The Tibet Motorbike tour entails much more than adventure; it offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience on an adventure motorcycle tour through some of the highest and most holy land on the planet! If you are an adventure motorcycle rider, a photography enthusiast, or just in pursuit of the Himalayan dream, it is all included: the people, culture, land, culture, scenery, and indescribable adrenaline.
The typical overall price of the Tibet Motorcycle Tour is between USD 3000.00 - USD 5500.00 per person, depending on the route, number of people in the group, services included, and duration of the trip. For Indian passport holders, that price may vary somewhat if arranged separately through a Nepal-based operator and in NPR (typically NPR 400,000 - NPR 750,000).
The first and most significant cost factor is the route. Some standard routes are Kathmandu–Lhasa–Everest Base Camp (EBC), or the long loop to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. If a tour includes an itinerary that has Kailash or EBC as part of your trip, it will almost always be more expensive, require more permits, take longer, and most likely be logistically more challenging, e.g., in remote areas.
Most tours will include accommodation, food, permits, a guide, mechanic support, a backup vehicle, and fuel. Some tours will include a Tibet Travel Permit, and processing for your Chinese visa, as well as travel and leisure insurance (most charge for these fees).
Meals as part of the tour are usually provided, particularly in remote areas where it may not be possible to eat at restaurants, and in cities, accommodation is similar in hotels, but outside of cities, at campsites or villages, they will likely not have accommodation with anything above the most basic comforts.
Road riding from May to October is the best time of year to ride. Peak months generally run from June to August, with the best weather in Tibet creating a surge in demand for tour packages. Also, a surge in prices due to the festival season.
Visa formalities, road permits, and vehicle entry paperwork into China all factor into the adds to total cost during the tour. However, recognized and reputable operations will submit the paperwork and process it for you to relieve yourself of this stress.
It is a huge financial and physical investment, but so are the rewards to traverse what is referred to as the "Roof of the World".
How Much Does it Cost to Go on a Tibet Motor Biking Tour?
In 2025
The estimated average cost of a Tibet motor biking tour from Kathmandu in 2025 is USD 3,500 - USD 3,800 per person, or CNY ¥25,500 - ¥27,500.
Costs include all permits, guide support, fuel, accommodation, Tibet Travel Permit, road permits, and fees for border transfer.
Prices might be somewhat higher than in past years due to demand after years of below-normal travel due to COVID and political tensions. Plus, on the Chinese side, they have upgraded their infrastructure and road permit system, accounting for some modestly higher costs.
In 2026
By 2026, the price will most likely increase by USD 3,700 - USD 4,000 (CNY ¥27,000 - ¥29,700). The increase in price will reflect the potential increase in Chinese travel permit fees, environmental surcharges for cross-border vehicles, possible upswing in trips related to cross-border cycle enforcement and emissions standards.
Inflation in Nepal and Tibet is likely to have some impact on hotel and fuel prices. All that being said, travelers should still be able to strategize to reduce trip costs if they book well in advance, or travel in small groups with other travelers, and Nepali agencies will continue to directly partner with affiliated Tibetan agencies, allowing for affordably priced adventure experiences.
In 2027
We can roughly estimate that the prices could range around USD3,600 - USD4,100 (CNY¥26,000 - ¥30,400) by 2027. The determining factors to go higher in the highest price range would be the fuel prices and border tax levies. If the Chinese government were to implement some kind of discounts to support ecotourism in China or offer discounts to attract foreign riders, prices may decrease slightly.
Weather conditions may generate an option for an extended stay and affect the overall budget. That said, the tour is best operated from Kathmandu as it controls the full logistics and management, and in-depth support on both sides of the border.
In 2028
And looking forward, you can expect tour prices to be priced at USD 3,800 to USD 4,300 (CNY ¥27,800 - ¥31,500) in 2028. This will be on the basis of infrastructure development iterations across Tibet, rising local guiding service pricing, and hopefully, some will continue to monitor sustainable tourism.
Plus, continuous fluctuations in currency exchange (USD, NPR, CNY) could pose some price increases. Ultimately, traveling on that tour, from Nepal, will be the best way as the Nepali agencies will have more flexible pricing, more awareness of the local conditions, and more customer-friendly products.
