Tibet Travel Info & Permit
1. Airport Check-In
Always arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure time to facilitate check-in.
2. Passport
An international passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of arrival into Tibet is required.
3. Tibet Travel Permit
Foreigners of all nationalities entering Tibet from Nepal (either by friendship highway or by air) will require a valid Tibet Travel Permit issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. It can only be processed by a licensed travel agent.
Procedure
– Upon confirmation of your trip, send us a clear scan of your passport via email for processing of the Permit.
– On arrival in Kathmandu, your Nepal guide will collect your passport from you and proceed to the China Embassy.
– Your permit is a piece of document and will be ready by the same evening.
4. Crossing boarder at Friendship Bridge at Zhangmu
– This is the immigration check point between Nepal and Tibet.
– Your Nepal guide will bring you to the border and clear the Nepal immigration.
– You will walk to the Friendship Bridge and wait for the Tibet guide to come and receive you.
– It can take between 30 – 60 min as the Tibet guide has to clear immigration before he comes down to the Friendship bridge.
– Once your Tibet guide arrives, your Nepal guide will hand over and you will then be driven (40 mins) to the Immigration point at Zangmu.
– Once you are in the Immigration, make sure you hold your own copy of the Tibet Permit.
– You should check for entry stamp in your passport.
– The Zangmu immigration closes at about 430pm China time. In case of any delay and you reach the immigration after they closes, the Immigration officer will allow you to cross but they will keep your passport in the immigration.
– You will need to come again the next morning at 9 am to clear the immigration and collect your passport.
– Your Tibet guide will make the necessary hotel arrangement in Zangmu.
5. Passport Size Photos
Please bring along 2 passport size photos for the Tibet travel permit application.
6. Vaccination
Vaccination is generally not required for Tibet. However, we recommend that you consult your family doctor or visit the nearest clinic. There is also a travel clinic at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
7. Time Difference
No time difference from Singapore time.
8. Currency
As with the rest of China, the Renminbi (RMB) is used in Tibet. You can change RMB in Singapore prior to your tripor in major cities in Tibet. In Tibet, the only place to change foreign currency and travellers cheques is the Bank of China. Top-end hotels in Lhasa have exchange services but only for guests. Outside of Lhasa, the only other locations to change money are in Shigatse, Zhangmu, Purang (cash only) and Ali, and at the airport on arrival. If you are travelling out of cities, try to get your cash in small denominations: Y100 and Y50 bills are sometimes difficult to get rid of in rural Tibet.
9. Prohibited Goods
No carrying of foods, agricultural products, plants, pets or animals, narcotics, arms and ammunition, pornographic objects and religious articles.
10. Electricity
We suggest that you bring along an international multi-purposed adapter available in all electrical shops.
11. Climate
Best season to travel: April – June, September – October Monsoon: Jul – Aug Winter: December – March
12. Clothing
A comfortable pair of walking shoes is a must as many of the sightseeing tours are conducted on foot as motor vehicles are often banned from historic places of interest. In spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) you will need a lined jacket or woolen sweater over light clothes. In summer (June to August) cool cotton garments are recommended. Late spring and late summer are often rainy especially in the southern part of China, so you would be wise to bring some rainwear or an umbrella.
13. Hotel Facilities
Generally air-conditioner, television, in-room movie channel & free coffee/tea making facility are available in the hotel rooms (Lhasa, Shigatse and Gyantse). All beverages consumed from the mini bar is at personal expense. Most hotels in the city have internet facilities in their business centre which are chargeable.
14. Hot Shower
Hot shower is available in majority of the hotels in the city and outskirts.
15. Communications
Internet cafes are common in the cities and are reasonably cheap. Local calls, long-distance calls and facsimile services can be made in the tele-communication shops in major cities. Most hotels have installed IDD in their guest rooms. Should you wish to make calls from your mobile, you should note that roaming service is costly in, including sms. There is no reception in the rural areas of Tibet.
