Nine days riding the classic Tibet motorcycle loop from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and back, 1,396 kilometers across the heart of the Tibetan Plateau. Cross Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, and the Gyatso La Pass; ride to the North Face of Everest at 5,200 meters; and return through Shigatse along the Yarlung Tsangpo.
Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Motorcycle Tour
The Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Motorcycle Tour is the most accessible and rewarding motorcycle adventure in Tibet — a 9-day, 1,396-kilometer classic loop that delivers Mount Everest, the sacred Yamdrok Lake, the Karola Glacier, and the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism in a compact, well-paced itinerary.
This Lhasa to Everest Base Camp motorcycle tour is purpose-built for first-time visitors to Tibet who want the legendary Everest North Face experience by motorcycle without committing to the longer Ali South Route expedition to Mount Kailash. Daily mileage is capped at 300 kilometers to ensure proper acclimatization and enjoyable riding rather than exhaustion.
Begin in Lhasa with two full days of cultural acclimatization at the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery. Complete vehicle handover and test riding before heading west via the Gamba La Pass for panoramic views of the turquoise Yamdrok Lake. Stop at the Karola Glacier and the historic Pelkor Chode Monastery in Gyantse.
Continue through Shigatse to visit Tashilhunpo Monastery — the seat of the Panchen Lama — before crossing the Gyatso La Pass to Tingri. Ride the legendary 108 Turns to Everest Base Camp at 5,200 meters, photograph sunrise on the North Face from Gawu La Pass, and return via Shigatse along the Yarlung Tsangpo River to Lhasa. The InterContinental Lhasa Paradise — the world's highest InterContinental hotel — bookends the journey.
