When planning such a trip, we first shall leave 2 to 3 days in Lhasa, not only for sightseeing there but also for high altitude acclimatization. Most people will not have any problem with the high altitude after some rest. During sightseeing in Lhasa, we should at least include the most beautiful splendor in Tibet – Potala Palace and the Tibetan spiritual center of Jokhang Temple. If the time permits, we usually shall have one day exploration to the Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery to get a glimpse of how Tibetan monks live or study there. Then we will drive out of Lhasa for other places of the route.

As part of the road to Gyantse is under reconstruction now, our next stop would be Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. There is the Tashilumpo Monastery which stores the biggest copper Buddha statue in the world. The old town of Shigatse is also very interesting just like that of Lhasa. You may find some special souvenirs in the local market as well.

The next day we can either drive to Gyantse for a visit (approx. 180km back and forth) or skip Gyantse and drive forward to Ronbuk Monastery. The Shigatse-Ronbuk is a long trip of around 350km with the most difficult part in the last 100km. Ronbuk Monastery is the highest monastery in the world and only 8km from the Mt. Everest Base Camp. Upon arrival, we would be able to enjoy the glorious evening scenery of Mount Everest in distance. Overnight we usually stay at the Ronbuk Monastery guesthouse.

And in the next early morning, we will walk or take a carriage forward to the Mount Everest Base Camp.As we know there is very limited time to view the true face of Mount Everest in a year, many people feel it is already an unforgettable experience when just being with this highest mountain in the world..After enjoy the morning scenery of Mount Everest, we will get back to Tingri or forward to Shigatse depending on our last stop to Zhangmu or Lhasa. .

This Mount Everest Base Camp tour requires at least 7-8 days including that for high altitude acclimatization in Lhasa. The prime time for it shall be from May to October though it is available throughout the year except some snowing days in February (and raining days in August for the Friendship Highway to Kathmandu). Some tourists told us that they feel they changed to another person after the trip. I guess this might be because they experienced something really very unique in life.

Sherry Jia, experienced Tibet travel advisor from http://www.toursoftibet.com, a local travel agency based in Lhasa with an office in Chengdu, Capital of Sichuan Provice in China handling all on-line inquiries regarding a private tour to Tibet and China. For the detailed day-to-day itinerary of this Mount Everest Base Camp trip in Tibet, please visit our http://www.toursoftibet.com/docc/TP.html.

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For a more orthodox Tibetan feel, the eastern end of Lhasa is ideal. Visit the Jokhang and the Barkhor to see traditional dress, locals engaged on a kora, and spinning prayer wheels. The western end of the city has more Chinese influence and is quite modern. The diversity between the eastern and western sections of the city can be surprising to foreign visitors. The Jokhang Temple is a must-see for any visit. Built in the 7th century AD, it was constructed to house statues of Buddha. Over the centuries, the temple has been enlarged and houses many historical statues of past kings and their brides.

Spanning four floors and facing west with a gilded rooftop, the temple is located on Barkhor Square. This is right in the center of the old section of Lhasa. Sometimes monks congregate on the lower level and on the roof to pray and debate. The famous Potala Palace is also worth a visit. It is thought to have originally been a fortress but has been rebuilt many times by several Dalai Lamas over the years. Towering no less than 14 stories with more than 1,000 rooms, past Dala Lamas once lived in the palace. Their remains are housed in golden tombs.

There are guided tours inside the palace and plenty of time to enjoy the grounds. But beware, it will take around an exhausting 45 minutes to climb the hundreds of stairs! That said, getting around Lhasa is quite easy on foot. However, if you don’t want to walk everywhere, there is the cycle rickshaw. Remember to barter for your fare. You can also take a taxi, minibuses, and buses. For buses, you can buy tickets in advance or simply when you board the bus.

All visitors must have a current visa and Tibet Travel Permit in order to visit Lhasa. The application can be quite treacherous. It is easier if you work with a Chinese travel agent to facilitate the application process. In remote areas of Tibet, you won’t find any money exchange services. This means that if you plan any treks out of Lhasa you better prepare yourself before you leave the city.

Shane Marden is an Australian photographer and author of the coffee table book Child of Tibet: A lost innocence. He loves telling stories and is passionate about freedom. Shane also runs a web site on Tibet.

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The trip and arrival in Xining went exactly as planned and we were met by Nancy, an exceptional guide. When she discussed what there would be to do for the afternoon we would have after lunch, she was pleased that we knew that there was an extensive street market in town that was certainly well worth our time and visit.

