Tibet has stunning high altitude views, ancient monasteries, and a rich local culture.To get to this vast region, you will need to make arrangements ahead of time.If you want to legally enter Tibet, you need the necessary travel documents.Make a detailed itinerary so you can see all that Tibet has to offer.Pack smart because your trip to Tibet is fun and memorable if you arrange your transportation and accommodations.
Step 1: You need a Chinese travel visa.
You can only travel to Tibet through China, so you need a travel visa first.You can apply for a Chinese travel visa in your area.People who are visiting China as a tourist will need to apply for a visa.You will need to provide a copy of your passport and a passport grade photo of yourself as part of the application.U.S. citizens pay a fee for a visa to China.The fee is $30 for non-U.S. citizens.The visa will take 4 days to be processed.
Step 2: You can find a Tibet-based travel agency.
The Chinese government does not allow travellers to legally visit Tibet on their own.Hire a Tibet-based travel agency and book a guided tour.For a fee, the travel agency will arrange your travel documents.There is a search for a Tibet-based travel agency.This will allow you to support the Tibetan economy directly and ensure the agency will arrange your trip properly, if you read online forums.
Step 3: Travel documents can be applied for through the agency.
You should do this at least 3-6 weeks before you go to Tibet.You will need to provide your itinerary in Tibet to the agency in order for them to apply for the documents.If you pay a fee, some agencies will make the itinerary for you.Depending on where you plan to travel in Tibet, you will need four permits: the Tibet Travel Permit, an alien travel permit, a military permit and a foreign affairs permit.Depending on your itinerary, the travel agency will determine which permits you need.To apply for travel permits to Tibet, you will need a copy of your Chinese travel visa.
Step 4: Get the documents in the mail by paying.
Depending on which permits you need, the cost for your travel documents will be different.The cost for a permit can range from $50 to $100.The cost of your travel documents can be included in a package with your transportation and accommodations.You will get hard copies in the mail once your permits have been processed.Before you pay for the permits, make sure you are happy with your travel plans so you don't have to change them.If you arrange your permits with the travel agency, there will be no wait time.
Step 5: You should bring your documents with you on your trip to Tibet.
Hard copies of the original permits are required for you to show them to officials when you enter Tibet.Make copies of your permits and keep them safe.
Step 6: Tibet has the best weather in the spring and summer.
Tibet is a great place to travel during the summer and spring.During the summer and spring it can reach 20 C.You will need to be prepared for a lot of tourists if you visit during this time.Tibet is prone to rainy months in July and August.National holidays in China can make it difficult to book transportation and accommodations when you travel to Tibet in May.
Step 7: For low season, go to Tibet in the fall or winter.
The weather in the fall and winter will be less crowded.During the winter and fall months, you can see the mountains.During the winter months, the temperature can drop to below 0 C at night.The fall months will be cold.Tibet is closed by the Chinese government in February.Check with your tour guide to see if you are able to travel to the region during this month, and keep an eye on Chinese government announcements.Chinese people tend to travel to Tibet in early October for national holidays, so if you don't like crowds or heavy traffic, you may not travel during this month.
Step 8: Guided tours of holy sites can be done.
You can get a tour guide to take you around Tibet through a travel agency.Your tour guide will take you to temples and monasteries, giving you detailed information and context at each site.The holy sites usually have an entrance fee.The Potala Palace is a popular holy site in Tibet.Your tour guide should be able to recommend other places to visit.Follow the posted rules when visiting holy sites.
Step 9: Lhasa has local markets and teahouses.
The capital city of Tibet is known for its open air markets and teahouses.You can eat local food at the teahouses.Local, traditional foods are the focus of most meals in Lhasa.
Step 10: There are areas of Tibet that need to be removed.
The Mount Everest Base Camp is one of the popular areas around Tibet.Road trips to these areas can be arranged by your guide.You will have to be prepared to spend a lot of time in the car looking out the window.Additional permits and extensive outdoor experience are required for hiking and climbing around Mount Everest.Speak to your tour guide if you have any questions.
Step 11: Go into China.
