Destinations
On to the Rooftop of the World! Experience a high altitude safari like none another. Four of the world’s highest mountains straddle its southern border and the average altitude is 4000 meters. One of the most isolated regions in the world, here is your chance to visit this amazing and mysterious country. Not only is it one of the last remaining great wildernesses but it is also the source of Asia’s great rivers which supply 47% of the world’s population and has the earth’s highest ecosystem. We will visit this land of dramatic landscapes and magnificent Buddhist temples by flying into Lhasa from Kathmandu and driving out in Toyota Land Cruisers, crossing the Himalayan Divide via Mount Everest. Lonely Planet says, “For anyone who travels with their eyes open, a visit to Tibet will be a memorable, fascinating but sobering and at times even saddening experience.”
Tibet, standing at an average elevation of 16,500ft above sea level, till today, still remains one of the most interesting, mysterious, enchanting, remote and many of the area still underdeveloped. Besides being the highest plateau in the world; its transformation from a warring and aggressive to a peaceful, pious and gentle people by the influence of Buddhism, is very amazing. Its isolation nearly tills the second half of the twentieth century; its diverse climatic and geographical conditions strongly attract people of all types from historians, adventurers, pilgrims and so on.
A trip to Tibet is more of adventurous and spiritual for those believe Tibet as a Power Place. Due to its high altitude, those travellers with a history of heart, lung or anemic problems should consult their doctor before considering a visit.
Overland travel between Kathmandu and Tibet is an incredible journey where you get to see the world¹s highest plateau and the Himalayan Ranges in all its glory before you. The trip becomes more wonderful and amazing as you pass through high winding roads and passes.
It¹s most important that visitors should understand that Tibet was only opened to tourism since the mid eighties and you should be ready for a bit of adventure regarding hotel accommodation and other services specially en-rout.
Photographs:
Taking of photographs is prohibited in sensitive areas like in Check Posts / Army Areas. There is extra charge if you wish to take photographs inside monasteries, sometime monasteries charge for each different section of the same monastery. If you want to take a photograph of an individual please ask him or her first, they usually ask money. Carry plenty of rolls of films and batteries.
Toilet En- Route:
Toilet en-route Zhangmu to Lhasa during drive is problem for ladies, common toilet in Tibet is best not to use, and we advise open air toilet is available. One can go behind the rock or off the road and cover with soil.
Exchange Rate, ATM and Credit Card:
The exchange rate of - US $ 1 = Yuan 8 Cash is normally preferred. Banks in Tibet/China are closed on Saturday and Sunday. So you are kindly requested to carry at least US $ 100 per person to cover you extra expenses like for meals etc. en-route till Lhasa. If its cash dollars even the local people will help you get it exchanged for Chinese Yuan. Major currencies such as US Dollar, Euro, UK sterling can be exchanged at the Bank of China branches at Zhangmu, Shigatse and Lhasa. You can also change money local moneychanger but consult with your guide before you change it to avoid any counterfeit note. There are ATM Machine in Lhasa and Shigatse. Big store, restaurant and hotels accept major credit cards.
Communication from Tibet:
There email and internet centre in Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse, it is best to ask your tour guide, it is usually written INTERNET CENTER in their signboard.
Electricity:
220 volt.
Passport Size Photographs:
Please make sure that you carry enough passport size photographs; some extras would help in case it is needed.
Acclimatization & Altitude Sickness:
Due to the very high altitude of Tibet, which is over 12,000 ft, acclimatization is very important. You may be likely to experience some of the minor symptoms and discomfort of altitude sickness (headache, mild nausea, loss of appetite) until your body adjusts to the elevation. This can take from a few hours to a couple of days depending on the individual. Do not exert yourself and drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids. It is advisable to drink at least 5 litres of water a day.
Immigration Formalities:
Zhangmmu immigration is the main immigration point while entering Tibet via Nepal – Tibet border. You have to go through immigration formalities (our guide assist you) in Nepal side before crossing the friendship bridge, which separate two countries.
VISA:
NATIONALS: US NATIONAL
NORMAL (in 1 week) US$ 142
URGENT (in 3 days) US$ 164
TOP URGENT (same day) US$ 198
OTHER NATIONALITIES:
NORMAL (in 1 week) US$ 58
URGENT (in 3 days) US$ 80
TOP URGENT (same day) US$ 114
Note: Visa regulations are subjected to change.
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In November, 2012 I took a trip with Samsara Journeys to Bhutan and then Chitwan National Park. Bhu... Read More