Imagine swapping Singapore’s orderly expressways, tropical heat and sea-level humidity for snow-dusted mountain passes, deep river gorges and the thin, crisp air of the Tibetan Plateau. The contrast could hardly be greater—and for drivers seeking adventure behind the wheel, the G318 from Chengdu to Lhasa offers one of the world’s most spectacular high-altitude road journeys.

For Singaporean travellers, the most practical option is to fly directly to Chengdu and begin the journey in a vehicle arranged in China, rather than ship a Singapore-registered vehicle across international borders. The same G318 corridor can also be arranged as a supported motorcycle tour; this guide focuses primarily on travellers who want to drive a car or SUV themselves.

The core Singapore-Chengdu-Lhasa plan generally requires 14 to 16 days, but the journey does not have to end in Lhasa. Depending on your available time, you can add an Everest Base Camp loop, return to Chengdu by road or plan a future continuation towards Nepal when the border route is operating.

This guide explains whether Singaporeans can legally drive the G318, which permits are required, how to choose the right route ending, how a 15-day core itinerary works and what makes driving across the Tibetan Plateau different from driving in Singapore.

Can Singaporeans Self-Drive from Chengdu to Lhasa?

Yes. Singaporean travellers can drive the G318 from Chengdu to Lhasa, provided that the journey is arranged under China’s driving rules and the travel requirements for the Tibet Autonomous Region.

In practical terms, three approvals must work together: legal entry to mainland China, a Chinese Temporary Driving Permit for the correct vehicle category, and a Tibet Travel Permit linked to an approved itinerary and licensed guide. Your Singapore driving licence supports the Chinese permit application, but neither it nor an AA Singapore International Driving Permit is sufficient on its own.

The trip is organised, but it is still genuinely self-drive: you remain behind the wheel of the arranged vehicle while the travel agency coordinates the permits, guide, accommodation and route support. Section 3 explains the required documents and application steps in detail.

Before booking, decide how far you want to travel and where the vehicle should be returned. That choice affects the permit itinerary, trip length, vehicle plan and return flights.

How to Start and Where to Finish Your G318 Journey

For most Singaporean travellers, Chengdu is the practical gateway to the G318. The first three stages are similar whichever route ending you choose:

1. Fly from Singapore to Chengdu. Singapore Airlines currently operates a nonstop service from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), with a flight time of approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes. Other flight options and frequencies may vary by travel date.

2. Spend one or two days in Chengdu. Complete the Chinese Temporary Driving Permit formalities, inspect the vehicle, attend the route and safety briefing, and become familiar with driving on the right-hand side of the road.

3. Begin the G318 journey. Depart Chengdu and travel west through Ya’an and Kangding before continuing across western Sichuan and into the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Before permits, hotels and vehicle support are confirmed, choose how you want the road journey to finish. The main options are:

• Finish in Lhasa. This is the most straightforward 14- to 16-day plan. Return the vehicle in Lhasa under a pre-arranged one-way vehicle agreement, spend time in the city and fly back to Singapore via Chengdu or another Chinese hub.
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• Continue to Everest Base Camp and return to Lhasa. Add approximately four to six days for a Lhasa-Shigatse-Everest Base Camp-Lhasa loop. This option keeps the vehicle return and onward flight in Lhasa while adding one of Tibet’s most memorable road sections.
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• Continue towards Nepal when the border route is operating. A future Lhasa-Shigatse-Everest-Gyirong-Nepal itinerary requires separate border coordination. A vehicle arranged in China would normally be returned on the Chinese side, followed by a border transfer and a separate vehicle in Nepal.
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• Route update (September 2026): Gyirong Port was severely damaged by the 26 August mudslide and cannot currently be planned as a normal tourist exit. Treat the Nepal continuation as a future option only after the crossing officially reopens and the complete itinerary has been reconfirmed.
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• Return to Chengdu by road. Travellers with more time can arrange a full road return on a pre-approved itinerary. This usually requires at least three weeks door-to-door and may approach the 30-day visa-free limit, so the route, vehicle return and entry arrangements must be checked before flights are booked.
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Travel style is another early decision. This article focuses on car and SUV self-drive, but we also provide supported G318 motorcycle journeys. The motorcycle licence and vehicle formalities are different from the C1/C2 rental-car process described in Section 3, so they must be confirmed separately before the itinerary is approved.

