When to go ?

In general, the best season is from May through October. The weather during these months is surprisingly mild, with warm days and cool to chilly nights in the mountain.

July and August can be very rainy, receiving over half of Tibet's annual precipitation.

By September, the days are cooler and the willow and poplar leaves begin turning yellow. Indian summers are not uncommon and may last into late October or early November, bringing sunny days and clear, crisp nights with temperatures often near freezing. But September and October can also bring surprise snowstorms to the mountains.

December through February are the coldest times of the year but this is also a time when Tibet often experiences clear and sunny weather. In the high mountain areas, the snowfall is generally too great to consider winter treks.

In March, the lower-altitude valleys start to warm and show signs of spring. A jacket is no longer needed on sunny afternoons and the winds start losing their chill.

May and June are usually the hottest and most windy months in Central Tibet. Wind is common throughout the year in most areas of Tibet. A cotton surgical-type mask is recommended for dusty road conditions.

** As in any mountainous region, the weather can change quickly and snow is possible any month of the year. Even in summer it is advisable to carry winter clothing particularly if you plan to ascend above 4,880 m. But more often the weather in Tibet is fine and wonderfully clear.

How to go ?

By air : Tibet’s airlines mainly connect Lhasa and other major cities of China such as Beijing and Shanghai.

Lhasa Gonga Airport is located in Gonga County with 100km to Lhasa city. There are public buses between the airport and Lhasa city.

Telephone Number of Lhasa air ticket office: 0891-6833446

The military Airline (United Airline) provided one civil flight from Lhasa to Chengdu from Monday to Saturday. A flight for freight transport also carries passengers from Lhasa every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The Military flight ticket office is located in the lobby of the No.2 Hotel of Tibet Military Region, Duosenge Street, Lhasa City.

Highways : There are five highways link Tibet with the outside of the world. The Qinghai-Tibet highway, one of the highest highways in the world, starts from Xining, Qinghai Province, covering a distance at 1,160km. The highway crosses Wodaoliang and Tangula pass and it is chilly there and snows often. Enough winter clothing should be prepared even you travel in summer. Medicines against altitude reaction, such as Rhodiola rosea, should also be taken with you.

The 2,413-kilometer-long Sichuan-Tibet Highway starts from Chengdu of Sichuan on the east and ends at Lhasa of Tibet on the west. The road stretches into Lhasa passing Ya’an, Garze, Chamdo and provides fine views along the line, with unique customs. You can enjoy the magnificent and changeable scenery ranging from warm spring to cold and snowing winter, which makes you intoxicated. This climate will be changing in front of you, just like being in the paradise, and you may think “days in heaven, but years on the earth”. A car trip may cost you 8-10 days.

The Xinjiang-Tibet Highway (Yecheng-Burang), 2,743 km in length, is also the highest altitude in the world. The highway starts from Yecheng, a city in southern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, passes by Gar county in Tibet and reaches Shiquanhe town, which is located in Ngari prefecture, Tibet, then the highway winds south to Burang county, where China borders India and Nepal. The highway turns east to converge with the China-Nepal Highway, and then extends to Xigaze and finally stretches into Lhasa. It is easy to appreciate the spectacular view of the heavenly holy mountain Kailash, which is also called the “center of the world”, and to feel the overwhelming charm of the holy lake Manasarovar. However, the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway will be blocked by snow in winter and spring and it’s impossible to travel. The best time to drive is from May to the middle of October. The climate in the trip is terrible and food and accommodation condition is not good, either.

Dian-Zang Road starts from Xiaguan of Yunnan in the south, traverses Jianchuan, Zhongdian and Dechen to Zhikang of Tibet in the north and covers a distance of 714 km. It joins the southern part of Sichuan-Tibet Road in the north. The road goes up and down in elevations through the mountains and valleys, you can experience different kinds of climates and landscapes on the way. August to October is the best season for driving on Dian-Zang Road.

