Motorcycle
21-Day Mohan, Everest & Northern Tibet Motorcycle Expedition
Mohan · Xishuangbanna · Dali · Lijiang · Tibet · Lhasa · Everest · Namtso · G317 Northern Tibet · Chamdo · Shangri-La · Mohan
- Mohanstart · border
- Jinghongday 1
- Daliday 2
- Lijiangday 3
- Feilai Templeday 4
- Zogangday 5
- Ranwu Lakeday 6
- Nyingchiday 7
- Lhasadays 8–9
- Shigatseday 10
- Tingriday 11
- Tashi Dzomday 12
- Shigatseday 13
- Damxungday 14
- Baqingday 15
- Chamdoday 16
- Markamday 17
- Shangri-Laday 18
- Jingdongday 19
- Mengladay 20tour ends day 21
Route map
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Tour overview
This cross-border motorcycle expedition combines some of the best riding in Yunnan, central Tibet, Mount Everest and the remote northern Tibetan Plateau.
Enter China with your own motorcycle through the Mohan–Boten international border crossing from Laos. After completing immigration, customs and temporary vehicle procedures, ride north through tropical Xishuangbanna towards Dali, Lijiang and the Meili Snow Mountains before entering Tibet along the legendary Yunnan–Tibet route.
After reaching Lhasa, continue west through Yamdrok Lake and Shigatse towards Mount Everest.
The return journey follows a very different route. After visiting Everest, ride north towards Namtso Lake and enter the G317 Northern Tibet Highway, crossing remote plateau landscapes through Baqing, Dingqing and Chamdo.
From Markam, turn south along the historic G214 corridor and return to Yunnan through Deqin and Shangri-La.
The final stages descend through southern Yunnan and Xishuangbanna before returning to Mohan to complete the motorcycle exit procedures.
Without the extended Ngari and Mount Kailash section, this itinerary is more compact than our full 26-day expedition while still delivering an exceptional combination of Everest, sacred lakes, Tibetan culture, remote northern roads and a complete cross-border motorcycle experience.
Day by day
1Mohan Border → Jinghong
Complete immigration, customs, temporary motorcycle entry, vehicle inspection, temporary registration, driving documentation and insurance procedures at the Mohan–Boten border. Once formalities are completed, enter China and ride north through tropical Xishuangbanna to Jinghong.
2Jinghong → Dali
One of the longest riding days of the expedition. Leave tropical Xishuangbanna and travel north across Yunnan as rainforest gradually gives way to highland mountains and valleys. An early departure is essential.
3Dali → Lijiang
Enjoy a more relaxed day through the landscapes of northwestern Yunnan. Pass rural villages, farmland and mountain scenery before arriving in Lijiang, with free time to explore its historic old town and Naxi culture.
4Lijiang → Shangri-La → Deqin / Feilai Temple
Follow the G214 north into the greater Shangri-La region. Ride through dramatic valleys, Shangri-La, Benzilan and the Baima Snow Mountain area before arriving in Deqin and the Meili Snow Mountains.
5Deqin → Yanjing → Markam → Zogang
Follow the upper Lancang River valley into Tibet. Pass Yanjing and Markam before joining the famous G318 highway and continuing through spectacular high mountain country towards Zogang.
6Zogang → Baxoi → Ranwu Lake
Continue west across the Tibetan Plateau, passing the Bangda grasslands and tackling the famous Nujiang 72 Turns before riding through the river gorge towards beautiful Ranwu Lake.
7Ranwu Lake → Bomi → Nyingchi
Follow the Parlung Tsangpo valley through forests, mountain scenery and dramatic gorges. Pass Bomi before entering the greener landscapes of Nyingchi.
8Nyingchi → Lhasa
Ride west towards Lhasa using motorcycle-permitted ordinary roads. Follow mountain valleys and Tibetan settlements before arriving in the spiritual capital of Tibet.
9Lhasa – Rest & Cultural Day
Take a full day to rest and explore Lhasa. Subject to reservations, visit the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple and walk through Barkhor Old Town. Motorcycles can also be inspected before the next stage.
10Lhasa → Yamdrok Lake → Shigatse
Leave Lhasa and climb towards Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's great sacred lakes. Enjoy its spectacular turquoise waters before continuing through the highlands towards Shigatse.
11Shigatse → Lhatse → Tingri
Continue west across the Tibetan Plateau towards the Himalayas. Ride through Lhatse and high mountain landscapes before arriving in Tingri, the gateway to the Everest region.
12Tingri → Everest Base Camp → Tashi Dzom
Ride towards Mount Everest and enjoy panoramic Himalayan views from the Gawula Pass area. Visit the Everest Base Camp visitor area using mandatory scenic transportation where required, then return to Tashi Dzom for the night.
13Tashi Dzom → Shigatse
Leave the Everest region and ride back across the high plateau towards Shigatse. Enjoy another day of broad Himalayan views, valleys and remote Tibetan settlements.
14Shigatse → Namtso Lake → Damxung
Turn north towards Namtso Lake, one of Tibet's most spectacular sacred lakes. Enjoy views of its deep-blue waters and the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains before continuing to Damxung for the night.
