The long journey begins in Kunming, the gentle “Spring City”, where we get our last energy fill before entering a world of altitude and solitude. We are not just leaving urban comfort; we are stepping into a journey through time, following the history of Lama kings and Western explorers like Joseph Rock. The G5 and G4216 expressways cut through the characteristic red‑soil landscapes of Yunnan, gradually transforming into deep canyons and roaring silver rivers of the Great Snow Mountains. Muli, hidden in a valley, was once the power center of an independent Buddhist kingdom now forgotten. On the first evening, savor the rich flavor of Sichuan cured pork by a warm fireplace, listen to stories of the land of the gods, and prepare yourself for the real challenge starting tomorrow. Note: This expressway section is an ideal stepping stone to check the turbo system of your bike before entering the oxygen‑deficient region.

Today, we leave the flat asphalt roads to enter the true world of dreamers and explorers. The S220 route with its hairpin bends hugging the cliffs is the first test for both rider and SUV. Conquering Balagong Pass at an altitude of 4,700m is not just a technical challenge, but also a rite of passage: from the world of humans to the realm of the mountain gods. At the windy pass, Lungta prayer flags flutter, carrying the prayers of the Tibetan people into the mountain wind. The thin, icy air is the first reminder of the harshness of the high altitude. Descending, we enter the sacred land of Yading, known as the "last Shangri-La", where three holy peaks (Chenresig, Jambeyang, Chanadorje) protect crystal-clear lakes like jewels. The first night near 4,000m – listen to your body, drink warm ginger water, and let sleep come naturally. This is your chance to get used to the slow breathing of the plateau.

Today is a spiritual gift. We will do a light trek into the heart of “Shangri‑La”, where every step feels like walking on soft grass under the shadow of the Three Sacred Mountains. Five‑Color Lake and Milk Lake are not just beautiful scenery; they are natural sacred sites in local beliefs, where the purest energy of nature gathers. After an emotional morning, we make a spectacular descent to Xiangcheng. This change not only allows the body to relax after high altitude but also brings us into a different cultural world: the Xiangcheng valley with its unique white‑stone houses, creating a picturesque landscape at the foot of the mountains. Sungkorlin Monastery is a hidden architectural gem, famous for its interior walls of prayer wheels and vivid murals telling Tibetan Buddhist history. This is an opportunity to understand more deeply the spiritual life of native Tibetans before entering the plateau.

Today is a day of records and strong emotions. Conquering Dongala Pass at 5,130m – one of the highest vehicle‑accessible passes – is a memorable milestone. The road is like a thin thread hugging the sheer cliffs, each bend a test of calmness. Stepping into Batang by the rolling Jinsha River, we officially place our wheels on the legendary artery – National Highway G318, also known as the “Snowy Road”. The checkpoint procedures here are like a “border entry” ritual into the mysterious world of Tibet. The journey continues with two classic passes: windy Lapu and especially Gyeba, where the road cuts straight into the cliff face, revealing the full view of the Mekong River (Lancang) as a deep blue silk ribbon thousands of meters below. The small village of Rumei, nestled at the bottom of a gray‑rock valley, feels utterly isolated, as if time has stopped here. Important note: maintain a steady speed and use engine braking when descending.

Today is dedicated to the masterpieces of both man and nature. After crossing Dongda Pass – known as the “roof of G318” – we will admire one of the great road wonders: the spectacular 72 switchbacks descending into the Nu River (Salween) valley. This ribbon‑like project stands as a testament to the resilient conquest of nature. The landscape changes abruptly from the freezing high passes to the dry, hot valley, then suddenly opens up to the mirror‑like stillness of Ranwu Lake – one of Tibet’s most beautiful lakes, where absolute tranquility and the reflection of the Gyaragar snow‑clad range create a natural meditation space. At night in Ranwu, the starry sky seems closer than ever, offering a mystical setting for long‑exposure photos.

Ranwu Lake – Legend of the Dry Lake and the Monkey Battle: “Ranwu” in Tibetan means “place where corpses pile up”. One legend says the lake was formed by the piled‑up corpses of a water buffalo and a bull that fought fiercely to the death, their bodies turning into the surrounding mountains. Another, more dramatic legend tells of a group of mischievous monkeys that constantly bothered local farmers. In response, the farmers devised a trick: they pretended to drink barley wine and fight with wooden swords. The monkeys, imitating this behavior, killed each other after getting drunk, and their piled‑up corpses formed Ranwu Lake.

