Tibet FAQ

Do the travelers need the travel permits to visit Tibet?                                                       

Except Chinese visas, the travelers (including those of Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and other countries) need to obtain the Travel Permits issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau or other Tibet local authorities before entering Tibet. The permits are issued only to the travelers taking the individual and group tours operated by local tour operators. The tour operators can assist the travelers to obtain the travel permits. The following information is required for the Tibet Travel Permit applications, names in full, nationality, passport number, sex, date of birth and occupation. The normal application procedure for Tibet travel permits takes 3 -7 days.

What is the best way to visit Tibet?                                                                                            

At present, independent travels are strictly prohibited by Tibet local authorities. Group travel is  highly encouraged, Traveling through Tibet need certain travel documents issued by the local Tibet government. Without the assistances of the local tour operators, the travelers cannot obtain the required travel documents. In order to avoid the unforeseeable difficulties arisen by independent travels in Tibet, taking the tours coordinated by the local tour operators should be good alternatives.

When is the best time to visit Tibet?

The best time to visit Tibet is from early May to late October. Because first of all the Tibet weather would be not harsh, and secondly it is best time to visit Mt. Everest Base Camp (if you have plan to get there)

What is high season? What is the definition for high season, shoulder season and low season?

High season marks the most popular times of the year for traveling in Tibet, due to the weather, holiday periods or other reasons. Therefore hotels, airlines and travel agencies are heavily booked, and prices are higher than at other times.

The seasons are usually defined as follows:
High season: July 1 to October 15.
Shoulder season: May 1 to June 30.
Low season: October 16 to April 30.

Travelers should also be aware that the peak holiday periods: first week in May, first week in October, and Chinese Spring Festival (often takes place in late January or early February) are particularly busy. Prices and bookings will be even higher than usual.

What documents do I need to travel to Tibet?

You need to have a valid passport, a valid China visa and a Tibet travel permit (sometimes people call it Entry permit or TTB, or Tibet visa).

Do I need Visa for China?

All visitors traveling to mainland China, whether for business or pleasure, require a visa.

What should I be aware of when apply for the China Visa?

 When you apply for the Chinese visa, we advise not to mention Tibet or to write anything about Tibet on the application form. It is advisable to refer to other places in China like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, etc. otherwise, visa officer may reject your  application and won't issue the visa for Tibet..

Does it require to have double/multi-entry visa to make entry into Tibet from China mainland and return to China mainland after the trip?

No, because Tibet is a part of China. If you enter Tibet from other cities of mainland China and after the trip in Tibet get back to any other cities of  mainland China again, you need  only a single entry visa .

For example:
Beijing→Tibet→Shanghai
For this, a single entry visa is okay.

If I travel via Nepal to Tibet, are there any special requirements on China visa?

Before you are coming to Lhasa from Kathmandu, you must get China visa from Kathmandu because no matter you've already got the visa in your country or not, you must get a visa in Kathmandu, which is regulated in an official memo between China and Nepal. 

What's the procedure to get China visa in Kathmandu?

Step 1: After you book the tour from us, provide us your copy passport information and copies of your passport

Step 2: We will apply the 'Visa Invitation Letter' from Tibet Tourism Bureau with your passport copies . After we get 'Visa Invitation Letter', we will apply for Chinese visa before you arrive in Kathmandu.

Step 3: After your arrival in Kathmandu, we will collect your passport and obtain your Tibet Visa very easily.

Can I get the Tibet Travel Permit easily?

You can get the Tibet Travel Permit easily through a travel agency except diplomats, journalists, and government officials who should travel to Tibet under the arrangement by the Foreign Affairs Office of Tibet Government.

Can you arrange Tibet permit for us?
Yes, we can arrange it for you and your group in advance.

Are guides English speaking? What is their experience/education level, and are they Tibetan or Chinese?
Surely, our guides are all English speaking. Tibetan guides. They know more about the culture and speak less English than their Chinese peer. Most of them are professionals and licensed by China National Tourism Administration to maintain their service quality

 

What travel tips can be provided to respect the culture and traditions of local people?
Tibetan people are very kind and hospitable. You can feel free to talk with them, but there are some items to respect.
- Always ask permission before taking photographs of people.
- Religion and politics can be sensitive matters. Be cautious with questions dealing with these topics.
- Avoid eating dogs, donkeys or horses in Tibet

 

What is private tour?

Private tour means that you will have a tailor-made tour itinerary, a private vehicle, a driver and a guide. During the tour, there will be no other tourists with you, but only your family members, or close friend

 What methods of payment do you accept?

We accept major two ways of payment:

1). Wire transfer : we will send you our company bank account info via email
2). Credit card : we will send you a credit card authorization letter via email

How can I pay the balance?

You can pay the balance either by cash or by credit card upon your arrival in Kathmandu.

What are the hotels like in Tibet?

Tourism is Tibet is in its initial stage and the number of 4 Star hotels is quite limited. The newer hotels have been built away from the city center in order to protect the city history and environment. These hotels have central heating which is used in winter but no cooling is available in summer. We still make aware to the western travelers that the facilities and service standard may not be as you would expect from a hotel with this rating in other parts of the world. Older hotels located in the city have a good location but will not provide the level of comfort of the newer hotels and may not have any central heating. The level of service and facilities may be quite basic. Staff will probably not speak much English. Hotels in small cities and the Everest Base camp are very basic. They will usually have a public bathroom with squat toilet.

What are the hotel rooms like in hotels in Tibet?

Often, in a room, there are two beds which we call twin-sharing room. Some hotels have queen bed room and some even have triple room. But the number of queen bed room and triple is very limited. Twin-sharing room with two beds inside is commonly used in Tibet.

What can I eat in Tibet?

In Lhasa, you can choose Chinese food, western food, Nepali food and Tibetan food as well. But in remote towns and areas, choice is limited, Chinese food or Sichuan cuisine is the best choice.

Can you help buy the domestic flight ticket in China?

Yes, we can help buy all domestic flight tickets within China.

What vehicle do you use in Tibet?

If the tour is mainly around Lhasa, we offer minivan as the road condition around Lhasa is pretty good, and the minivan cost less as well. If the tour is covering some places with bad road condition and long distance to reach, we offer 4WD off road vehicles.

What medications should I take with me?

Prepare your first aid kit with medicine for diarrhea, giardiasis, hepatitis and other diseases tourists may contract on the plateau. Medicine for respiratory tract infections, such as colds, influenza and bronchitis which may further diminish oxygen intake also shall be included to prevent those diseases since they may result in serious consequence on the Tibet plateau. Consult your doctors for details before departure for Tibet.

How much should I tip?
Tipping is not a custom in China, thus in Tibet. However, as the tourism develops, tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff do expect tips. If the service is satisfactory, a few dollars to the guide and the driver will be appreciated. While in restaurants and taxis, tips are not necessary

Do the travelers need travel insurances?                                                                                  

The travel insurances for Tibet tours are mandatory. We highly recommend to the travelers that they should buy comprehensive travel insurances for Tibet from their home countries. The comprehensive insurances purchased by the travelers must cover the trip cancellation, travel interruptions and delays, emergency rescue, medical and health expenses, lost baggage etc.  

 
 
 
 
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» Nepal Visa Information
» Getting To Tibet
» Places to visit in Tibet
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