TRAVEL TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO TIBET
ENTERING TIBET
Currently, there are only six open flight routes. Beijing-Lhasa, Chengdu-Lhasa, Chongqing-Lhasa, Xian-Lhasa, Kunming-Zongdian-Lhasa and Katmandu-Lhasa. There is a daily service from Chengdu, so you would be most likely to fly to Lhasa via Chengdu. If traveling overland to Tibet, you may proceed from Qinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan of China and Katmandu from Nepal. If you choose to drive, we recommend you do so only from Qinghai or Katmandu. The terrain is too rough and a bit dangerous to travel via Sichuan and Yunnan.


TIBET VISITORS' PERMIT

Our local representative will apply for a Tibet Visitor's Permit for you. Please complete the application form (including your full name as shown in your passport, nationality, passport number, occupation, sex, age and the exact birth date) and mail or fax it to us along with a copy of your passport information page.


TIBETAN GUIDE

You can request a Chinese or a Tibetan guide. Chinese guides are usually well-trained and can speak English fluently. Tibetan guides' English are usually less fluent, especially those outside Lhasa, but they do have better access to the native Tibetan culture. Please advise us of your preference and we will make arrangements accordingly.

INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
Independent travel is not allowed in Tibet. You must be part of an organized group or have a licensed guide and operator to accompany you. All our guides are licensed.


POPULAR DESTINATIONS

Of course, as you have already known, Lhasa is the most popular destination. Other places that are worth a visit include Tsedang, Gyantse and Shigatse. Mt. Everest, Mt. Kailish and Kharta areas are good for adventurers and trekkers.


TIBETAN BEGGARS

You are expected to meet a lot of beggars. Sadly, most of them are "professionals"--begging is their occupation. Most of them are old men, old women or children who dress in shredded, bulky clothing; they are sometimes seen with chained monkeys. Most of the local people just waive them away. Of course, religious pilgrims are another story. They are well respected. Giving money or food to a pilgrim is considered an act of merit; donations of $1 RMB (People's Currency) will be appropriated.


BEST TIME TO VISIT TIBET

Generally, late March to early November is the best time to visit Tibet; but it also depends on your route. If you are not afraid of cold weather, visiting Lhasa during the winter may offer a better experience. At this time, hotel rates are considerably lower, and there are no tourist crowds.


Temperature in Lhasa (Celsius)
Month

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Max.

6.8

9.2

12

13.7

19.7

22.5

21.7

20.7

19.6

16.4

11.6

7.7

Min.

-10.2

-6.9

-3.2

0.9

5.1

9.2

9.9

9.4

7.6

1.4

-5

-9.1


PLATAU REACTION

If you have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or asthma, you must consult your doctor before taking a trip to Tibet or any other region of altitude. Plateau reaction is caused be a rapid change in altitude and the body's subsequent reaction to the decrease in oxygen.Due to the body's reaction to high altitude and subsequent decrease in oxygen, you may find difficulties in breathing. Symptoms may include dizziness, dehydration, nervousness, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, nosebleeds and muscle pains. Please drink plenty of water and eat more. Please avoid carrying heavy bags. Slight reactions usually improve after oxygen intake. Oxygen bags are available for purchase in most of the hotels.It is always a good idea to allow at least one afternoon to rest completely. You should avoid a tight schedule when you feel uncomfortable.


PACKING

You are unlikely to forget your heavy coats when traveling to a plateau. However, besides winter clothing, you also need to protect yourself from radiation. Tibet's high altitude allows solar radiation to strike the earth with unusual intensity. Sunscreen with factor of at least 28 and sunglasses are recommended.

VISIT A TIBETAN FAMILY

Tibetans are known to be very kind and hospitable, so being a guest in a Tibetan home would be a pleasure. Here are some reminders to make the most of your stay!1. Please do not photograph them or the house without permission.2. Please avoid sensitive issues- "China-Tibet Relations" and their religion are among the top of the list. 3. Tibetan hosts will propose a toast, usually barley wine. You should sip three times and then drink up. They will also entertain guests with tea. If you are not willing to try, please inform your guide prior to your visit to the home. Drink it or not, when the hosts make a toast to you, you should always receive the cup with thanks and explain later. Do not refuse directly, as this would be interpreted as rude. " SKY BURIAL AND WATER BURIAL-
There are many prohibitions concerning burials. Strangers are not allowed to attend the ceremony. Never peer at sky burial or water burial ceremonies. Visitors should respect these customs and keep away from such occasions.

GIFT OF HONOR- "HADA"
"Hada" is a white silk ribbon that is given only to honored guests. If you were presented with such a gift, you should be very flattered and humbly hold it in both hands and wear it immediately after. Using one hand or not wearing it is considered disrespectful.

GREETING

Please add "la" after saying hello. This is a way to show your respect to the Tibetans. When eating and drinking, try not to make sounds.

Please contact us if you have more questions

:1-866-40-CHINA (1-866-402-4462) :Info@east-tours.com
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