Tibet Travel FAQ

Please note that the questions listed here, and their respective answers are just meant only as a general guide to assist in planning and organizing your trip before you actually hit the road. They are not meant to be detailed out information on the road guide.

• Where is Tibet

  Tibet Autonomous Region is located in the southwest of China, with a land area of 1.22 million square kilometers (the second largest region of China). Behind the world's highest mountain range is the mystical land, Tibet. The word ‘Tibet' means heaven, which is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Trivistapa'. Tibet's average heights of over 4,000 m, makes it the world's highest plateau, crowning it as the ‘Roof of the World'.

• What is Tibet known for?

  Tibet is home to some of the world's tallest mountains, several of them making it to the top ten lists. Furthermore, some of the major rivers of Asia have their source in the Tibetan plateau. With its vast grasslands, high mountains and alpine lakes, Tibet is surely a dream destination for tourists, climbers, trekkers and for adventure travelers.

• How can I get Tibet Visa?

  Travelling to Tibet is a dream of many. Here, at Himalayan Glacier we understand this and would like to assist you in making your Tibet tour an adventure of a lifetime. Therefore, presented below is a list of rules and Tibet entry procedures you should know about before travelling to Tibet.

  1. General Information on Tibet Travel

  
  

  • Please note that Tibet travel policies might change without a prior notice and even while you are still on your trip. Among other things, closure of border might also take place. Therefore, it is advisable to have insurance with a good cancellation policy. If your Tibet tour is cancelled due to the change in policy, Himalayan glacier will reserve only the required amount and refund you the rest.
  • China visa and Tibet Travel Permit are a must when you are travelling to Tibet. Regulations to visit Tibet are subject to change before you go and even when you are in Tibet. Currently, foreigners must be part of a group (Group Visa) who enter and exit Tibet on the same itinerary and all carry passports of the same nationality.
  • It is difficult to get your group visa extended, so we suggest you to clearly mention your programs to us during the trip planning phase. Only then will we be able to arrange your visa and permit.
  • The Tibet entry permit can only be issued prior to 3 weeks of arrival in Tibet. Himalayan Glacier will help you organize the permit. Please note that the permit will be checked at the airport in Lhasa and on trains from China to Tibet. Some hotels in Tibet also check the permits.
  • Please make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months before travelling. Visa is not provided to the passports with less than six months’ validity. You need two passport-sized photos for the visa application. We advise you to bring an extra just in case.
  • You are not allowed to take any Tibetan religious books, literatures, any lonely planet items, photographs, especially related to Dalai Lama during your travel to Tibet. If the above mentioned items are found in your possession, they will be confiscated and you will not be allowed to enter Tibet.
  • Please also note that Diplomats, Journalists, professional media photographer and government officials are not able to issue their Tibet permit through Himalayan Glacier. They are only able to travel to Tibet under the arrangement of Foreign Affairs Department, Economic Development Committee, etc.

  
  

  2. Entering Tibet from Nepal

  
  

  • If you are coming to Tibet from Kathmandu, it is advised to get a Chinese visa from Kathmandu (regardless of whether you already have a Chinese visa issued in your country) as a special administrative situation exists between China and Nepal. We also highly recommend you to not apply for individual Chinese visa in your country if you decide to enter Tibet from Nepal, since when you apply for the group visa to entering Tibet, the Chinese embassy will cancel your individual Chinese visa.
  • If you are entering Tibet via Nepal, you will get Chinese visa only in the passport that is stamped with the Nepalese visa. Therefore, we advise you to use same passport while travelling to Nepal and Tibet (China).
  • The Tibet Group Visa is an A4 size sheet of paper, with the name, sex, nationality, passport number, date of birth and occupation of each member of your group listed. The dates of entry and exit are precisely recorded.
  • Itinerary and the places to visit in Tibet must be stated clearly and finalized in advance because while applying for a Chinese visa and Tibet Travel Permit from Kathmandu, a copy of this should be attached. The visa is issued accordingly.
  • Tibet permits can be obtained using photocopy of your passport but you must have your original passport to apply for Chinese visa which will be collected by Himalayan Glacier once you arrive in Kathmandu.
  • Travel permit from the Tibet Tourism Bureau (Lhasa) is obtained in accordance to your itinerary mentioned in the permit application. Himalayan Glacier will try and get the permits (Group visa) for you but do bear in mind that the final decision to grant you the permit is totally up to the Tibet Tourism Bureau.
  • Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu is open from Mondays to Fridays. Usually, it takes 5 working days to issue a Chinese visa from the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu. However, in urgent condition we can also organize your Chinese visas in 1 working day by paying an express fee.
  • If you plan to enter mainland China after your Tibet travel, the group visa will allow you to enter mainland China. If the duration of your group visa covers all your programs in mainland China also then you can use it during your stay in mainland China. Please note that all the members of the group have to board the same flight to leave the country. In case your group members have separate flights or dates, you need to inform Himalayan Glacier clearly during the planning as then we will have to apply for separate group visas. (It all depends on Chinese official’s decision)

  
  

  3. Entering Tibet from mainland China

  
  