The timing of a large lunch and then the need to eat again early to be at the station on time made for an excessive amount of food and the restaurant manager just did not understand that we only want a bowl of soup and some more of their excellent watermelon slices.

Nancy took us to the station and to the “soft” VIP lounge. That was a very thoughtful addition to the wait for the train to arrive on time.

My wife and I had very mixed emotions concerning the new Tibet train. First the scenery and the event of riding this new China train far exceeded our expectations. We would recommend it to any and all who enjoy seeing new terrain and riding trains to any where. On the other hand the service and facilities on the train were a marked disappointment. I guess we pegged our level of service and facilities on the train we took on our first trip from Guangzhou to Hong Kong. Checked baggage handling. Smiling helpful car attendants in white gloves and emasculate pink uniforms who ushered us to our seats and provided drinks and service along the trip. With the train to Lhasa being new and even more up to date, we feel you can understand our expectations.

First, we were astounded that there was no baggage checking available. Even though Nancy and our driver stayed with us to take our luggage down into the subway tunnel to the third set of tracks away from the station, it was a difficult chore. If the guide and driver would have even have even had a group of 5 or 6 clients, this baggage hauling would have been extremely difficult. Then to have the luggage in the compartment where our two regular cases took up half the floor space. We did utilize the vacant upper bunks for our carry-on cases. The space under the lower seat/bed, was so narrow only a very small case would have gone under the bed.

The next disappointment concerned the bedding. It was obvious that the compartment had been occupied by at least four persons. The lower beds that were to be ours were “spread up” to look fresh, but the bedding was soiled and without question used and not changed. There were dirty shoe marks on the outer side of the bedding and food debris in the bedding. We cleaned up as best we could and carried out the old food waste that was left in the compartment.

We use China Connection Tours as our China Tour Operator and thanks to them as they guaranteed the Tibet train tickets for us.

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Is it difficult to get there? No actually it is not. Most people think the best way to go about it, is to fly into Lhasa, and go from there. I found a better way was to go overland from Nepal, Kathmandu over the friendship bridge and through places such as Nyalam, Tingri, Skekar, Lhatse or Quxar, Shigatse, Gyantse, Nagartse to Lhasa, over a very small but breathtaking region of the Chinese labeled “Autonomous Region” of Tibet. Of course things change all the time, so make sure you fully update yourself on travel to Tibet, permits, travel ability and general stability of the country politically is never something one should presume. A good travel company should be up to date with the goings on, and also offer some alternative if things change on your planned journey.

Again on travel companies in general, I highly recommend organizing this through one that promises Tibetan guides, and secondly uses locally ran accommodations where ever and whenever possible. Although difficult, there are ways to support Tibetan people along your travels, if you know who to travel with. I know D’Tours Original offer such touring standards.

The best time to travel to Tibet is between September to early November, just keep in mind it starts to get very cold the later you go, and accommodations are not always the warmest. You will need to obtain certain permits to travel, and ATP (Alien Travel Permit) and of course a visa etc. Your travel company can help you obtain all of these things. You do not need a Chinese Visa stamped in your passport before coming to Nepal to travel there either, as long as you a returning the way you came, you should not need this at all. Of course rules continually change, so keep yourself informed via internet, forums and tour company advice.

Why is now the best time to go? Spiritually Tibet stands alone, a stony silence hangs over the air like a clear glass case, although it is heart breaking to see the devastation not only in the once lush landscapes, now raped of anything green and left barren and windswept, and to see the deep set lines on beautiful faces withstanding life saturated with iniquitous treatment of the basic human right to live and breathe one’s own air. However, It a fast growing foreign population, so fast in fact that soon perhaps traces of Tibet may be consumed forever, so better now than later, and it is worth it, if not for the historical splendour that lines each city with monasteries, stupas and Tibetan artistry. The Tibetan people still somehow find their smile, and warmth behind their eyes, offering you the traveller a rich and rewarding insight into strength and courage and beyond all else, a welcome into a country that is and always will be spiritually theirs and theirs alone.

So go now, because it is a place one should not put aside to go later.

For more information about Tibet Tours, please visit http://www.dtoursoriginal.com

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The first and most important thing is to take it easy. And then pay attention to the followings:

1. Avoid catching a cold before entering into Tibet;

2. Try to have a good sleep at the night before arriving in Tibet;

3. Don’t conduct many activities on the first day of arrival;

4. Walk slowly and drink extra fluids;

5. Light and high carbohydrate meals are recommended for more energy and don’t drink alcohol or smoke;

6. Climb up to high altitude slowly;

7. Avoid sedatives;

8. Prepare some medicines as per doctors’ suggestions.

Usually we will prepare the oxygen canisters/bags for your whole journey. Most of our tour guides and drivers are local Tibetans who know the local condition very well and with some of them having been well trained for the emergency.

