China Travel Forum

[Oswald]

Hi,
I'm planning a solo-trip taking my bike with me for 6 weeks.
I arrive in Kathmandu and - as far as I see - I have to book a grouptour to get to Lhasa, by air or overland.
Then I have to get an extension for my visa (for I want to stay as long as possible in Tibet around Lhasa) and can ride my way back along the friendship Highway on my own.
Is that the way it should work? with the bike, too ?
I don't want to get to the Everest base camp, so I don't need an extra permit, right?
And individual visas for China I maybe could get at home are useless, true?
Any answer welcome,

thanks

[Rex]

1. You really need to be careful biking on your own in Tibet - there are a few missing posters around Lhasa for solo trekkers and bikers who never returned. You really should find someone to team up with for a trip like this - it's a rough place at times.

2. No permit is required for the Everest base camp anyway so I'm not sure if you are referring to the standard Tibet travel permit? To venture past the Base Camp requires a permit. It's a pity you will bypass it, as I found it one of the most profound and moving moments of my life - looking at Qomolangma in all her glory together with the stay at Rhongpu monastery.

3. Any individual Chinese 'L' type visa obtained before entry in Tibet will be cancelled at the border to Tibet with no refund.