1. Is independent tour allowed to enter Tibet?
Independent tour is not allowed to enter Tibet. You should take part in an organized group or have the local travel agency to arrange tour for you.
2. What documents should I apply for traveling in Tibet?
There are two documents required for foreign tourists who want to travel in Tibet. One is the Chinese Visa, which you can apply for in Chinese Embassy in your city. Another is Tibet Permit issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau. Well, VisitOurChina can also apply for the Tibet Permit for you as long as you book tour through us.
3. How to obtain Tibet Permit?
Once you book tour in Tibet, your travel agency can be your representative to apply for the permit for you. But please confirm your tour at least two weeks prior to your arrival so that the agency has enough time for the application. To apply for the permit, the copies of passport and visa are required.
4. What is the best season for tour in Tibet?
In general, between April and October is the best time, and peak season is from May to September. However, taking a winter tour will be still comfortable if you can bear the cold weather. During an off-peak time, you can successfully beat the crowds and enjoy the sightseeing at a leisure pace.
5. How to enter Tibet?
Up till now, Chengdu is the most convenient and important air hub to getting into Lhasa, Tibet. The major commercial flight routings are Beijing-Lhasa, Shanghai-Lhasa, Chengdu -Lhasa, Xi'an-Lhasa, Xining-Lhasa, Guangzhou-Lhasa, Chongqing-Lhasa, Kathmandu-Lhasa. But only the routes from Chengdu/Beijing to Lhasa is the most steady. The others are subject to change without prior notice because of the airline company reason, weather condition, government policy etc. so we suggest that you enter Tibet from Beijing or Chengdu.
6. Can I draw cash from the local banks in Tibet?
You can draw cash from the Bank of China in Lhasa, while, it is a little difficult to find one in some remote areas or smaller towns. So we suggest you to bring some cash while taking the tour.
7. What medicines should I bring for the high elevation?
For traveling at a high elevation, highly recommend you to take pain killers, anti-inflammatory prescriptions and medicines for colds, fever and diarrhea, which is very essential while you are in Tibet. If you travel in some remote areas, remember to take some anti-mosquito spray, cream or lotion. Medicines for preventing sunstroke in summer are all necessary. In addition, it is better for the travelers with a pre-existing heart and lung problems to consult the doctors before taking Tibet tours.
8. What to pack for Tibet tours?
Summer is very hot in Tibet, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm are needed to protect you from sun. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is very important, as you are going to have a lot of walking in sightseeing. If you are going to do a lot of hiking, shoes with high sides and a hard sole will be the best choice. Besides, layered clothing and down-filled coat are necessary since the sun is very strong during the day but the temperature drops dramatically at night.
9. What are the most popular destinations in Tibet?
In general, Lhasa, Tsedang, Gyantse, Shigatse, Tingri, Dam etc are the most popular destinations in Tibet. For those tourists interested in expedition, Mt. Everest and Mt. Kailish are the most exciting and accessible areas.
10. Other than Chinese currency, what else currency is acceptable in Tibet?
Other than Chinese currency, US Dollar is also available but only in a very limited range, such as tips. So we suggest that you change some Chinese currency before you purchase something in Tibet. You can do it in Lhasa Hotel or branches of the Bank of China.
11. What will the weather be like?
Generally speaking, the central Tibet, including Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and Tsedang, has very mild weather from April to November. July and August is the rainy season in Tibet. October and November often bring some cool weather and daytime temperatures can be quite comfortable. But the temperature changes fast from day to night. From December to February the next year is the coldest months, but low altitude valleys of Tibet see very little snow.
12. What is the symptom of high altitude sickness?
With altitude sickness, the travelers may first feel like having the flu or a hangover, with symptoms such as, headache, fatigue, appetite loss, nausea, insomnia and difficulty breathing during exercise. Tripchinaguide always leave our customers extra day to acclimate to the higher altitudes when they arrive in Tibet. Moreover, our guides are trained to spot any signs of altitude sickness and know how to react.