Chengdu and Singapore are in the same time zone, so jet lag is not the main concern. Even so, travel fatigue, driving-permit procedures, vehicle checks and the switch from left-hand to right-hand traffic make it unwise to begin the G318 immediately after landing.

Do not book the return or onward journey until the route ending has been agreed. Flight schedules, border access, road conditions and one-way vehicle availability can all change.

Documents and Permits Singaporean Drivers Need

• China Entry Requirements

Under the reciprocal visa-exemption agreement that took effect on 9 February 2024, Singapore citizens holding ordinary passports may enter mainland China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days.

A Chengdu-Lhasa road trip falls within the permitted tourism purpose. Your passport must remain valid for the duration of your intended stay. If you plan to remain in China for more than 30 days or travel for a purpose not covered by the agreement, you should obtain the appropriate Chinese visa before departure.

Visa-free entry only covers entry into mainland China. It does not replace the separate permits required to enter the Tibet Autonomous Region or drive legally in China.

• Tibet Travel Permit

All foreign travellers must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit before entering the Tibet Autonomous Region, whether they arrive by air, train or road. Singapore’s visa-free entry arrangement does not remove this requirement.

On the Chengdu-Lhasa route, the G318 crosses from Sichuan into the TAR along the Batang-Markam section. Your permit must therefore be approved before the vehicle reaches the regional boundary.

The Tibet Travel Permit cannot be applied for independently. It must be arranged by an authorised travel agency based on a confirmed itinerary and organised travel services. Travellers are normally asked to provide:

• √ A clear copy of the passport information page
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• √ A copy of a valid Chinese visa, if travelling with one rather than entering visa-free
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• √ Confirmed travel dates and a detailed route within Tibet
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• √ Any additional personal information required for the application
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The agency will arrange the itinerary, accommodation, licensed guide and other required services as part of the application and travel plan.

Begin the process at least one month before departure. Processing times and document requirements can change, so do not wait until you arrive in Chengdu to start the application.

• Chinese Temporary Driving Permit

The Chinese Temporary Driving Permit is issued by the traffic management department of the public security authorities. Applications are normally handled at a designated Vehicle Management Office or other authorised traffic-service location.

Some Chinese airports provide temporary driving-permit services, but this is not a standard facility at every international airport. For a Chengdu departure, the correct processing office, opening hours, appointment arrangements and required documents should be confirmed locally before arrival.

Applicants generally need:

• • The original passport or other valid entry-exit document used to enter China
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• • The original physical Singapore driving licence
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• • A Chinese translation of the driving licence that is accepted by the local traffic authority
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• • A photograph meeting local requirements, or an on-site photograph where available
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• • A completed temporary driving-permit application form
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• • Any proof of stay, vehicle-rental information or additional documents requested by the local office
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After submitting the documents, applicants must complete the required instruction on Chinese traffic laws and road-safety rules. Some offices may issue the permit on the same day when all documents are accepted, but processing times vary. It is safer to reserve at least one working day in Chengdu rather than relying on a fixed one-hour procedure.

Short-term visitors staying in China for no more than three months may be issued a temporary driving permit valid for three months. However, the driving permit does not extend your permitted stay in China; Singaporeans entering visa-free must still leave or regularise their stay within the authorised 30-day period.

Keep the following points in mind:

• • Neither a Singapore driving licence nor an AA Singapore IDP can replace the Chinese Temporary Driving Permit.
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• • The permitted vehicle category must fall within the category shown on your Singapore licence.
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• • Temporary permits for rented Chinese vehicles are generally limited to small cars classified as C1 or C2.
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• • While driving, carry the temporary permit together with your original Singapore licence, its accepted Chinese translation and the vehicle-rental agreement.
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• • Requirements and processing locations may vary between cities, so your Chengdu-based team should reconfirm the procedure before you travel.
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Suggested 12-Day Singapore–Chengdu–Lhasa Itinerary

This 12-day itinerary begins with your arrival in Chengdu and ends with departure from Lhasa. It combines western Sichuan highlights—including Mount Siguniang, Danba and Yading—with the G318 journey through eastern Tibet.

For Singaporean travellers, the route starts with a flight to Chengdu and a locally arranged vehicle. Driving-permit processing, vehicle handover and the route briefing should be coordinated before arrival. An additional working day in Chengdu may be needed before the road journey begins.

