THE ANCIENT TEA HORSE ROAD – THE CLOUDS TO THE LAND OF SNOW 17 days, 16 nights

Tibet: A mysterious place, known as the third pole of the planet with the “roof of the world”—the majestic Himalayas and eternal snow-capped mountains. Tibet has always been a paradise on earth, a dwelling place for the gods. Tibet is a magnificent and enchanting land that is both beautiful, harsh, and sacred. People call Tibet the land between reality and myth, full of spirituality and mystery.

Following in the footsteps of ancient merchants on the legendary Tea Horse Road. Furthermore, the journey will take us on a one-way drive from Hanoi along Vietnam’s Northwest route, through Northern Laos, and into China before beginning our journey on what was once the greatest trade and cultural exchange artery in Asia. The Tea Horse Road stretches from Pu’er across the peaks of the Himalayas to Tibet and extends to Nepal, Bhutan, and India. Prepare yourself to face the challenges on the Himalayan range, especially on the section now marked as G318 National Highway, a winding ribbon of asphalt that drapes across the giant peaks of the Himalayas, waiting for you to etch your own epic adventure story!.

This road was once the longest and most treacherous ancient trade route in the world, stretching over 10,000 km, where tea was traded for horses and other precious goods.

• It is famous as one of the highest and most challenging ancient roads in the world.
• It passes through diverse and extremely difficult terrains: from the tropical rainforests of Yunnan to high mountain ranges above 5,000 meters in the Himalayas, with sheer cliffs, rushing rivers, and the vast plains of Tibet.
• Harsh weather conditions, high-altitude oxygen deprivation, blizzards, landslides, and freezing temperatures are constant dangers.
• Transportation by wheels was nearly impossible, relying mainly on packhorses, mules, yaks, and resilient porters who could carry hundreds of kilograms of tea on their backs for months.
• Robbery was also a constant threat.
• Very few merchants could complete the entire journey.

The Tea Horse Road is not quite like that anymore, but amidst the majestic landscapes of the journey, you will lose yourself in the peaceful beauty of ancient Tibetan villages and sacred monasteries nestled in the clouds, immersing yourself in the tranquil rhythm of life and connecting deeply with the culture and customs of the local people. There is no better feeling than self-driving to explore, experience, and connect with diverse cultures from Hanoi to the Northwest of Vietnam and Northern Laos, to the Tea Horse Road, stretching across the majestic Himalayas, conquering the “roof of the world”—Everest Base Camp, and exploring this most mysterious land on the planet.

BASIC INFORMATION

• Starting/Ending Point: Hanoi, Vietnam / Lhasa, Tibet, China
• Airports: Hanoi (IATA: HAN, ICAO: VVNB) / Lijiang (IATA: LJG, ICAO: ZPLJ) / Lhasa Gonggar (IATA: LXA, OACI: ZULS)
• Total Days: 17 days, 16 nights (starting from Hanoi, Vietnam) / 14 days, 13 nights (starting from Lijiang, Yunnan, China)
• Total One-Way Driving Distance: 5,000km (from Vietnam) / 3,500km (from Lijiang)
• Hotels: 3-4 star standard (with criteria: heating system, in-room oxygen system, and convenient for the caravan)
• Rest Day: 1 day in Lhasa
• Number of Driving Days: 15 days (from Vietnam) / 11 days (from Lijiang)
• Vehicle Transport Before and After Tour:
  • Starting from Vietnam: Vehicle transport to Dien Bien (optional), Lhasa – Huu Nghi Quan, Lang Son after the tour, estimated 12-18 days (including time to crate the motorcycles in wooden boxes).
  • Starting from Lijiang, Yunnan, China: Vehicle transport from Chengdu to Lijiang before the tour, Lhasa to Chengdu after the tour, estimated 11 days (including time to crate the vehicles in wooden boxes).

TOUR PROGRAM

(Meal abbreviations: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)

1. HANOI – DIEN BIEN, 450km, (479m) – (450km driving)

You can choose to transport your vehicle to Dien Bien and take an overnight bus or fly directly from Hanoi to Dien Bien (airfare and vehicle transport costs to Dien Bien are not included).

