Tibet, on the lofty Tibetan Plateau on the northern side of the Himalayas, is an autonomous region of China. It's nicknamed the “Roof of the World” for its towering peaks. It shares Mt. Everest with Nepal. Its capital, Lhasa, is site of hilltop Potala Palace, once the Dalai Lama’s winter home, and Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s spiritual heart, revered for its golden statue of the young Buddha.
Q: Can I have general Information about Tibet ?
A: Tibet remains one of the most interesting, remote and undeveloped part of the world, situated at an average elevation of 5000 m (16,000ft) above sea level. Its facilities for tourists are only now approaching a reasonable standard. A trip to Tibet is not for the faint hearted, the traveling can be hard, adventurous and often unpredictable. Due to Tibet’s high altitude travelers with a history of heart, lung or anemia problems should consult a doctor before even thinking about a visit. Visitors should also understand before taking this trip that Tibet was only opened to tourism 19 years ago. The infrastructure of the tourist industry is still very basic in this remote country. Please do not expect the standards you are accustomed to in the West. However, every efforts will be made under the circumstance to ensure a smooth and pleasant trip.
Q: Clothing and accessories ?
A: From Oct – March warm clothes are required to fight the frosty cold. From April – September light clothes to make comfortable in hot weather. However a jacket and a sweater are advised throughout the year as the weather may unexpectedly change at any time. We recommend you to bring the following items to make your journey more comfortable : Personal first aid kid, water purification tablets, toilet kit with toilet paper, flashlight with extra batteries, sunglasses, water bottle, note book, pens, pencils, camera and film and extra batteries for electronic Cameras, binoculars, Duffel bag, rain gear, sleeping bag, comfortable walking shoes, utility knife, sewing kits, compass, altimeter, drinking cup, towel, plastic bags, dust mask, suntan lotion, chipstic, and money belt.
Q: Currency ?
A: RENMBI, the people’s money used by millions of Chinese everyday, circulates in notes of 1,2,5,10 and 50, 100 Yuan, 1,2 and 5 jiao; There are also coins for 1,2 and 5 fen. With the Chinese currency Renminbi, one yuan is divided into 10 jiao, into 10 fen (US$ 1= 6.3 Yuan).
Q: Custom formalities ?
A: There is no prohibition on still and video cameras, tape recorders as long as they’re registered with a custom official, printed matters considered unsuitable by the Chinese government are prohibited. Customs regulations forbid the export of art objects created prior to 1959 or souvenirs in amounts deemed to be excessive.
Q: Health and altitude sickness ?
A: Traveling in Tibet involves high altitude and can be strenuous. Clients with heart and lung problems or blood diseases should consult their doctor before booking the trip. Most people will experience some of the minor symptoms and discomfort of altitude sickness, until their body adjust to the elevation. This can take from a few hours to couple of days, depending on the individual. Very rare cases of acute altitude sickness have been reported. Simple headache, fever, loss of appetite and stomach disorders can happen before the acclimatization. Advised, drink approx. 3 liters of water per day, do not strain yourself, move slowly, breathe deeply and take regular rests please do not smoke & do not drink alcohol.
Q: Lhasa Airport Tax & reconfirmation of air ticket ?
A: Lhasa Gonggar airport is approx 96kms away from Lhasa. At present the airport tax in Lhasa is US$ 12.00 Per Person which is already added into your flight ticket cost. Reconfirmation of the flight ticket is necessary. Your guide in Tibet will do it for you.
Q: The Package cost excludes ?
A: China Visa fee, Insurance, airport taxes, Nepal reentry visa, Passport fees, immunizations, hard and soft drinks, Photographic charges in various monasteries, gratuities and items of any personal nature that have not been specifically included above. Please note that this agency is not responsible for any extra expenses due to landslides, road blockage or other weather related problems.
Q: The Package cost includes ?
A: Land transport by Coach or 4 WD drive automobile as required, and daily accommodation with breakfast in hotels as per tour category, Sightseeing Tours, English speaking guide, monument entrance fees, Tibet permits, Kathmandu-Lhasa airfare as per itinerary.
Q: Things need to bring for Tibet trip ?
A: A jacket and a sweater are advised throughout the year, especially for tour outside Lhasa as the whether may unexpectedly change at any time. Other recommended items are a flashlight, comfortable walking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, suntan lotion and some warms clothes. Tibet has only a handful of towers and Tibetan cuisines are least varied. It is handy to carry, anything that can be brewed with hot water like instant coffee, drinking chocolate, tea (bags) soup cubes, powdered milk, other food items worth considering are instant noodles, vegemite, nuts and raisins, chocolate, dry foods and biscuits.
Q: What are the Hours in Tibet ?
A: Tibet is 8 hours ahead of GMT since it is linked to Beijing time. The time difference with Nepal is therefore 2 hours 15 minutes.
Q: When is the Government holiday in Tibet ?
A: Government offices are usually closed on Saturday and Sunday. Offices can closed to other time also as per their festival schedule.