Checklist of Services Included in a Tibet Motorbike Tour Packages From Kathmandu
Included Services
Excluded Services
All necessary Tibet travel permits and documentation
Nepal visa and Tibet Group Visa fees
Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu
International flights to/from Nepal
Motorbike rental (Royal Enfield/Himalayan) with fuel
Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, snacks, etc.)
Support vehicle with mechanic and driver
Travel insurance (must cover riding at high altitude)
English-speaking road captain/guide
Emergency evacuation cost (if needed)
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Tibet (twin-sharing)
Lunches and dinners in cities unless otherwise stated
Breakfast throughout the tour
Tips for guide, driver, and support crew
Tibet border transfers and immigration assistance
Any damage to motorbike due to accidents or misuse
First aid kit and oxygen cylinder
Entry tickets to monuments not mentioned in the itinerary
Customs clearance and transport documentation for motorbikes
Expenses due to unforeseen situations (weather, landslides, delays)
All government taxes and service charges
Extra nights in hotels beyond itinerary due to illness or delays
What Is the Cost Impact of Starting the Biking Tour from Kathmandu or Other Cities?
For most travelers, the best value and easiest way to do the Tibet biking tour is to start in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Tibet motorbike tour price is reasonable due to Kathmandu's close geographic proximity to the Gyirong border (the main entry into Tibet), which allows for low logistical costs.
The average price of a Tibet motorbike tour starting in Kathmandu ranges from USD 3,000 to 4,500 (depending upon length of tour and group size) and includes the permits, guide, lodging, bike rental, fuel, and support crew.
If you simply start in another city of Nepal, such as Pokhara, Chitwan, etc., then it becomes a higher cost due to more layers of transportation and accommodation to return to Kathmandu to cross into Tibet, and increasing the total cost foundation by around USD 300-500.
Starting the tour from other international cities like Delhi, Thailand, or Beijing can be expensive.
There is the cost of international flights, a separate visa, and itinerary when you start from one of these cities. Total costs will quickly exceed USD 5,500-6,500 per person.
For example, if you started in Beijing or Shanghai, you would also have to get permits for your access to Tibet from within China, and you would also have to stay in hotels for even more nights. On the whole, starting from Kathmandu saves you 20%-40% more than starting from any international city, again because of travel and operating costs.
Nepal Visa Cost
Before heading to your Tibet bike tour from Kathmandu, you will need to obtain a Nepal visa if you are a foreigner (except Indian), which is very simple to obtain or purchase, once you land at Tribhuvan International Airport or land border entrances.
The cost of the Nepal visa will depend on how long you are staying:
15-day visa: USD 30
30-day visa: USD 50
90-day visa: USD 125
Most Tibet motorbike tours will require you to apply for a 15 to 30-day visa, depending on your total stay in Nepal before and after the Tibet part. Please note that you can pay for the visa in cash USD or with various major currencies. You will need to bring a passport photo and ensure your passport has a minimum valid term of six months.
Remember, the fee for the Nepal visa is not part of the package of a Tibet biking tour, so you will have to set aside a separate budget for it. On the other hand, should you decide to stay in Nepal for a longer period before or after your tour, you may be asked to have a long-stay visa, which will increase your cost accordingly.
What Are the Tibet Motor Biking Tour Permit Costs and Paper Works?
1. Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)
Tibet Travel Permit
Nationality
Times of Entry
Normal Visa Fee (USD)
Urgent Visa Fee (USD)
Nepalese
Single
USD 48
USD 77
USA
Single
USD 155
USD 185
Canada
Single
USD 85
USD 114
Israel
Single
USD 54
USD 83
Romanian
Single
USD 85
USD 115
Serbia
Single
USD 38
USD 67
Albanian / Micronesia & BIH
Single
USD 38
USD 67
Brazil
Single
USD 118
USD 147
Argentina
Single
USD 60
USD 89
Panama
Single
USD 76
USD 105
Uruguay
Single
USD 65
USD 94
Chile
Single
USD 38
USD 67
Pakistan & Maldives
Single
USD 38
USD 57
Other Citizens
Single
USD 60
USD 89
The Tibet Travel Permit is an essential document to enter Tibet. The Tibet Tourism Bureau in Lhasa issues it, and all foreigners travelling to Tibet are required to obtain a Travel Permit. If you arrive in Tibet without a permit, you will be detained with no exceptions. Your Nepali tour operator can acquire the TTP through a registered Tibetan partner.