15Damxung → Nagqu → Baqing
Enter northern Tibet and ride through vast highland grasslands towards Nagqu before joining the G317 Northern Tibet Highway. Continue east through pastoral landscapes to Baqing.
16Baqing → Dingqing → Riwoqe → Chamdo
A major riding day along the G317. Pass through Dingqing and Riwoqe as the open plateau gradually gives way to the rugged mountains and river valleys of eastern Tibet. Arrive in Chamdo in the evening.
17Chamdo → Markam
Ride south through the dramatic mountain valleys of eastern Tibet. This is another substantial mountain stage, eventually reconnecting with the G318 and G214 corridors near Markam.
18Markam → Yanjing → Deqin → Shangri-La
Follow the G214 south and leave Tibet behind. Pass Yanjing, the Lancang River gorges, Deqin and the Meili Snow Mountain region before continuing across the highlands to Shangri-La.
19Shangri-La → Western Yunnan → Jingdong
Begin the long descent from the Tibetan highlands into the interior of Yunnan. Ride through mountain valleys and minority regions as the scenery becomes increasingly green and warm.
20Jingdong → Pu'er Area → Mengla
Continue south through tea-growing country and subtropical landscapes. Pass through the Pu'er region before entering Xishuangbanna and arriving in Mengla for the final night in China.
21Mengla → Mohan Border – Exit China
Ride the final short stage to Mohan. Complete the required motorcycle temporary-entry cancellation, customs exit procedures and immigration formalities before crossing the Mohan–Boten border and completing the expedition.
Important tour information
- Cross-Border Motorcycle Entry: This itinerary is for riders temporarily bringing their own foreign-registered motorcycles into China. Rider and motorcycle documents must be reviewed before arrival.
- Mohan Border Formalities: Entry procedures may include immigration, temporary customs importation, vehicle inspection, temporary Chinese registration and permit, compulsory motor insurance and temporary Chinese driving documentation.
- Tibet Travel Permits: Foreign travellers require the applicable arrangements and permits for Tibet, Everest and other restricted areas.
- Expressways: Motorcycles are prohibited from using expressways in Tibet. Tibetan sections of the itinerary use motorcycle-permitted national, provincial and local roads.
- High-Altitude Riding: Much of the journey takes place between approximately 3,500 and 5,000 metres. Proper acclimatisation and good physical condition are essential.
- Long Riding Days: Days 2, 15, 16, 17, 19 and 20 involve substantial riding distances and require strong riding experience and endurance.
- Northern Tibet / G317: The Baqing–Dingqing–Riwoqe–Chamdo section crosses remote high-altitude terrain where weather, road works and seasonal conditions can affect travel time.
- Scenic-Area Transportation: Everest Base Camp, Namtso Lake and certain other attractions may require mandatory local shuttle or scenic-area transportation.
- Motorcycle Preparation: Riders should service their motorcycles before entering China and carry essential tools, tyre-repair equipment and commonly required spare parts.
- Border & Road Conditions: Border operations, road construction, weather and local traffic regulations may change and must be reconfirmed before each departure.
- Route Flexibility: For safety and regulatory reasons, the tour leader may adjust daily routes or overnight stops while preserving the core experience whenever possible.
Prices
Choose your motorcycle. Prices are per person.
Fixed group dates can have their own tour fee — see Group departures. What's included
Ways to ride this route
Join a group
Fixed dates, a tour leader up front and riders from around the region beside you.
Add to any trip
Ask for a quote
Ask for a quote
Ask for a quote
What's included
Included
all fees related to bringing vehicles into China, a support vehicle for the entire journey, services of a guide in Tibet, hotel accommodations, attraction entrance tickets, and the Tibet Travel Permit for foreign nationals.
Not included
meals, transportation costs in the event of vehicle breakdown, fuel expenses, or any other expenditures not explicitly mentioned under "included costs."
Questions riders ask
How to Join Our Boutique Group Trips
1.We regularly update our schedule with the latest travel dates for each year. You can browse our available itineraries, select the one that suits you best, and get in touch with us to sign up. Once your booking is confirmed, simply make your own way to our designated meeting point—we’ll take care of everything else.
2.For your trip, you'll need to prepare your own equipment, such as cycling gear and a helmet, for safe driving.
How to Customize Your Own Itinerary
1.If you have your own group and require a custom travel itinerary, please contact us to arrange a tailored service.
2.We offer a range of options, including support vehicles, photographers, maintenance technicians, motorcycle ride leaders, and translator-guides.
3.If you have specific itinerary requirements for entering China by private vehicle, we can also provide customized arrangements.
How do I apply for a temporary Chinese driver's license?
1. We require an image of your home-country driver’s license in order to translate it and prepare the necessary documentation.
2. Currently, this service is available in Kunming, Chongqing, Guangzhou, and Urumqi.
3. Regarding vehicle pickup in Chengdu: due to recent policy adjustments, it is no longer possible to process temporary driver’s licenses there. You must obtain your temporary license elsewhere; therefore, we recommend securing it in advance before traveling to Chengdu to pick up your vehicle.
4.The process for obtaining a temporary driver's license typically takes about two hours to complete.
5.Service hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.