For people who have diseases like tuberculosis, pneumonia, serious tracheitis, bronchitis and serious heart problems or catch a serious cold, it is usually not suggested to come to Tibet. If you are not sure about your health condition, you can consult your doctor before traveling.

And if there are kids’ travelling with you, you shall also first consult the doctor for some advices. My experience shows that some children are even better in high altitude acclimatization than adults…

Sherry Jia, experienced Tibet travel advisor from http://www.toursoftibet.com, a local travel agency based in Lhasa with an office in Chengdu China handling all on-line inquiries regarding a tour to Tibet and China. Please visit us for day-to-day itineraries of some popular tours in Tibet including that to Mt. Everest Base Camp, Mt. Kailash, etc. and also many trekking/hikking tours in Tibet.

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The tourist must then apply for the Tibet Travel Permit at the same Embassy or Consulate. When applying for this permit, foreign tourists are asked to submit basic identification information (including name, nationality, age, sex, occupation, and passport number), route to and point of entrance, approximate travel time, travel intentions, telephone contact information and other materials, to designated offices of the TTB. This can be done directly or through travel agencies. A copy of the Chinese visa and first page of the tourist’s passport need to be faxed or emailed to the TTB (Tibet Travel Bureau). Tourists should receive confirmation for travel to Tibet within two to four business days.

The Tibet Travel Permit is usually issued instantly upon receipt of copies of the tourist’s passport and visa. Checking and approval of the letter however requires three working days. To avoid any possible conflict with airline tickets, hotel reservations, scheduled guides and vehicles, tourists are suggested to begin the application procedures as early as possible. This is a necessary step for anyone planning on visiting Tibet. When you fly from any city to Lhasa you will need to show this permit when you check in at the airport. Most travel agencies will ask to see this permit before selling you the flight ticket.

Amine Rahal
Absolute China Tours Ltd.

More information about traveling to Tibet in our Tibet Travel page.

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There are two pages for the permit. The first page is the approval letter from the Tibet Tourism Bureau with an unique number and anti-false label at the top right and the second is the group name list. Both pages shall be stamped by the Bureau.

When applying for the permit, it is required to provide the day-to-day tour itinerary, travel dates, hotel reservations, tourists’ personal data including. name, nationality, age, gender, passport number and occupation as well as a clear copy of passports and China Visas. Please note journalists, reporters, government officials, diplomats and religious officials shall travel Tibet under arrangements of the local foreign affairs office.

This permit is only for entering Tibet and travelling in Lhasa region. When check-in-out at the train stations and airports, you shall show it to relevant staff, and upon arrival in Lhasa, give it to your tour guide who will help you cater for any inspections during travelling.

If you travel other to places outside Lhasa, an Aliens’ Travel Permit and some other permits such as military permit will be required which your travel agency shall handle for you accordingly.

Sherry Jia, Tibet travel advisor from http://www.toursoftibet.com, a local travel agency providing various tours to Tibet. Visit us for more information on Tibet travel permit and China Visa.

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July and August are the rainy seasons in Tibet, mainly night rain only which usually won’t affect your sightseeing in the day time but will bring some difficulty to trekking tours. This two months could see about half of the annual rain in Tibet.

April, October and November often bring some dazzling clear weather and you could feel very comfortable in the lower altitude places.

For some popular tours, you may need to note the following weather restrictions:

* The Everest Region: though the Lhasa-Everest-Lhasa tour is available throughout the year, the Lhasa-Everest-Kathmandu overland tour could be impossible in some snow time in Jan or Feb, especially the Old Tingri – Nyalam – Zhangmu part.
* Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar as well as the Northern Tibet (including Namtso Lake): usually not passable in winter seasons from December to March.
* Eastern Tibet: try to avoid travelling the Sichuan-Tibet highway in the rainy seasons of July and August.

Besides the above climate issues you shall consider when planning a tour to Tibet, you need to get prepared for the strong sun radiation and big temperature difference between day and night for traveling there as well.

Sherry Jia, Tibet travel advisor from http://www.toursoftibet.com, a local travel agency based in Lhasa with an office in Chengdu. You can find detailed day-to-day itineraries of some popular tours in Tibet on our web site including the amazing 8-day Himalayan EBC tour, Kailash Yatra and also many other sightseeing and adventure tours in Tibet.

