Tibet is a beautiful country, typical of the monks, monasteries, bright blue sky akin to what you see on a trip to Iceland, amazing mountains covered with snow, turquoise lakes comparable to some of the most beautiful high altitude lakes in India, etc. If Tibet is on your bucket list , then you need to prepare well for this trip. And find out more about this fascinating country before you travel. But, you also need to know about their rules and regulations, culture and tradition. Since, there are certain things typical a Tibet Tour. These are unique to the destination. Read on to know more.
To start with, Tibet lies at a high altitude. Where oxygen is about 40% less than the plains. So, before you start visiting the beauties of Tibet, it is advisable to spend at least two days in Lhasa to acclimatize. And reduce the possibility of altitude sickness. Otherwise, your whole journey can be ruined. Now, let’s start with those crucial things you need to know before traveling to Tibet.
Table of Contents
Organized tour for travel to Tibet
The very first thing you need to know is that you are not allowed to travel to Tibet on your own. And there are no exceptions. This is a must for all foreign travelers. You must have an organized tour or guided tour with vehicle and driver, and a tour guide. It is not so complicated as it sounds. All you need to do before travel to Tibet is to choose a local travel agency for Tibet tours. And they will arrange all the necessary things for you. Note that it is best if you contact the travel agency at least two months before you travel to Tibet. Since, it is a popular destination and the tour operators are limited. Since, everyone needs to travel as a guided tour, the tour guides might get booked fast during the season.
Although, group tours are not required. Which means you can travel alone. But accompanied by a tour guide. Although the group tours are more cost-effective. So that is the only reason that travelers think that you must go with a group tour in Tibet. But, if you want to explore the unsurpassed beauty of this land on your own, you are most welcome, with a guide :). Thus, this is the first and foremost important thing that one needs to know about travel to Tibet.
Required documents for travel to Tibet
Travel to Tibet must be completed with appropriate documents. For instance, you can not enter Tibet without having a Tibet Travel Permit. And if you go to certain parts of Tibet, you will need to own Aliens’ Tibet permit and Military Permit. Below, we explain each of these permits. Based on your requirement, you can determine which one you would need for your travel to Tibet. But, you must have one of these before you go to Tibet. So, do prepare yourself accordingly.
Tibet Travel Permit
Tibet travel permit is a special permit that is required to enter Tibet. And do note that it is not a visa. All foreign tourists must have it. And you can get it easy. First, you need to have a Chinese visa. Then make a scanned copy of your passport and send them to the agency you are going to travel with. The agency will take care of the rest. You must know that you will receive a Tibet travel permit when you arrive at a hotel in China.
Advice: Do not copy the Tibet permit. Whenever it is required from you, show the original document. Copy is not considered proof enough when in Tibet, and originals are required for the authentication that you really have the Tibet travel permit.
Aliens’ Tibet Permit
Aliens’ Travel Permit is a different permit from Tibet permit. You will need to have it if you want to visit Mt.Everest and other “unopened areas” like Shigatse or some places outside Lhasa city. You can apply for this type of permit when you are already in Tibet. And you will get it very fast for around $7.5.
Military Permit
If on your list is visiting Mt.Kailash or Lake Manasarovar you will need a Military Permit. These are “sensitive” areas under military control, and that’s the reason that you will need this type of permit. If you are planning to go to these “sensitive” areas, you should apply for this type of permit at least three weeks before your trip to Tibet.
Best time to travel to Tibet
Tibet has a dry and continental climate, with strong winds, low humidity and a considerable variation in annual and summer daytime temperatures. The summer period in Tibet is characterized by morning rain that usually lasts until noon. And during the rainy season, there are more night rains and thunderstorms. The best time to visit Tibet is from May to October, because of the higher oxygen level. But traveling to the winter in Tibet can be exciting, and you can see all the places and things even for a lower price than the high season.
However, in any season to visit Tibet, wear a raincoat. Since it can rain anytime. Also, do not plan your trip to Tibet from February to March. As, in that period the borders are closed for foreign tourists because of the Tibetan New Year.
What to pack when you travel to Tibet
What to pack? Even if you travel in summer in Tibet, you must wear warm clothes like sweaters and a thin jacket. Wear comfortable walking shoes and comfortable pants. If your trip is in the winter, you must take mountain winter clothes. In your bags always has a sunscreen and sunglasses to protect you from the strong sunlight. Also, bring a lip cream. Do not forget to pack medicine for altitude sickness, painkillers, and anti-diarrhea medication. Here check out second part of must have during travel.
Respect Tibetan people
Every nation and state has its own culture and tradition. We, as tourists should respect each culture where we travel. Tibet has its own unique culture that we need to know before traveling to Tibet, so as not to cause any damage or an accident with the local population. Tibetans have great respect among themselves, but also have great respect for their religion. Here are some points that you must have in mind when you travel to Tibet. So that you don’t offend the locals by mistake.
- Never touch a Tibetan on the head. They believe that the god resides in their head, so they can be offended if you take them for the head.
- Do not take a photo of Tibetan people without their permission. If you want to take a photo of locals, ask them first.
- Also, it is not allowed to take photos of Buddha statues in the major monasteries. When you enter monasteries, take off your sunglasses and hat.
- If you are going to visit a local family, show respect with let the oldest walk first and don’t step on the threshold when entering a tent or house.
- When you receive a gift from Tibetan people, take it with both hands to show respect. The same applies if you are given a cup of tea, take the cup with both hands.
Final words
If you have always wanted to visit Tibet, here’s the perfect chance to do this, now richer with information about that trip. Travel always brings new experiences and beautiful memories, but a journey to Tibet is unique. There is no populated place in the world at such a high altitude, so it is often called “Top of the ruff” or “The third poll.” That uniqueness that Tibet has, you will not see elsewhere, their culture and tradition are also exceptional. So if your trip to Tibet was not on your bucket list, write it on and consider what a great experience can be traveling to Tibet.
Author Bio
This is a guest post by Helen Wang from windhorsetour. In her own words: I started my travel career in 2005. It not only enriched my knowledge of tourism, but also inspired in me a love for traveling. Besides India, Nepal, USA, European and China; I have traveled to most of Tibet, including Lhasa, Tsedang, Gyantse, Shigatse, Everest Base Camp, Mount Kailash and so much more! I started working at WindhorseTour as Travel Advisor when it first opened in 2006. It has been fun to help grow our family – from specializing in Tibet travel to tours to now all over China.
PS: Some of our links are affiliated, this means we will earn a commission when you buy a service or product by clicking those links. However, this will have no extra cost for you.
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