The TTP allows you to show your legal status in Tibet for the duration of time you are there, but it is not transferable.
Group travelers only, will not be issued to the individual traveller.
To be able to cross into Tibet, a group visa that the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu issues is needed. Besides, this visa allows one to enter China via land borders only, and it is valid for the period of your tour. It is different from a normal single-person visa, and it must be applied for as a group; usually, your Nepali agency arranges it.
Minimum 4 days before the submission of the passport.
Usually, the group consists of at least 2 people.
The fee for the visa depends on the nationality and is normally from 110 to 180 USD (CNY ¥800 to ¥1,300).
The opportunity to have the procedure carried out faster by paying extra.
3. Alien's Travel Permit (ATP)
Should your itinerary involve restricted regions such as Everest Base Camp or some border areas, then an Alien's Travel Permit is the only document that allows you to go there. The local Public Security Bureau in Tibet is the organ that gives such a permit, and it allows one to travel beyond the main cities.
It is organized by the travel agency or on your own in the local Foreign Guest Reception Office.
The running time is shorter, normally about 3-5 days.
Price goes from USD 30 to 40 (CNY ¥220 to 300).
It is a necessary document, so you cannot put it aside at any time of your traveling in the restricted area.
4. Border Pass (Military Permit)
Because Tibet is a fragile and sensitive area along the border that is why a military permit or a border pass is compulsory for all foreigners who want to get there by land. The permit is received from the Tibetan authorities and may be accepted only before a Tibet Travel Permit is given.
Could potentially extend the processing period by 3 to 5 days.
The price is approximately USD 50 to 60 (CNY ¥370
5. Temporary Motorcycle License and Road Permit
A temporary driving license and a road permit for a motorbike issued by the Tibet Traffic Police and Transport Bureau are legally necessary in order to ride a motorbike in Tibet. They also cover the authorization of the vehicle for a temporary period, the use of the roads, and the payment of the driving fee.
The combined cost is USD 180-220 per motorbike (CNY 1,300-1,600).
Registration of the motorcycle, driver's license, and photos are among the documents that must be submitted in advance.
Usually, your tour operator is the one who carries out the process to get the necessary approval without any difficulties.
Additional Fees
Besides the permits, also, consider the small fees for translating the documents into Nepali and/or Tibetan, notarization, and administrative processing fees. These usually come to USD 50 to 70 (CNY ¥370 to ¥510). These are all necessary services in fulfilling both the government of Nepal’s and government of Tibet’s requirements.
Documents and Permits Cost for the Kailash Mansarovar Bike Tour in Tibet
The Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) and China Group Visa are already established requirements for a Tibet bike tour from Kathmandu for the Kailash Mansarovar Bike Tour in Tibet. There are additional permits required for travel to Kailash due to the sensitive and remoteness of the area.
There are permits required that you will need to obtain, including the Alien’s Travel Permit. You will need the ATP in order to visit restricted areas, such as Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. The cost of the ATP is approximately USD 8 to 10 (CNY 58 to 73). The ATP will be issued by the local Tibetan authorities through your travel company when you arrive in Tibet.
Secondly, you must apply for a Military Permit since Kailash is located in a military-sensitive border region. The Military Permit will typically cost between USD 14 to 41 (CNY 100 to 300), and your tour operator located in Nepal or Tibet agency will have to arrange this for you. You need to have the permit as you will not be allowed to go into Kailash and the surrounding area.
In some cases, for some routes or special regions around Kailash, it is possible that a Foreign Affairs Permit will also be needed, adding to the adventure of permits and cost.
Permits can only be handled through authorized travel agencies; you cannot handle them independently. The total additional permits for Kailash are going to run about USD 30 to 60 (CNY 220 to 440) for Kailash permits in addition to all of the already package permits and visa fee for traveling in Tibet.