Bome is known as the “Switzerland of Tibet”. The name “Bomi” in Tibetan means “ancestor”, because 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 his prophecy lies within Bome’s borders, attracting many Tibetan pilgrims since the 7th century.

We leave the pristine world of lakes and high passes to enter the “Switzerland of Tibet”. Bome and Nyingchi are blessed by nature with a mild climate, dense primeval forests and long glacial rivers. Riding through Lulang Forest – a lush vegetation area with grasslands, villages and streams – acts as therapy for soul and body after days on the plateau. The highlight of the day is Sejila Pass, where we have a rare chance to admire Namcha Barwa (7,782m) – the highest peak in the eastern Himalayas, often cloud‑veiled and worshipped by Tibetans as a deity. Its fleeting appearance is a blessing for the journey. Nyingchi, at only 2,900m with pleasantly humid air, is an ideal place to rest, enjoy the fragrance of peach forests and prepare for the arrival of the capital Lhasa.

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 enchantment and peace. This is a typical alpine meadow, where giant cypresses like the King Cypress – believed to be over 2,500 years old (even predating the Buddha) – are linked to Tonpa Shenrab Miwoche, the founder of the ancient Bon faith in Tibet.

Today we roll on one of the most beautiful roads on the planet – the Lin‑La Expressway. This road runs along the turquoise Niyang River, through vast valleys where Tibetan life unfolds peacefully: yaks grazing, farmers plowing, prayer flags fluttering. The journey is a long psychological preparation, culminating in the emotional moment when, from afar across Mila Pass, the majestic image of the Potala Palace gradually appears on Red Hill, splendid under the sun. That moment is a worthy reward for all the hardships endured, marking our official entry into the spiritual heart of Tibet. On the first evening in Lhasa, take a walk around Potala Square to feel the palace’s solemnity under the lights, merging with the pilgrims performing their kora.

For one who choose 9 days tour, our bus will take you to the airport for departure.

A day to completely immerse yourself in Lhasa’s dense spiritual atmosphere. In the morning, we enter the Potala Palace – not just a palace but a living symbol of Tibetan power, history and art. Every step, every room, every mural tells a story. In the afternoon, we visit Jokhang Temple – the most sacred temple, where pure faith is expressed through every five‑limb prostration of pilgrims. Merge into the crowd on Barkhor Street, where the scent of juniper incense blends with murmured chanting, creating a transcendent space. In the evening, you may enjoy the magnificent play “Princess Wencheng”, depicting the historic marriage between a Tang dynasty princess and a Tibetan king, a symbol of Han‑Tibetan cultural exchange. Note: Potala entry tickets must be booked in advance and strictly adhere to the allocated time slots.

The journey continues, winding along the majestic Yarlung Tsangpo River (flowing at an average altitude of 4,000m) towards Shigatse on 250km of highway. While waiting for permits to enter the Everest Base Camp area, the group will stop for lunch before tackling the busiest section of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau road in the afternoon. We will conquer the Younongla Pass (4,534m) and admire the endless beauty of the Himalayas. We arrive in Lhatse, an ancient land home to the Lhatse Monastery founded in 1668, situated where the mountains resemble two converging elephants.

We wake up early, full of energy, ready for an emotional day where the dream of seeing Mount Everest—the "Roof of the World"—comes true. The route takes us over two challenging passes: Jiacuola (5,252m) and Jiawula (5,208m), the latter featuring 108 switchbacks leading to a Tibetan village.

We will park our vehicles and transfer to an electric bus to reach Everest Base Camp at 5,200m. Under a clear blue sky, we will witness the overwhelming, majestic beauty of the planet's highest peak—a symbol of human adventure and resilience.

Today, we follow a new route almost untouched by tourists to explore the unique, pristine lands of Tibet, passing through Dinggye before reaching Gyantse. MotoTours Asia leverages its unparalleled experience to pioneer this path instead of returning via the standard G318. Drivers must be highly focused for a 15km stretch of gravel road along the lake. Upon arriving in Gyantse, we will have time to explore this charming small town and visit the 15th-century Palcho (Baiju) Monastery, a unique spiritual site where the Sakya, Kadam, and Gelug schools of Tibetan Buddhism coexist.

