Tibet Biking Tour

Tibet Biking Tour Faqs

• 1. What is the best time to join a Tibet biking tour?

  The best time to join a Tibet biking tour is generally from April to June and from September to October. During these months, the weather is relatively stable, with clear skies, mild temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for cycling on the breathtaking landscapes of Tibet. Summer is not suitable for biking in Tibet due to rainy weather and large tourist flows. In winter, the weather may be extreme and the roads are often blanketed by snow. It’s also not suitable for cycling, either.

• 2. What is the fitness demand for a Tibet biking tour?

  Tibet biking tour requires a higher level of physical fitness and mental endurance, mainly because of the high altitude and the long ride on the road. We have relatively easy biking routes around Lhasa such as Lhasa to Namtso Lake biking. But if you want to undertake a cycling tour from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp or even to Mount Kailash, you need a significantly higher degree of fitness to finish the whole journey as these routes involve more mountain passes and bends. What's more, the high altitude will make it difficult to breathe and exert oneself when the air becomes thinner. It's essential to engage in training prior to the journey and build up your strength to be able to cycle in high-altitude areas.

• 3. What permits are needed to join a Tibet biking tour?

  To join a Tibet biking tour, you typically need the following permits:

  Tibet Travel Permit: This permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) and is required for all foreign travelers visiting Tibet.

  Aliens' Travel Permit: Travelers traveling to partially restricted areas such as EBC, Basumtso Lake, Samye Monastery, etc. need to obtain Aliens’ Travel Permit via Tibet Travel Agency (like Tibet Horizon).

  Military Area Entry Permit: Travelers visiting military-sensitive areas such as Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, etc, need to apply for a Military Area Entry Permit.

  Chinese Group Visa: If you travel to Tibet from Nepal, you’ll need a Chinese Group Visa issued by the Embassy in Kathmandu.

  Our Xizang (Tibet) tour packages include Tibet Travel Permit and all the necessary Tibet travel documents. If you book with us, we’ll help apply for the permits needed to ensure a smooth and worry-free Tibet biking tour.

• 4. What about the accommodation during Tibet biking tours?

  Lhasa, Shigatse, Darchen and other major cities and counties offer more diverse options from 3-to 5-star hotels to local guesthouses. Cyclers joining our private biking tours can choose according to your standards. However, during the ride, you may have to stay overnight in some remote areas where only tents and guestrooms are available.

• 5. What about the food during Tibet biking tours?

  We have handpicked restaurants with food safety guarantees for our travelers. You can enjoy unique Tibetan, Nepali and Sichuan cuisines along the way. Specialties include yak hotpot, sweet tea, butter tea, roasted pig, tsampa, barley wine, stone pot chicken and spicy diced chicken. Nepali dishes feature chicken masala and various curries. You can also find Indian dishes and Western-style dishes in Tibet. If you have any special dietary requirements, please keep our guides informed and they will help you check food composition when you order dishes. It’s also recommended to bring some food for your biking. Our support vehicle can also provide the necessary food for you.

• 6. Do I need to bring my own bike for a Tibet biking tour?

  It’s recommended to bring your own bike for a Tibet biking tour. Riding a bike that you are already familiar with can make your journey more comfortable. Also, you can make sure that it is well-maintained and fitted to your body. You can bring your bike to Lhasa by train or by flight, but you need to pay for the transportation. If you want to travel light and save the trouble of packing your bike and following the package, you can choose to rent a bike in Lhasa. You should check the condition of the bike and see if it suits you well before your rental. Please contact our expert consultants for more information about bike delivery or rental.

• 7. Can I ride a bike in Tibet without joining an organized cycling tour?

  Sorry but no. Foreign tourists cannot simply obtain a Tibet Travel Permit through a travel agency without participating in the agency's organized tours for cycling in Tibet.

  They are not allowed to travel in Tibet independently or rent bikes for touring purposes. Foreigners riding a bike in Tibet must be accompanied by a professional guide. Normally, your guide will ride in the car not far from you to ensure your safety and give timely support.

• 8. What about the road conditions for biking?

  Generally speaking, the roads are in good condition. Most of them are paved with asphalt with two lanes. However, there are certain sections of the road that is not that ideal as you will pass lofty mountain passes and bends. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure your bike is well-maintained and equipped with necessary accessories.

• 9. What to prepare for my Tibet biking tour?

  Physical Fitness: Keep regular exercise, such as cycling, hiking, or running. Focus on building leg strength as you’ll cycling on plateau terrain, which is more physically demanding. Avoid catching a cold before leaving to Tibet. Avoid staying up late or drinking and keep energetic.

  Mental Preparation: Prepare yourself mentally for the challenges of the bike tour. Keep a positive mindset and build up the confidence to face any difficulties or unexpected circumstances that may happen.

  Packing Essentials: Basics to pack include appropriate clothing such as a down jacket, a windbreaker and sneakers, gloves, a hat, and sunglasses. Don't forget a thermos and snacks to stay hydrated and energetic. You can also prepare some medications like band-aids, glucose, and Ibuprofen. Don't forget travel documents, including your passport, Tibet Travel Permit, and any necessary permits.

• 10. How to deal with possible altitude sickness when biking in Tibet?

  Cycling on the Tibet Plateau with an average altitude of over 4,000 meters, it’s common for some tourists to experience altitude sickness. The symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, nausea, and dizziness.

  To minimize the effect of altitude sickness, it is important to allow time to acclimate to the high altitude and to take precautions to prevent altitude sickness. Travelers should drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol or caffeine. It is also recommended to take a slow path in the first two days after entering Tibet. Our biking tour itineraries start with a Lhasa city tour, giving you enough time to acclimate to the high altitude.

  If you feel uncomfortable, tell your guide. We have prepared oxygen tanks in our vehicles. You can inhale oxygen and take medication when necessary. If symptoms of altitude sickness persist or worsen, we’ll help transfer you to the hotel or hospital to seek medical attention immediately.