Total Cost For Guide/ Ride Captain
Tibet Bike Tour with Ride Captain From kathmandu
Nepali Guide
While a typical Nepali guide will cost around USD 30-40 per day (around CNY ¥220 to ¥300), they are very knowledgeable and experienced on the terrain from Kathmandu to the Nepal-China border, and they take care of most of the logistical planning on the Nepal side. They will be able to assist with all the documentation, mechanics and border procedures.
Knowledge of the local culture, language, and local laws and regulations can only assist with trip planning and ensure that all is properly administered.
Tibetan Guide
An agency will charge for Tibetan guides USD 40 to 50 per day (about CNY ¥300 to ¥370). You are going to need Tibetan guides to enter Tibet because they are the only people to help you during your whole trip in the autonomous region of Tibet, including driving to Lhasa, Everest Base Camp, and all the restricted zone areas.
They know the local rules, arrange permits for you, and deal with the authorities on your behalf. Also, by using Tibetan guides, your experience will be safer and enrich your cultural experience while in Tibet.
So, assuming you were to take the whole Tibet motorbiking tour (with the use of Nepali and Tibetan guides), you would expect to pay roughly CNY ¥520 to ¥670 a day.
How Bike Type and Rental Duration Impact Your Total Cost?
Bike Model
Engine Capacity
Rate Per Day (USD)
Hero Xpulse 200 4V
200cc
$35
Royal Enfield Classic
350cc
$30
Royal Enfield Himalayan
411cc
$55
Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram
411cc
$55
Royal Enfield Himalayan (High CC)
452cc
$85
KTM Adventure
250cc
$50
Yamaha FZS
150cc
$18
Honda Dio Scooter
110cc
$8
Honda Aviator 125cc
109cc
$10
If you're planning a Tibet motorbike tour from Kathmandu, you need to be aware of how much the bike and rental period will add to your cost. For most tour companies, a bike will be included in the tour's package, which is usually either a Royal Enfield Himalayan 411cc or a Royal Enfield Classic 500cc. These bikes are usually preferred because they are thought to be the more hardy motorcycle options at colder elevations and for riding in rough Himalayan environments.
If you are like most typical 10-14 day Tibet motorbike tour groups, and only had to rent a Royal Enfield Himalayan (411cc) (at $55/day), that's between $550 $770 US dollars for just the bike rental. For a smaller bike, like the Royal Enfield Classic or Hero Xpulse, the cost would be more like $300 - $490 US dollars for the same duration.
Long tours (or extended rentals) can often have negotiated discount rates that reduce daily costs, but certain premium bikes can easily cost the rider several hundred dollars more.
Determining which model of bike is within your budget and what is the cost for a tour which is the duration you are looking for, is one important consideration in evaluating total costs, with rental pricing (on average) ranging from $8-$85 for daily bike rental (depending on bike model and duration of rental).
Sweep Rider / Tail Gunner Service Cost
A sweep rider, or tail-gunner service in Tibet, generally costs around 300 to 800 CYN or about USD40 to 115 daily.
A sweep rider rides behind the group and is responsible for assisting the slower or less experienced riders and ensuring that the ride is safe.
Some tour packages will include a sweep rider service, and other packages will have it as a separate cost, typically charged per day and based on the number of persons in the group and the difficulty of the tour.
Cost of Total Fuel Expenses Per Day / Per Kilometer
In Nepal, petrol is currently about NPR 162.5 per litre (about USD 1.20) in Kathmandu, as stated by the Nepal Oil Corporation after raising prices. Diesel is a little less, but since petrol is the primary fuel for the motorbikes you'd use on the tour, those costs are more relevant.
Petrol prices in Tibet are about the same, with petrol costing about 8.43 Chinese Yuan per litre - about USD 1.20 per litre. The fact that the petrol costs are roughly similar will mean your fuel costs along the Nepal and Tibet route will be fairly consistent.
Daily/Per Kilometer Fuel Costs
Motorbikes, especially Royal Enfield Himalayan, will generally average about 3 to 4 liters per 100 kilometers. In consideration of this, and if you ride an average of 100-150 kilometers a day, this gives you a general daily fuel cost ranging from USD 3.60 to USD 7.20. This means your cost per kilometer is from about USD 0.04 to USD 0.07.