5:15 AM, the group will gather at the gate of the National Convention Center, Thang Long Boulevard, Me Tri, Hanoi.

5:30 AM, the group will depart and stop for breakfast at a local restaurant along National Highway 6. We will continue driving through Moc Chau prairie and Son La plateau, conquering Pha Din Pass before heading to Dien Bien.

Dien Bien is about 450km from Hanoi. It is not only famous for its heroic historical sites but also a land with diverse culture and natural landscapes. It is a place that has gone down in world history with the Dien Bien Phu victory in 1954. This four-month battle between the French army and the Viet Minh marked a decisive turning point, ending French colonial rule in Indochina and opening an era of independence for Vietnam. You will feel the historical atmosphere when you arrive here, a place that was once a fierce battlefield but has now become a symbol of courage and indomitable will. If you wish, you can also arrive 1-2 days earlier to explore the historical sites and ethnic minority villages around Dien Bien.

2. DIEN BIEN – BOTEN (LAOS), 280km ~5h, (415m) – Cross-Border Journey and Legends

Today, we will begin our cross-border journey, leaving Dien Bien to proceed to Tay Trang to complete exit procedures from Vietnam to Laos. This journey takes you from the historical land of Vietnam through the villages of various ethnic minorities in Laos to a unique border town, Boten. The procedures for exiting Vietnam and entering Laos take about 2 hours, so we need to depart early from Dien Bien.

Boten is a town located right on the Laos-China border, opposite the Chinese town of Mohan. What’s special is that despite being in Laos, most residents in Boten speak Mandarin (Chinese) as their native language and the town operates on Beijing time. This creates a unique cultural blend right at the gateway of Laos. Boten is in the process of transforming from a gambling hub to a logistics and tourism center, driven by the opening of the Vientiane–Boten railway in December 2021.

3. BOTEN – MENGLA – PUER, 280km ~4h, (1,306m) – The Scent of the Ancient Tea Road and Diverse Ethnicities

Today we will depart very early to complete the exit procedures to China. After entering China, we will go to the Mengla police station to process the driver’s license conversion (we have submitted the application in advance; we just need to take photos, verify the documents, and wait for the license to be printed).

After getting the licenses, we will immediately hit the road to Pu’er as early as possible. Today’s route will take you to the homes of many ethnic minority groups, including the Dai, Miao, Yao, and Hani… The route passes through lush green fields and endless tea hills as we approach Pu’er, a city famous for its tea heritage.

Pu’er – The Cradle of Legendary Pu’er Tea: The main destination today is Pu’er, a city nestled among the misty mountains of Yunnan province, which produces a special type of tea that has been aged and preserved for centuries: Pu’er Tea. With a history of over 1,700 years, dating back to the Tang dynasty, Pu’er Tea is one of the world’s oldest and most revered tea traditions. Initially, Pu’er Tea was valued more for its medicinal properties than as a regular beverage. Later, for easier transportation and preservation, locals compressed the tea leaves into cakes—a method still maintained today. By the Song dynasty, Pu’er Tea was recognized by the imperial court and became a favorite of officials, especially Emperor Qianlong of the Qing dynasty, who had private warehouses built to store this tea. His passion transformed Pu’er Tea from a regional specialty into a national treasure, at one point even more precious than gold.

4. PUER – DALI, 450km ~5h, (2,007m) – Ancient Lakeside City and Bai Culture

Today’s journey will take us from Pu’er to Dali, the longest leg of the trip, and we will use the highway instead of the national road. The estimated time from Pu’er to Dali is about 5 hours. We will depart early to arrive in Dali for lunch, check into the hotel, and spend the afternoon exploring the Dali Old Town.

