Motorcycle
26-Day China Overland Motorcycle Expedition via Mohan
Mohan · Xishuangbanna · Dali · Lijiang · Tibet · Lhasa · Everest · Mount Kailash · Ngari · Changtang · 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
- Sagaday 12
- Bagadays 13–14
- Gejiday 15
- Gerzeday 16
- Nyimaday 17
- Baingoinday 18
- Nagquday 19
- Dingqingday 20
- Chamdoday 21
- Markamday 22
- Shangri-Laday 23
- Jingdongday 24
- Mengladay 25tour ends day 26
Route map
Tap the map to open it full size.
Tour overview
This is a true long-distance overland motorcycle expedition across some of the most extraordinary landscapes in China.
Enter China with your own motorcycle through the Mohan–Boten international border crossing from Laos. After completing immigration, customs and temporary vehicle procedures, begin the journey through the tropical landscapes of Xishuangbanna before riding north towards Dali, Lijiang and the Meili Snow Mountains.
Follow the legendary Yunnan–Tibet route into Tibet and continue to Lhasa before turning west towards the Himalayas.
Ride to Mount Everest, cross the vast plateau towards Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, and then enter the remote northern Ngari route through Geji, Gerze and Nyima.
The expedition continues across the immense Changtang Plateau before turning east along the G317 northern Tibet route through Nagqu, Dingqing and Chamdo.
From Markam, rejoin the historic G214 corridor and ride south through Deqin and Shangri-La back into Yunnan.
The final stages cross the mountains of southern Yunnan towards Xishuangbanna before returning to Mohan, where the motorcycles complete their temporary exit formalities and the expedition leaves China.
From tropical rainforest to Mount Everest, Mount Kailash and some of the most remote roads on the Tibetan Plateau, this is one of our most complete motorcycle journeys through China.
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 the tropical landscapes of Xishuangbanna to Jinghong.
2Jinghong → Dali
One of the longest riding days of the expedition. Leave tropical Xishuangbanna and travel north across Yunnan as the landscape gradually changes from rainforest to highland mountains and valleys. An early departure is essential, and the final distance will depend on the confirmed motorcycle-permitted route.
3Dali → Lijiang
Enjoy a considerably more relaxed riding day through the landscapes of northwestern Yunnan. Pass traditional villages, farmland and mountain scenery before arriving in Lijiang, with free time to explore the historic old town and experience 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. Stay near Feilai Temple for spectacular views of the Meili Snow Mountains when weather conditions allow.
5Deqin → Yanjing → Markam → Zogang
Leave the Meili Snow Mountains and follow the upper Lancang River valley into Tibet. Pass Yanjing and Markam before joining the famous G318 highway and continuing through high mountain valleys towards Zogang.
6Zogang → Baxoi → Ranwu Lake
Continue west along the G318 through the high Tibetan mountains. Cross the Bangda grasslands and tackle the famous Nujiang 72 Turns before descending through the dramatic river gorge and continuing to Ranwu Lake.
7Ranwu Lake → Bomi → Nyingchi
Ride through one of the most beautiful sections of eastern Tibet. Follow the Parlung Tsangpo valley past forests, glaciers, mountain scenery and traditional settlements before arriving in the greener landscapes of Nyingchi.
8Nyingchi → Lhasa
Ride west towards Lhasa using motorcycle-permitted ordinary roads rather than the expressway. Follow mountain valleys, rivers and Tibetan settlements before reaching the capital of Tibet.
9Lhasa – Rest & Cultural Day
Take a full day to rest and experience the cultural heart of Tibet. Subject to reservations, visit the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple and explore Barkhor Old Town. The motorcycles can also be inspected and prepared for the next stage into Everest and Ngari.
10Lhasa → Shigatse
Leave Lhasa and ride west across the central Tibetan Plateau towards Shigatse. Follow the broad Yarlung Tsangpo valley and arrive in Tibet's second-largest city, with time to explore or rest in the afternoon.
11Shigatse → Lhatse → Tingri
Continue west through Lhatse and the high plateau towards Tingri. Snow-covered Himalayan peaks gradually appear on the horizon as the journey approaches Mount Everest.
12Tingri → Everest Base Camp → Saga
One of the defining days of the expedition. Ride towards the Everest region and enjoy panoramic Himalayan views from the Gawula Pass area. Visit the Everest Base Camp visitor area using mandatory scenic transport where required, then continue west past Shishapangma and Peiku Lake towards Saga.