  • It’s best not to mention Tibet or any places in Tibet as your travel destination when you are applying for Chinese visa (the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu is the only exception). Since Tibet is politically sensitive in China and sometimes it may refuse your visa application if you mention about Tibet in the application form, so please keep this in mind when applying and you can mention any city of mainland China such as Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Chengdu-Sichuan, Yunnan, etc. as your travel destinations.
  • If you are planning to enter Tibet via mainland China, you need to organize your Chinese visa from Chinese embassy in your home country. Himalayan Glacier will help arrange for your Tibet Travel Permit from China.
  • According to the Chinese rules and regulation, it is not possible to provide you with the Tibet Travel Permit via freight services. However, Himalayan Glacier can make arrangements for you to get your permit while you are in China. For that to happen, you need to consider two situations mentioned below.
    1. If you have booked a hotel in mainland China then please provide us details of your hotel including its name, address and telephone number. Also, let us know the check in time along with the name under which the hotel reservation has been made. Please do not forget to give us the name of an appropriate hotel authority so that we can drop your Tibet Travel Permit at your hotel with the appropriate person mentioned by you. Also, make sure to inform the hotel about your whereabouts and make confirmations that you will be checking in at the hotel.
    2. If are taking a direct flight to Lhasa from mainland China then please provide us the details of your transits so that we can make arrangements for our staff to wait for you outside the transit point (airport) and handover your Tibet Travel Permit to you.
  • Chinese Passport Holders do not need the Tibet permit to go/travel to Tibet. According to the rules and regulations of the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), foreign passport holders (including the Taiwanese and Non-Chinese ID card holders need to have Tibet Travel Permit for visiting. People who hold Hong Kong SAR passports and Macau SAR passports do not need the permit.
  • If you arrive in China from your home country, you must register with the police within 24 hours of your arrival in the country. Even foreigners with residence permits are required to register after each re-entry. If you are staying in a hotel, the staff will automatically register you. However, if you are staying in a private home with family or friends, you should take your passport to the local police station to register. Failure to do so could result in fines and detention. Chinese law requires that you carry a valid passport and Chinese visa or residence permit at all times

  
  

  However, the rules and regulations regarding Chinese visa and Tibet travel permit changes frequently. Therefore, we suggest our clients to seek advice from our travel consultants before making any plans to travel to Tibet.

• How to enter Tibet?

  By Road: There are five main highways in Tibet, namely:

  • Sichuan-Tibet Highway – it runs between Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province, and Lhasa.
  • Qinghai-Tibet Highway – it runs between Xining, the capital city of Qinghai, to Lhasa.
  • Yunnan-Tibet Highway – it runs between Yunnan province and Tibet.
  • Xinjiang-Tibet Highway – it runs across boundless deserts, lofty and steep peaks.
  • The China-Nepal Highway – it is the only international highway in Tibet

  By Air: Flying to Lhasa always requires a stopover in either China or Nepal. Lhasa Gonggar Airport is located about 98 kilometers (about 61 miles) to the south of Lhasa City. The only international flight to and from Tibet is between Lhasa and Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

  By Rail: The Gormo to Lhasa railway stretches for 1,142 kilometers (710 miles) and serves as a link between mainland China and Tibet.

• Do you have Airport pickup facilities?

  Definitely! Himalayan Glacier provides airport pick up facilities for those customers who have booked private tour for any of our packages. We don't charge any money for the service. But, we won't be able to provide the service for those who wish to join a group. They have to pay extra charge if they want us to arrange the pick-up and drop services.

• Can I organize a Tibet visa myself? Can I travel alone in Tibet?

  Unfortunately, due to China's very strict tourism policy for Tibet, it is not possible for you to get a visa by yourself and it is not possible to travel Tibet on your own. As an authorized travel company, Himalayan Glacier can organize everything; visa, permit to enter and all other paperwork.

• So, what red tape do I need to wade through for a Tibet trip?

  The red tape for Tibet trips is a pain, no doubt about that. But, it's a pain that we're very used to dealing with. Just get a photocopy of your passport to us three weeks before your arrival and we can sort out the rest.

• When is the best time to visit Tibet?

  The Tibetan climate is not as harsh as many people imagine it to be. Tibet's climate is favorable to travel from April to the beginning of November, and most ideal in August and September. However, Lhasa's climate is more clement than the rest of Tibet, and is suitable to travel year-round. The sun radiation in Tibet is extremely strong. It's not for nothing that Lhasa is called the Sunlight City. The months of May, June and September are the primary tourist season in eastern Tibet.

• What do you suggest to include in clothing list if we travel to Tibet?

  We suggest traveler to include casual attire and layered clothing in their packing list. In the day time you may need just T-shirt or cotton shirt (short and long sleeved). Usually a jacket also, but at night you may need a coat because temperature decreases dramatically. Down coat will be very effective if you wish to go further than Lhasa and Shigatse to the remote areas like the Mount Everest Camp or further to Mt.Kailash. Sun glasses, sun blocking cream and lip protector, moisture cream, warm cotton trousers, thermal underwear (top and bottom), warm woolen hat and gloves , sandals , towel , sleeping bag (for camping/trekking) , rain jacket , camera will be very helpful if you include them in your packing list.