Total Fuel Cost for the Tour Duration
Fuel costs for a typical 10 to 14-day Tibet biking tour might be USD 36 to USD 100, depending on the routing and road conditions. Riders should map a fuel strategy carefully, as the gas stations are limited with respect to remoteness.
What is the Cost for Mechanical Support during the Tibet Motor Biking Tour?
Service
Cost (USD per day)
Cost (CNY per day)
Details
Mechanical Support
$25 - $40
CNY 180 - 290
Skilled mechanic with tools and spare parts.
Support Vehicle & Driver
$30 - $50
CNY 220 - 360
Backup vehicle for emergencies and luggage.
Mechanical support is an aspect of any Tibet motorbike tour that is very important. It will greatly improve the safety of the participants and allow more flexibility when travelling through areas with limitations. Mechanical support for any tour will be a qualified Nepali mechanic sourced from Kathmandu.
The mechanic will generally carry sufficient spare parts and tools in the event that repairs are required for the entire group. The mechanic will travel with the group in a support vehicle, which is generally a 4WD vehicle like a jeep or van and is also used to carry luggage and emergency equipment.
The cost of a mechanic is USD 25 to 40 (CNY 180 to 290) total per day, depending on the tour operator and the amount of mechanical skills. The cost of the support vehicle and driver is an additional USD 30 to 50 (CNY 220 to 360) per day.
Cost of Food & Drink (Local Dining vs Packaged Meals)
Breakfast Cost
Breakfast in Tibet for a motorcycle trip typically consists of local and Western combinations. At hotels or guesthouses, a breakfast often consists of Tibetan butter tea, tsampa (roasted barley flour), steamed buns, eggs, and Western staples such as pancakes or cereal.
Usually, the accommodation package includes the cost of breakfast. When paid separately at local eateries, the cost is approximately CNY 15-30 (USD 2-4.5) per person.
Lunch Cost
Lunch is generally not included in most tour packages and is paid by the traveler. Tibetan noodle soup (thukpa), momos (dumplings), or rice with yak meat are the local foods whose price at Tibetan restaurants or teahouses is about CNY 20-50 (USD 3-7).
In big cities such as Lhasa, those who want to eat a wide variety of Chinese, Nepali, and Indian dishes can enjoy a mid-range restaurant for around CNY 50-100 (USD 7-15) per meal.
Dinner Cost
The price of dinner depends on the location. At local eateries, simple Tibetan dinners are typically CNY 30-60 (USD 4-9) and may include yak meat stew, vegetable curries, and butter tea. At more expensive restaurants, one can find multi-cuisine options priced at CNY 100-150 (USD 15-22) per person. Group dinners or special Tibetan cultural meals may cost more.
Packaged Meals Cost
Packaged meals are the best option for riders who want to save time or are riding in remote places that have fewer food options. The meals are usually made up of ready-to-eat foods such as instant noodles, energy bars, dried fruits, nuts, biscuits, and bottled water.
To some extent, they also come with food that has been dried and that only needs to be added to hot water. The price of packaged meals is between USD 5 and 10 (CNY 35 and 70) per day.
Drinks and Their Costs
When thinking about drinks in Tibet, many will think of unique drinks, with butter tea being the best-known and iconic. Butter tea is salty, high-calorie tea, and is potentially useful in helping with acclimatization to altitude. In local teahouses, butter tea only costs CNY 5–10 (USD 0.7–1.5) each cup.
There are actually a wide range of other very common drinks, such as sweet tea, yak milk, and Tibetan barley wine (called chang), but the majority of the towns you visit will probably have most of these. In addition, most towns also have non-alcoholic drinks like Coke or coffee for a typical price of CNY 10-20 (USD 1.5-3).
Most towns will have some local alcoholic drinks such as Lhasa beer and highland barley wine, which typically cost around CNY 15–40 for beer and wine, depending on the shop or restaurant.
What Much Does Accommodation Costs in Tibet (Hotels, Guesthouses, Camps) During the Bike Tour?