Dali is a historic city nestled between the majestic Cangshan Mountain to the west and the poetic Erhai Lake to the east. Dali Old Town dates back to 1382 during the Ming dynasty and was once the ancient capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom and the Dali Kingdom. With its magnificent city wall and traditional Bai houses with distinctive gray-blue tiled roofs, Dali possesses a unique beauty compared to other cities in China. Strolling through the cobblestone streets and among the ancient houses, you will feel like you have been transported back in time to a simpler world of the distant past. Dali was once an important gateway on the Silk Road in Southwest China, as well as a major administrative and military base for Yunnan province.

5. DALI – LIJIANG – BALAZHEN, 360km ~6h (3,000m) – A World of Fairy Tales and Naxi Legends

Today’s journey will take us from Dali to Lijiang, an ancient city recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This route will be an enchanting experience, from the roads along Erhai Lake to the lush green valleys leading into Lijiang, where the unique Naxi culture awaits. After that, we will continue our journey to Shangri-La, where we will stop for lunch before driving another 70km to Balazhen in the afternoon.

Balagezhong is a village with a legendary story about the person who literally paved the way, bringing this village from obscurity to today. Directly conquering this road along the sheer cliff shows us the villagers’ determination to build a road that scientists had to admire.

Lijiang: is one of the most important centers of ancient human activity in Southwest China, with archaeological evidence dating back to the Neolithic period. Lijiang has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 and was once an important stop and distribution center on the Tea Horse Road, a crossroads of routes and cultures from Sichuan, Yunnan, and Tibet. It is the cradle of the unique Naxi culture, with its Dongba pictographic script, traditional wooden architecture, and distinctive customs. Naxi horses also played an important role in ancient caravans, serving to transport tea between Lijiang and Lhasa. Visitors can walk on the remaining ancient roads and feel the atmosphere of a bustling commercial center of the past.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Located 15km north of Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain stretches 35km from north to south with a snow cover area of 960 square kilometers. From a distance, the mountain looks like a giant dragon flying through the clouds, which is why this sacred mountain is named “Jade Dragon”. This is the sacred mountain of the local Naxi people and also the embodiment of their guardian deity—the war god Sanduo.

6. BALAZHEN – YANJING, 230km ~4h (2,650m) – Entering Tibet, the Ancient Tea Horse Road, and Ancient Salt Wells

The journey from Balazhen takes us past a bend in the Jinsha River, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Meli Peak before following the Lancang River to Yanjing. A Naxi village located in Mangkam County, Tibet Autonomous Region. Today is a journey through rugged mountains with the Baima Pass reaching over 4,500m. The winding roads tell the story of the legendary Tea Horse Road and the traditional salt-making craft. Here, we will join a feast with unique cultural features at a traditional local restaurant. This is also the location where we will complete the entry procedures into Tibet at the military checkpoint right at the beginning of Yanjing village.

Yanjing was historically the main route for transporting tea into Tibet. It is famous for its ancient salt wells with a history of about 1,300 years, which made it a wealthy land due to its traditional salt-making craft. We will have the opportunity to learn about this unique salt production process. At the end of the day, do not miss the chance to visit the only Catholic church in the Tibet Autonomous Region, an ancient structure steeped in historical significance and cultural exchange in Tibet.

7. YANJING – MARKAM, 130km ~2h, (3,875m)

This morning we will spend time exploring the ancient Jiada salt village and the only Catholic church in Tibet with its distinctive historical and cultural features. After lunch, we will hit the road to Markam. The journey to Markam only takes about 2 hours, so we will have time to explore the beautiful ancient villages along the Lancang River before climbing Honglashan Pass at an altitude of 4,448m. The road down to Markam reveals vast prairies with a blend of Tibetan and Mongolian nomadic cultures. If there is still time, we can rest or explore the surrounding prairies.

Markam is the intersection of G214 and G318 roads, where the two branches of the Tea Horse Road meet (from Sichuan and from Yunnan). After a few days of acclimatizing to the altitude, today we will truly feel the effects of the altitude, so let’s rest; our bodies have already passed several high passes around 4,500m to get used to it. Tomorrow we will feel better.

