Kathmandu Lhasa Motorbike Tour - 12 Days

On your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu, Himalayan Trekkers representative will be there to greet & welcome you and transfer you to your booked hotel in Kathmandu. You can rest and relax over there. Our operator will obtain your original passport and utilize it to apply for a China Group Visa (at least 3 days to be processed). 

Later, our guide will provide a brief overview of tomorrow's Kathmandu tour and motorbike trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa. 

Today, we will visit the Shree Pashupatinath Temple early morning. This temple is a very holy place for the Hindu people. This temple is built to worship the lord of the lord – Lord Shiva (Mahadev). It is one of the most ancient and sacred temples in the city. Since 1979, the temple has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every year a lot of devotees from all over the world come to get a blessing in Pashupatinath, especially in “Shivaratri” (the great night of Lord Shiva).

After getting the blessings, we will head towards the amazing Bouddhanath Stupa. It is one of the largest Stupas in South Asia and became the epicenter of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The stupa exemplifies the value of peace and unity. It is one of Kathmandu's most visited tourist attractions. It has a total surface area of 1600 square feet. Around 50 monasteries can be found in the surrounding area. We were able to see Buddhists worshiping Lord Buddha in their own special way. You can even try some of the delicious Tibetan food over there. 

While after visit some of the sacred places next we will be visiting the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The alluring city with a unique ethnic way of life preserved through centuries of isolation from Kathmandu's hustle and bustle While at the main square, we can see the Nyata-Pola Temple, the Golden Gate, water spouts, and the 55 Window Palace, all of which combine to create a magical outdoor theater for visitors. 

In Bhaktapur, we also immerse ourselves in the true delicacy of the inhabitants. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the most stunning architectural showpieces areas, who highlights the century-old art of Nepal, and Bhaktapur is also very popular for its delicacy in food and “Juju Dhau” the most famous yogurt in the valley. Overnight stay in hotel.  

After having a delicious morning breakfast, we will begin our tour and move towards Kathmandu (Basantapur) Durbar Square is one of the historical Durbar Square (royal palace) amongst the three Durbar Square in the valley. The Malla family originally ruled over the medieval kingdom of Kathmandu, and this was their royal seat. It is one of Kathmandu's most popular tourist attractions. 

The royal square is surrounded by temples, royal quarters, courtyards, and the home of Kumari, the Living Goddess. Pagoda-roofed temples and regal palaces have intricately carved timber supports, windows, and brass embellishments. These historical sites highlight Kathmandu's diverse art and architecture. Furthermore, the durbar square is a significant socio-cultural site for the Newari people in the valley.

After exploring the historical palace, we will visit the incredible Swayambhunath Temple also known as the “Monkey Temple”. The temple is extant over a cliff with 365 staircases. It is an old cultural temple and is very famous from an architectural point of view and also for tourist purposes. From the top, you can see the amazing view of Kathmandu city. Here we can witness the both culture of Hindus and Buddhists, which makes the Swayambhunath Stupa more interesting. The combination of culture, religion, art, and also scenic beauty are the important things that we get from this temple.

We will visit Patan Durbar Square in the afternoon. It is one of the best places to know about the antique history of the valley and the kings of Nepal. This palace is built by Siddhi Narsimha Malla in 1627 when the Malla family are the ruler of Nepal. Patan is also a very well-known place for its arts, wood carving, metal craving as well Thangka painting art, which will blow your mind. Patan has 136 courtyards referred to as ‘Bahals’ and fifty-five major temples. The structures in Patan durbar square like Krishna Mandir that is completely build from stones, Vishwanath Temple, Bhimsen Temple, Taleju Bhawani Temple are fascinating. After exploring, you can try some of the famous and delicious Newari food, which will win your heart.

Overnight stay in Hotel. 

Note: A Representative from Himalayan Trekkers will get your China group visa and help you get everything ready for tomorrow’s motorbike tour.

From today our adventurous Kathmandu to Lhasa Motorbike Tour will officially begin.  Today, we will drive north on a zigzag mountain road to Syabrubesi (2,380 m), a lovely village nestled within Langtang National Park. 

As you approach the Sino-Nepal border in the valley, the road becomes bumpier. So, be cautious while you're riding on a twisting route in the mountains area. 
Overnight stay in Syabrubesi at the lodge. 

We drive from Syabrubesi to the Gyirong border after breakfast. It's around 45 minutes long and covers 20 kilometers. We will continue driving to Gyirong country (2700m) after you have cleared customs and spend one night there for improved acclimatization before climbing higher to Old Tingri. You can go to Padmasambhava cave in the afternoon. Spent the night in Gyirong. 

