Motorcycle tour over China: Kunming (Yunnan) - Lhasa (Tibet)

Book the tour - 06 May - 20 May 2026

We will do two tours in 2026, one in May scout ride, and another one in October, regular tour. Scout tour 4-6 customers + 2 guides from RMT, lower price. In October group 8 customers + 2 guides from RMT, price will be slightly higher.

In China, you need to get a local driver's license to ride a motorcycle – we will do everything, on the first day of the tour you will receive local driving license in the prefecture of the city. 

Its a one-way tour from Kunming to Lhasa. The altitude in Kunming 1800 meters, in Lhasa 3600 meters, in Tibet last four days we will ride at 4500 meters on average, up to 5200 meters at Everest Base Camp (EBC). Almost all the time we travel through the mountains. If you do not feel well at altitude, please consult us about the possibility of participating in the tour.

• Dates 2026:
  • 6-20 May, scout ride, 4-6 customers, lower price
  • 7-21 October, 8 customers, normal price (on average +1000 Euro)
• Duration: 16 days
• Total mileage: 2650 km
• Tour level: medium
• Road description: 100% 
• Price with Kove500/525x / CF Moto 700 / CF Moto 800 – 6250 Euro (May scout tour price)
• Price with BMW F750GS / F850GS – 6750 Euro (May scout tour price)
• Price with BMW R1250GS – 7250 Euro (May scout tour price)
• Price with BMW R1300GS – 7750 Euro (May scout tour price)
• Single room accommodation extra 700 Euro
• Deposit for the motorcycle: 1500-3000 Euro, depends on motorcycle
• Price for passenger 2500 Euro 

The price includes:

• Motorcycle rental
• Getting a local driver's license to drive a motorcycle
• Accommodation in 3-4* hotels (double rooms)
• Breakfast
• The leading guide on a motorcycle
• Support vehicle
• Excursions
• Technical support
• Transfers

The price does not include:

• Lunches and dinners (50 euros per day)
• Petrol
• Medical insurance
• Other expenses
• Flights to Lhasa/Kunming

Route

Day 1. Arrival in Kunming

Transfer to the hotel, welcome dinner, small city walk.

Day 2. Kunming

Today we go do paperwork to get the Chinese temporary driving licenses. After that city tour.

Day 3. Kunming – Dali 380 km

Leaving the urban area, you will be accompanied by pastoral scenery and mountains all the way, with the blue sky and white cloud. After a simple replenishment at services area at noon, set off again. In the late afternoon, arrive in Dali. The majestic Cangshan Mountains and the shimmering Erhai Lake come into full view. Step into Dali Ancient Town. There are stone-paved roads, old buildings, and a dazzling array of delicious food and characteristic shops on the streets. While strolling and eating, the fatigue of the day quietly dissipates.

Day 4. Dali – Lijiang 270 km

In the early morning, go to the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. The solemn pagodas look even more sacred in the sunlight. Then head for Lijiang. The towering Jade Dragon Snow Mountain comes into view, and the magnificent snowy scenery makes one's heart surge with excitement.

Next, we will visit the Blue Moon Valley. The lake water is as blue as a gemstone, meandering and flowing among the valleys, as if it were a precious treasure left behind by nature. As night falls, enter Lijiang Ancient Town. The ancient streets and alleys are swaying with lights. Find a small shop and sit down, drawing a perfect end to this unforgettable motorcycle trip.

Day 5. Lijiang – Shangri-La 255 km

Have breakfast. Set off from Lijiang and ride along the winding mountain roads, enjoying the magnificent natural scenery along the way. When arriving at the Tiger Leaping Gorge, feel the depth of the canyon and the surging of the river water. Stop at the viewing platform, listen to the roaring sound of the river water rushing by, and appreciate the tremendous power of nature.

After arriving in Shangri-La, head to Dukezong Ancient Town, which is the best-preserved and largest Tibetan residential complex in China. You can stroll along the stone-paved streets, feel the tranquility and profoundness of the ancient town. Besides, you can also go to Guishan Park to turn one of the world's largest prayer wheel to pray for your family and friends. Then, move on to Napahai Yila Grassland. The scenery here varies in different seasons. During the dry season in winter and spring, it is a vast expanse of marsh meadow, while in the rainy season in summer and autumn, it becomes a lake. You can enjoy the peaceful and idyllic pastoral scenery there.

Day 6. Shangri-La – Deqen, 180 km

After breakfast, head to the Jinsha River Moon Bay in Benzilan Town, Deqin County, to admire the big "Ω" -shaped bay formed by the river water. Then, cross the Baima Snow Mountain Pass, and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Baima Snow Mountain at the viewing platforms of the rest stops along the way.