8. MARKAM – BANGDAZHEN, 250km ~5h, (4,170m) – The G318 Challenge

Today we officially drive on the legendary G318 Highway, the longest and most majestic road in China, where every turn opens a new story, a challenging but also incredibly spectacular journey with high passes and majestic mountain landscapes. Prepare for dramatic challenges on the snow-covered Lawushan Pass (4,338m), and feel its cold grandeur. The Lancang River (the headwaters of the Mekong River) from Zhuka Bridge—a breathtaking sight. But today’s journey doesn’t stop there, as there are still Jueba Pass (3,930m) and Dongda Peak (5,008m)… we won’t be able to remember how many high passes and how many deep valleys we have to overcome today.

9. BANGDAZEN – BOME, 300km ~5h, (2,725m) – Hairpin Bends & the Majestic Nujiang River

Last night we rested right at the foot of Yelhasan Pass (4,658m), so in the morning you will be greeted with hairpin bends leading to the summit. However, the journey down the other side of the mountain to the Nujiang River requires you to conquer a challenging 17km downhill road with 99 consecutive hairpin bends. Right after that, we will continue to descend alongside the treacherous cliff with 72 more hairpin bends over 7km to reach the Nujiang Bridge.

Here, you will have a stunning view of the majestic Nujiang River, swirling and winding between the sheer cliffs. After crossing Anjiula Pass (4,325m), we will stop for lunch by the poetic Ranwo Lake (3,960m).

Ranwu Lake – The Legend of the Skull Lake and the Monkey Battle: “Ranwu” in Tibetan means “the place where corpses are piled”. One legend tells that this lake is where the corpses of a water buffalo and a bull that fought fiercely to the death were piled up, and their bodies turned into the two mountains surrounding the lake. Another, more dramatic legend tells of a group of mischievous monkeys that constantly harassed local farmers. To deal with them, the farmers devised a trick: they pretended to drink barley wine and fight with wooden swords. The monkeys, imitating this action, killed each other after getting drunk, and their bodies piled up to form Ranwu Lake.

The journey continues to Bome, known as the “Switzerland of Tibet” with its majestic mountain scenery, vast green forests, and magical, shimmering glaciers under the sun. Bome is known as the “Switzerland of Tibet”. The name “Bomi” in Tibetan means “ancestor,” as this is the birthplace of Nyatri Tsenpo, the first king of Tibet. Legend says that one of the “hidden lands” mentioned by Guru Rinpoche in prophecy lies within the borders of Bomi, attracting many Tibetan pilgrims here since the 7th century.

10. BOME – NYINGCHI, 220km ~4h, (2,930m) – The Switzerland of Tibet

Today’s journey will take you to Garang village, where the remains of the Galang dynasty palace, steeped in history, are still preserved. Next, let’s explore with MotoTours Asia the legendary Parlung Tsangpo River, which is associated with a loyal love story and a mysterious curse, inviting your curiosity. The next destination is the Tongmai Bridge – the famous “Bridge of Death” on Highway 318. Located in a dangerous position, with steep terrain and frequent flash floods and landslides, Tongmai Bridge is a dramatic challenge that requires courage for anyone wanting to conquer Highway G318. After crossing Tongmai, you will arrive in Nyingchi – the “Switzerland of Tibet” with the vast Lulang Forest, the majestic Namjagbarwa Peak, and countless other spectacular sights waiting to be discovered. At the end of the day, let’s conquer Sejila Pass (4,559m) before ending a day full of interesting and memorable experiences.

Lulang Forest – The Place That Makes You Forget Your Way Home: “Lulang” in Tibetan means “the place that makes you forget your home,” a name that evokes a sense of enchantment and peace. This is a typical alpine meadow, where giant cypresses, such as the King Cypress believed to be over 2,500 years old (even predating the Buddha), are associated with Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche, the founder of the ancient Bon religion in Tibet.

11. NYINGCHI – LHASA, 390km ~5h, (3,656m) – Conquering Milashan Pass & Arriving in the Sacred Capital

The eagerly awaited journey to Lhasa – the sacred capital of Tibet. Getting here is a long and challenging road, but it is also an opportunity to admire the spectacular transition of the landscape from lush Nyingchi to the vast Lhasa plateau, which was once the endpoint of the tea caravan in the history of the Tea Horse Road.