The Friendship Highway starts from the capital of Nepal-Kathmandu, traverses Hangmu Friendship Bridge( SinoNepal Friendship Bridge) at Kodari to Neyalamu County in Tibet and crosses Shigatse-- the second largest city of Tibet to the capital of Tibet-Lhasa. It covers a distance of more than 900 km. It is easy to have a view of Mt.Everest when take this road.The best season to visit Mt.Everest is from early March to late May, or from early September to late August, however, the weather is aways changeable in this area.

Railway: The railway which runs across the “the roof of the world” has been linked up and soon the world's highest altitude railroad will be ready to open. Travelers are able to travel Tibet by the special train since July, 2006. The special train will be equipped with an oxygen providing system, making it easier for passengers to endure the thinner-air in the so-called "roof of the world". It will also carry doctors on board to ensure the safety of any travelers affected by the high altitude. Passengers will also be able to enjoy various entertainment activities during the journey, including Tibetan dancing and Karaoke.

The train will stop at several famous sightseeing spots along the route, such as Qinghai Lake, Hol Xil, Kun Lun Mountain and the Potala Palace.

Tibet Travel Permits & Tibet Visa

Tibet Reopened to Foreign Tourists on June 25 2008, after closed to travelers since middle March 2008. Tibet Tourism Bureau is starting to issue to Tibet entry permit but with much more restrictions. There are overall four documents required for foreign tourists who want to travel freely in Tibet.

1. Chinese Visa - you can apply for in Chinese Embassy in your country;
2. Tibet Entry Permit - It is issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau and is a must for foreigners entering Tibet;
3. Travel Permit: It is required when you are planning to travel to the closed areas in Tibet,which you can obtain it after you arrive in Tibet
4. Military Permit - you have to obtain if you are planning to travel to some military sensitive areas.

All individuals entering Tibet must hold a passport valid for at least six months. If you are entering Tibet from China, your Chinese visa must be valid. Only travelers with tourist visas (not business, resident or student visas) are permitted. Entering Tibet from Nepal, either by friendship highway or by air requires a separate visa valid for Tibet from the Chinese embassy in Katmandu (30-60 day visas are the normal and it normally takes 2 weeks to obtain it.). You may apply for a group visa from us (minimum of two people in a group and you must leave China with this person unless you can change the visa inside China).

Tibet Entry Permit

Tibet Entry Permit is not available by independent travelers at the moment (at least before the Olympics). Travelers have to travel in tour group and ask their travel agent to apply it for you. Please prepare the following documents before asking your travel agent to apply permit.

1. a copy of your Passport
2. a copy of your China visa (tourist visa)
3. Full names, gender, Date of Birth, Passport number, nationality, occupation

Additional Requirements for F visa customers

If you are F visa (business visa) holders, you are required to provide additional information to Tibet Tourism Bureau to get a Tibet Entry Permit:

1. If you are working in China, a certification in Chinese by your company in China is required;
2. If you are invited to China for business, research, lecture, scientific-technological and culture exchanges, short-term advanced studies or inter practice for a period of no more than six months, a certification by your Chinese travel agency is required.

As for the certification, you are required to provide your full names, nationality, passport number, dates of entry and exit China, and the stamps of your company or your travel agency.

Travel Permit

Travel Permit, also called Aliens' Travel Permit (A.T.P), is required to visit closed areas. It is issued by Foreign Affairs Section of the Local Public Security Bureau (PSB). The Law on the Control of Entry and Exit of Foreigners (Order of the President of the People's Republic of China (No.31), 22.11.1985, Chapter 4), says:

1. Article 20: Foreigners who hold valid visas or residence certificates may travel to places declared open to foreigners by the Chinese Government.
2. Article 21: Foreigners who desire to travel to places closed to foreigners shall apply for travel permits from local public security organs [i.e., the police].

Which parts of Tibet are listed as the closed areas?