Day	Route	Highlights and Arrangements
1	Singapore → Chengdu	Arrive in Chengdu, settle into your hotel and enjoy free time. Complete any scheduled preparations before departure.
2	Chengdu → Mount Siguniang → Danba	Visit Shuangqiao Valley at Mount Siguniang, then continue to Danba for the night.
3	Danba → Jiaju Tibetan Village → Yuzixi → Xinduqiao	Explore jiaju Tibetan Village and stop at the Yuzixi viewing area before continuing to Xinduqiao.
4	Xinduqiao → Shangri-La Town	Travel towards Shangri-La Town, the base for visiting Yading.
5	Shangri-La Town → Yading Scenic Area → Xiangcheng	Visit Yading Scenic Area before continuing to Xiangcheng. Sightseeing time should be planned around the onward journey.
6	Xiangcheng →  Rumei	Continue towards Tibet and reach Rumei for an overnight stay.
7	Rumei → Baxoi	Travel through the Dongda mountain section and the Nujiang 72 Bends before arriving in Baxoi.
8	Baxoi → Ranwu Lake →  Midui Glacier → Bomi	Enjoy Ranwu Lake and the Midui Glacier area en route to Bomi.
9	Bomi → Tongmai → Lulang → Basum Tso	Travel through river valleys and forested scenery, passing Tongmai and Lulang before reaching Basum Tso.
10	Basum Tso → Gongbo'gyamda → Lhasa	Continue through Gongbo'gyamda towards Lhasa.
11	Lhasa	Visit the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, subject to ticket reservations and local arrangements.
12	Depart from Lhasa	Transfer to the airport or railway station, or begin a pre-arranged extension.

Planning This Route as a Self-Drive Trip

• Allow enough preparation time: This schedule does not include a dedicated driving-permit processing day. Confirm the Chengdu arrangements before booking your arrival flight and add time where necessary.
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• Expect some longer travel days: The Yading visit followed by travel to Xiangcheng, the Rumei–Baxoi stage and the Bomi–Basum Tso stage require careful scheduling. Driving yourself may require a different pace from a chauffeur-driven tour, so sightseeing stops and overnight locations should be reviewed when confirming the trip.
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• Keep the itinerary flexible: Weather, road conditions, sightseeing access and individual altitude adjustment may affect the daily schedule. Additional rest or buffer days can be included when planning your departure dates.
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• Choose your preferred ending: Lhasa is the endpoint of this sample itinerary, but your journey does not have to finish there. We can arrange an Everest Base Camp extension, a return route towards Chengdu or discuss onward travel towards Nepal when border access and the required arrangements allow.

We can customise this route with suitable vehicles, accommodation, permits and local support. Motorcycle touring is also available, with riding qualifications and vehicle arrangements assessed separately.

Singapore Driving vs Driving on the G318

Driving the G318 from Chengdu to Lhasa is very different from driving in Singapore. The change is not only about scenery: drivers must adjust to the opposite side of the road, a left-hand-drive vehicle, longer mountain stages and the effects of altitude.

Singapore	G318 in Western China
Left-hand traffic	Right-hand traffic
Mostly right-hand-drive vehicles	Locally arranged rental vehicles are usually left-hand drive
Urban roads and expressways	Long mountain roads, valleys and continuous bends
Tropical,near-sea-level conditions	Cooler, drier and high-altitude conditions across much of the route
Road signs are relatively easy to understand	Many local signs and notices are primarily in Chinese
Fuel, repairs and mobile services are readily available	Distances between towns and service points can be much longer

The switch to right-hand traffic is usually the first adjustment for Singaporean drivers. Overtaking, turning at junctions and entering roundabouts require particular attention, as familiar habits can return automatically. Take time in Chengdu to become comfortable with the vehicle position, mirrors and local traffic flow before starting the mountain route.

The G318 also demands a different approach to time and vehicle control. A 200-kilometre section may take five or six hours once bends, mountain passes, roadworks, weather and traffic controls are considered. On long descents, use lower gears and engine braking where appropriate rather than relying continuously on the brakes.

Night driving is best avoided on mountain sections. Roads may have limited lighting, while rain, fog, wildlife, stopped vehicles or temporary roadworks can be difficult to spot in time. July and August can bring heavier rain, rockfalls and occasional road restrictions, so daily plans should remain flexible.

Finally, altitude can make driving more tiring than expected. Headaches, poor sleep and unusual fatigue can affect concentration and judgement. A sensible G318 itinerary should therefore allow time to rest, acclimatise and stop early when conditions or your physical state require it.

What Type of Vehicle Is Best for the G318?

For most Singaporean travellers, a mid-size automatic SUV is the most practical choice for the Chengdu–Lhasa G318 route.