Today we will drive on the G318 (national highway) with spectacular scenery. We will conquer Milashan Pass – The Peak of the Journey (5,250m) – the highest point on the entire route. Here, you will take a deep breath, feel the characteristic thin air of the plateau, and admire the vast, spectacular view of the Himalayas from above – an unforgettable sight. Milashan Pass is not just a geographical high point but is also associated with the legend of Milarepa, a famous Tibetan Buddhist saint.

12. LHASA, (3,656m) – Exploring the Sacred Capital

A free day to fully immerse yourself in the sacred atmosphere and rich culture of Lhasa. This is the final and most sacred destination of the tea road, the cultural, religious, and political center of Tibet. You can choose to visit iconic landmarks such as the majestic Potala Palace – the eternal symbol of Tibetan Buddhism, the sacred Jokhang Temple, or simply stroll along the bustling Barkhor Street, Tibet’s most vibrant old quarter, and feel its unique rhythm of life. This is also an ideal opportunity to rest, recharge after long days on the road, and prepare for the next leg of the journey.

Jokhang Temple – Where the Dragon Sleeps: a sacred temple containing the statue of the 12-year-old Buddha Shakyamuni, is an unmissable destination. Legend has it that Lhasa was once a wasteland, and Princess Wencheng predicted through Chinese astrology that this land was the “dragon’s gate,” and a monastery needed to be built to suppress the dragon. Here, you will gain a deeper understanding of the indispensable role of butter tea in the daily lives of Tibetans, from providing energy at high altitudes to its significance in religious rituals and social customs. Butter tea, brewed with yak butter and salt, is an important source of nutrition, warmth, and energy for Tibetans, and is also favored by monks to stay alert during long meditations.

13.  LHASA – LHATSE, 410km ~6h, (4,035m) – Along the Legendary Yarlung River

The journey continues, winding along the majestic Yarlung River towards Shigatse with 250km of highway. The Yarlung Tsangpo River flows at an average altitude of 4,000 meters. The name “Tsangpo” in Tibetan means “powerful,” reflecting its strength and importance. While waiting for us to get the permits to the Everest Base Camp area, you will stop for lunch. The afternoon is the busiest and most crowded section on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, where we will conquer Younongla Pass (4,534m) and admire the spectacular beauty of the endless Himalayas stretching out before us. Lhatse is an ancient land with a rich history. Lhatse Sangngag Rabten Ling Monastery (Lhatse Monastery for short) was founded in 1668 by Serpa Yeshe Sengge. The monastery is located in a prime location, where the mountains in front and behind resemble the confluence of two elephants.

14. LHATSE – EVEREST BASE CAMP – TINGRI, 180km ~3h + 100km bus, (4,348m) – Touching the Roof of the World

Wake up early, full of energy, and prepare for an emotional day as we will finally witness the majestic Everest peak – the “Roof of the World” – a dream come true!. The journey takes us over two challenging passes: Jiacuola (5,252m) and Jiawula Pass (5,208m) with 108 bends that lead us to a Tibetan village. We will park our vehicles, get on an electric bus, and travel to Everest Base Camp (5,200m) to admire the overwhelming, majestic beauty of the highest mountain on the planet under the clear blue sky, providing a unique feeling. Although Everest Base Camp is not directly on the Tea Horse Road, reaching the “roof of the world” symbolizes the spirit of adventure, exploration, and human resilience, qualities that shaped the history of this legendary road.

15. TINGRI – DINGGYE – GYANTSE, 360km ~5h, (3,977m) – Exploring the Wilderness

Today, we will take a new route that has been almost untouched by tourists to explore the unique destinations of this pristine Tibetan land, passing through Dinggye before arriving in Gyantse. Instead of the groups returning to Lhasa via the G318 route, MotoTours Asia asserts its unparalleled experience and knowledge of Tibet by pioneering this new route to Gyantse. However, the 15km lakeside road is still a gravel road, so you need to be very focused on your steering on this section. When we arrive in Gyantse, we will have time to explore this charming small town and visit the 15th-century Baiju Monastery – a unique spiritual destination where the three main schools of Tibetan Buddhism (Sakya, Kadam, and Gelug) converge.

