Tíbet
Tibet always fills our mind with images of Buddhist monks reciting mantras, caravans of yaks across frozen lands, prayer flags waving in the wind, wide windswept horizons and the high peaks of the Himalayas in the background. Tibet is a vast territory situated in one of the harshest places on earth to live. However, perhaps because that, it generated -and also expanded- a particular millenary culture and, deep down, a way of seeing and understanding the world. It is in Tibet that Buddhism achieves a degree of integration into society, a mysticism and a way of expression not found in other countries.
Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, not just administratively but also religiously, is worth a trip in itself. With the Potala temple dominating its streets, buildings and temples, one feels absorbed by its spiritual power. It is also here that the conflict and clash of the Tibetan personality with the Chinese authorities, present in Tibet since their invasion in 1950, is most vividly experienced. Tibet’s integration into China has brought economic, technological, modern and infrastructural advantages, but has not been respectful of its culture and way of life, and certainly, not of its basic freedoms.
With the end of the Mao era and the “unofficial” revision of the excesses of the Cultural Revolution, China gradually began to “normalise” and the Tibet region was opened to international tourism in 1980. However, especially since the uprisings of 2008, there are severe restrictions and it is not possible to travel independently in Tibet.
In recent years, and coinciding with the opening and increase in tourism, they have rushed to rebuild everything that had been destroyed and to “normalise” the situation. “Normalised”, because although there is a relative understanding and adaptation between the two communities, the Chinese authorities maintain an unpredictable policy in this territory, always susceptible to any hint of rebellion from the Tibetan community.
Arrive to Lhasa
Lhasa will surely be your initial destination in Tibet. The most common way to get to Lhasa (LXA) is to fly from Beijing (PEK), Chengdu (CTU/TFU), Chongqing (CKG) or Guangzhou (CAN) or by train from Chengdu or Xining. But there are countless possible combinations.
We always recommend spending one night in China before flying to Lhasa to avoid any problems related to flight delays, overbooking or cancellations that could cause you to miss your connection and, in addition, to be able to receive the original documents of your Tibet Entry Permit without problems. in case you need them.
At Plan Himalaya, due to the complicated conditions for obtaining a visa to China and Tibet Entry Permit at the PRC consulate in Kathmandu, we have decided not to organize trips to Tibet when entering from Nepal. We only organize trips when entering Tibet from China, either departing to China again or via Nepal.
It is very important that you pay special attention to the deadlines and procedures for your entry permits to China and Tibet.
CHINA ENTRY VISA
You apply for it in your country of origin. Think about doing it as soon as possible from 3 months prior to your entry into China, as we will need it for the Tibet Entry Permit at least one month in advance.
You have the process and all the information to obtain the visa very clearly explained at visaforchina.org
If you mention Tibet in your visa application it will complicate the procedures. The smoothest way is to skip it and submit:
- Flights in and out of China.
- Hotel reservations for half of your planned stay in China (may be reservations you can cancel).
If you prefer to mention that you will travel to Tibet (or you have no choice) there are these options:
- Invitation letter from the Tibet tourist office for 5 or more people (request 3 months in advance).
- Invitation letter from our travel agency (request 3 months in advance).
Contact us to see what is the best option and what you need.
TIBET ENTRY PERMIT
Due to current regulations, a special permit is needed to visit the Tibet Autonomous Region. To obtain it, we must receive the necessary documents at least 1 month in advance.
We will need:
- Copy of passport (which does not expire before 6 months from your entry into China)
- Copy of entry visa to China
- Plane/train tickets for your entry and exit from Tibet (the return flight from Kathmandu if you leave Tibet through Nepal)
- Rooms distribution in Tibet (which you will surely have already given us when designing your trip)
- Your address and phone number in your country of origin
- Address in China if you are going to spend one night before arriving in Tibet (recommended)
Once your visa is issued and you send us the copy, we process the entry permits to Tibet and, once granted:
– If you arrive in Lhasa by air, you will need the original permits. We will send them by express mail to your hotel/address where you will spend the night in China before flying to Lhasa (at no added cost) or we will deliver them by hand to the international airport that you indicate to us if you prefer to make a stopover and fly to Lhasa the same day (with supplement).
– If you prefer to get to Lhasa by train from Xining or Chengdu, you will only need a copy of the permit that we will send you by email.