A large off-road vehicle is not essential for a standard G318 itinerary, as most of the main route is paved. However, the vehicle should be in reliable mechanical condition, with adequate ground clearance, suitable tyres and a well-planned maintenance and support arrangement.

An automatic transmission is often the easier option on unfamiliar mountain roads, allowing the driver to focus more attention on bends, traffic, changing weather and altitude. Before departure, check the spare tyre, brakes, lights, heating and air-conditioning systems, and onboard tools.

Fuel planning should also be included in the route briefing. Service stations are available along the main route, but distances between towns can be longer than in Singapore, and daily fuel stops should not be left until the last minute.

A Chengdu pickup with a Lhasa return must be arranged in advance. One-way vehicle arrangements are not automatically available through standard rental platforms and depend on the vehicle, travel dates and operator support plan.

Bringing a Singapore-registered vehicle into China is a separate and more complicated process involving temporary import approval, customs, insurance, temporary registration and vehicle coordination. For a short tourist trip, using a vehicle arranged in China is generally the simpler option.

• Prefer a Motorcycle?

The Chengdu-Lhasa G318 can also be arranged as a supported motorcycle tour, but it is not simply a matter of replacing the SUV with a rental bike. Under China’s temporary-entry rules, permits for rented Chinese vehicles are normally limited to C1 or C2 cars. Motorcycle categories generally apply when a rider uses a personally owned motorcycle that has been temporarily imported into China.

If you want to use a motorcycle arranged in China, the applicable Chinese motorcycle-licence and vehicle arrangement must be checked case by case before booking. Once the legal structure is confirmed, our team can coordinate the motorcycle journey, Tibet permits, guide, accommodation, luggage planning and backup support around the rider’s experience and the season.

Altitude and Physical Preparation

Singapore is close to sea level, while the G318 repeatedly enters high-altitude areas.

• Chengdu: approximately 500 m

• Litang: approximately 4,014 m

• Dongda Pass: approximately 5,130 m

• Lhasa: approximately 3,650 m

The route includes several days in areas above 4,000 metres. Altitude can affect more than physical comfort: headaches, poor sleep and unusual fatigue may also reduce concentration and reaction time behind the wheel.

A gradual itinerary helps reduce the risk of altitude-related problems. Avoid compressing the journey into consecutive long driving days, and use lower-elevation stops such as Yajiang, Batang and Bomi where the route allows.

Drink water regularly, avoid excessive alcohol and pay attention to how you feel each day. If you develop clear symptoms of altitude illness or feel too fatigued to concentrate, do not continue driving simply to keep the itinerary on schedule. Follow your guide’s safety plan and seek medical advice when needed.

Travellers with pre-existing heart, lung or other relevant health conditions should consult a doctor before planning a high-altitude road trip.

Best Time to Drive the G318

Peroid	Typical Conditions
May-June	Often a balanced period for weather, road conditions and sightseeing.
July-August	Landscapes are greener, but this is the wetter period. Rain, rockfalls, landslides and temporary traffic controls are more likely.
September-October	Usually one of the more favourable autumn windows, with clearer skies and relatively stable conditions.
November-March	Cold temperatures, snow, ice and possible road closures make this period less suitable for drivers without high-altitude winter experience.

No season makes the G318 completely predictable. Weather, construction, traffic controls and road conditions can change quickly, especially in mountain areas. Check the latest forecast and local road information before setting out each day, and keep at least one flexible day in the itinerary.

How Much Does a G318 Self-Drive Trip Cost?

A G318 self-drive trip is best planned around its main cost components rather than a single fixed total:

• • Singapore–Chengdu international flights
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• • Return or onward flights, or a cross-border transfer when available
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• • Car or motorcycle arrangement and any one-way vehicle return service
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• • Fuel, tolls and parking
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• • Hotels and meals
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• • Tibet permits and administrative arrangements
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• • Licensed guide and local support
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• • Vehicle, travel and medical insurance
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• • A buffer for itinerary changes, weather delays or emergencies
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The final cost depends mainly on the number of travellers, travel style, vehicle or motorcycle model, hotel standard, season and route ending. Extending the journey to Everest Base Camp, returning to Chengdu by road or arranging additional support changes both the duration and the quotation.

Once you have confirmed your dates and group size, a travel agency can provide a clearer quotation based on the vehicle, accommodation and support level you prefer.

