Lhasa sits at 3,650 meters in a broad valley with a river running through it, and much of the central city is flat. Distances between the Potala Palace, Barkhor, Norbulingka and the riverside are short enough to cover by bicycle, and cycling avoids the traffic and the long walks that make altitude feel worse.
Riding in Lhasa
Bicycles can be rented in the old town, and bike-sharing schemes exist in the city. The riverside road along the Kyichu River is the pleasantest route, with a paved path and open views of the surrounding mountains. The circuit linking the Potala, Norbulingka and the old town is about fifteen kilometers and takes two hours at an unhurried pace, including stops.
The Friendship Highway
The road from Lhasa west to Shigatse and on toward Everest is known as the Friendship Highway. It crosses high passes, follows the Brahmaputra valley, and passes Yamdrok Lake and the Karo La glacier. Fully supported tours run the route over five to eight days with vehicle support, and shorter sections can be ridden as day rides from Lhasa or Shigatse. This is serious high-altitude riding, with passes above 5,000 meters.
Practical notes
Allow at least two or three days in Lhasa to acclimatize before any significant ride; altitude sickness is the real risk here, not the terrain. Most travelers to Tibet require a permit and a guide, and permits restrict where you can go independently, so a supported tour is generally the practical option outside Lhasa. Bring sun protection and windproof clothing; the sun at altitude is fierce and the afternoon wind on the passes is strong.