Accommodation in Lhasa: USD 50–200 (CNY 360–1,450) per night
Accommodation in rural settings: USD 20–40 (CNY 145–290) per night.
Camping: Less expensive, cost varies with the tour company.
The lodging price for a motorbike tour of Tibet illustrates a huge difference in how much you will pay based on location and standard of comfort. In Lhasa or any of the larger towns, it is possible to find hotels that are part budget and part luxury in the price range of USD 50 to 200 (CNY 360 to 1,450).
For a mid-range hotel (3 or 4-star), look for hotels adjacent to large tourist centres, such as Barkhor Street, for lodging around USD 60 (CNY 435). This includes a private bathroom and other comforts.
As you traverse further away from civilization into lodges such as Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash, accommodation will be limited. Typically, the types of accommodation are guesthouses or lodges that will be basic (no private bathrooms and hot water), starting at USD 20 to 40 (CNY 145 to 290).
Emergency and Medical Insurance Costs
Travel insurance is advisable and often required on bicycle tours in Tibet for the high altitude and really remote areas. You will find the most complete travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, altitude sickness, evacuations, and trip cancellation. On average, it will range, depending on the insurance provider you choose, between USD 50 and 150 (or CNY 360 to 1090) on average for the normal 10-15 day tour.
High altitude insurance plans can range in price, and if you want coverage, you can receive USD 123,000 for accidental death, medical treatment, and emergency evacuations etc. Many tour companies will only accept an insurance plan that will require the hospital to be paid directly, either by flying, or ambulance service, which will take their direct emergencies, mostly due to Tibet's unique extreme environment.
Cost for WiFi, SIM Cards, and Networks
Tibet Lhasa Sim Cards
SIM Card / eSIM Plan
Data Allowance
Validity
Price (USD)
Price (CNY)
Notes
China SIM Card Basic (Tibet Vista)
2 GB
30 days
$4.14 (30 CNY)
CNY 30
Local calls, texts, 4G speed, prepaid, no roaming charges
China SIM Card Standard (Tibet Vista)
2 GB
30 days
$6.90 (50 CNY)
CNY 50
Same as above with more data
SIM2GO eSIM Plan 1
5 GB
5 days
$13.00
CNY 94
High-speed data, unlimited standard speed after data used, no subscription
SIM2GO eSIM Plan 2
10 GB
7 days
$20.00 (approx)
CNY 145
High-speed data, unlimited standard speed after data used
SIM2GO eSIM Plan 3
20 GB
15 days
$32.00
CNY 232
High-speed data, unlimited standard speed after data used
MobiMatter China 10 GB
10 GB
30 days
$7.99
CNY 58
eSIM, 4G LTE, no roaming fees
MobiMatter China 20 GB
20 GB
30 days
$13.99
CNY 101
eSIM, 4G LTE
MobiMatter China 30 GB
30 GB
30 days
$24.99
CNY 181
eSIM, 4G LTE
TSimTech China Premium 5 GB
5 GB
15 days
$6.99
CNY 51
eSIM, 4G LTE
TSimTech China Premium 30 GB
30 GB
30 days
$27.99
CNY 203
eSIM, 4G LTE
Internet access in Tibet can be highly restricted, but access is increasing slightly. Internet access is mostly in hotels and in some fondak or cafes in larger towns (e.g., Lhasa), but as a general rule, it is free or included with your nightly tariff. Mobile networks can be very limited in remote towns and villages.
SIM Cards: You can buy a plan with some data in China for roughly CNY 100-200 (USD 15–30); this is for 1-2 GB of data for 15-30 days. China Mobile and China Unicom appear to be the cost-effective providers.
WiFi: The free WiFi is available in most hotels, although there are a few (maybe three or four) lodgings/guesthouses in remote locations that might charge a small fee (~CNY 10-20 or USD 1.5-3).
Network: 4G is relatively available in the Cities but generally of little value in the isolated mountain areas.
What Happens if Bikers fall sick, and Will there be any Additional cost?
