Tibet Motorcycle Expedition
Ride across the Tibetan Plateau from Lhasa towards the northern face of Mount Everest on an extraordinary high-altitude motorcycle expedition.
The Expedition
Beginning in Lhasa, this remarkable journey travels through the immense landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau towards Mount Everest. The route passes historic towns, remote settlements, mountain passes and some of Tibet's most important cultural sites.
This is a genuine overland expedition where the journey matters as much as the destination. Every day brings dramatic roads, changing scenery and a powerful sense of travelling far beyond the usual tourist trail.
Across Tibet
Leave the city behind and ride into a landscape of turquoise lakes, sweeping valleys and distant snow-covered mountains. Long, open roads reveal the extraordinary scale of the plateau.
The route travels through Shigatse and Tingri before climbing towards Everest, bringing together demanding high-altitude riding, Tibetan culture and extraordinary mountain scenery.
The Road to Everest
One of the expedition's defining days takes you from Tingri towards Everest, crossing the 5,218-metre Gyawu La Pass. On a clear day, the road reveals an unforgettable Himalayan panorama.
Continue towards Rongbuk Monastery, one of the highest monasteries in the world, standing beneath the immense northern face of Mount Everest.
Expedition Route
The expedition follows a spectacular route from Lhasa through Shigatse and Tingri to Mount Everest before returning across the plateau. The programme allows time for acclimatisation, cultural visits and the demands of riding at altitude.
What Is Included
CFMOTO 450MT motorcycle hire
Seven nights’ twin-share accommodation
Support vehicle and experienced local guides
Oxygen supplies and expedition support
Travel permits and border permits handled locally
Temporary Chinese motorcycle permit arrangements
Entrance tickets and expedition supplies
Welcome dinner and farewell dinner
Before You Ride
Riders must hold a valid motorcycle driving licence and would normally need at least two years of practical motorcycle riding experience. Riders choosing a larger ADV motorcycle such as a BMW GS must have suitable experience handling larger and heavier motorcycles.
The normal published age range is 18–65 years. Riders over 65 may still be considered individually, subject to health, riding experience, insurance conditions and temporary Chinese permit approval.
Day 1 is used for arrival in Lhasa, altitude acclimatisation, document checks, the safety briefing and confirmation of riding equipment. Day 2 covers the temporary Chinese permit, motorcycle inspection, vehicle handover and final preparations.
If time allows, an additional 3–6 hours of familiarisation riding may be arranged after the formalities. This preparation does not count as an official riding day.
UK riders need their original valid motorcycle licence, original passport and a valid Chinese visa. The local team assists with the required Chinese translation and temporary permit application. Advance notarisation is not required. Final approval remains subject to the relevant authority.
Riders must use an approved full-face helmet, protective riding jacket, riding trousers, boots and gloves suitable for long-distance, high-altitude travel. Equipment meeting recognised UK or international standards does not currently require additional Chinese 3C certification.
Riders must arrange suitable overseas travel, medical and personal accident insurance. Commercial motorcycle insurance is additional: US$15 per day for the CFMOTO 450MT and US$25 per day for BMW models. Cover, excess and compensation terms depend on the applicable policy.
When To Travel
May to October is the recommended period for motorcycle travel in Tibet. Private dates can be arranged, while organised group departures should ideally be confirmed around three months in advance.
Low-season travel remains subject to weather, road conditions and safe operation of the route. Where the expedition can operate normally, a 10% reduction from the standard rate may be available.
Permit documentation normally requires at least 30–45 days. Temperatures and conditions vary considerably by altitude. Electric heated vests and self-heating body warmers are prepared for customers when required.
Start Your Journey
Speak to OUTSYDA about departure dates, riding requirements and planning your Everest Pilgrimage motorcycle expedition.
From £3,020 / US$4,050 per rider
Based on twin-share accommodation, a CFMOTO 450MT and 11–16 paying riders. Private departures from two riders are available and quoted separately. Prices remain subject to availability and exchange-rate fluctuations. Motorcycle upgrades, insurance and single supplements cost extra. The current single-room supplement is US$60 per night.
Enquire NowFinancial Protection
Book with confidence through Outsyda, an independent travel agent affiliated with the Travel Trust Association.