16. GYANTSE – LHASA, 260km ~4h, (3,656m) – Sacred Lake & Final Passes

Today, we will admire the majestic and mystical beauty of Yamdrok-tso Lake (Yamdrok Lake) – one of the three most sacred lakes in Tibet. With its clear turquoise water, surrounded by majestic snow-white mountains. Yamdrok Lake is a natural masterpiece that will leave you in awe. To reach the lake, we must conquer Simila (4,352m) and Karuola (5,039m), the last two passes of the journey before returning to Lhasa, concluding the challenging routes. Along the way, we will admire the sacred Nyenchen Khangsar Mountain Range (7,782m) and the mystical Korola Glacier, the final natural wonders of the trip. Today is also the day you will be overwhelmed by the beauty of the road and the majestic mountain scenery, truly a “happy ending”. Upon arrival in Lhasa, we will go to our meeting point, and a bus will take the group back to the hotel. This concludes the driving part of the journey. Tonight, the group will organize a farewell party with the tour-leading team, reminiscing about the memorable moments on the “Roof of the World”.

17.  Lhasa, Farewell to the Sacred Land – Unforgettable Memories

After the final breakfast, you will have free time to stroll, shop for meaningful souvenirs, or revisit your favorite landmarks in Lhasa to capture more precious moments, before heading to the airport, officially concluding an emotional and unforgettable journey with MotoTours Asia.

1. TOUR PRICES (in USD/person)

Group Size and Inclusions:

• Groups of 15 vehicles or more: Includes 2 group leaders from Vietnam (driving 2 lead motorcycles).
• Groups of 15 vehicles or more: Includes camping gear and tents.
• Groups of 17 vehicles or more: Includes 1 support bus from Lijiang.
• Groups of 12 vehicles or more: Includes 1 professional videographer from Lijiang.

Pricing Notes:

• Children under 14: The price is 70% of the adult price (sharing a room with parents). If a child has a separate room, the price is 100% of the adult price. The discount is only applicable for one child if there are two or more.
• Single Room Surcharge (17-day itinerary): $668
• Single Room Surcharge (14-day itinerary): $472

I.1. 17-DAY ITINERARY (HANOI – LAOS – YUNNAN – TIBET)

I.1.A. SELF-DRIVING (YOUR OWN MOTORCYCLE):

• 1 person / 1 motorcycle: $4,566
• 2 people / 1 motorcycle: $3,509

I.1.B. SELF-DRIVING YOUR OWN CAR:

• 1 person / 1 car: $5,774
• 2 people / 1 car: $3,962
• 3 people / 1 car: $3,358
• 4 people / 1 car: $3,057
• 5 people / 1 car: $2,868

I.2. 14-DAY ITINERARY (Starting from Lijiang, includes vehicle rental fees)

I.2.A. MOTORCYCLES:

BMW R1300GS

• 1 person / 1 motorcycle: $8,377
• 2 people / 1 motorcycle: $5,320

BMW R1250GS

• 1 person / 1 motorcycle: $8,113
• 2 people / 1 motorcycle: $5,169

BMW R1200GS

• 1 person / 1 motorcycle: $7,811
• 2 people / 1 motorcycle: $5,019

Chiang Jiang Sidecar CJ750

• 1 person / 1 motorcycle: $6,792
• 2 people / 1 motorcycle: $4,528

Kove 800 / CFMoto 800

• 1 person / 1 motorcycle: $5,057
• 2 people / 1 motorcycle: $3,660

Kove 500/525 / CFMoto 450

• 1 person / 1 motorcycle: $4,679
• 2 people / 1 motorcycle: $3,471

I.2.B. CAR: Tank 300

• 1 person / 1 car: $7,811
• 2 people / 1 car: $4,943
• 3 people / 1 car: $3,962
• 4 people / 1 car: $3,472

