Tibet
Thanks to Carl Parker and his motorcycle forums.
I am not going to post all the info I acquired from such a kind and giving source. It would be too easy for anyone to use all the info I have been researching for over a year, work for what you want, right?
I learned that my previous route cutting along the Tibetan plateau and heading SW through Qinghai Route of the Silk Road is very difficult…and perhaps insane for someone traveling alone and at least with my little experience and knowledge of the area.
Rather than taking the the Qinghai Route I will cross the Taklamakan Desert on a main route somewhere between Khotan and Charchan, closer to the latter. There is water supply throughout the desert and then I will backtrack towards Dunhuang, even though I took the Northern route already. Depending on time, I may jump on a train/bus since I have already cycled this area…no it’s not cheating, it’s rather beating wintertime in NW China.
Dangers along the Qinghai route: furious sandstorms, lack of water, large open asbestos mine, and often you will need a permit to get through because of all the prisons in the West.
NOTE: After nearly a year of planning, it is still impossible for foreigners to trek through Tibet without a tour group or the correct paperwork. I constantly see postings on forums by foreigners wanting to cycle through Tibet – right now, don’t attempt it, it is nearly impossible. Either way, I don’t want my visitation rights to China ripped away from me. Obey the government when a guest.
At the beginning of 2009 – I had my heart on applying to Graduate School for Journalism. My background being photography, I wanted to add something to my credentials – not leave it behind. So I figured, I would just apply and go off for a bike ride around China for 6 months. Here I am, nearly 2 months into planning this journey and I find myself pushing the lift off date back BUT lengthening my trip indefinitely.
Graduate School will always be there- and well, being an American living in China, learning the language and customs…I have to take advantage of this.
Many people are surpised when I tell them the only country out of America I have ever been is China. “Not even Europe?!” is the typical response. No, not even France or the UK.
About 4 months after graduating college (in the winter) I was in a full time, “real person” job. Salary and a 401k and all of that. Yes, so my friends were leaving me behind to go travel wherever, however. I was really, really envious – and then getting to hear of their travels upon their return…only made me feel like I was missing out on something that everyone did in their early twenties.
Here I am, age is irrelevant – but let’s just say late 20’s, and I am so glad I put it off. It’s not that I had much of a choice, but I this trip is going to matter, it’s going to say something…it’s something so much greater than going to Graduate School for 12 months.
I have obtained much needed information about traveling into Tibet during this week. It is next to impossible. Now I hear that I may have similar difficulties getting into XianJiang Province.
Let me restate :
It is completely, 100% illegal to go through Tibet. With China’s birthday this year and the minorities “uprising “- this is no longer on my wish list of travel’s.
Also, my mom says, “it was difficult to see your fears written down in black and white”. Yes, but if I am smart and don’t travel once the sun sets – those blue trucks will not be running me off the road.
“Why don’t you take along someone else,” she asks. “Because, I don’t want to be responsible for anyone other than myself. I trust myself 100%, know enough Mandarin, Chinese culture and lifestyle, and started physically training over a month ago.” The only one I trust as much as myself…is my mother! Come on over Mom, let’s ride!!!
China Mongolia and dip into Russia.
May wait until after Chinese Lunar New Year to set off.
It’s illegal. If traveling through Tibet, you are suppose to be with a registered tour group. But of course, there are those that cycle through. Found another site to assist with the entering and exiting – safely – through Tibet. Edward G has also helped with info about passing through this part of “China”. Be sure to the links.
Every time, I think I have a route, this wall I keep banging my head against is Tibet. Do I enter Lhasa, continue to Kathmandu, and then continue through India and up and out of Pakistan. Let me remind you…China is humongous, and there is plenty of this country to cycle through without getting completely illegal about it – or even endangering my life.
Now, I am eyeing Lhasa, and then continue Northwest up to Kashgar – the XinJiang Province. I would not continue on to Kathmandu/Nepal/India. Do I dare? From the information on the web, it’s very desolate, high altitudes, a possibility of not crossing a river, and a LONG steep ride UP. The site I found this on did emphasize the “LONG” part of this.
What’s my biggest fear – running out of water. My second biggest fear – getting hit and dying slowly on the side of the road.
