Lhasa to Kathmandu
 

Sorry if this is an ignorant post - it’s been some time since I've been on here! Push bikes, not motorcycles this time...

Two of us are (or at least were!) planning to cycle from Lhasa to Kathmandu this October. We'll be carrying our gear and wanted to do it independently, or as independently as possible, avoiding the costs of commercial tour companies, land cruisers to carry our gear etc etc.

Can we do it independently? If so, how? Anyone else going to be in the area?

Advice gratefully received!!

(This is not a question of whether we can do it physically… We are aware of the route and are mega fit cyclists...!)

To the best of my knowledge, China has not been issuing visas to Tibet for several months now. If you are granted a visa, you are required to travel as part of a group. Tibet is a very politically sensitive area and the Chinese don't like foreigners wandering around unescorted.

My Nepali friend who works in the travel industry just told me today that China has partially lifted the travel ban to Tibet. As of today, private parties can get travel permits($$$$). However, lower cost group trips are still not allowed (at least those issued from Kathmandu).

Oct may have too much ice on the road. Should try in Sep.

Don't think the visa thing has eased.

I can give no help what so ever about your question, but if you do get to do it how about telling us about it in the cycling section of the forum?