The true adventure begins as we drive up through the huge Himalayas. The lush forest and plants gradually give way to majestic mountain passes and awe-inspiring Himalayan peaks, draped in dreamy snow, after passing the snowline. The tarmac road leads you past the majestic Kuntanglhamo Pass and into an endless horizon (5,236 m). 

Another beautiful view along the road is Mt. Shishapangma's (8012m) stunning peak and calm Pekutso Lake. The astonished panorama of Mt. Everest, rising ahead of the horizon, will undoubtedly amaze you as you come closer to the Old Tingri (4,300 m). Overnight stay in Old Tingri in Hotel.

We left after breakfast for Everest Base Camp (5,200 m). The entire journey runs parallel to the traditional hiking path from Old Tingri to EBC. Though the graveled and sandy road presents a minor obstacle, the beauty along the way, which is dominated by soaring peaks and vast Himalayan ranges, will leave you speechless.

You'll see Mt. Cho Oyu in the distance and pass through high passes such as Lamna-La (5,150 m) and Pang-La (5,350 m). Your journey comes to a close when you ride to the Rongbuk Monastery, which is only a 10-minute walk from the EBC camping site.

Then you can go to the famed Rongbuk Monastery (5154m) and use Rongbuk as a foreground in your shots of Mt. Everest. Don't forget to practice meditation within Tsongkhapa's cave. You will spend the night in a tented camp at the base of Mt. Everest.

Note:To avoid acute altitude sickness, walk carefully and do not exert yourself due to the great altitude. EBC can get very cold at night and sunrise, so bring plenty of layers for admiring Everest's twilight. Along the route, our well-trained guide will keep an eye on each tourist's health. 

If the weather cooperates, you may watch the spectacular sunrise over Mt. Everest from the lodge area in the morning. After breakfast, we'll continue northeast to Shigatse along the well-known Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway. It would be a long journey, punctuated by the breathtaking Himalayan landscape and a beautiful vista of Shigatse.

You'll cross via the famed Gawu La Pass (5198m), where you can see the top four highest peaks, including Mt. Everest (8,844 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), Makalu (8,463 m), and Cho Oyo (8,201 m). After arriving in Shigatse in the afternoon, you will visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of Panchen Lama. 

Continue your journey from Shigatse to Lhasa. You will pass through Gyantse, one of Tibet's most beautiful counties. Your visit will be focused on the Nepali-style Kunbum stupa inside Palkhor Monastery. Furthermore, the majestic Gyantse Fortress on Zhongshan Hill, which overlooks the entire Gyantse town, will take your breath away. If time allows, take a stroll down Gyantse town's historic street.

Then we'll get back on the road. Colorful prayer flags can be hung above the Simila Mountain pass, and the vast Karola Glacier can be seen from the highway. Another highlight would be driving past the turquoise Yamdrok Lake on the winding road. We will arrive at Lhasa, Tibet's capital, after a hard journey.
We will spend our night in Lhasa. 

The Potala Palace, a UNESCO world heritage site and the Dalai Lama's winter palace, is our first destination. You can visit the former residence of the Dalai Lama, as well as his conference room and religious chamber, by slowly walking up the steep stone steps to the White and Red Palaces. The gilded burial stupas of previous Dalai Lamas can be seen, as well as the meditation cave of Tibet's 33rd great king. From the pinnacle of Potala Palace, you may get a bird's-eye view of Lhasa city and the Lhasa valley.

We'll eat lunch before heading to the renowned Jokhang Temple. It is Tibet's most revered Buddhist site. Outside the temple, you'll see pious Tibetan pilgrims of all ages prostrating themselves in front of the Jokhang, as well as long lines of Tibetans walking the Barkhor circle. Inside, in faint butter light, you may view the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve, possibly Tibet Buddhism's most revered treasure. You can climb to the summit of Jokhang Temple to see a panoramic view of old Lhasa and the Potala Palace.

Then we can do the Kora and buy some souvenirs by circling Barkhor Street with pilgrims and locals. Enjoy a delicious sweet tea in a local tea shop and pay a visit to Tromzikhang, the famed farm produce market.

You will visit Drepung monastery in the morning, which is one of Tibet's "big three" Gelug monasteries, founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choge, one of Tsongkhapa's principal students. You may tour the monastery's largest monastic kitchen and participate in a Buddhist sculpture carving class near Drepung.

Tourists will visit Sera Monastery in the afternoon, which is one of Tibet's "big three" Gelug monasteries. The Monks Debate, which takes place between 3 and 5 p.m., is a big draw. You can also take a tour of the Tibetan Holy Scripture printing house, which has three sand Mandalas and a brilliant Buddha Rock Painting. Overnight spend in Lhasa.

It's time to bid farewell and return to your homeland. Our staff will pick you up and drop you off at the airport terminal. It is critical to arriving at the international airport within 3 hours of your scheduled departure time. We hope to see you again for other more exciting travel journeys.