I.2.C. SUPPORT BUS: Passenger on Support Bus from Lijiang: $2,599

II. WHAT THE TOUR PRICE INCLUDES?

II.1. FOR THE 17-DAY OPTION STARTING FROM HANOI WITH YOUR OWN VEHICLE

• Permits and customs procedures for vehicles at border crossings (Tây Trang/Pang Hoc, Boten/Mohan, Ping Xiang/Hữu Nghị Quan).
• Deposit for temporary import/re-export of vehicles to China.
• Fee for temporary Chinese license plates for vehicles.
• Temporary Chinese driver’s license (valid for 3 months), processed directly with no limit on the number of licenses.
• All necessary documents, such as rental agreements and letters of authorization (preparation, translation, and notarization of all documents into Lao and Chinese) for your vehicle to the transport unit and customs clearance unit at the border crossings.
• Travel costs for guides handling procedures at the borders:
  • One (01) Chinese guide from Chengdu to Mohan to handle immigration procedures, license exchange, etc., who will follow the group to Lệ Giang before flying back to Chengdu.
  • One (01) guide for a round trip from Chengdu to Pingxiang/Hữu Nghị Quan (to handle re-export procedures for vehicles back to Vietnam).

II.2. FOR THE 14-DAY OPTION STARTING FROM LIJIANG (YUNNAN) 

• Vehicle rental fee and transportation costs from Chengdu to Lijiang (before the tour) and from Lhasa back to Chengdu (after the tour). The total actual rental period is up to 23 days.
• Cost of purchasing wood for crating and uncrating vehicles before transport.
• “Super VIP” driver’s license exchange service (you only need to submit soft copies of your documents, and the temporary Chinese driver’s license will be delivered directly to your hotel in Lijiang before the tour begins). One license per motorcycle and two licenses per car. If you need more, there’s an additional fee of $300/license.
• Vehicle transport insurance before and after the tour.

II.3. SERVICES FOR BOTH GROUPS

• Tibet Autonomous Region entry permits and all necessary permits for the travel itinerary within Tibet.
• 3-4 star hotels (prioritizing amenities like heating, in-room oxygen systems, and convenience for the caravan).
• All meals (from dinner in Điện Biên Phủ to the final breakfast in Lhasa, excluding the farewell dinner hosted by the guests for the tour leaders).
• Bottled drinking water always available on the support truck.
• Daily, we will set up camps with a tea party, coffee, snacks, and fresh fruit at the most scenic spots or have a picnic lunch (for groups of 15 vehicles or more).
• Two (02) experienced international caravan guides, who will drive two (02) lead vehicles (for groups of 15 vehicles or more).
• One (01) Tibetan guide to assist with legal procedures from Lijiang until the end of the journey (including the Lhasa – Lijiang flight ticket).
• One (01) professional photographer/videographer with the latest equipment, including a drone, GoPro, cameras, etc., who will accompany the group from Lijiang to the end of the journey (for groups of 12 vehicles or more).
• Altitude sickness medication and other supporting medications to relieve altitude sickness symptoms throughout the journey.
• Oxygen tanks on the support bus (for emergency use only).
• Cardo walkie-talkie communication system for all drivers (maximum 15 devices per group).
• An unblocked 5G e-SIM for mainland China for 15 days.
• Car transfers: between airports and hotels, from the vehicle staging area to the hotel, etc.
• Two (02) support vehicles will accompany the group from Lijiang until the end of the journey:
  • One (01) truck for carrying the group’s general supplies, transporting broken-down motorcycles, or when drivers are too tired to continue, or in extreme weather conditions.
  • One (01) bus following the motorcycle group with empty seats ready for any biker who needs it. The bus also offers an opportunity for those who cannot drive themselves but still want to conquer this route at the best possible cost.
• Vehicle insurance: Civil liability insurance.
• Insurance for the driver and passenger for self-driven vehicles in China, with compensation up to 1,000,000 CNY (One million Chinese Yuan).
• Diamon international travel insurance package by Bao Viet, with compensation up to $300 USD

