About Tibet

Tibet is known as the ‘Land of Snows’, and the ‘Roof of the World’. Tibet has one of the richest cultural and spiritual traditions in the world. Capital city of Tibet is Lhasa with the population 403,700 out of 2.62 million in totals. The total area of Tibet is 1,228,800 sq km. The main language use in Tibet is Tibetan and Chinese. The currency of used in Tibet is Yuan Renminbi (CNY).

Culturally Tibet comprises a huge area stretching north into the provinces of Qinghai and Gansu, and east into Sichuan and Yunnan as well as across the Himalaya into Ladakh, northern Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan. Politically it has never been fused, its people often in conflict as power, politics and religion are inextricably intertwined.

Tibet Tour

Tibet’s history has always been closely linked with the gods who live so close, and in Tibet’s vast and hostile landscape it is easy to conceive the many demons from whom shaman’s offered protection. Some of these demons were real, in the form of bandits and invading Mongol hordes, others reflect the deep spiritual focus of the Tibetan people. With the coming of Buddhism the demons were tamed, converted and turned into protectors- an integral part of the unique way in which Buddhism has developed in Tibet.

In Tibet, people follow Buddhism and his disciplines. People liked pilgrimage as an integral part of life. Monasteries and temples are the most attractive point of town and village.

Getting to Tibet

  • Air China operates between Lhasa and Kathmandu on Sunday, Thursday and Saturday.
  • Thai flies daily between Kathmandu and Bangkok with connections throughout the world.
  • From Europe there are daily flights via Middle East on Emirates, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways as well as connection via Delhi on Lufthansa and KLM.
  • There are daily flights from Delhi.
  • RNAC has twice weekly flights to Osaka via Shanghai and to Hong Kong.
  • The land border at Kodari-Zhangmu.

Visa Information

It is only possible to enter China from Nepal with a visa issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. In order to apply for your visa you must provide RMT with a photocopy of details page of your passport in 14 days prior to your trip. The visa will be issued once you arrive in Kathmandu- it takes one full day. The Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu issues visas on Monday, Wednesday and Friday only. So must plan your itinerary to allow for this.

Travel permits are required for Tibet. RMT will apply for your permit on your behalf.

To book a tour, must send full passport details (including full name as in passport, date and place of birth, passport no, date of issue and expiry, profession, sex, nationality, home address, tel no,etc) should reach us. For visa procedure, 4 full working days are required with a condition that clients should be available in Kathmandu. Normal visa fee is US$ 28.00 currently and urgent charge US$ 17 extra have to borne by the clients. For US citizen an extra US$ 14 on above fee shall be applied.

Currency

Currency use in China is Chinese Yuan (CNY), often referred to as Renminbi (RMB) or Kwai when spoken. However mix cash and travel checks in major currencies like USD, CAD, EUR, AUD and also ensure you have a mixture of large and small Denominations. Currency exchange is available in Gongkar Airport after arrival and at Bank of China branches in Lhasa and Shigate.

ATM is available in Lhasa. While returning CNY can exchange into USD or NPR at the Zhangmu/Kodari border.

People

Tibetans are very curious and may stare at you or want to look at your guidebook. Be polite and patient and you may find the experience rewarding.

Tibet observes the Buddhist tradition of begging for alms. You will probably find yourself approached many times but they are rarely pushy and do not target foreigners any more than locals.

Travel Information

Accomodation
Accommodation facility in Lhasa is located near the central Barkhor Square, in what remains of the Tibetan Old City. Rooms are on a twin share basis with hot showers and western toilets however bathrooms may be shared. Outside Lhasa accommodation is in simple guesthouses that vary considerably in quality.

On some trips you should be prepared for some very basic conditions. In remote regions rooms will be multishare with no washing facilities apart from a thermos of water and a bowl, and pit or “long drop” toilets that are used by everybody (and consequently not places to hang around in longer than necessary!). In more remote areas there may be no/irregular electric.

Transportation

We use both 4 wheel drive Toyota Land-cruisers and minibuses when travelling in Tibet.

They are powerful vehicles and well suited to the rough ground and punishing roads that will be experienced during the entire trip.

They are not perfect though, and the land does take a considerable charge. Breakdowns and disruptions to our travels are common, and are usually dealt with in true “bush mechanic’ style by our local Tibetan drivers

Food and Drinks

The food in Tibet is best described as basic, but there are a surprising amount of western and Nepalese choices available, especially in Lhasa. There are many numbers of restaurants catering to western tastes in Lhasa, but usually with a fair mix of local, Chinese and Indian flavours.

Out of Lhasa the food becomes more basic the more remote the region, though you can usually get some momos (dumplings), noodle soup or the ever present egg fried rice. In many places that are all you can get! Tipping is not expected in Tibet

Must Try:

  • Tsampa (barley flour mixed with yak butter).
  • Yak butter tea 

There are strict controls over taking picture inside the monasteries but some upon paying a fee, a monk may turn on the lights making the flash less necessary. Do not carry any dalai lama pictures, free Tibet posters or t-shirts, Tibetan flags or controversial political magazine or book.

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