Tibet- Shangri-La, the land of snows is well known as the roof of the World. Tibet is the land of ancient Buddhist culture having awesome landscapes, artistic monasteries and centuries old caravan trails. Tibet the roof of the world, lies on a plateau at an average elevation of 4,000 m. It is bounded by the Kunlun mountains to the north and the Himalayas to the south. Tibet covers an area of 1.2 million sq. km, and has a population of 2.3 million. Tibet is a sacred land of myths and mysteries inhabited by the ever smiling people, It has not only exerted magnetic spell upon travelers for centuries but also upon spies, missionaries, scholars, geographers, mystics, soldiers and cranks etc, yet, only few intrepid serious and determined travellers have been able to make it. Tibet being extremely remote and isolated by the most formidable Himalayan ranges, a fascinating world of timeless splendor, unique tradition and breathtaking scenery awaits all travelers to the roof of the world.

BEST SEASON & WEATHER
From April to October is the best season for riding. There isn't much rain in Tibet as it's a plateau behind the Himalayan range but it rains to some extent during July and August and rest of the season is fine with clear sky. There may be snow fall in the high passes if it rains during April and end of October. Temperature ranges from 0-15°c depending upon altitude & weather.

CLIMATE
The bulk of the trip is crossing the arid Tibetan Plateau, which lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas and does not receive much annual precipitation. Our departures during the season are timed to miss the monsoon season in Nepal, and we should be guaranteed clear, dry weather for the last leg into Kathmandu. The weather on the Tibetan Plateau during the day will be surprisingly mild and warm, while nights will be clear and crisp. Temperatures will range from 20 degrees Centigrade during the day to well below freezing at night. As on any of our routes though, storms can ccur at anytime along with a sprinkling of snow.

MONEY
Chinese currency is known as Renminbi [RMB] or 'The People's Money'. The exchange rate for RMB is approximately 8 RMB to 1 US$. You can change money at the hotels in Lhasa and in the Bank of China in Lhasa, Shigatse and Zangmu. American Express and VISA cards are accepted in the same places. When we are travelling upcountry, try to get your money in small denominations: RMB 100 and RMB 50 bills are sometimes hard to get rid of in rural Tibet.

SECURITY
Tibetans are generally honest and Hotel staff can be trusted not to walk off with your belongings. Pickpockets are purse snatchers and are virtually unknown and there seem to be no scams aimed at parting you from your money. The situation has eased and Tibetans no longer risk being punished for talking with foreigners. Avoid taking photographs of Chinese soldiers

VISAS
One can get your Nepal visa from Nepalese Embassy or Consular in your country prior to your departure or you can get in the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu on your arrival. You have to get double entry visa so it will be helpful when you'll re-enter to Nepal from Tibet side. We will take care of your Tibet visa but you have to provide us detail information based on « this form » at least three weeks prior of your tour so that we can get visa authorization from Tibet travel agent. According to Chinese Embassy; they have special provision for group visa. We have to submit visa applications with valid passport two days prior to our departure in order to get visa on the next day.

Tibet Group Visa
Embassy open: Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Apply time: 9 am - 11am
Collect: 4 pm - 5.30 pm

TIBET FLIGHT DETAILS
China South-West Airline operates two flights weekly; Tuesday and Saturday both in the morning. So when you book your biking tour, you have to look at your calendar, because you have to be in Kathmandu at least three days prior to departure date.
Each passenger is allowed to carry 20kg. Excess weight is charged with US$ 3 per kg. Airport tax is approx. US$25. During the briefing your return tickets will be handed over to the guides in order to reconfirm it.

FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION
The tours include hotels & simple guest house on bed and breakfast basis. In Lhasa, we will accommodate you in standard hotels or guest houses. But in other places guest houses are simple Tibetan style twin sharing, toilet outside and bucket bath instead of tub bath. Food is generally good and mostly Tibetan style such as noodles, Tibetan bread. And tour doesn't include soft/hard drinks, lunch, dinner. Please note that in Kathmandu hotels are in room only basis.

BICYCLING CLOTHES
1. A 3-season sleeping bag rated to zero.
2. T-shirts (cotton and short sleeved).
3. Full sleeve shirt or light pullover (Polypropylene is recommended).
4. Cycling shorts long &short both needed for unexpected weather.
5. Waterproof windbreaker with a hood and wind trousers
    (make sure the material is "Breathable" for exercise).
6. Cycling socks.
7. Cycling shoes.
8. Cycling gloves full and half.
9. Hat - suitable for cycling and sun protection.
10. Micro-sensor Headband.

EXTRA ITEMS
1. Sun glasses
2. Suntan block or lotion
3. Personal medication
4. Camera and films
5. Flash light / torch
6. Plastic bags for wet cloths
7. Needle, thread, and safety pins
8. Binoculars
9. Mask for dust
10. Water-bottle or Camelback
11. Power bars & your choice of dry food