Driving through Tibet

Tibet has its own public transportation system, yet most tourists going to Tibet prefer not to use it in order to save time and have a better sightseeing schedule. There are two ways to obtain a reliable sightseeing ride in Tibet: get a seat on a sightseeing bus through a local travel agency, or rent a car.

Tips for choosing sightseeing buses

In Lhasa, most travel agencies have privately-managed sightseeing buses , and the Tourism Bureau also has its own sightseeing bus teams.

Official sightseeing buses have the Tianma (heaven horse) design on them, the symbol of the tour as well as the number for a telephone hotline printed on the door. Those privately-owned-yet-attached-to-some-governmental-department buses have legal certificates to do business in tourism. Professional sightseeing buses such as long-distance buses from the Tourism Bureau are equipped with special gas cookers.

It's a good idea to ask other tourists about the driver's reputation and service, knowledge of roads and vehicle maintenance and repair skills before stepping on any bus.

Tips for renting a car

Considering the rugged roads in Tibet, jeeps like the Toyota Land Cruiser 4500 are the best choice when it comes to renting a car. Much cheaper alternatives are mini or medium-sized buses.

Make sure you inspect the vehicle closely before you pay for anything.

Read the odometer to know how old the vehicle is.

It's better to avoid renting a Toyota 4500 if there is over 300,000 km on the odometer. Four-wheel drive is necessary to make sure the vehicle can get out of deep pits. Check the engine to make sure that the engine matches the shell of the car.

Check the driver's driving license to see how much experience he has.

In Tibet, some drivers have not received professional driving lessons and have no driving licenses. To be on the safe side, check driver's licenses and vehicle insurance cards.

A contract is necessary when renting vehicles. Make sure each person in the car has a copy of the contract.

Several points for consideration when making the contract

Some rental prices are set according to distance and some by days. Negotiation is necessary.

If you aren't renting the vehicle yourself, check to make sure there is a clause in the contract that states how many passengers will be allowed on the bus. Some drivers will overcrowd the vehicle to make more money.

Make sure there is a clause defining how much you will pay in advance (which should be a maximum of 50 per cent of the total cost) and defining the compensation terms in case of contract violation on the part of the rental agency or driver.

Make sure there are clauses defining where to stop to eat, stay for the night and banning driving after drinking, as is common in Tibet given the lack of professional driving training.

Where to get a ride?

Car rental information tourists get at the Jiri hostel or Balangxue hostel (the two hostels in Lhasa) is usually from a go-between who doesn't own a car himself. It's a better idea to speak to someone who owns a car, or go to a travel agency or car rental company instead.

*Tibet Tianyou International Travel Agency
Mountain bikes are also available to rent in addition to cars. The agency has a permanent office in Balangxue hostel, Lhasa.
Tel: 0891-6332137/6551373

*Tibet Yak International Travel Agency
This agency has several consultation offices in Lhasa. One is near Barkhor Street.
Tel: 0891-6320261/6573216

*Tibet Shenglu Car Rental and Sales Co. Lmt.
The first car rental agency in Lhasa.
Tel£º0891-6819886

*Tibet Huanyu Car Rental Company
Has about 100 cars for rent.
Location: F/11, International Trade Mansion, No.75, Jinzhu Xilu, Lhasa
Tel:0891-6833333

*Lhasa Xuexian Cars Club
Vehicles can be leased with a driver or without. Tourists with valid licenses can drive the vehicle themselves. Two-way radios are provided free of charge if renting several vehicles.
Location: inside the courtyard of Sitong Binguan, Beijing Zhonglu, Lhasa
Tel: 0891-6332842/13659543686

Beijing Office
Location: inside Sanfo Madian store, No.3 Building 2, Madian Nancun
Tel: 010-62043094

*Lhasa Xiangyun Car Rental Company
Has sedans, cars for business use and jeeps. Vehicles can be leased with drivers or without.
Location: near Shengcheng Garden, Selalu, Lhasa
Tel: 0891-6372701

*Matou Xingzhe Jeeps' Club
Has its own hostel and automobile rental service.
Location: on Linkuo North Road, behind Potala Palace
Tel: 0891-6815170

- From chinadaily.com.cn