In the unfortunate event that bikers fall ill while on motorcycle tours of Tibet, there are multiple additional costs that would not normally be included in the base price of your tour. First off, personal travel / medical / emergency evacuation insurance is compulsory and must be purchased prior to going. These personal insurance costs vary between providers, but on average they cost somewhere between USD 100 to 300, depending on coverage and provider, etc.
When a rider requires treatment due to sickness, the rider will likely be treated in a local hospital or clinic. The price of the consultation and then medication varies from about USD 20 -100 or more, depending on the individual and the area. For a more serious illness (or altitude sickness), the rider may have to be evacuated in an emergency vehicle or air ambulance.
The cost of the evacuation can vary quite a bit, probably between USD 1,000 and up to over 10,000, depending on distance and the urgency to get the patient out.
Out of pocket expenses may be all other accommodation and food costs, should the rider need to rest up longer, than any personal medication or oxygen supply they need to recover.
Most tour operators do not provide out-of-pocket costs, so riders will want to make sure they budget for all the following:
Additional accommodation/food: USD 30–50 per day (CNY 220–360)
Travel insurance: USD 100–300 (CNY 725–2,175)
Gear Rental or Purchase Cost for Motorbike Tour to Tibet
Cost will be an important factor when considering gear rental or purchase, in addition to bike rental and permits, as you plan a Tibet motorbike tour, which starts out of Kathmandu. Most tour operators will suggest to riders that the best way to go will be to take your own riding gear, including a full-face helmet, gloves, boots, jackets, armor/pads, pants with protectors, and a back protector, since getting personal gear that fits best and is the safest option.
If you need to rent gear, you will find that prices for all gear will vary based on quality. Rental helmets and gloves will be around USD 10-20 per day (CNY 70-145), and the full suits or jackets with pads or armor will be around USD 30-50 each day (CNY 220-360). Rental boots tend to be less available, but could be from around USD15-25 a day (CNY 110-180).
If you can buy gear in Kathmandu, Nepal, before the trip begins, it is generally cheaper than renting gear for long trips. A full set of decent gear (helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, pants) could cost between USD 300-700 (CNY 2,175-5,075), depending on brand and level of protection.
Most Tibet motorbike tours offered by professionals don’t include hiring riding gear, meaning that riders often have to find an additional budget to rent or purchase this vital riding safety gear. We suggest riders bring their own riding gear for comfort and complete protection on some challenging roads in Tibet.
Gear Rental Costs in Kathmandu and Tibet
Gear Item
Rental Cost in Kathmandu (USD/day)
Rental Cost in Tibet (USD/day)
Helmet
$10 – 15
$12 – 18
Riding Jacket
$25 – 40
$30 – 50
Riding Pants
$20 – 35
$25 – 40
Gloves
$8 – 15
$10 – 18
Boots
$15 – 25
$18 – 30
Full Gear Set (All)
$70 – 100
$80 – 120
Gear Purchase Costs in Kathmandu and Tibet
Gear Item
Purchase Cost Kathmandu (USD)
Purchase Cost Tibet (USD)
Helmet
$100 – 250
$120 – 280
Riding Jacket
$150 – 350
$170 – 400
Riding Pants
$100 – 250
$120 – 270
Gloves
$30 – 80
$35 – 90
Boots
$80 – 200
$90 – 220
Full Gear Set (All)
$450 – 1,000
$500 – 1,100
Transport Costs (Flight/Train to Lhasa, Bike Shipping if needed)
The transportation costs for a motor biking tour around Tibet change drastically with the departure point. For bikers starting from Kathmandu, most of these costs are significantly reduced or not required at all, as the tour is done entirely overland via the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung border. Here is the outline of transport-related costs and whether those are applicable for your journey.
Flight or Train to Lhasa
Travelers going from mainland China to Tibet generally choose either a flight or a train ride to Lhasa. The plane ticket for the one-way journey from major Chinese cities, such as Chengdu or Beijing, to Lhasa will cost you approximately between USD 250 to 400 (CNY ¥1,800 to ¥2,900), depending on the season and how early you book. Despite being slower, the train is more affordable and goes from USD 80 to 150 (CNY ¥600 to ¥1,100), plus it offers beautiful views of the Tibetan plateau.