At the present, you have to apply for a Travel Permit if you are planning to visit the following places:

1. Tsetang: Samye Monastery, Tomb of Tibetan King, Changdruk Temple, Yumbulakhang
2. Shigatse: Sakya Monastery, The Mt. Everest, Rongbuk Monastery
3. Gyangtse: Pelkor Chode Monastery & Kubum Stupa
4. Nqari Region
5. Basumtso lake in Nyingchi Region
6. Chamdo Region

Lhasa and Nagqu regions are open to foreign travelers and no need for Travel Permit.

Military Permit

Military Permit is required if you are planning to travel some areas of Ngari, Nyingchi, and Nagqu which are regard as the military sensitive areas in Tibet. The Military office in Lhasa issues it and we will need you to provide your passport, Tibet permit to apply for it. It normally takes 1-2 week days and the cost is 100 yuan/person.

Transportation in Tibet

Travel by Bus : In Tibet, distances are huge, many of the roads are not well paved, all gasoline must be trucked in, and long trips to remote areas can be expensive. Travelers can travel by bus on local or long-distance routes, hire vehicles for small or large groups, arrange land cruiser trips through travel agents in Lhasa, hire or buy bicycles, or bring their own bikes with them.

There are no air routes within Tibet. There are regular buses from Lhasa to Golmud, Tsedang and Shigatse, using fast, comfortable Japanese vehicles. The main bus station is on the corner of Minzu Lu, south of the Norbulingka. Tickets are put on sale two days before departure and usually sell quickly. Get seats in the front half of the bus for greater comfort on rough roads and better visibility through the dust. Buses go from these stations to a number of other destinations, but do not expect to be able to buy tickets for destinations not normally open to tourist. Watch out for thieves and pickpockets at both stations.

The local bus station is opposite Tibet University, at the southeast corner of town, near the bridge. Dilapidated buses run from here on routes to Maizhokunggar, Yangbajing, Damxung and other places in central Tibet. People planning to visit the Gonggar region can also use the bus service from the CAAC building to the airport and start walking from there. Take food and drink for the journey, as you cannot always count on the bus making stops en route.

Travel By Hired Vehicle : In Tibet, distances are huge, many of the roads are not well-paved, all gasoline must be trucked in, and long trips to remote areas can be expensive. Travelers can travel by bus on local or long-distance routes, hire vehicles for small or large groups, arrange land cruiser trips through travel agents in Lhasa, hire or buy bicycles, or bring their own bikes with them. There are no air routes within Tibet.

A wide range of vehicles suitable for long or short trips and large or small groups can be hired. Toyota Land cruisers and Nissan Troopers are both comfortable and strong four-wheel-drive vehicles taking five passengers and heavy luggage. Modern Japanese buses and coaches seat between ten and 33 people. Beijing Jeeps, like those used by the army, are also commonly used there and there are other Chinese buses used. A hired vehicle will normally come with an English-speaking guide. Vehicles can be hired through any hotel or travel agency in Lhasa, who will make arrangements if they do not have suitable vehicles themselves.

Check hotel notice boards for other people who have already made all the arrangements and are looking for passengers to share the costs. You can also advertise that you are interested in a particular journey and want to meet others to share the organizing of the trip. In addition to the agencies, some hotels have their own fleets of vehicles.

Travel By Bicycle : In Tibet, distances are huge, many of the roads are not well-paved, all gasoline must be trucked in, and long trips to remote areas can be expensive. Travelers can travel by bus on local or long-distance routes, hire vehicles for small or large groups, arrange land cruiser trips through travel agents in Lhasa, hire or buy bicycles, or bring their own bikes with them. There are no air routes within Tibet.

Touring Tibet by bicycle is becoming increasingly popular. Bicycles can be transported as baggage on CAAC flights or brought in from other places. Within Tibet, they can be carried on the luggage racks of local buses. Mountain bikes are ideal for Tibet's rough, stony roads. Good pannier systems are essential for carrying camping and survival gear, food, fuel, spare parts (especially derailleurs, spokes and freewheels) and tools.

