Tibet Travel Guide

Tibet travel guide offers up-to-date Tibet travel information on Tibet attractions, hotels, and restaurants, means of transportation, weather, maps, shopping, nightlife, pictures, Tibet travel advice, as well as Tibet tour services including Tibet travel permit, private Tibet tour, Tibet group tour, Tibet trekking and cycling, religious kora, etc.

By following the highlights of the Tibet tour and handy travel tips, tourists can easily navigate their way to the favorite attractions at the right time. For clients with special requirements, our seasoned travel consultants will work with you to customize your Tibet tour. Please feel free to contact us for free information.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Known as the roof of the world, Tibet has an average elevation of over 4,000 meters. Generally speaking, the Tibetan altitude goes down from northwest to southeast. Take Ngari Prefecture in western Tibet as an example: The altitude reaches up to over 5,000 meters, as does the northern area of the Tibetan plateau. While the altitudes of Lhasa and Shigatse range from 3,000 to 4,500 meters above sea level, eastern Tibet and southern Tibet lie at heights of around 3,000 meters above sea level. Going down to the southeast, the lowest part would be at less than 2000 meters. That is the reason why Nyingchi Prefecture, in the far southeast, enjoys the reputation of being known as the “Swiss Alps” of Tibet. The following is a list of the altitudes of different places in and around Tibet. Those with chronic health problems should consult their doctor before making travel plans for Tibet. Most people visiting Tibet rarely suffer more than mild discomfort before getting acclimatized. Some people use DIAMOX to prevent sickness. You will be in the higher passes for about half-an-hour. In fact, you are much less susceptible to high altitude sickness in Tibet, because you do not strain yourself. Please consult your doctor if in doubt. Drink lots of liquids.

MONEY
Money can be exchanged at the Bank of China and its branches in Zhangmu, Xigatse, and Lhasa. Hard currencies are exchanged for YUAN at approximately 8 YUAN to the US$ and are re-convertible at the said banks when leaving Tibet/China.

ROAD
The road between Kathmandu and Nyalam is bad, and it can be disrupted during the monsoon. Some parts above the friendship bridge and above Zhangmu are not in a condition to ply a vehicle; as such, we have to walk for about 3 hours above the friendship bridge and for about 2 hours. Porters are provided in these areas. During the monsoon, if it rains heavily, the road will be flooded with water between Xigatse and Gyantse, so we have to detour via the Northern highway. We use the Southern highway via Gyantse and Yamdrok Lake. It involves the crossing of a pass, Karo-La, which is 5010m high.

FOOD
The food is still bad at Zhangmu and Xegar. Since there are no restaurants along the way, we advise you to take a few cans of sardines, dried fruits, biscuits, etc. For the return journey, you can buy at Lhasa. Also, you can take a cup, a spoon, tea, and instant soup. Every guesthouse or hotel provides a big thermos full of hot water

HEALTH
It is necessary to be physically fit & healthy to participate on Tibet tour. Even if there is no particular age limit guideline, children below 8 years or elderly people exceeding 70 years or more are not advised to participate. A doctor’s medical certificate is essential for trip participation. Furthermore, those who are sufferers of high blood pressure, heart problem or diabetes are not recommended for the tour. Drink water as much as you can while on the Tibet tour. Do not strain yourself. Move slowly, breathe deeply, feel easy, and take regular rests.

INSURANCE
It is most advisable that all clients have full insurance against medical and personal accident risk, natural calamities, political instability, etc.

Chinese Visa and Entry Procedure
According to Chinese Law, travelers who enter Tibet from Nepal or India are required to apply for a Group Tourist Visa kind of single-entry visa. This visa must be obtained at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Travelers have to enter China and leave China in a specified period of time, which is given according to the tour itinerary provided by us, and not more than 30 days. If you have some other plan to do in China after the tour, please let us know so that we can help you to put the extra days you need into the tour itinerary.

Please be aware that the group visa is the only kind of visa that allows you to enter Tibet. Besides, the other kinds of Chinese visa you may obtain before automatically expire when you get the group visa.
Travelers need to arrive in Kathmandu several days before to wait for the visa. You have to stay at least 1 working day (Any day among Monday, Wednesday, and Friday).
In order to get a Chinese Visa, we will need a copy of your passport at least 20 days before the commencement of your trip, followed by your actual passport five days before the visa issuing days. If you are entering via mainland China, you have to obtaina Chinese visa from your home country. Visa regulations in Tibet keep changing. Please ask us for the latest Tibet visa information.

The working day refers to Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Note: Normal: 3 working days; Urgent: 2 working days; Top Urgent: 1 working day