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?

  Aside from China visa, travelers to Tibet must also obtain permits from the Tibetan Tourism Bureau. Himalayan Glacier Trekking will organize your Tibet travel permit. Please send a copy of your passport if you are planning to enter Tibet via Nepal at the time of booking your trip. If you are planning to enter Tibet via China; you need to send us copy of your passport and Chinese visa at the time of booking your trip.

  More information about Tibet visa

  • Traveling individually to Tibet is officially not allowed. Travelers must officially be part of a group tour with a guide who will help you dealing with the Chinese authorities at checkpoints en route.
  • You are not allowed to travel in Tibet with an individual Chinese visa via Nepal. Your individual Chinese visa such as multiple entry tourist visas, working visas, student visas, etc., all will get canceled once we apply for Chinese visa from Nepal. There is no other way to save your individual visas, you can save these visas only by entering Tibet from mainland China to Tibet, i.e. taking Lhasa to Kathmandu tour instead of Kathmandu to Lhasa tour.
  • If you are traveling to Tibet via Nepal, you must obtain the Chinese visa which will only be issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu BUT if you are planning to enter Tibet via mainland China; you need to get the Chinese visa from Chinese embassy in your home country. Chinese Embassy is opened only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Generally, Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu takes about 5 working days to issue the tourist visa but by paying express fee, we can get the visa in 1 day also. Himalayan Glacier Trekking will get a hold of visa for you as soon as possible even by paying extra amount but you will not be charged for the extra fee.
  • 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.
  • Travelers must use same passport while traveling Nepal and Tibet (while traveling Tibet via Nepal, you will get Chinese visa only in the passport that is stamped with Nepalese visa). We have found tourists traveling with more than one passport but while traveling Tibet via Nepal, you need to use the same passport for Nepal and Tibet.
  • All Tibet permits can be obtained using photocopy of your passport but you must need your original passport to apply for Chinese visa which is collected by Himalayan Glacier Trekking once you arrive in Kathmandu.
  • Itinerary and the places to visit in Tibet must be stated clearly and finalized in advance because while applying for a Chinese visa from Kathmandu, a copy of this should be attached. The visa is issued accordingly. According to the places mentioned in the itinerary, travel permit from the Tibet Tourism Bureau (Lhasa) is obtained. Himalayan Glacier Trekking will do this for you.
  • If you would like to head out to mainland China after your Tibet travel, the group visa will allow you to enter but once you are in mainland China this visa will be replaced with an individual Chinese visa. (if duration of your group visa covers all your programs in mainland China also, you can use it during your stay in mainland China or it can be replaced by individual visa, it depends on Chinese officials’ decision).
  • You are not allowed to take any Tibetan religious books, literatures, photographs, especially related to Dalai Lama during your travel to Tibet. If found, these related possessions are confiscated and you are not allowed to enter Tibet.
  • It is very tough to get your group visa extended, so better to let us know about your programs very clearly during your trip planning phase so according to that we will try to arrange your visa and permit.

  
  

  However, the rules and regulations regarding Chinese visa and Tibet travel permit change very often, therefore we suggest our customers to consult with our travel consultant to be sure regarding the visa issues so that your all programs and plans goes smoothly without any trouble.

• 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 Trekking 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 Trekking 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