• What currency do I have to use in Tibet?

  The unit of currency is Chinese Yuan. The Bank of China can exchange all foreign currencies. The banks in Tibet/China are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Travelers Cheques and credit cards are very difficult to be cashed outside the banks especially outside Lhasa.

• Are there ATMs counters in Tibet?

  ATM facilities are easily available in Lhasa and Shigatse; however, it may be difficult to find one in other smaller towns or in remote places.

• What kinds of vehicles are available for getting around Tibet?

  In Lhasa, there are many options for getting around, such as taxis, busses, minibuses, pedicabs and jeeps. There are also cars and bikes for rent. In more remote areas, the road conditions are not very well developed, making traveling by taxi and bus difficult if not impossible. In such cases, minibuses and jeeps are the only option.

• How bad is Altitude Sickness in Tibet, and what can I do to avoid, or treat it?

  Known as the Roof of the World, Tibet is one of the highest places on earth. Due to Tibet's high altitudes, many visitors from low-altitude areas may suffer from altitude sickness. Most people suffer minor effects of altitude sickness only, which include headache, loss of appetite, and a tendency to have no energy until their bodies adjust to the high terrain. This adjustment can take anywhere from a few hours, and in rare cases, a few days. If visitors do some simple preparations before going to Tibet, most of the symptoms of altitude sickness can be avoided. Being healthy and in good shape before you arrive in Tibet will help greatly. It is also recommended that you talk to your local physician about AMS pills to help combat altitude sickness. Once arriving in Tibet, walk slowly and take deep breaths. Your tour guide will be there to offer help and suggestions.

• What vaccination is recommended to Tibet traveler?

  Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B are some of the vaccines advised to all travelers who are planning to visit Tibet. Yellow fever vaccines are recommended for those who are coming from Yellow-fever-infected country like Africa or the Americas otherwise it isn’t required or recommended. But the best would be if you consult your doctor or physician prior planning your tour. To get up to date information you can visit: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.htm or http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/vaccinations.htm

• Will there be problems with the language barrier?

  Visitors to Tibet do not need to worry about the language barrier at all. Each visitor will have an English-speaking tour guide, and most of the front desk staffs in the big hotels can communicate in English. The main languages used in Tibet are Chinese, Tibetan, English and Nepali. If you are a solo traveler, you will get pretty more people who can speak these languages in Tibet's most popular tourist spots.

• What is the electricity supply in Tibet and what plugs are used?

  Generally, the electricity supply in Tibet is 220V, 50HZ. If you have a plan in future to travel in Tibet and wish to bring some electrical devices with you for basic use then keep in mind that transformer is very essential. Tibet hotels bathrooms have the access of 220V and 110V electrical devices power. But, in the guest room normally only 220V electrical sockets are available.

• Is there internet access in Tibet for foreign traveler?

  Definitely there is internet access for foreign traveler in Tibet but only on limited areas like Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse and Tsedang where some café provides internet facilities. In addition, hotels in some city like Lhasa and Shigatse also provide internet facility to their customers.

• What type and standard of accommodation will I encounter?

  In most of the cities and towns, hotels and guest houses are available. Lhasa accommodation ranges from the simple guest houses to five star hotels. Shigatse, Gyantse and Tsedang offers up to three star hotels. Moreover, now few government alliance classical grand hotels are also being operated in the big cities. While in other smaller or remote areas, accommodation is available mainly in guest houses and they are very simple.

• Is tap water safe to drink in Tibet?

  Drinking tap water is to put on a risk while you are travelling to any foreign location. There is a well said thought that “Precautions is better than cure”. Thus we need to follow this safety measures in Tibet also. So, you are recommended to go with bottle water (don’t forget to check the seal) and follow well established and authorized brands. Besides, if you wish to drink boiled water than remember to instruct the service -man to boil it for 15-20minutes.

• Are the streets in Tibet safe?

  Generally, it is quiet safe in Tibet. Almost all Tibetans are devout Buddhists who believe that good deeds will gain advantages in their next lives and crimes are also very rare in this region. But tourists need pay attention to dogs that are free to move everywhere. So you need to take care while you are travelling alone in the night time. We strongly recommend foreign traveler not to walk in the night time.

• Is it safe to travel in winter time, especially from Tibet to Kathmandu?

  The Chinese-Nepal Highway is often blocked by the heavy snow during the winter season. Therefore, it is better not to travel along this route from safety measures also.

• What is the time Zone of Tibet?

  Despite being the large landscape time zone of all the state of china is measured from Beijing, which is 8 hours ahead of GMT standard time zone. Now, we are clear that Tibetan time is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). And it is 2 hours and 15 minute ahead of Nepalese standard time and 2 hour and 30 minute ahead of Indian standard time.

We hope the above mentioned information on Tibet are good enough prior planning your visit to the Roof of the World in the Himalayas, Tibet. But if your inquiries don’t end here than you can visit our travel guide page at: http://travel.himalayanglacier.com/tibet-travel-guide/index.php. Moreover you can also send your queries to: mail@himalayanglacier.com