Planning Timeline Before Leaving Singapore

• 2–3 Months Before
• • Confirm your travel dates, group size, travel style and preferred route
• • Contact a licensed travel agency to discuss a foreign-driver G318 itinerary
• • Choose a self-drive vehicle or motorcycle and your accommodation standard
• • Choose a Lhasa finish, Everest loop, future Nepal continuation or road return to Chengdu
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• 1–2 Months Before
• • Send passport and Singapore driving-licence copies for document preparation
• • Confirm the Tibet Travel Permit application and Tibet itinerary
• • Arrange the accepted Chinese translation of your driving licence
• • Book international flights and confirm the Chengdu arrival date
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• 2–3 Weeks Before
• • Confirm the vehicle, hotels and daily route
• • Check insurance coverage and prepare suitable clothing and personal items
• • Monitor seasonal weather and road-condition updates
• • Review the route briefing, meeting points and emergency contact arrangements
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• After Arriving in Chengdu
• • Finalise the Chinese Temporary Driving Permit procedure
• • Inspect the vehicle and confirm its documents
• • Familiarise yourself with right-hand traffic and left-hand-drive controls
• • Confirm the daily driving plan and safety arrangements with your guide
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To plan your trip, send us your travel dates, group size, number of drivers or riders, preferred car or motorcycle, and whether you want to finish in Lhasa, add Everest Base Camp, continue towards Nepal when the border reopens or return to Chengdu by road.

FAQs for Singaporean Drivers

• Can I drive in China with a Singapore driving licence?

No. A Singapore driving licence alone does not authorise you to drive in mainland China. You must obtain a Chinese Temporary Driving Permit for the appropriate vehicle category.

• Is a Singapore-issued IDP valid in China?

No. An International Driving Permit issued by AA Singapore is not recognised as a valid driving document in mainland China. It cannot replace the Chinese Temporary Driving Permit.

• Do Singaporeans need a Chinese visa?

Singapore citizens holding ordinary passports can currently enter mainland China without a visa for eligible stays of up to 30 days, including tourism. Check the latest entry rules before departure, as policies can change.

• Do I still need a Tibet Travel Permit if China is visa-free?

Yes. Visa-free entry to mainland China, the Tibet Travel Permit and the Chinese Temporary Driving Permit are three separate requirements. All foreign travellers need a Tibet Travel Permit before entering the Tibet Autonomous Region.

• Can I drive the G318 independently?

You may drive the vehicle yourself on a properly arranged self-drive trip. However, foreign travellers cannot travel independently within Tibet: the itinerary, permits and licensed guide must be arranged in advance through an authorised travel agency.

• How many days should I allow?

Allow approximately 14-16 days for the core Singapore-Chengdu-Lhasa journey, including preparation time in Chengdu and a rest day in Lhasa. Add roughly four to six days for an Everest Base Camp loop. A road return to Chengdu requires a significantly longer itinerary, while a Nepal continuation depends on the border being open.

• Can I bring my own Singapore-registered car?

It may be possible through a separate temporary-import process, but it involves customs, insurance, temporary registration and vehicle coordination. For most short-term visitors, starting in Chengdu with a locally arranged vehicle is the simpler option.

• Can I ride the G318 by motorcycle instead?

Yes. We provide supported G318 motorcycle journeys as well as car-based self-drive trips. However, a C1/C2 temporary permit for a rented car does not authorise motorcycle riding. Tell us whether you plan to bring your own motorcycle or use a bike arranged in China so that the applicable licence, vehicle and Tibet travel requirements can be checked before booking.

Conclusion: Is the G318 Right for You?

The Chengdu-Lhasa G318 self-drive journey is best suited to travellers who enjoy long-distance driving and are prepared for changing road conditions, continuous mountain bends and high-altitude travel.

It may be right for you if you:

• • Have previous long-distance or mountain-road driving experience
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• • Are comfortable with several consecutive days on the road
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• • Are willing to keep a flexible pace for weather and altitude
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• • Prefer driving yourself rather than travelling as a passenger
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With the correct permits, a suitable vehicle and local support, Singaporean travellers can experience the G318 from behind the wheel or the handlebars. We arrange both self-drive and supported motorcycle journeys, with the motorcycle licence and vehicle formalities handled as a separate process. Routes can finish in Lhasa, add an Everest Base Camp loop, return to Chengdu by road or continue towards Nepal after the border route officially reopens. Tell us your dates, group size, preferred travel style and route ending, and we can coordinate the itinerary, permits, driving procedures, accommodation and vehicle support.