Tibet Travel 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 altitude 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 monsoon. Some parts above the friendship bridge and above Zhangmu are not in a condition to ply vehicles as such we have to walk about 3 hours above the friendship bridge and above Zhangmu road for about 2 hours. Porters are provided in these areas. During 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 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 sardine, dried fruits, biscuits, etc. For the return journey, you can buy at Lhasa. Also, you can take a cup, spoon, tea, and instant soup. Every guesthouse or hotel provides a big thermos full of hot water

ENTERING TIBET FROM KATHMANDU. The one exception to this is for travelers who are entering Tibet from Kathmandu, Nepal. In this case, a group visa needs to be applied for through the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu. Note: Since the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, there is no overland border crossing from Nepal to Tibet. Tourists must fly to enter Tibet – the most common route being Kathmandu to Lhasa.