Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Activities
Tibet offers the type of topography to delight horse riders, mountaineers, white-water rafters
and others, though the problem, as always, is the confusing travel permit system, which
many authorities manipulate to their own financial advantage.
Cycling
Tibet offers some of the most extreme and exhilarating mountain biking in the world. Unfor-
tunately the current permit system means that independent tours on bikes are effectively
impossible, or at least much more expensive than a few years ago, since cyclists require a
guide and vehicle support like everyone else.
If things change and if you are fit and well equipped, it's possible to visit most places in
this guide by bike, although the most popular route is the paved roller-coaster ride along
the Friendship Hwy from Lhasa down to Kathmandu. Mountain bikes can be hired in Lhasa
for short trips around the city and surrounding valley.
For a double shot of inspiration, check out the home page of Martin Adserballe
(
www.adserballe.com
).
Bike China
( 1-800-818 1778;
www.bikechina.com
)
This US-based company is a good resource and offers organised supported bike rides in-
cluding tours from Golmud (in Qīnghǎi) to Lhasa.
CYCLING
PRACTICALITIES
Currency
Renminbi, referred to as yuán or colloquially as kuài; ¥1 = 10 máo.
Electricity
220V, 50 cycles AC. Note that electronics such as laptops and iPods (any-
thing with a hard drive) are often affected by altitudes above 4500m and may stop
working.
Plugs
At least five designs: three-pronged angled pins (like in Australia); three-pronged
round pins (like in Hong Kong); two flat pins (US style but without the ground wire); two
narrow round pins (European style); and three rectangular pins (British style).
Weights & Measures
Metric, though traders measure fruit and vegetables by the jin
(500g).