16. Shopping
Barkhor Street is the famous commercial center of Tibet. It is located outside of Jokhang Temple. Over 120 handicraft and artwork shops and over 200 individual booths are set up on Barkhor Street each day. It is a must-go place for all souvenir shopping. Besides simply shopping, Barkhor Street is a great place to people watch. This circular street is a stop for pilgrims, and is also where local people do some of their shopping, so it gives visitors a great chance to see local people living their lives. This street offers a lot of choices, but it is important to shop around before deciding on a purchase. Many venders sell similar items, and some places are more expensive than others. When deciding to buy a piece, be sure to bargain. There are no set prices, so if you find something you want, think what it is worth to you, and stick to that price. Most of the items for sale in Tibet cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Lhasa Department Store is the largest and most famous store in Lhasa. Located on the west end of Yuthok Street, it sells handicrafts as well as practical items, such as cotton clothing, mugs, canned food, towels and toothpaste and other stuff tourist may need to buy before they move to other remote towns. There are many other department stores lining Yuthok Street, but the Lhasa Department Store is the largest.
17. Tipping & Porterage
Tipping is a common practice while you are on a tour. It is always a good gesture and customary to tip the coach driver and the local guides. It is entirely up to each individual to decide how much they want to tip as experiences may vary.
18. Food & Beverage
Any changes in diet can have an effect but a few simple precautions should prevent any problems stemming from food or drinks. Tap water is NOT drinkable in Tibet. It is safe to drink only mineral water from sealed bottle or from the boiled water supplied in your room. Food is not a problem in Tibet. Various cuisine such as Chinese, Western, Indian and continental are available in the city. Typical staples for Tibetans include the following:
Tsampa: Roasted barley flour mixed with Tibetan yak-butter tea.
Yak Butter: This daily food of Tibetans refined from the milk of yaks.
Beef and Mutton:. Usually Tibetans boil beef and mutton with salt, ginger and spices.
Yoghurts and Milk Sediments: There are two kinds of yoghourts. One is made of milk from which ghee has been refined; the other is made of milk from which ghee has not been refined. Milk sediment is usually used to make Tibet buns.
Tibetan Sausages: Varied sausages made of yak meat, yak blood and flour.
Momo: The half-moon-shaped dumplings filled with meat, vegetables and ginger can be either steamed or fried.
Thenthuk (Tibetan Noodle Soup): A typical Tibetan noodle soup made either with vegetables or meat.
Salted Butter Tea: The salted butter tea is made of boiled tea poured into a long cylindrical churn along with salt and yak butter.
19. Language
Tibetan is the main language of Tibet, especially in the rural areas, with various dialects spoken as well. The government and in most commercial activities actively use Mandarin. Tour guides and generally tourism industry members eg hotel, restaurant, shops speak English.
20. Culture
With its diverse ethnic groups and traditional beliefs, Tibet has numerous cultural practices that may appear unusual to a person on his/her first visit to the country. However, to enjoy your stay in Tibet, it is important to take into consideration the different cultural aspects of the country. Here is a list of things that may be helpful to you:
When visiting monasteries or temples
a) When entering a temple building, visitors should always remove their hats.
b) Do not talk loudly or about irreverent topics.
c) Smoking and the consumption of alcohol is also taboo.
d) Do not take photographs inside a temple building without permission.
e) Visitors who purchase butter or oil for the lamps, it is important that they spoon it into the lamps themselves.
Others
a) Presenting Hada is traditional practice of respect and hospitality in Tibet. When you receive a Hada, it is proper to accept with both your hands.
b) Take photographs only after receiving permission for the object or person being photographed.
c) Public displays of affection between a man and a woman are frowned upon.
d) Be conservatively dressed at all times
e) Do not give anything to street children or beggars.
f) Do not carry any religions stuff or any photos of spiritual leaders into Tibet.
Last but not least, remember that you are traveling to a foreign country that has a different lifestyle, culture and customs. Do set your expectations right and embrace this difference with an open-mind. Do keep a traveler’s integrity and have a good sense of humour.
WE WISH YOU A PLEASANT TRIP!
This pre-departure note serves only as a guideline and is accurate at the time of issue. Divine International Explore & Treks will not be held responsible for misinformation or omission intentionally or otherwise. All information are subjected to changes without prior notice.
For more information, please check out travel literature or websites.