On the other hand, these expenditures are not applicable to the motor bikers starting their journey from Kathmandu, as the overland route through Kerung lets you drive directly to Tibet without having to fly to Lhasa. This makes the Kathmandu route not only cheap but also fun.
Bike Shipping Costs
If you plan to utilize your own bike upon your arrival in Tibet or China from another country, then shipping costs will be considerable. Motorbikes may be shipped internationally for a price ranging from USD 800 to 1,500 (CNY ¥5,800 to ¥11,000) one way, depending on the location of the departure, bike size, and customs clearance fees.
Generally, tours organized out of Kathmandu will not require shipping a bike, since most travelers ride either from Nepal or rent a bike from a local rental shop.
The bikes have already crossed the border and have been prepared for Tibetan roads, which is way cheaper and easier than the costs and hassle of shipping a bike.
Tips and Gratuities After Completion of Tibet Motorbike Tour
Service
Tip Rate (Group)
Tip Rate (Solo)
Trekking/Local Guide
USD 10–15/day
USD 3–5/day
Porter
USD 5–10/day
USD 2–4/day
Vehicle/Private Driver
USD 5–10/day
Similar levels
Tipping Nepali Guides and Staff
Most of our tours will start in Kathmandu, and you will have a Nepali guide (or ride captain) for a portion of the trip. A good tip for a Nepali guide is about USD 10 to 15/day, depending on the length of the tour and the service provided. If there is a Nepali mechanic or support staff, a good tip would be the same amount in that same range for each day. Tips are simply a way of thanking the guides and support staff for all of the logistics they organized, bike prep, and making sure our operation runs smoothly in Nepal.
Tipping Tibetan Guides and Drivers
Guides and drivers are a local resource in Tibet who help you get through the variety of permits, road systems, and culturally significant sites you have on your itinerary. The tipping guidelines for Tibetan staff are as follows:
Tibetan guide: USD 8 to 15 per day
Tibetan driver: USD 8 per day
These tipping amounts are normally collective amounts for your group rather than individual per-traveler amounts. For a small group of two people on an 8-day tour, for example, they might tip their Tibetan guide about USD 120 as a group and their driver USD 64 as a group.
When to tip is usually at the end of the tour. During peak season, the guide may still be busy until you leave and may not be with you that day; therefore, tipping them earlier may be convenient for both of you. You can tip in any form of currency you want (USD, RMB, local currency, etc.) in cash directly to the guide and driver.
Tibet Motorbike Tour Packages and Itinerary Offered With Their Cost
1. Kathmandu to Lhasa Motorbike Tour via Everest Base Camp (12 Days)
This 12-day ride starts in Kathmandu, transits the Nepal-Tibet border, passes Gyirong, continues to Shigatse, taking you through the Rongbuk region near the Everest Base Camp, and finally ends in the famous Lhasa. This ride is perfect for riders who want exposure to the beautiful Himalayan landscapes, high passes, monasteries, and local Tibetan culture.
2. Lhasa to Kathmandu Motorbike Tour via Everest Base Camp (10 Days)
This is the reverse of the previous ride. It starts in Lhasa, and along the way, you will gradually descend to the west through Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse, Shigatse, and Rongbuk (EBC) before being able to exit again back into Nepal through Gyirong. This option is ideal for people who are acclimatized travellers (flying into Lhasa).
A spiritual 12-day ride to the sacred Mt. Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. The tour goes via Saga, and Darchen, and has the opportunity to make a brief kora (circumambulation), or have a jeep support near Kailash.
A simple, exploratory tour through central Tibet on two wheels. The route will take in Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse, Shigatse, and Namtso Lake. A nice mix of culture and riding without Mt Everest or Mt Kailash.
A high endurance cycling trip aimed at being achievable for experienced mountain bikers. The 25-day itinerary takes in cycling a good deal of remote Tibetan geography and crossing high mountain passes. Support vehicles as well as camping logistics are always a critical element to these trips.
6. Tibet Everest Base Camp Motorbike Tour (7 Days)
A short but focused ride to the Tibetan side of Everest Base Camp. The itinerary will include Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, and finish at Rongbuk, close to EBC, and return. Good for a ride that is brief in distance but still wants a high-drama high altitude experience.