Chinese bicycles with thick 28-inch tyres and rod brakes can be hired in several places in Lhasa and Tsedang, including most hotels. You must leave security you passport or a deposit equal to the current cost of a new bike. Some hotels have some newer, lighter bicycles with 26-inch wheels, or even smaller, including some with ladies' frames, but these are not as strong as the bigger ones. An alternative to renting is to buy a bicycle. There are bicycle shops along Beijing Lu and bikes can also be bought in the second-hand bike market. If you buy a new bike, get a shop receipt and retain it.

Accommodation

There are basically 2 types of accommodation available: Chinese and Tibetan. In both, facilities are very basic. Most hotels in Lhasa have restaurants and most rooms are equipped with televisions and hot water (many not 24 hours). Outside Lhasa, few hotel rooms have hot water or are heated, although thick quilts will keep you warm. Tibetan-style hotels are just as Spartan and some may have heaters in the room.

Money

The Tibetan monetary system was replaced in the 1950s with the Chinese "renminbi" (people's money", which has units of currency called "yuan". One "yuan" is divided into tenths, called "jiao" and in Tibet and China, people call this denomination as "mao", and into 100 fen.) Before you leave Tibet or China, leftover renminbi can be exchanged back to hard currency at the Bank of China if you have bank encashment receipts. Note that the exchange counter at the Lhasa airport is rarely open before the Kathmandu flight, and except in Hong Kong, renminbi is nonconvertible outside China.

Health

Tibet's thin air and dust pose considerable medical problems if you are not in the best of health. In addition, the lack of medical facilities, doctors who speak little or no English, and the difficulties involved in evacuating a sick person do not recommend it to someone who is not at least reasonably fit. If you have heart or respiratory problems, ask your doctors about the advisability of a Tibet trip.

Acute Mountain Sickness

- What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) And How to Avoid It

The high altitude and people's reaction to it is one of the difficulties to travel to Tibet. But it is not so serious as you imagined if you know it and get prepared for it.

• What is High Altitude?

-          High Altitude: 1500 - 3500 m (5000 - 11500 ft)

-          Very High Altitude: 3500 - 5500 m (11500 - 18000 ft)

-          Extreme Altitude: above 5500 m

When acclimatization lags significantly behind ascent, various symptoms occur. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) represents the body's intolerance of the hypoxic (low oxygen) environment at one's current elevation

• What kinds of physiologic reactions will occur?

- Hyperventilation (breathing fast)
- Shortness of breath during exertion
- Increased urination
- Changed breathing pattern at night
- Awakening frequently at night
- Weird dreams

• The altitudes of different places in Tibet

• Tips to avoid AMS

- Do exercises to keep you fit before going to Tibet.
- Avoid catching a cold.
- Make sure you have a good sleep the night before you flying to Lhasa.
- You'd better not to take any activities for the first day in Tibet.
- After getting off your airplane in the airport, walk slowly, take some deep breath. Do not do anything severely.
- Ascend to higher altitude gradually. DO NOT ASCEND ANY HIGHER if you feel bad.
- Prepare some AMS pills according to your doctor's suggestion.

Etiquettes and Taboos

With unique culture and religion, Tibetans have different ways of behavior in many aspects. There is an old Chinese saying: "Sing the local songs when you get to a local place." So please keep in mind the following tips:

