Day 1
| Kathmandu
We collect the motorcycles at the airport and explore the city. We stay around Thamel – a great base in Nepal’s capital.
Day 2
| Kathmandu – Chinese border
Just 140 km, but kilometres to remember. The road itself will be a challenge – and on top of that: left-hand traffic, the Himalayas and a few drop-offs.
Day 3
| Border – Gyirong
Nepal and Tibet are like night and day, in every respect. Crossing the border will take a good while: all luggage has to be X-rayed, and the formalities take longer than anywhere in Europe. Welcome to China. Overnight in Gyirong.
Day 4
| Gyirong – Tingri
First we ride to the shore of Lake Peiku Tso, where in good weather we will see Shishapangma (8,027 m), the only eight-thousander lying entirely within China. Then we head for Tingri, China’s gateway to Mount Everest. The panorama of the Great Himalaya will make us ride slowly and stop often for photos.
The ride from the national park gate to Everest Base Camp is almost 100 kilometres. On the way we pass many Tibetan villages and cover dozens of kilometres of Himalayan roads. A truly unique riding experience.
Day 5
| Tingri – EBC – Shigatse
We reach Rongbuk Monastery (5,000 m), not only the highest monastery in the world but also one of the best places to admire Mount Everest. We have to admit, though, that the journey to Everest Base Camp is more enjoyable than the very commercial base camp itself.
Since the end of 2018 the local authorities have closed Everest Base Camp to tourists to protect the environment. Visitors can now admire Everest only from Rongbuk Monastery, about 8 km from the base camp. All visitors also have to take the local bus from the visitor centre to Rongbuk, which means leaving our vehicles in the visitor centre car park and switching to the bus.
Day 6
| Shigatse – Nagarze – Lhasa
High time to get our temporary Chinese driving licences and number plates at the Traffic Administration Office in Shigatse. We also visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the largest and most important monasteries in Tibet. Founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama, it is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama and is famous for its impressive architecture, beautiful murals and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
On the way we pass a magnificent glacier coming down from a seven-thousand-metre peak right to the road, and ride past the sacred Lake Yamdrok. A day of spectacular views… and in the evening we reach Lhasa.
Day 7
| Lhasa
A day off the bike. Sightseeing in the capital of Tibet – the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Bazaar and more.
Day 8
| Lhasa – Nyingchi
We ride to Nyingchi on the expressway along the Nyang River, through the unique landscape of High Tibet. Nyingchi, in south-eastern Tibet, lies in the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon.
Day 9
| Nyingchi – Ranwu
Another day on Road 318 – the most famous route in China, the dream of local bikers and globetrotters. It starts in Shanghai and ends at the Nepalese border.
Day 10
| Ranwu – Zogang
Another iconic Chinese stretch today: the famous 72 bends of the Nujiang River on the G318, a mountain section of the Sichuan–Tibet highway. It crosses the Nu River and is known for its steep slopes, sharp bends and challenging conditions. Some travellers have actually counted more than 72 bends – there are over 130. Starting at just 3,100 metres, the road climbs to its highest point at 4,651 metres and then drops to 4,100 metres – all within just 12 kilometres.
Day 11
| Zogang – Deqin
Today we ride to Deqin, a town at the foot of the famous Meili Snow Mountain, where Tibet and Yunnan meet. We turn onto the G214 Yunnan–Tibet road, crossing the Dongda, Jueba, Lao and Hongla mountains. Along the way we also ride through the gorge of the Lancang River – the Chinese name for the Mekong.
Day 12
| Deqin – Diqing – Lijiang
Lijiang, in Yunnan province, is one of China’s best-known historic and cultural towns, famous for its unique Naxi culture, historic lanes and beautiful scenery. It is full of historic sites and attractions such as Black Dragon Pool, the Mu Residence and the Great Water Wheel. Especially in the evening, the winding lanes and squares of the ancient town have a uniquely romantic atmosphere. The old town is a real maze: cobbled streets and stone bridges thrown over the canals. It is also famous for great food and handicrafts. We will try both…
Day 13
| Lijiang
One of the most beautiful towns in China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site for years. There will be plenty of time to take a closer look.
Day 14
| Lijiang – Shaxi – Dali
We ride to Dali, visiting historic Shaxi on the way. This Yunnan town is famous for tea. There is nothing commercial about it, but it is full of the character of the Bai ethnic minority and beautiful rural landscapes.
Day 15
| Dali – Jinggu
You have probably never heard of Jinggu, but you have surely heard of Pu’er tea. It grows right here – one of the best tea regions in all of China. We will visit a plantation and take a closer look at how tea is made.
Day 16
| Jinggu – Jinghong
We take the expressway to Jinghong. We visit the Gaozhuang Night Market on the Lancang River (the Mekong in Laos), the largest night market in South-East Asia.
Day 17
| Jinghong – Mohan – Laos
Our last day in China: the ride to the border, lots of formalities – and welcome to Laos.
Day 18
| Luang Namtha – Chiang Rai
Laos simply happened to be on our way. After another three hours of riding we check in to Thailand. And once again we switch to driving on the left.
Day 19
| Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai
Easy kilometres on excellent roads to the largest city in northern Thailand.
Day 20
| Chiang Mai – Bangkok
Not the most charming kilometres, but the goal is getting closer. Bangkok and another two days on the beach will make up for it. This is the best time of year for Thailand…
Day 21
| Bangkok
Handing over the motorcycles for shipping.
Book a trip
