22 Days Nepal-China (Tibet-Yunnan) -Laos Motorbike Tour from Gyirong to Mohan

The 22-day motorbike tour from Gyirong, Nepal, through Tibet and Yunnan to Laos is a remarkable journey that traverses some of Asia’s most diverse and scenic landscapes. This adventure offers a unique combination of high-altitude Tibetan terrain, the lush beauty of Yunnan’s mountains and lakes, and the exotic charm of Laos. The tour blends spiritual and cultural exploration with thrilling riding experiences across borders and through varied climates.

Trip Highlights

  1. Gyirong Border: Start your adventure at the Gyirong Border, where the stunning views of the Himalayas mark the transition from Nepal into Tibet.
  2. Tibetan Plateau: Traverse the vast Tibetan Plateau, characterized by its high-altitude landscapes and the unique culture of Tibet.
  3. Mount Kailash: Visit Mount Kailash, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bonpo practitioners, and experience its spiritual significance.
  4. Lake Manasarovar: See Lake Manasarovar, one of Tibet’s most sacred lakes, known for its clear waters and spiritual importance.
  5. Lhasa: Explore the heart of Tibet:
    • Potala Palace: The iconic former residence of the Dalai Lama, offering insights into Tibetan history and culture.
    • Jokhang Temple: The most sacred temple in Tibetan Buddhism.
    • Barkhor Street: A bustling market area that surrounds Jokhang Temple, providing a glimpse into daily Tibetan life.
  6. Yunnan Province: Experience the beauty and diversity of Yunnan:
    • Dali: Known for its picturesque old town and Erhai Lake.
    • Lijiang: Famous for its well-preserved ancient town and cultural heritage.
    • Shangri-La: A Tibetan-influenced town with stunning natural landscapes and monasteries.
  7. Mohan Border: Cross into Laos at the Mohan Border, transitioning from China to Laos and starting the exploration of Southeast Asia.
  8. Laos: Discover the beauty and culture of Laos:
    • Luang Prabang: A UNESCO World Heritage city known for its well-preserved temples, colonial architecture, and serene atmosphere.
    • Vientiane: The capital city with notable landmarks such as the Patuxai Arch and the golden Pha That Luang stupa.
    • Southern Laos: Explore the scenic areas including the 4,000 Islands in the Mekong River and the Bolaven Plateau.

Tour Destinations:
(Nepal) – Kyirong – Paiku Tso – Rongbuk Monastery / Everest – Shigatse – Gyantse – Yamdrok – Lhasa – Basum Tso – Linzhi – Baxoi – Markam – Dechen – Shangri-La – Lijiang – Dali – Kunming – Jianshui – Yuanyang – Puer – Mengla – Mohan – (Laos)

  • Entrance Customs into China: Kyirong
  • Exit Customs from China: Mohan
  • Enter China from (Land Name): Nepal
  • Leave China to (Land Name): Laos

Highlights

  • On the “roof of the world” from Tibet to Yunnan
  • The great mountain world of Himalaya
  • Spectacular Everest north side with Monastery Rongbuk
  • Cultural highlights of Shigatse, Gyantse, Lhasa, and Shangri-La
  • Meet minorities in Lijiang, Dali, Honghe, and Xishuangbanna

Itinerary

Day 1: Kyirong

  • Description:
    • Enter China from Kyirong border.
    • Meet with your Tibetan guide and complete custom formalities.
    • Accommodation: 2N in Kyirong

Day 2: Kyirong

  • Description:
    • Rest day to adapt to the altitude environment.

Day 3: Kyirong – Paiku Tso – Rongbuk Monastery / Everest

  • Distance: 100km (sand road) + 290km (asphalt road)
  • Description:
    • Ride to Paiku Tso and then to Rongbuk Monastery.
    • Accommodation: 1N in Rongbuk

Day 4: Rongbuk Monastery – Shegar (New Tingri) – Lhatse – Shigatse

  • Distance: Approx. 390km
  • Description:
    • Sand road between Rongbuk and Shegar, asphalt road between Shegar and Shigatse.
    • Accommodation: 2N in Shigatse

Day 5: Shigatse

  • Description:
    • Visit Tashilunpo Monastery and the free market.
    • Complete the transaction of the temporary license plate.

