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Tibet Motorcycle Expedition

Sacred Peaks of Kailash

Ride across the Tibetan Plateau towards one of the world's most sacred mountains, through vast landscapes, high-altitude roads and places few travellers ever reach.

14 days13 nights10 official riding days

The Journey

A motorcycle expedition into the heart of Tibet.

This 14-day expedition journeys through one of the most remote and extraordinary landscapes on Earth. The route includes Mount Kailash, the Ngari region, Everest Base Camp and Namtso among its principal destinations.

Ride beneath immense skies, cross dramatic mountain passes and travel through a region shaped by ancient traditions and deep spiritual significance.

At its heart stands Mount Kailash, revered by several religions and surrounded by some of Tibet's most powerful scenery. This is far more than a motorcycle tour—it is a genuine high-altitude expedition.

Motorcyclists riding through the high-altitude landscape of Tibet
A sacred lake surrounded by the mountains of Tibet

Sacred Landscapes

Mountains, monasteries and sacred lakes.

The route reveals the extraordinary scale of the Tibetan Plateau, from distant snow-covered summits to intensely blue lakes and isolated settlements.

These landscapes are inseparable from Tibet's spiritual traditions. Prayer flags, monasteries and pilgrimage routes bring a powerful human story to the wild terrain.

High-Altitude Adventure

A serious journey for experienced riders.

Riding in Tibet demands preparation, patience and a willingness to embrace changing conditions. The altitude, weather and remoteness are all part of what makes the expedition so rewarding.

Long open roads, substantial temperature changes and remote terrain constantly reinforce how far beyond the ordinary this journey travels.

Motorcycle rider travelling through extreme conditions in Tibet

What Is Included

Support for a major Tibetan expedition

CFMOTO 450MT motorcycle hire for 10 official riding days

Thirteen 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

Not included

  • International or domestic flights to and from Lhasa
  • Chinese visa
  • Lunches
  • Dinners other than the welcome and farewell dinners
  • Motorcycle fuel
  • Commercial motorcycle insurance
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Single-room supplement
  • Motorcycle upgrades
  • Traffic fines
  • Motorcycle damage caused by rider operation or rider error

Before You Ride

Experience, documents and expedition requirements

Riding experience

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. CFMOTO 450MT riders are assessed according to their practical experience and safe riding ability.

Age requirements

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.

Documents

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 of the motorcycle licence is not required. Final approval remains subject to the relevant authority.

Protective equipment

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.

Insurance

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.

Everest-area accommodation

Accommodation near Everest depends on the season, weather, road conditions and the best suitable option available at the time. Twin rooms are requested wherever possible, but standards are naturally more limited than the star-rated hotels in Lhasa or Shigatse.

Tent accommodation may also be arranged where conditions allow.

When To Travel

A journey shaped by altitude and season

Recommended season

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.

November to April

Winter 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.

Everest, Ngari and Mount Kailash are considerably colder than the city areas during winter. Permit documentation normally requires at least 30–45 days. Electric heated vests and self-heating body warmers are prepared for customers when required.

Start Your Journey

Ready to ride beyond the ordinary?

Speak to OUTSYDA about dates, riding requirements and planning your Sacred Peaks of Kailash expedition.

From £4,210 / US$5,670 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 Now

Financial Protection

Travel Trust Association

Book with confidence through Outsyda, an independent travel agent affiliated with the Travel Trust Association.