Most importantly, all travelers in Tibet are kindly requested to bear in mind that Tibet being extremely remote and isolated by the most formidable Himalayan ranges remains still one of the most captivating but least developed parts in the world. With its very short history of tourism (just about 8 years), the facilities for tourists although being upgraded are still at basic and limited scale. So, the visitors are requested not to have high expectation in terms of facilities in Tibet. However, we will always put all our efforts to make your journey as pleasant as possible.
Besides, the road between Tibet & Nepal is not up to the standard. It is rough, bumpy and full of bends. Particularly during monsoon (June- August), it can be temporarily obstructed by landslides and erosion. So, a bit sporty wears and shoes are much advised facilitating the travelers to walk over the landslides (specially in the Nepal portion).
Overcoming Altitude Problem
Traveling in Tibet is an adventure involving high altitude and could he strenuous. So far, most visitors have only minor effects from the altitude. However, we advise specially the guest with known heart or lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor before traveling. Mild headache, fever, loss, of appetite or stomach can take place before acclimatization.
Our Advice
Drink 4 liter of water minimum a day, don't exhaust yourself so much and breathe deep and take rest more than usual.
Booking & Visa
Minimum 2 weeks in advance (for booking from outside Kathmandu) and one week (from within Kathmandu) a firm booking with full payment along with full passport details (incl. Full name, Date & place of birth. Passport No., Date of issue & Expiry, Profession, Sex Home Address, Tel. No., etc.) Should reach us. We arrange China/ Tibet visa at a cost of $ 30.00 per person. For visa procedure, 5 full working days are required with a condition that clients should be available in Kathmandu, otherwise urgent charge will have to be borne by the clients.
Cancellation
50% of the tour cost will be charged as cancellation fee if you cancel the tour within 7 days prior to the start of the tour (for booking from outside Kathmandu) and $ 100.00 will be charged (for booking in Kathmandu). No refund, thereafter, also for No-Shows, delay arrivals or whatsoever reasons.
Risk & Liability
We shall always put all efforts in making your journey smooth and pleasant. However, as all Tibet tours are run strictly under Tibet Tourism Authority, our agent's whale or we not are responsible for any change or cancellation of flight, delay arrivals, sickness or accidents. Any extra cost incurring thereof shall be borne by the clients. So, it is most advisable that clients to have full insurance against medical and personal accidents risk. A cancellation insurance is also most advised from you home country.
Climate And Clothing
The high altitude of the Tibetan Plateau make for climatic extremes - temperatures have been known to drop 17 C (80F) 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 warm clothing as nights and early morning can be quit chilly to downright cold in winter months. Bring camera & films, batteries, medicine, Toiletries, 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 overage 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
Insurance
The client prior to arrival in Nepal should make personal travel insurance. Full travel insurance coverage, particularly for trip cancellation and interruption is strongly recommended.
Currency
The unit of currency is Yuan. USD 1=9 Yuan. Foreign currency and travelers cheque is accepted at the bank of China in Ghangmu, Shigatse and Lhasa. Major cards are also accepted in Shigatse and Lhasa.
Airport Tax
Airport tax in Lhasa airport in Yuan 90(US$12). If you are flying to Lhasa from Kathmandu, airport tax at our airport in Rs. 1,100 per person.
Visa Splitting
As Tibet tour requires visa in-group; some time people staying longer will have to get the group visa split. It costs generally Chinese Yuan 200-400 depending upon different nationalities.
Hotels en Route
As the facilities in Tibet are very basic, hotels, although they look gorgeous, don not has proper facilities even in Lhasa. So, in the remote areas, it is obvious that hotels may not have enough double rooms and clients sometimes may have to have triple, four or five bedded rooms in some places. However, we always try to provide twin bedded rooms. Especially, first two night have to be spent in such basic hotels that may not have bathrooms attached and could require you to use common toilets.