After arriving in Deqin, go to Feilai Temple. It is one of the excellent spots for viewing the Meili Snow Mountain. Here, you can enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful scene of the "Sunlight on the Golden Peak".

Day 7. Deqen – Markam – Rumei Town, 280 km

After breakfast, move forward along the Yunnan-Tibet Highway. Pass through Yanjing where the salt-making history stretches back for thousands of years. Its salt pans are quite distinctive. On both sides of the Lancang River, the red and white salt pans shine brightly in the sunlight. You can visit the salt-making techniques and experience the local cultural charm.

In the afternoon we enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Hengduan Mountains, accompanied by high mountains, deep valleys and the surging Lancang River.

Day 8. Rumei – Rawu, 400 km

After breakfast, set off from Rumei to Bangda Grassland. The grassland has flat and open terrain, lush water and grass and herds of cattle and sheep. You can park your car, take a stroll to enjoy the scenery and breathe the fresh air. In the afternoon, continue to set off for Ranwu Lake. The scenery of the lake changes with the seasons. The lake water is clear and surrounded by snow-capped mountains and forests.

Day 9. Ranwu – Nyingchi, 355 km

Set off for Bomi after breakfast. The section of National Highway 318 from Ranwu Lake to Bomi is regarded as one of the most beautiful sections of the Sichuan-Tibet Line. The whole road is paved with asphalt and in good condition. When passing by Kuijia Mountain, the outline of the mountain that comes into view resembles the pattern of the armor worn by ancient soldiers, and thus it got its name. Keep riding forward and you will reach today's destination, Bomi, which is at an altitude of 2,720 meters.

The distance from Bomi to Nyingchi is approximately 230 kilometers. If you take National Highway 318, you will pass through attractions such as the Tongmai Bridge, the idyllic town of Lulang, and the Sergyemla Pass along the way. These places not only showcase the magnificent natural landscapes of the area, with snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and vast meadows, but also carry rich historical and cultural heritages.

Day 10. Nyingchi – Lhasa, 400 km

Driving from Nyingchi to Lhasa along the Nyingchi-Lhasa Highway, the Niyang River accompanies like a green ribbon. The water of Lake Basum is deep blue, and the island in the center of the lake is quiet and mysterious. At the Milha Pass, prayer flags flutter in the wind, and the snow-capped mountains stand majestically. Along the way, you can enjoy the verdant forests, pastoral scenery and the magnificence of the plateau, and experience the gradual change of Tibetan charm from beautiful to powerful.

Day 11. Lhasa rest day

Have breakfast. In the morning, visit the Potala Palace. This palace is an iconic building in Lhasa. It houses a large number of cultural relics and works of art, allowing for an in-depth understanding of the history and culture of Tibet. At noon, enjoy a sumptuous feast of Tibetan cuisine in Barkhor Street. In the afternoon, visit the Jokhang Temple, experience the solemnity of religion and the exquisite architecture, and then freely explore the unique charm and flavor of Lhasa city.

Day 12. Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse, 380 km

Have breakfast. Set off towards the Everest Base Camp and enjoyed the scenery along the way.

Day 13. Shigatse – EBC (Everest base camp) – Tashizhong Town, 300 km

In the morning, set off for the Everest Base Camp after breakfast. This is the closest place that ordinary tourists can reach to Mount Everest, with a straight-line distance of only 19 kilometers from the summit of Mount Everest. Here, one can closely appreciate the breathtaking magnificence of the world's highest peak. After taking a lot of photos as souvenirs, drive to Tingri. Upon arriving in Tingri, stroll casually through the streets and alleys of Tingri, experiencing the unique local customs, natural scenery and exploring the unique charm hidden in this land.

Day 14. Tashizhong – Shigatse, 350 km

It's advisable to set off early after breakfast. It will take about 4 to 5 hours to drive, and you can enjoy the snow-capped mountains at the Gyawula Pass on the way. In the afternoon, arrive in Gyangze and visit the Gyangze Dzong Fortress and the Pelkhor Monastery to experience the historical culture and architectural art.

Day 15. Shigatse – Lhasa, 300 km

After breakfast, return to Lhasa. On the way, you can visit the Karola Glacier and Yamdrok Lake. Pay attention to the road conditions and drive carefully. Upon arriving in Lhasa, return the motorcycle and then check into the hotel for a rest.

Day 16. Lhasa, departure