The Himalayas are home to Earth’s tallest mountains and, unsurprisingly, also some of the world’s most breathtaking and scenic roads. For that reason, it has become a popular international motorcycle adventure destination, and from our own experiences, we can confidently say that it truly lives up to the hype.

Here’s why a Himalayan motorcycle tour should be on every adventurer’s bucket list:

The views

Of course, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about a Himalayan motorcycle tour is the views. The rugged and unforgiving landscapes, winding roads, and stunning vistas will take your breath away. Every turn reveals a new and unique view, making you feel like you’re riding through a postcard.

The challenge

To enjoy your ride in the Himalayas safely, it’s important to have a solid foundation and level of motorcycle touring experience. You don’t need any special skills, but being a competent rider will help keep you and your group safe in this remote area. 

You should:

• have experience with day-long and multi-day motorcycle tours.
• be confident in handling tight turns at low speeds, especially on roads without guard rails
• be accustomed to riding heavier, taller bikes (190 kg and up), particularly on uneven Himalayan roads
• have basic off-road riding skills.

The better your skills, the more enjoyable and safe the ride will be. Remember, altitude can affect your ability and energy levels.

Keep in mind: When you ride in the Himalayas, you’ll be at very high elevations. Leh, the main city in Ladakh, sits at about 3,300 meters (10,827 feet), while Umling La, the highest road, stretches nearly 5,800 meters (19,024 feet)! It’s important to take a few days to adjust to the altitude before tackling these high passes. At such heights, everything feels more challenging, and your focus can slip. Make sure to drink plenty of water and consider taking altitude medication like Diamox. Remember, pushing yourself too hard too quickly might lead to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which can be fatal.

The reward

The challenges of riding in the Himalayas are not to be taken lightly, but the rewards are well worth it.

• get to meet fellow bikers and travelers from all over the world
• experience local cultures and traditions in remote mountain communities
• witness breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and pristine lakes 

The responsibility

As responsible riders, it’s important to:

• Don’t litter or harm plants and animals
• Clean up after yourself and keep places as you found them
• Don’t ride off-road or in protected areas
• Wear appropriate clothing and respect local customs
• Support the local community by shopping, dining, and lodging at local establishments

How to prepare for a Himalayan motorcycle tour

For most riders, a motorcycle tour in the Himalayas is the adventure of a lifetime, so preparation is very important. While most people handle the altitude just fine, it’s good to be ready for any challenges. It’s normal to feel some effects from the high elevation, but staying in shape can help. You don’t have to be a fitness expert; even taking a few brisk walks each week before your trip can make a big difference.

Combining long hours on your motorcycle with unfamiliar food and unpredictable weather can be challenging. To prepare, have the right gear and resources at hand. A helpful tip is to bring some talcum powder with you; using it in your boots can prevent chafing and keep your feet dry and comfortable during your ride.

Wearing a full-face helmet is critical for safety. Along with that, you should have a riding jacket and trousers that come with padding to protect your body. Using goggles instead of a visor works better, as visors tend to fog up easily when you’re sweating while riding in hot and humid weather. It’s also important to carry a first aid kit and any necessary medication with you.

Our Himalayan motorcycle tours 

The Everest Base Camp motorcycle trip begins in the Kathmandu Valley, where you’ll navigate the winding mountain roads to the Sybrubesi border in Nepal and the Kyirong border in Tibet, China. The ride from Kathmandu to the Kyirong border takes about 8-9 hours. Once you arrive, our friendly Tibetan guide will greet you and assist with all the necessary paperwork for your motorbike tour.

After enjoying three nights in Lhasa, your tour continues as you ride towards Mount Everest Base Camp. Because of new rules, you’ll leave your motorbike in Chozom village, which is about 20 kilometers from Rongbuk Monastery. From there, an electric bus will take you to Rongbuk, followed by a short walk to reach Everest Base Camp.

Call our Tibet Shambhala Adventure team at +86-13908907271 to learn more about our Himalayan motorcycle tours and how you can join our tours. With 19 years of experience, we’ll make sure you have the ride of a lifetime.