Tibet !

Tibet is situated at an average altitude of over 5,000m. The very name "Tibet" evokes feelings of awe and mystery, and is synonymous with mystery and breathtaking scenery. A land of ancient Buddhist Culture, awesome landscapes, artistic monasteries, exotic cities, hidden valleys and centuries-old caravan trails, Tibet offers a totally different experience, known as the roof of the world, it is the destination for the ultimate thrill-seeker.Kathmandu, situated at the hub of the ancient trans-Himalayan trade route, is the perfect launching point for trips to this amazing land. Lhasa, 650km from Kathmandu, can be reached either by road or air.The drive across the Tibetan plateau to Lhasa, which retraces the old caravan trail, is a changing panorama of farmhouses, lumbering yaks, vast plains, monasteries clinging to stark hillsides and valleys hemmed in by mountains of rock.

GETTING THERE:

AIR CHINA flies ex-Kathmandu every Saturday & Tuesday from April - November. During high season an additional flight operates every Thursday from the month of July to October.There is also a daily flight from Chengdu to Lhasa. Overland journeys can be made from Zhangmu & Simikot in far Western Nepal for trekking to Mount Kailash.

VISA ARRANGEMENT:

The special visa for travelling to Tibet will be processed by us . A photocopy of Passport along with the following details should reach us at least 1 week prior to tour departure date .

1. Name in full
2. Sex
3. Date of Birth
4. Profession
5. Nationality and
6. Passport Number
   

Cost of a normal visa fee is USD 26 for all nationals. A Normal visa fee is applicable if the visa is processed on 5 full working day basis. An urgent fee of USD 11 additional is applicable for the visa to be processed in 3 days and USD 17 additional fee is charged by the Chinese Embassy for the visa to be processed within a day . The Embassy of China is open every Monday, Wednesday, & Friday from 10 Am - 11 Am for China / Tibet visa.

CLIMATE AND CLOTHING :

The high altitude of the Tibetan Plateau make for climatic extremes - temperatures have been known to drop 27° C (80° F) in a single day. However the climate in Tibet is not as harsh as many people imagine it to be. Days are warm & sunny .

BEST SEASON: April to the beginning of November

Our Overland tours ex-Kathmandu begins in the middle of March. Regular tour operates from April to November
when the China South West Airlines begins operating flight between Kathmandu & Lhasa.

In winter, Tibet is closed as flight ceases and the Mountain Passes are covered with snow . Casual wear and comfortable walking shoes are the rule for Tibet. Be sure to bring warm clothing as nights and early mornings can be quite chilly to downright cold in winter months .

Bring camera & films, batteries, medicine, toiletries, sun screen lotion, sun glasses, dust mask etc. that you will need from home as these are difficult if not impossible to obtain in Tibet. A small first aid kit is also a good idea .

ALTITUDE SICKNESS :

As Tibet lies at an average altitude of 4000 meter, you are likely to experience some of the minor symptoms and discomfort of altitude sickness (headache, mild nausea, loss of appetite) until your body adjusts to the elevation. This can take from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the individual. Take it lightly, but drink plenty of non - alcoholic liquids. Proper hydration is critical to acclimatization.

INSURANCE :

Personal travel insurance should be made by the client prior to arrival in Nepal. Full travel insurance coverage, particularly for trip cancellation and interruption is strongly recommended .

CURRENCY :

The unit of currency is Yuan. USD 1 = 8 Yuan. Foreign currency & travelers cheque is accepted at the Bank of China in Zhangmu, Shigatse & Lhasa. Major Credit Cards are accepted in Shigatse & Lhasa.