China Travel Forum

[Modenar]

I will be travelling overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa in late March and then to Chengdu or Kunming in early April. The guidebook mentions that although hitching from Lhasa to those cities is illegal for foreigners, more and more travellers are making it through. I was wondering if anyone who has done it recently or talked to someone who did it could give me any information on the risks and how long it takes. Any tips on the road conditions of the northern and southern highways at that time of year would also be appreciated.

One last thing: I am in Kathmandu now and have been talking to travel agents about the cheapest way into Tibet. They all say that the Chinese government has recently made it manditory to book an 8 day tour when travelling from Kathmandu. If anyone knows any way around this please let me know.

Thanks a bunch

[Kyota21]

The situation is gradually getting more tight regarding the time they will give you in Tibet and the need of a tour. They currently give a max of 15 days in Tibet when arriving from Nepal, of course unless you are on a grouptour with a guide for the whole duration.
The risc about hitchhiking from Lhasa to Chengdu is being caught at a checkpoint, getting a fine (bargain) and sent back to Lhasa. It will take maybe 4 days depending on luck and the state of the road.

[Lose Li]

You have to be very aware of the visasituation from Nepal. Although it has been pretty consistent for the last couple of months its still a max of 15 days in Tibet with no possibility for extensions. The grapewine says its getting more difficulty to get the permit in respect of waitingtime for the permit.

In ganden or Hebu you can hire a local with a yak to guide you to Samye (if any is available and not busy in the fields). They will aprroach you when you leave the bus from Lhasa. They do not however provide tents, food or kitchen. You basically needs to bring everything you need for the trip, tent, sleepingbag, food, water etc and make sure the deal is that the guide bring his own tent and food.