Please note that the regulations for visas to China and Tibet Permits may change at any time without prior notice.
Money / Currency
The official currency of China is the Renminbi which is, of course, also used in Tibet.
It is best to change before arriving in Lhasa, but you can change at the Bank of China in Lhasa, Shigatse, Zhangmu and Purang. It is best to carry small to medium denominations of 10, 20 or 50 notes, as higher denominations can be difficult to change in small towns. There are ATMs in Lhasa, Shigatse, Tsedang, Baiyi, Lhatse, Zhangmu and Saga, but don’t rely on them too much and use them only in case of emergency.
Tipping
Tipping in Tibet is not a general rule. However, tourism workers do expect a tip if the work has been done properly. The fact is that, if they do not receive a tip, rather than feeling frustrated or disappointed, what will happen is that they will be very worried thinking that they have done their job really badly and the traveler has not been happy at all.
Between 100/500RMB per day for the guide and between 100/300RMB per day for the driver per group would be correct. Naturally, keep in mind that a group of 2 travellers is not the same as one of 12.
Mobile, internet and WIFI
There are different operators with international agreements, but as always, the cheapest way is to use a SIM card from a local company, which you can buy by showing your passport. The easiest way to charge is to buy the usual cards with different values.
Most hotels and venues have WIFI, but internet and data connections can be erratic, as the Chinese government tightly controls all connections. In many places, you have to show your passport to access the net, and many websites are blocked and others work intermittently. Of course, be careful about the websites you visit or the comments you make in your communications.
Power
There may be different plug types, as in China. The three most common types are the European round-tipped, the parallel flat-tipped and the Australian angled flat-tipped.
The voltage is 220V.
Weather
Tibet is one of the highest regions in the world and is a continental plateau with the world’s highest mountains in the south, so you can expect cold and some areas or some days can be frozen. The wind can blow with intensity in open spaces, making it feels colder. Differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures are noticeable. However, Tibet is a huge region, so the weather is not the same in all places.
The best time of year for temperatures is between April and October, summer and autumn, although it can rain frequently, almost daily, during July and August, though usually in the evening. Even so, the weather is cool, with daytime temperatures averaging around 20º Celsius and a minimum of 10º Celsius. In autumn they are lower, and the minimums can already be under zero.
In winter, you can expect the atmosphere to be cold, but more because of the snow and wind than because of the temperatures, which will be between 10º and -10º on average. Even so, some roads may be closed and traffic will be more difficult.
The sun’s radiation at this altitude is intense, so good sunscreen for the skin and lips is a must, as well as a cap (watch your ears) or a hat.
General equipment recommended
As for clothing, it’s up to you but keep in mind that it can get cold in Tibet. Don’t rely on average temperatures. The fact that they are average means that can be hotter and also colder. You already know that in places where we can have significant variations in temperature, it is best to dress in layers: short sleeves, fleece pullover, jacket, raincoat. The thickness and quantity will depend on the season in which you visit us.
We suggest you some items to include in your personal equipment and/or luggage. They are neither exclusive nor exhaustive. Consider what to take depending on how hot or cold you feel and your specific needs. It is up to you to decide what to take or not, but you will almost always find a shop that can help you with a forgotten item.
- Clothing at your discretion and depending on the season and your sensitivity to heat and cold.
- Warm sleeping clothes for cold nights at high altitudes.
- In Tibet, a cotton or silk sleeping bag may be advisable, as in some of our destinations the accommodation is basic.
- A small torch will be very useful in the dimly (or not at all) lit streets.
- Spare battery(ies) and a power strip for plugs and charging various devices. Plug adapter to be on the safe side.
- Sunglasses and sun protection for skin and lips.
- Small first aid kit, with scissors, tweezers, plasters, antiseptic, and some basic medicines: paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines and anti-diarrhoea medicine.
- A small sewing kit is always a lifesaver.
Health
No vaccinations are required to enter Tibet and it is not a country with too many problems for travellers. Although zero risk does not exist, it is not an issue that should obsess the traveller.
There are pharmacies where you can find most of the basic medications that you may need on your trip, although you will need to know the generic name.
In Tibet it is not easy to find tampons, and if you do find them, they will not be the ones you are used to. Pads are more widespread, but you will probably encounter the same problem. Our recommendation is to bring them from home.