Day 6: Shigatse – Gyantse – Yamdrok Tso – Lhasa

  • Distance: Approx. 360km
  • Duration: Approx. 6 hours
  • Description:
    • Visit Palkhor Monastery and Kumbum Pagoda in Gyantse.
    • Ride to Lhasa via Yamdrok Tso.
    • Accommodation: 3N in Lhasa

Day 7: Lhasa

  • Description:
    • Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery, and Barkhor Street.

Day 8: Lhasa

  • Description:
    • Visit Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka, and Sera Monastery.

Day 9: Lhasa – Basum Tso Lake – Linzhi

  • Distance: Approx. 455km
  • Description:
    • Ride to Linzhi via Basum Tso Lake.
    • Accommodation: 1N in Linzhi

Day 10: Linzhi – Buchu and Lamaling Monastery – Lulang Forest – Bomi – Ramwu Lake

  • Distance: Approx. 357km
  • Description:
    • Ride to Ramwu Lake via Buchu, Lamaling Monastery, Lulang Forest, and Bomi.
    • From Serkhyem La Pass (4,515 m), view of Mt. Gyala Pelri (7,150 m) and Mt. Namchak Barwa (7,782 m).
    • Accommodation: 1N in Ranwu Lake

Day 11: Ranwu Lake – Baxoi – Zuogong

  • Distance: Approx. 289km
  • Description:
    • Ride to Zuogong via Baxoi.
    • Accommodation: 1N in Zuogong

Day 12: Zuogong – Markam – Dechen

  • Distance: Approx. 380km
  • Description:
    • Visit Zuogong Monastery and Catholic Church in Yanjing.
    • Ride to Dechen, overlooking the baysalt production in a distance.
    • Accommodation: 1N in Dechen

Day 13: Dechen – Shangri-La

  • Distance: Approx. 220km
  • Description:
    • View of Meili Holy Snow Mountain.
    • Visit the first bend of the Jinshajiang River and Sumzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La.
    • Accommodation: 1N in Shangri-La

Day 14: Shangri-La – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Lijiang

  • Distance: Approx. 180km
  • Description:
    • Ride to Lijiang via Tiger Leaping Gorge.
    • Accommodation: 2N in Lijiang

Day 15: Lijiang

  • Description:
    • Visit Black Dragon Pool and the Lijiang Ancient City.

Day 16: Lijiang – Dali

  • Distance: Approx. 160km
  • Description:
    • Ride to Dali via freeway.
    • Visit Three Pagodas, Erhai Lake, and the old city.
    • Accommodation: 1N in Dali

Day 17: Dali – Kunming

  • Distance: Approx. 350km
  • Description:
    • Visit Dinosaur Museum in Lufeng and ride to Kunming via Chuxiong.
    • Accommodation: 2N in Kunming

Day 18: Kunming – Stone Forest – Jianshui

  • Distance: Approx. 290km
  • Duration: Approx. 6 hours
  • Description:
    • Visit the Stone Forest and then ride to Jianshui.
    • Accommodation: 1N in Jianshui

Day 19: Jianshui – Yuanyang

  • Distance: Approx. 83km
  • Description:
    • Visit Residence of Family Zhang in Tuanshan, Twin-Dragon-Bridge, Chaoyang Tower, old city, and Confucius Temple.
    • After arriving in Yuanyang, visit Laohuzui Terrace.
    • Accommodation: 1N in Yuanyang

Day 20: Yuanyang – Honghe – Puer

  • Distance: Approx. 323km
  • Description:
    • Visit Jingkou Village of the Hani people and then ride to Puer.
    • Accommodation: 1N in Puer

Day 21: Puer – Mengla – Mohan

  • Distance: Approx. 272km
  • Description:
    • Ride to Mohan.
    • Accommodation: 1N in Mohan

Day 22: Mohan – Laos

  • Description:
    • Exit China into Laos.
    • Note: Service ends in China