Nepal13 days
Mount Kailash & Lake Manasarovar by Motorbike — 13 Days
Kathmandu to Tibet's holiest sites via high-altitude passes and the Nepal-Tibet border
This 13-day motorbike journey begins in Kathmandu and crosses the Nepal-Tibet border at Kerung, climbing to the Tibetan plateau where Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar sit at the center of four major Asian river systems—the Sutlej, Indus, Brahmaputra, and Karnali. Riders navigate high passes with panoramic mountain views of Tibet Himalayas, pass through nomadic settlements, and reach elevations in the Kailash region. The route is open May through September; winter conditions close roads with ice. The tour accommodates any number of participants, though groups of five or six balance comfort and cost. Individual riders can join scheduled departures.
Highlights
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu's UNESCO heritage sites—Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas, and historical palaces—followed by test riding in the valley
- Crossing the Nepal-Tibet border at Kerung (2,900 m) and beginning high-altitude acclimatization
- Motorbike riding across the Tibetan plateau to Saga (4,640 m), with snow-capped peaks visible across open plains
- Morning immersion at Lake Manasarovar (4,558 m), the world's highest freshwater lake, with views of Mount Kailash and surrounding peaks
- Riding to Darchen and Tarboche valley at the base of Mount Kailash's north face, returning to the lake region
- Return crossing of the border and arrival in Kathmandu with a recovery day included
Day by day
1Arrival in KathmanduKathmandu
Arrival at Kathmandu (1,350 m) and transfer to accommodation. Mechanics brief riders on the journey ahead and process original passports along with passport photographs for Tibetan visa applications. Overnight in Kathmandu.
2Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and Test RideKathmandu Valley · Kathmandu · Hindu temples · Buddhist stupas · historic palaces · traditional villages
A full day in Kathmandu combining visa preparation with test riding around the valley. Riders visit Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas, historic palaces, and traditional villages on motorcycle before the longer Tibet journey. This day serves both as acclimatization and equipment familiarization. Overnight in Kathmandu.
3Kathmandu to Shyaprubesi (117 km)Kathmandu to Shyaprubesi · Shyaprubesi
A 7-hour ride from Kathmandu follows the Trisuli River on well-maintained road to Shyaprubesi (2,250 m), located within Langtang National Park. Road conditions deteriorate after Betraoti. Overnight at a local guest house.
4Shyaprubesi to Kerung — Nepal-Tibet Border CrossingShyaprubesi to Kerung · Kerung
A 2-hour, 43-kilometer ride takes riders to Kerung (2,900 m), the first Tibetan town after the Nepal border. Border crossings and customs formalities are managed by the guide. Short hiking near the town assists with high-altitude acclimatization. Overnight at a local guest house.
5Acclimatization Day in KerungKerung · valley
A rest day in Kerung allows the body to adjust to 2,900 meters. Optional activities include short hikes around the valley or local riding to continue familiarizing riders with their motorcycles. Overnight in Kerung.
6Kerung to Saga (5–6 Hours)Kerung to Saga · Saga
The ride to Saga (4,640 m) covers largely flat terrain across the Tibetan plains, with snow-capped peaks visible to the south. The route affords a relatively comfortable day at significantly higher altitude. Overnight at a local guest house. Riders may opt to continue further to Pariyang or New Dongba.
7Saga to Lake Manasarovar (277 km, 5–6 Hours)Saga to Lake Manasarovar · Lake Manasarovar · Chui Gompa guest house
An early start leads southward toward the holy sites. Late-afternoon arrival at Manasarovar (4,558 m) offers the first view of Mount Kailash across the turquoise waters. Lake Manasarovar, at 14,950 feet, is the world's highest freshwater lake, inhabited by fish and waterfowl. Mount Kailash, Mount Gurula-Mandala, and Lake Rakshash form the surrounding landscape. The region supports hot springs, wild creatures, and historical mining sites. Riders may undertake a circumnavigation of the lake by motorcycle if conditions permit. Overnight at Chui Gompa guest house.
8Lake Manasarovar Immersion and Tarboche Valley RideLake Manasarovar · Tarboche valley · Lake Manasarovar to Darchen
Morning bathing at Lake Manasarovar is followed by a 50-kilometer, 2-hour ride north to Darchen, the base camp for Mount Kailash, and continuing to Tarboche valley at the mountain's north face. The return journey retraces to Manasarovar for overnight accommodation at a local guest house.
9Lake Manasarovar to SagaLake Manasarovar · Saga
The return ride to Saga (4,640 m) follows the outbound route. Overnight at a local guest house.
10Saga to KerungSaga to Kerung · Kerung
Riders retrace the route back to Kerung (2,900 m). Overnight at a local guest house.
11Kerung to Kathmandu — Nepal Border Crossing ReturnKathmandu · Kerung to the Nepal-Tibet border · Nepal-Tibet border · Trisuli River valley
The 43-kilometer ride descends from Kerung to the Nepal-Tibet border. Customs formalities are completed, and the route follows the Trisuli River valley back to Kathmandu (1,350 m). Overnight in Kathmandu.
12Rest Day in KathmanduKathmandu
Recovery day in Kathmandu. Optional activities and further exploration of the city are available. Overnight in Kathmandu.
13Departure or Extensioninternational airport
Transfer to international airport for departure, or continuation of activities elsewhere in Nepal.
Where you go
- 1Kathmandu
Included
- Included
- Arrival and departure arrangement
- Accommodation in Kathmandu on twin sharing rooms as per itinerary
- Accommodation in Langtang national park for a night in local guest house
- Accommodation in Tibet/ Kailash in local guest houses
- Breakfast every morning in entire trip
- Langtang National park entrance fees
- Tibet entry permits and visa
- Entrance fees of Manasarovar and Kailash
- Back up transportation in entire trip, Jeep in Nepal side and small truck in Tibet
- An English speaking guide in entire trip
- Custom formalities
- Custom deposit of Motorbikes
- Motorbike Mechanic
- Emergency evacuation management
- Warm jacket and sleeping bag in returnable base, if you need
Not included
- Excluded
- Lunch and Dinner in entire trip
- Personal equipment, personal insurance, medical expenses and emergency rescue expenses
- Motorbike and it's fuel, Motorbike parts
- Personal equipment, personal insurance, medical expenses and emergency rescue expenses
- Extra cost due to natural calamities, suddenly change rules from Tibet and any other reason which is out of our hand