• Remember not to step on threshold when entering the tent or house.
• Calling somebody in name please add "la" behind the name to express respects.
• If you are asked to sit down, please cross your legs, do not stretch your legs forward and face your sole to others.
• You should accept the gift with both hands. While presenting the gift you should bend your body forward and hold the gift higher than your head with both hands. While offering tea, wine or cigarette, you should offer them by both hands and any fingers do not tough inside of the bowl.
• Do not touch, walk over or sit on any religious texts, objects or prayer flags in monasteries.
• When the host presents you a cup of wine, you should dip your ring finger in the wine and flick the wine into the sky, in the air and to the ground respectively to express your respects to the heaven, the earth and the ancestors before sipping the wine. The host will fill the cup, and you take a sip of the wine again. After the host fills your cup again, you have to bottom it up.
• Tibetan people do not eat horse, dog and donkey meat and also do not eat fish in some areas, so please respect their diet habits.
• It is not polite to clap your palms and spit behind the Tibetan people.
• Tibetan people stretch out their tongue to say hello to you. Also it is a courtesy to put their hands palm in front of breast.
• Do not smoke in monasteries. Also it is banned to touch the statue of Buddha and religious articles and take pictures of them. In addition, all should walk clockwise (not in the Bon temples).
• Seeing any dagobas, monasteries or Mani piles, please go around them clockwise (not of the Bon), do not cross them.
• Eagles are the sacred birds in the eyes of the Tibetan people. You should not drive them away or injure them. On the outskirts, you could not drive or disturb the sheep or cows with red, green or yellow cloth strips on.

Since more and more tourists are going to Tibet, more and more Tibetan people get used of seeing the "Big Noses" (western people) with jeans, sun glasses and some of them with shorts (It is prohibited to wear shorts among the Tibetans.), the above rules are not obeyed so strictly as before. But we still suggest you take the above advices and travel to behave well.

Tibetan Festivals

Tibetan people have their unique culture. A Tibet tour will be one of your most unforgettable experiences in your life. Here we have listed the major traditional Tibetal festivals below and you can learn about the interesting things about Tibetal people.

• Tibetan New Year. Date: December 28-29 (Tibetan Calendar)
  Tibetan New Year is the most significant festival in Tibet. Different areas have different ways to celebrate it, with Lhasa the most representative.
• Butter Lantern Festival. Date: January 15 (Tibetan Calendar)
  January 15 of Tibetan calendar sees the last high tide of celebrations of the Tibetan New Year. On this day, people go to temples to burn incense to worship Buddhas.
• Sagar Dawa Festival. Date: In April, around 15th (Tibetan Calendar)
  Sagar Dawa represents April in Tibetan calendar. Buddhism believes that Sakyamuni was born, became Buddha and died in April, so the Sagar Dawa Festival mainly focuses on worshipping Buddha in the inner, middle and outer parts of Lhasa.
• Shoton Festival of Lhasa. "Shoton" in Tibetan means sour milk banquet. As Tibetan operas are performed and Buddha paintings are exhibited at this time, it is also called "Tibetan Opera Festival" or "Buddha Exhibition Festival." The traditional way of starting the Shoton Festival is to show Buddha paintings. The main contents include Tibetan operas and gala parties, as well as wonderful yak racing and horsemanship display. The Shoton Festival starts on the 30th day of the 6th month according to Tibetan calendar (usu. later half of August) and lasts five days.
• Bathing Festival. Date: the first ten days of July (Tibetan Calendar)
  The Bathing Festival usually falls on the first ten days of July according to Tibetan calendar. Lasting a week, it is also known as the Bathing Week. In Tibetan it is called "Gamariji," meaning Qishan star, or Venus.
• Ongkor Festival (Bumper Harvest Festival). Date: in August (Tibetan Calendar)
  The Ongkor Festival is an old festival in farming areas of Tibet held in each August according to Tibetan calendar when all crops are waiting for harvest.

Horse Racing Fair and Archery Festival. Date: between June and July (Tibetan Calendar)
Horse Racing Fair is a unique festival in grazing area of Tibet. It is usually held between June and July in Tibetan calendar, when the pasture is lush and horses and cows are stout and strong. The horse racing is seen every year, but a large one is held every two or three years. It will last several days, with the longest ones over ten days. The most famous ones of them are the Kyagqen Horse Racing Art Festival of Nagqu and Darma Festival of Gyangze.

UPDATED November 2008

ALL INFORMATION ABOVE IS GIVEN FOR YOUR REFERENCE.

IT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

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