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The symbol of Tibet is the majestic Potala Palace perched on top of Marpo Ri Hill in the center of the city of Lhasa. It is the must-go of most visitors to Tibet. The Potala Palace is the religious and political center of Tibet and the former residence of the Dalai Lama. It is the most sacred place in Tibetans’ heart. Although place like Lhasa is definitely somewhere that tourists can not miss, this article is going tell you something about Tibet that is absolutely magnificent but out of the spot lights.

Among the snowy mountains and deep gorges between Tibet and Yunnan, there are some mysterious footpaths winding through the mountainsides, some are even carved into cliff face crossing one of the most dangerous terrain and uninhabitable area in the world. These footpaths have been called the ancient Tea-Horse Road. Hardly to be called a road it starts from Sichuan and Yunnan provinces in Southwest China, runs along the eastern foothills and deep canyons of several major rivers, than heads into Tibet spanning the two highest plateaus of China (i.e. the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Yunnan-Guizhou plateau), and finally reaches India, south of the Himalayas. But why have these ancient footpaths been called the Tea-Horse Road, who discovered this ancient route into Tibet, and what is the role it plays in the history?

It can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Tibetan people liked drinking Pu-erh tea (i.e. post-fermented tea compressed in thick rectangular blocks, flat squares, discuses or other shapes) because they ate high calories food such as butter, Tsamba, beef, and lamb but consumed very little vegetables. Pu-erh tea not only helped them to digest the heavy food but also offered their Vitamin need. Tibetans did not drink the Pu-erh directly but mixed the tea with the yak butter creating a salty and rich tea which is still common today. However the environmental situation of Tibet did not allow for the growing of the tea. Luckily, the neighboring Yunnan was an ideal land for growing tea, and they made Pu-erh tea in great quality. Those who could manage to transfer the tea from Yunnan into Tibet were going to make good money. On the other hand, Chinese army needed strong warhorses desperately, comparatively Tibetans had a strong mounted army and they also had access to Middle Asia, where possessed the best military horses in the world.

However, it was almost a mission impossible to exchange goods between Tibet and Yunnan, because any possible land connection between the two regions was almost cut off by the harsh terrain. The natural border between Tibetan plateau and Yunnan is formed of endless snowy mountains and deep gorges with steep cliffs which is tough for any land animals to cross the area. Finally the irresistible temptation of making huge profit had given the merchants enough courage to make their way through cleverly however dangerously.

If the mountains could not be climbed they went around them on the mountainsides. By following the rivers they could take advantage of the narrow river banks under the cliffs. In continuous and collective efforts in many years, the trading link was established. Through this route, Yunnan merchants traded Pu-erh tea for strong military horses from Tibetan, and resold these horses to the rest of China. On the other hand, Tibetan merchants also made good money by selling the tea to India and middle Asia. This is why this trading route has been called the Tea-Horse Road.

Therefore, the ancient Tea-Horse Road plays a similar role as the Silk Road, and is a significant part of the international trade in the history. Besides a road of wealth, it was also a road of cultural exchange that created a cultural bond between Tibetans and Chinese in the history, and facilitated the spread of Buddhism in China. Even today, when people are trekking on this ancient route into Tibet, they can still sense the spirit, the courage, and the wisdom devoted to this road, and marvel at this great legacy of our ancient ancestors.

This article is one of China Odyssey Tours’ serial introductions about adventurous China. Other topics include the “Simatai Great Wall, a real adventure tour”, “Home of Giant Pandas – Chengdu”, “Tiger Leaping Gorge and ancient town Lijiang”, “The legend of Dragon Back and the fairy tale of Third Sister Liu”. You would find the adventurous routes cover the above topics though China Odyssey Tours, or custom design a dream route exclusive to you.

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No matter which way you take, a Tibet entry permit is necessary for issuing the flight/train tickets.
This permit is released by the Tibet Tourism Bureau to officially licensed travel companies only. You shall provide a copy of your passport and visa with your Occupation info for the permit application. It usually takes five working days but we shall always try to apply for it as early as possible to secure a smooth trip since more and more travellers coming to Tibet making the queuing much longer than before. The cost is around 7USD charged by the government department. If you will travel outside Lhasa and some remote areas in Tibet, some other permits will be applied as well including the Alien’s Travel permit, military permit, etc.

Sherry Jia, an experienced Tibet travel advisor from http://www.toursoftibet.com a local travel agency based in Lhasa with an office in Chengdu handling all on-line inquiries regarding a tour to Tibet and China.

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