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1. What is the best time to join a Tibet motorbike tour?
Our Tibet motorbike tour routes extend from Tibet to Nepal, Yunnan and Xinjiang, so it’s necessary to take the weather conditions of these four regions into consideration. Nepal has a pleasant climate with average summer temperatures of 20°C - 35°C and winter temperatures of 2°C - 12°C. June to August is the rainy season in Kathmandu, seeing a heavy rainfall and making it less suitable for cycling. The weather in Yunnan is like spring all year round. The summer is cool and the winter is warm. The whole year’s mild temperature makes it a place attracting travelers in all seasons. In Tibet, however, the weather is more challenging, featuring a large daily temperature difference and a long cold winter. Summer is mild to cool but also rainy affected by monsoon weather. Xinjiang’s weather is characterized by low rainfall, large temperature differences between day and night, and long hours of sunshine. The temperature from December to April drops below freezing.
Therefore, the best time to join our Tibet motorcycle tours is generally from April to May and from September to October. During these months, the weather is relatively stable, with clear skies, mild temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for cycling on the breathtaking landscapes of Tibet.
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2. Do I need to bring my own motor for a Tibet motorbike tour?
You can bring your own motorbike. Riding a motorbike that you are already familiar with can make your journey more comfortable. You can bring your motorbike to Lhasa by flight or by road, but you need to pay for the transportation. However, it requires a lot of paperwork and permits.
A more convenient choice is to rent a motorbike in Lhasa. You should check its condition and see if it suits you well before your rental. Please contact our expert consultants for more information about motorbike delivery or rental.
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3. What permits are needed to join a Tibet motorbike tour?
To join a Tibet motorcycle tour, you typically need the following permits:
Tibet Travel Permit: This permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) and is required for all foreign travelers visiting Tibet.
Aliens' Travel Permit: Travelers traveling to partially restricted areas such as EBC, Basumtso Lake, Samye Monastery, etc. need to obtain Aliens’ Travel Permit via Tibet Travel Agency (like Tibet Horizon).
Military Area Entry Permit: Travelers visiting military-sensitive areas such as Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, etc, need to apply for a Military Area Entry Permit.
If you choose to enter Tibet from Kathmandu via Gyirong, you’ll need the Chinese Group Visa. If you’re from countries enjoying the 15-day visa-free policy, you need not to apply for it as long as your stay is no longer than 15 days. If you are traveling there for more than 15 days, you still have to apply for the Chinese Group Visa.
Provisional Driving License: Travelers joining a motorbike trip in Tibet need to apply for a provisional driving license.
Our Xizang (Tibet) tour packages include Tibet Travel Permit and all the necessary Tibet travel documents. If you book with us, we’ll help apply for the permits needed to ensure a smooth and worry-free Tibet motorbike tour.
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4. What about the accommodation during Tibet motorcycle tours?
Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyirong, Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Kashgar, and other major cities and counties offer more diverse options from 3-to 5-star hotels to local guesthouses. Cyclers joining our private motorcycle tours can choose according to your standards. However, during the ride, you may have to stay overnight in some remote areas where only tents and guestrooms are available.
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5. What about the food during Tibet motorbike tours?
We have handpicked restaurants with food safety guarantees for our travelers. You can enjoy unique Tibetan, Yunnan, Xinjiang, Sichuan, and Nepali cuisines along the way. Specialties include yak hotpot, sweet tea, butter tea, roasted pig, tsampa, barley wine, stone pot chicken, wild mushroom hotpot, spicy diced chicken and lamb kababs. Nepali dishes feature chicken masala and various curries. You can also find Indian dishes and Western-style dishes in Tibet. If you have any special dietary requirements, please keep our guides informed and they will help you check food composition when you order dishes. It’s also recommended to bring some food for your biking. Our support vehicle can also provide the necessary food for you.
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6. Can I ride a motor in Tibet without joining an organized motorbike tour?
Sorry but no. Foreign tourists cannot simply obtain a Tibet Travel Permit through a travel agency without participating in the agency's organized tours for cycling in Tibet.
They are not allowed to travel in Tibet independently or rent motorbikes for touring purposes. Foreigners riding a motorbike in Tibet must be accompanied by a professional guide. Normally, your guide will ride in the car not far from you to ensure your safety and give timely support.
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7. What about the road conditions for motorcycling?
Generally speaking, the roads are in good condition. Most of them are paved with asphalt with two lanes. However, there are certain sections of the road that are not that ideal as you will pass lofty mountain passes and bends. The road conditions at these sections may become narrow and bumpy. It's advisable to check current road conditions, weather forecasts, and any travel advisories or restrictions that may be in place. And it’s essential to ensure your motorcycle is well-maintained and equipped with necessary accessories.
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8. What to prepare for my Tibet motorbike tour?
Physical Fitness: Keep regular exercise and avoid catching a cold before leaving to Tibet. Avoid staying up late or drinking and keep energetic.
Mental Preparation: Prepare yourself mentally for the challenges of the motorbike tour. Keep a positive mindset and build up the confidence to face any difficulties or unexpected circumstances that may happen.
Packing Essentials: Basics to pack include appropriate clothing such as a down jacket, a windbreaker and sneakers, gloves, a hat, and sunglasses. Don't forget a thermos and snacks to stay hydrated and energetic. You can also prepare some medications like band-aids, glucose, and Ibuprofen. Don't forget travel documents, including your passport, Tibet Travel Permit, and any necessary permits.
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9. How to deal with possible altitude sickness when motorbiking in Tibet?
Cycling on the Tibet Plateau with an average altitude of over 4,000 meters, it’s common for some tourists to experience altitude sickness. The symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, nausea, and dizziness.
To minimize the effect of altitude sickness, it is important to allow time to acclimate to the high altitude and to take precautions to prevent altitude sickness. Travelers should drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol or caffeine.
If you feel uncomfortable, tell your guide. We have prepared oxygen tanks in our vehicles. You can inhale oxygen and take medication when necessary. If symptoms of altitude sickness persist or worsen, we’ll help transfer you to the hotel or hospital to seek medical attention immediately.
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