Travel preparation:
I hadn't much time for my preparation, since i decided this trip in short notice. At the end of my internship at Festo (China) Ltd. i realised, that i still have about 2 month left before i have to get back to germany. There i immediately thought about my big dream... Tibet! After long thinking and deliberating about how i could travel there the best and what places i want to visit, i decided to travel by bicycle. With a Jeep and a group was out of question for me, i wanted to struggle through there alone. First i thought about trekking and hitchhiking and use the local buses, but since the guidebook 'Lonely Planet' says that this is illegal for foreigners and sometimes very difficult to get a lift, there was only the bike left. Now i'm convinced this was the best idea. Though it is actually illegal too, to travel alone without a permit by bike in Tibet, but on my trip noone asked me about a permit, the only thing they checked twice was my chinese visa.
My equipment i had to by nearly completly in China, whereas some things were not very easy to find. Some things like a good map, good sunscreen... i had recieved from my parents and friends from Germany.
Chinese Visa
Very important , thereon you should mind two things: 1. That it's long enough valid and 2. you shouldn't mention that you want to go to Tibet in your application.
Permit for the entry to Tibet
This you can get from an travel agency , or how i did it, directly from the TTB (Tibet Tourism Bureau). I went to the TTB in Shanghai and explained to them that i only want to go to Lhasa, nothing else, because i'm not sure if i get used to the high altitude. Then I got a "One Way Ticket" and a permit for three days with accommodation and guide in Lhasa. If you get to Tibet, only the chinese visa interests, at least this was my experience.
Passport
The Passport you should have with you during all your trips, especially because your visa is in it.
vaccination certificate
Not imperative.
Decathlon Mountain bike
Bought at Decathlon in Shanghai for only 160€ + small parts and spare parts. Astonishing, but this bike has never let me down on my whole trip (approx. 1300 km), I only had two punctures.
Panniers
They were from Decathlon, too, sadly not complete waterproof. And the fixing was also not the best...on my next tour i will get some better ones.
Pump
Also from Decathlon, was ok. Here it is ok to spent a bit more, because a bad pump could be very annoying.
Tachometer
I didn't take on with me, but on second-guess it would be nice to had one with me.
Spare parts
I only had a repair kit and two spare inner tubes with me, but i had a lot of luck that my bike had no other problems. My friends bike had a spoke broken and another the gearshift cable, those parts you should also take with you.
Tools
Good handy tools are very important. Here I had a multi-purpose tool with allen key, screwdrivers and wrench. Chain oil, is very important, too. I had a can of WD40 with me, but sadly it never arrived in Tibet and I couldn't find any in Lhasa.
Shoes
I suggest waterproof shoes, I had Trekking shoes. I also took Flipflops with me, for the time I don't ride my bike.
Rain gear
Very very important, the weather in Tibet is always changing fast and it rained nearly every day once.
Windjacket
Could very convenient, the wind are sometimes strong and cold.
other clothes
Hood or hat, light clothing... if the sun comes out it can get quite warm.
Pharmaceuticals
I luckily hadn't needed it, but I suggest to take something against a cold, the runs and fever with you.
Vitamins
In my opinion extremely important!! Since you don't have often the chance to get good food there traveling on bike, vitamines and minerals are necessary.
Camping stove
I had three cans of gas for my stove, but i only needed one. Important to cook the water and to have now and then a warm meal.
Sunscreen
Very important, the sun is very strong in this high altitude, I had sun blocker with +60 and my australian friend had +40.
Toiletries
Here is to say, don't take too much with you, but important are... toothbrush, toothpaste, toiletpaper...
Sleeping bag
Also from Decathlon, should be light and usefull for temperatures down to -20°, best to also take an inlet.
Tent
Light tent, 2.5 kg, from Decathlon and easy to put up.
Sleeping pad
Very important, i sadly had not a good one, but still it was better than none.
Compass
GPS is nice, but i think it is not necessary a compass is good enough.
Map
Very important, a good map is absolutely necessary for the planing of each stage and your timetable.