III. WHAT THE TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Hanoi motorbike rental prices (Check VI for the price for shipping the motorbike from Lhasa back to Hanoi after the trip):
• • BMW R1250 GS: 1,981 USD (30 days including the days for shipping the motorbike from Lhasa (Tibet, China) back to Hanoi (Vietnam)
  • BMW R1200 GSA: 1,664 USD (30 days including the days for shipping the motorbike from Lhasa (Tibet, China) back to Hanoi (Vietnam)
  • BMW R1200 GS: 1,426 USD (30 days including the days for shipping the motorbike from Lhasa (Tibet, China) back to Hanoi (Vietnam)
  • Honda CB 500X: 755 USD (30 days including the days for shipping the motorbike from Lhasa (Tibet, China) back to Hanoi (Vietnam)
• Flight tickets
• Sightseeing tickets (~$77 – $150, depending on the number of attractions visited).
• Fuel for vehicles (~$154 – $231 per motorcycle, $308 – $385 per car. Varies by vehicle type and experience driving on mountainous roads).
• Highway tolls (if any, for cars; motorcycles are free).
• Farewell party in Lhasa (hosted by guests to thank the tour leaders).
• Tip for the tour leaders: $200 per person ($100 per person for those riding on the bus).
• Chinese visa
• Anything not listed in section (II).
• Vehicle transport from Lhasa back to Vietnam, including the cost of wood for crating motorcycles before transport (contact our consultants for a specific quote).

IV. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

IV.1. FOR THE 17-DAY ITINERARY (HANOI – LAOS – YUNNAN – TIBET) DRIVING YOUR OWN VEHICLE FROM VIETNAM

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months from the end of the tour).
• Your National Driver’s license appropriate for the vehicle you plan to drive (IDP is nor recognized in China).
• 4×6 portrait photo (file, white background, no glasses, hair not covering the forehead).
• Vehicle registration (in your name or rental contract).
• Vehicle safety and environmental inspection certificate (for cars).
• Letter of authorization (if the vehicle is borrowed) or rental contract (if the vehicle is rented): notarized translation from Vietnamese to Lao and Vietnamese to Chinese (3 sets for each language).
• Photos of the vehicle from 4 directions (front, back, right, left).

IV.2. FOR THE 14-DAY ITINERARY (YUNNAN – TIBET) RENTING A VEHICLE IN CHINA

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months from the end of the tour).
• Driver’s license appropriate for the vehicle you plan to drive.
• 4×6 photo (file, white background, no glasses, hair not covering the forehead).

V. IMPORTANT NOTES FOR VEHICLES FROM VIETNAM

Motorcycles:

• Minimum engine capacity of 300cc.
• Adventure-style bikes are recommended.
• You must be confident in your ability to drive at speeds of 100-120 km/h on highways.

Cars:

• Less than 10 seats.
• 4×4 SUV and Pickup models are recommended.

Important Reminders:

• All vehicles must be checked, serviced, and test-driven before the trip.
• For motorcycles, you must have three large storage boxes to hold personal belongings for the entire trip.
• All vehicles need new tires.
• You must have basic repair tools for your specific vehicle.
• You should bring spare parts that may be prone to failure for your vehicle.

VI. VEHICLE TRANSPORT FROM LHASA BACK TO VIETNAM

• We will transport vehicles from Lhasa to Xuân Cương parking lot at Hữu Nghị border gate, Lạng Sơn.
• All motorcycles will be crated in wooden boxes (this takes 3-5 days depending on the number of vehicles).
• The estimated transport time from Lhasa to Xuân Cương parking lot is 10 days.
• Shipping costs, wooden crating, and insurance (50,000 CNY) average $519 per motorcycle. Please contact us for a specific quote for your vehicle.
• Shipping costs and customs procedures for cars (with insurance of 200,000 CNY) are $1,269 per car. Please contact us for a specific quote for your vehicle.
• If you would like us to transport your vehicle directly to your home, please contact us for more information.

V. TOUR CALENDAR

2025

2026