Day 17 | Lhasa → Nagqu (330 km)
Today, we officially enter the G317 Northern Line, bidding farewell to the classic scenery of the Sichuan-Tibet Southern Line and discovering the pristine plateau landscape of the Northern Line. The route primarily features vast plateau meadows with open road conditions, offering an immersive experience of the unique charm of riding the Northern Line.
Day 18 | Nagqu → Sog County (300 km)
Continuing our ride along the G317 Northern Line, today's highlight is fully enjoying the plateau grassland scenery, where endless meadows and scattered Tibetan villages create a picturesque view. The landscape is pristine and tranquil, and with moderate riding difficulty, we will successfully arrive at Sog County.
Day 19 | Sog County → Chamdo (280 km)
Today, we visit Dzogchen Monastery, a hidden gem in Tibet. The monastery is built on a cliff, grand and majestic, offering a unique insight into this less-known Tibetan Buddhist holy site. Afterwards, we ride along mountain roads, through plateau canyons, and arrive in Chamdo.
Day 20 | Chamdo → Markam (360 km)
Today's ride unfolds along the Haitonggou Valley. The valley terrain is rugged, with rushing river waters, and the road, built along the mountains, presents a significant riding challenge. We ride through the scenic canyon and successfully reach Markam, located at the junction of Yunnan, Tibet, and Sichuan.
Day 21 | Markam → Shangri-La (370 km)
Departing from Markam, we make a key stop at the First Bend of the Jinsha River. Overlooking the river's stunning curve, we marvel at nature's masterpiece. Afterwards, we ride along the Yunnan-Tibet Highway, gradually entering Yunnan province, and successfully arrive in Shangri-La.
Day 22 | Shangri-La (Rest Day)
We take an in-depth tour of Songzanlin Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist temple known as the "Little Potala Palace." Its architecture is magnificent, and its cultural heritage is profound. We also take time to relax, check our vehicles, and prepare for the return journey.
Day 23-24: Return journey through Western Yunnan, concluding the loop at Mohan Port.
Day 23 | Shangri-La → Dali (320 km)
Today, we make a key stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge. Riding alongside the gorge, we experience the majestic power of the rushing river. The journey transitions from the plateau scenery of Shangri-La to the pastoral landscapes of Western Yunnan in Dali. With varied road conditions and diverse scenery, we successfully arrive in Dali.
Day 24 | Dali → Jinghong → Mohan Port (460 km)
Today marks the final leg of our loop tour. We ride along the scenic southern Yunnan region, transitioning from the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake scenery of Dali to the tropical charm of Jinghong. The landscapes gradually return to the distinctive features of Southern Yunnan. Finally, we successfully return to Mohan Port, concluding our 24-day motorcycle loop tour.
[ Trip ]
Pricing Details
Tibet Entry Permit and all necessary procedures
Bilingual (Chinese & English) Tour Guide
Accommodation Throughout
Breakfasts + Selected Specialty Meals
Attraction Entrance Tickets
Travel Insurance + High-Altitude Insurance
Medical Oxygen
Vehicle Rental + Support Vehicle
What's Included
Round-trip Transportation to Lhasa
Single Room Supplement
Personal Expenses
Suggested Gratuity ¥50/person/day
Self-Driving Fuel, Tolls, and Parking Fees
What's Not Included
[ Travel FAQs ]
Frequently Asked Questions
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It is recommended to go in spring (April, May, June) or autumn (September, October). During these periods, the weather and road conditions in Western China are generally more stable.
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Entering and exiting Tibet is very convenient. Currently, there are flights, trains, and multiple overland driving routes available.
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Currently, Tibet is open to global tourists. However, when planning your trip, you need to be aware of the relevant restrictions: for example, you must apply for a Tibet Travel Permit in advance, and must participate in a fixed itinerary arranged by a travel agency; Tibet currently does not support independent travel.
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The cost includes SUV or motorcycle rental, hotel accommodation, licensed tour guide services, first entry tickets to attractions, and all administrative permit processing fees.
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You need to prepare your passport, a driver's license valid for more than 6 months, and the registration documents for your vehicle or motorcycle. We will be responsible for assisting you with all legal procedures required for driving in China.
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Yes, we do. We will arrange pick-up and drop-off services for your arrival and departure days, covering transfers between the hotel and the airport or station.
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Yes, you can. After an in-depth discussion with our travel consultant, we will arrange a customized China road trip itinerary for you based on your specific needs.