On this leg, we will admire the majestic and mysterious beauty of Yamdrok Lake (Yamdrok-tso), one of Tibet's three most sacred lakes, featuring crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains. To reach the lake, we must conquer Simila (4,352m) and Karuola (5,039m), the final two passes of the journey. Along the way, we will view the sacred Nyenchen Khangsar mountain (7,782m) and the mystical Karola Glacier. The day concludes with a "happy ending" of overwhelming scenery as we return to Lhasa, return the vehicles, and gather for a farewell party to celebrate the memories made on the Roof of the World.

14. After breakfast at the hotel, the vehicle will transfer you to the airport, officially concluding the journey. 

Designing the Yunnan – Sichuan – Tibet self‑drive itinerary with 11 actual riding days and 3 rest days (including the first day flying into Kunming to receive bikes, prepare gear, and a welcome dinner, and the last day leaving Lhasa to another city before connecting home – Lhasa has no direct international flights except to Kathmandu, Nepal) is a scientific program based on health considerations, with safety as the top priority: following the principle of “climb high during the day, sleep low at night”. This method allows the body to gradually acclimatize to altitude, minimizing the risk of altitude sickness. In particular, the rest day on Day 9 in Lhasa is a necessary recovery day (for both people and bikes) before conquering the leg up to Everest Base Camp.

The total one‑way riding distance is approximately 4,000 km over 14 days (11 actual riding days, averaging 150km‑520km per day). Time on the bike ranges from 3 to 6 hours per day, depending on terrain complexity and the number of security checkpoints requiring permit inspection. Days with over 400km are those with expressway sections (you are allowed to ride motorcycles on expressways, except in Sichuan), and expressway conditions in China are excellent with light traffic.

This is a one‑way riding journey starting in Kunming and ending in Lhasa (the capital of Tibet). Before the tour departs, MotoTours Asia rents bikes in Kunming/Lhasa/Chengdu and transports them to the hotel where the group gathers. After finishing the last leg in Lhasa, we will ride to the vehicle assembly point, leave the bikes there, then board a 21‑29 seat bus to the hotel. MotoTours Asia handles the logistics of transporting the bikes one‑way back to the rental point (approx. 3,000 km transport distance). You will fly or take a high‑speed train out of Lhasa to return home.

The tour prioritizes renting bikes directly in China to simplify complex customs procedures (bringing a bike from abroad requires a very large deposit equal to the bike’s value and several days of inspection). If you wish to ride your own vehicle from abroad into China, please contact MotoTours Asia to arrange a private group or other options to participate in the self‑drive tour in China.

The available bike models provided by MotoTours Asia for the self‑drive tour in China include:

• Motorcycles:

  • CFMoto/Kove/Voge 450/500/525/650

  • CFMoto/Kove/Voge 800/900

  • BMW F800GS

  • BMW R1200GS

  • BMW R1250GS

  • BMW R1300GS

  • Chang Jiang (ChangJiang) sidecar CJ750

• Self‑drive car: High‑end dedicated off‑road SUVs such as the Tank 300, ensuring that the turbo system works well in low‑oxygen environments.

Tour price depends on:

• Which vehicle you choose

• Whether you ride solo, two to a bike, or share a car with up to 4 people

See the price table above.

See details above in this website

This tour involves riding/driving at high altitudes (up to 5,200m at Everest Base Camp). Participants must be in good physical condition, with no serious heart, lung, blood pressure, or respiratory issues. Pregnant women and people with a history of severe altitude sickness are advised not to join. Before departure, we recommend a general health check‑up. Throughout the journey, the tour leader carries an emergency oxygen cylinder and altitude sickness medication. However, each participant must be aware of their own limits.

The weather varies greatly: Yunnan is mild (10–25°C), Sichuan can be cool and rainy, and the Tibetan Plateau has large daily temperature differences – below freezing at night and 10–20°C during the day, with strong UV radiation. Recommended gear includes:

• Motorcycle riders: full‑face helmet (or quality open‑face), thermal inner layers, waterproof/windproof riding suit, heated grips (available on most rental bikes), waterproof gloves, insulated boots, neck gaiter, and sunglasses.

• SUV passengers: warm jacket, hat, gloves, sunscreen, lip balm, and comfortable shoes for walking at sites.