You should book a ticket to China at least 3-4 months in advance.If you want to explore northern China before going to Tibet, you can land in Beijing.If you want to make it easier to get to Tibet, you can fly into a central city like Chengdu.Take your budget and travel itinerary into account.If you have time and money, you can fly into Beijing, explore for a few days, and then find transportation to Tibet.If you want to spend most of your travel time in Tibet, you could fly to Chengdu and then go straight to Tibet.
Step 12: You can take the train from a major Chinese city to Tibet.
You can take the train from a number of places.If you're traveling on a budget, the train is an inexpensive option.If you book them earlier, you will get a spot.Taking the train from major cities like Beijing and Chengdu may be easier, but the ride will be longer if you leave from a central city.If you want to have an easier time adjusting to the altitude change and prefer a shorter train trip, leaving from Xining may be the best option.Depending on where you are in China, the train can cost as much as $115 dollars one way.
Step 13: You can fly to Tibet from China.
You can fly out from a number of cities, including Beijing, Guangzhou, and Chongqing.It is possible to get a flight to Tibet from Beijing and Shanghai.The flights will be longer than out of other places.It is possible that Chengdu is the best option, as it has many flights a day to Lhasa.Depending on where you are going, the cost of flights can vary.You can find flights that are within your budget.As part of your trip to Tibet, your tour guide may be able to arrange flights for you.
Step 14: You can book a hotel through a tour guide.
You can arrange accommodations through your tour guide.You can find a variety of accommodations, from five star hotels to budget hotels.Give the tour guide a sense of your budget and what you want to stay in.You don't have to worry about it when you arrive because they will book it for you.Most hotels in Tibet do not have a website or an online booking option, so you will need to do this in person or through your tour guide.
Step 15: You can find accommodations in person.
You don't need to reserve accommodations in advance if you plan to travel in remote areas of Tibet.When you arrive, you can get a list of hotels from your tour guide.Accommodations in remote areas can be arranged by your tour guide.
Step 16: It's a good idea to bring medication for altitude sickness.
You can get altitude sickness medication from your doctor or pharmacy.The day before you arrive in Tibet, start taking it.Don't take more than the recommended amount if you follow your doctor's instructions.You can take a supplement like ginkgo balboa to help with altitude sickness if you prefer a more natural option.It may take a few days to get used to the high altitudes.Take the medication to help you feel better.
Step 17: For visiting holy sites, pack long sleeves shirts and pants.
The local custom in Tibet is to keep your legs and arms covered when you are in temples or monasteries.Pack your travel pants and shirts with long sleeves.You can cover your arms with a scarf or wrap when you go to holy sites.
Step 18: Bring warm clothes.
You may experience cold nights and warm days in Tibet.Pack a jacket that you can wear underneath.Bring shoes that are comfortable to walk in.
Step 19: Before you go to Tibet, you need to get Chinese currency.
The Chinese currency is accepted in Tibet.Bring your Chinese currency with you when you are in China so you have cash on hand.Put the cash in a money belt or a small bag around your neck and keep it safe.If you need to take out more cash, you should be able to find an ATM or currency exchange in Lhasa.When you get to Lhasa, your tour guide can help you exchange or take out currency.It can be difficult to find an ATM in remote areas of Tibet, so make sure you have enough money for your travels.The high altitude of Tibet makes it difficult for your credit card to go through properly.Cash is the best option.Let your bank know that you are travelling to Tibet so they don't freeze your card or see it as suspicious.
Step 20: Basic words and phrases are learned in Tibetan.
You can find online guides on how to speak basic Tibetan phrases.Tibetan uses characters, but you can learn the pronunciations of certain words to say to locals.You can get a Tibetan phrase book or an audio recording of different phrases that you can listen to and learn from.
Step 21: You can get international minutes on your cellphone.
You can add international minutes to your cellphone plan when you are in Tibet.Lhasa has cellphone and Internet service.In remote areas of Tibet, the signal may be poor.There are many hotels in Tibet that have internet and phone lines.
Step 22: Speak to your tour guide for more information.
Your tour guide can help you plan your trip to Tibet.Before you embark on your trip, they may send you a list of items to pack as well as a detailed itinerary.guidebooks on Tibet can give you more information.Look for travel guides that are current and up to date so you know what to expect.