13Saga → Zhongba → Lake Manasarovar → Baga
Follow the legendary G219 west into Ngari. Cross the immense landscapes around Zhongba before reaching the sacred lake region. In clear weather, enjoy views of Lake Manasarovar, Rakshastal, Gurla Mandhata and Mount Kailash before arriving in Baga.
14Baga → Mount Kailash → Baga
A deliberately relaxed day after several demanding riding stages. Explore the Mount Kailash area by motorcycle, enjoy different viewpoints and take short walks depending on the group's condition. The itinerary does not include the complete Mount Kailash kora.
15Baga → Shiquanhe Area → Geji
Leave Mount Kailash and turn north towards the remote interior of Ngari. Ride through the high plateau towards the Shiquanhe area and continue to Geji as sacred mountain scenery gives way to vast desert plateau landscapes.
16Geji → Gerze
Follow the G317 east across northern Ngari. Ride through huge open landscapes of salt lakes, grassland and high-altitude desert with increasingly few towns and settlements along the route.
17Gerze → Dongco → Nyima
Continue east through the Changtang Plateau via the Dongco region. Alpine lakes, wetlands, open grasslands and barren mountains dominate the landscape on this remote expedition stage.
18Nyima → Baingoin
Ride east across northern Tibet towards Baingoin, passing high-altitude lake country and vast grasslands. With a moderate riding distance, today offers more time to appreciate the enormous scale and isolation of the Changtang Plateau.
19Baingoin → Nagqu
Continue across the northern Tibetan grasslands towards Nagqu. The shorter distance provides a welcome recovery day after the long Ngari and Changtang stages, with time for motorcycle checks on arrival.
20Nagqu → Baqing Area → Dingqing
Turn east onto the G317 northern Tibet route. Cross broad pastoral landscapes before gradually entering the more rugged mountain terrain of eastern Tibet via the Sok and Baqing regions, arriving in Dingqing in the evening.
21Dingqing → Riwoqe Area → Chamdo
Continue east through the mountains and river valleys of eastern Tibet. Although the distance is shorter, the route includes many mountain sections and traditional Tibetan settlements before reaching Chamdo.
22Chamdo → Bangda Area → Markam
Ride south from Chamdo through the dramatic mountain landscapes of eastern Tibet, following sections of the G214 and G318 corridors towards Markam. This is another significant mountain riding day.
23Markam → Yanjing → Deqin → Shangri-La
Follow the historic G214 south and leave Tibet behind. Ride through Yanjing and the Lancang River gorges, pass Deqin and the Meili Snow Mountain region, and continue across the highlands to Shangri-La.
24Shangri-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 greener and warmer. This is a long riding day and requires an early departure.
25Jingdong → Pu'er Area → Mengla
Continue south through Yunnan's tea country and increasingly subtropical landscapes. Pass through the Pu'er region before following the G213 corridor into Xishuangbanna and arriving in Mengla for the final night in China.
26Mengla → Mohan Border – Exit China
Ride the final short stage to the Mohan international border. Complete the required motorcycle temporary-entry cancellation, customs exit procedures and immigration formalities before crossing through Mohan–Boten and completing the 26-day China overland motorcycle expedition.
Important tour information
- Cross-Border Motorcycle Entry: This tour is designed for riders temporarily bringing their own foreign-registered motorcycles into China. Rider and motorcycle documents must be reviewed and arranged before arrival at Mohan.
- Mohan Border Formalities: Entry procedures may include immigration, temporary customs importation, vehicle inspection, temporary Chinese vehicle registration and permit, compulsory motor insurance and a temporary Chinese driving permit.
- Vehicle Documentation: The motorcycle registration certificate, ownership information and rider documents must satisfy the requirements applied by customs and traffic authorities at the time of entry.
- Tibet & Restricted Areas: Foreign travellers require the applicable travel arrangements and permits for Tibet, Everest, Ngari and other restricted or border regions. The final route is subject to approved travel documentation.
- Expressways: Motorcycles are prohibited from using expressways in Tibet. Tibetan sections of this itinerary use motorcycle-permitted national, provincial and local roads.
- High-Altitude Expedition: Much of the journey takes place above 4,000 metres, with several passes and destinations above 5,000 metres. Proper acclimatisation and good physical condition are essential.
- Long Riding Days: Days 2, 12, 13, 15, 20, 22, 24 and 25 involve substantial distances and require strong riding experience, concentration and physical endurance.
- Remote Areas: Northern Ngari, the Changtang Plateau and parts of eastern Tibet have long distances between fuel, repair, food and accommodation services. Fuel and essential supplies must be planned carefully.
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.