• Rain gear is essential regardless of season.

We follow the “climb high during the day, sleep low at night” principle. Our itinerary gradually increases altitude, allowing natural acclimatization. Each vehicle is equipped with a small portable oxygen canister, and the support car carries a large medical‑grade oxygen cylinder for emergencies. The tour leader brings basic altitude medications (Diamox, headache pills, etc.). Advice: drink plenty of warm water, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, move slowly at high passes, and inform the guide immediately if you feel unwell. Severe cases will be evacuated to lower altitude or a hospital.

You need:

• A valid Chinese tourist visa (L visa) obtained from the Chinese embassy/consulate in your country. MotoTours Asia will provide the invitation letter and hotel booking proof to support your application.

• A Tibet Travel Permit (and, where required, a Border Defense Permit for areas near Everest). We arrange all permits for you after you provide your passport and visa copies. The process takes about 15‑20 days before departure. Foreign tourists must travel in an organized group with a licensed guide – independent travel in Tibet is not permitted.

• Accommodation: 3‑4 star hotels with heating and oxygen‑enriched rooms (at altitudes above 3,300m). In remote areas (e.g., Rumei, Ranwu, Old Tingri), hotels are simpler but clean and warm. Twin‑share basis; single supplement available.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included (except the farewell dinner in Lhasa, which guests organize to thank the support crew). Food is a mix of Sichuan‑style Chinese, Tibetan (tsampa, butter tea, yak meat) and some international options in larger towns. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions (vegetarian, allergies, etc.) before departure.

In order to reduce unnecessary costs, after conducting many trips on the Yunnan – Sichuan – Tibet route, MotoTours Asia has established a good network of relationships with rescue trucks in most towns, districts, cities… along the entire route.

• For breakdowns that can be repaired and fixed on the spot: repairs will be carried out on the spot.

• For breakdowns that cannot be repaired on the spot: we will hire a rescue truck from the nearest location to transport your vehicle to a repair garage (while you will get into another support vehicle or a car from the convoy to continue the journey until you reach the garage where your bike is being repaired). In China, most densely populated areas, towns, districts… have workshops/garages that can repair large-displacement motorcycles.

Yes. Many participants join solo. You will share a twin room with another solo rider of the same gender unless you pay the single supplement. On motorcycles, you can rent alone and ride alone (solo price) or share a bike with another rider (2 persons / 1 bike). For sidecars, solo or two persons options are available. In SUVs, you will share with other travellers (up to 4 people per vehicle) unless you pay for the whole vehicle.

• Fuel: Not included in the price. Estimate ~$150 – $200 for a motorcycle, ~$300 – $350 for a SUV. Fuel stations are available along G318 and in towns; we refuel daily.

• Tolls: Only about 400‑600 km of expressway (toll payable by SUV – actual amount provided by rental company at tour end). Motorcycles are allowed on most expressways in Yunnan and Tibet (toll‑free or nominal). The tour leader will advise.

Yes, most of the journey has 4G/5G coverage (China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom). We provide each guest with a 5G e‑SIM or physical SIM with unlimited data in China. In remote passes, signal may be lost temporarily. Free Wi‑Fi is available at hotels.

Yes. The “2 persons / 1 bike” price applies. The passenger must be at least 18 years old, physically fit, and willing to sit for long hours. A separate seat, footpegs, and intercom are provided. Passengers must also have a Chinese tourist visa and all necessary permits (arranged by us). We strongly advise that the passenger has some previous experience riding pillion on long distances.

No, IDP (International Driving Permit is not recognized in China)
However, China has a special procedure for foreign tourists joining a pre‑organized self‑drive tour: MotoTours Asia will exchange your National driver’s license (appropriate for the vehicle class) for a temporary Chinese driving permit. You do not need to appear at the police station – just send us your documents (license copy, passport photo, etc.) 4-6 weeks before departure. This service is included in the tour price.

Your safety is our priority. If you feel unwell and cannot continue on your motorcycle, you can ride in the support SUV while another guide rides your bike to the next stop (or it is loaded onto a truck if necessary). The tour price is non‑refundable for unused days. In extreme emergencies, evacuation to Lhasa or Chengdu by road ambulance or commercial flight is possible; costs would be covered by your travel insurance (please check carefully with your insurance policy).

Please check out the information here