Tibet Travel FAQ list following on this post, we most ask by travellers visiting Tibet. We have been organizing tours in Tibet for two decades. With these experiences, we come along with tons of Tibet Travel related questions from our clients and partners all over the world. Yes, we do understand travelling to Tibet could sometime seem to complicate dues to the complex and outdated information on the Internet.
Here are our collections of the most essential question and its comprehensive, precise, and Updated answers. To save your time by providing the right and needed information. We have carefully selected these questions which are commonly asked by many travellers.
All the answers provided are regularly updated to the latest development in the policy of the Tibet Tourism Bureau and Tibet Travel Permit. If you have a question which we might have missed here in the list. Please send us an email, and we will provide you with the right information in no time.
Followings are Tibet Travel FAQs
Basic Information
There are two ways you can enter Tibet from Nepal. Firstly, You can either take a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa or secondly. You can drive overland from Nepal to Tibet Via Kyirong Border Town. But going overland from Nepal poses a greater risk of getting High Altitude sickness due to a drastic gain in elevation per day. So we want to recommend you ascend slowly to acclimatize to the High elevation of Tibet.
Please keep in mind, If you are entering Tibet from Nepal. It is mandatory to get a Chinese group visa from the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu. So it will take three business days to get the visa. You can only leave Kathmandu for Lhasa on the fourth day. We will have to send the Visa Invitation from the Tibet Tourism Administration office in Lhasa. And you will have to hire an agency in Nepal to apply for you because you can’t apply directly at the embassy without an agent. If you already have a Valid Chinese Visa on your passport. It will get revoked. Read more about the Chinese Group Visa here.
Please read the most helpful app for travelling to Tibet to help you keep in touch with your tour guide at the border and please find latest Tibet Nepal Border Update 2024
Two ways to enter into Tibet from Nepal
Flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa
For entering into Tibet from Nepal of Flight. There is a daily flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. As you board the flight in Kathmandu, you will have two paper Group Visa in Your hand. You will need to bring both to Lhasa Airport. Do not leave any in Nepal. One paper is for arrival in China, and another one is for departure from China. Once you arrive in Lhasa, they will check for your Chinese Group Visa and Passport at the first checkpoint on the second floor. There is another checkpoint near the exist on the first floor (Ground). Here you will meet your Tibet tour guide, and he will proceed with your Tibet travel permit check.
Overland from Nepal to Tibet.
For entering into Tibet from Nepal by overland. Take five hours drive from Kathmandu to Rasuwagi on the Nepal side of the Sino-Nepal Border. As you check into the custom, you will meet your Tibet tour guide here, and she will help you proceed with the custom check. And as you will enter into the Chinese side of the border. There you will meet your driver, and he will drive you to your hotel in the Nearest Town of Kyirong. After a night in Kyirong, you will proceed with your Tibet travel.
You can visit Tibet at any time of the year. Yet some months are better than others based on the activity you want to do. So the best time to travel to Tibet depends on your goals in travelling to Tibet.
- Suppose you want to visit Tibet during the excellent weather and a clear view of the Landscape. We wish to recommend you to see from April to June, September to early November.
- If you want to explore Tibetan culture and travel to Tibet without much of a tourist, we recommend visiting Tibet in the Wintertime.
- We would strongly recommend you skip visiting Tibet during the Chinese National Holidays, especially during the May Labor day holiday and National day holiday during the first week of October. This is because there will be lots of domestic tourists during those holidays.
- You can also visit Tibet for special festival tours like the Saga Dawa tour to Mount Kailash and our other special tours.
- Suppose you would like to visit Everest. You will have the most unobstructed view of the Mount in January, February, April, May, October, November, and December.
- Suppose you would like to travel to Mount Kailash. So the best time is from early May, June, September and the First half of October.
- Suppose you would like to experience and see the Tibetan Nomad on the Grassland. The best time to travel to Tibet is from June to September.
- Suppose you would like to experience and see the Tibetan Farmers in their field. The best time is from April (Planting), September and early October (Harvesting).
- Suppose you are visiting Tibet for trekking. Therefore the Best time is in early May to late June and early September to late October.
Tibet Travel FAQ
This is the first question in most travellers’ minds. When they are planning to visit Tibet, can I visit Tibet?
Yes, everyone can visit Tibet. Tibet has never been open as it is today to the international travellers in its history. Each year Tibet receives millions of International travellers visiting Tibet. Therefore, it makes Tibet tourism the third largest industry and a very important sector of Tibet’s economy.
Any travellers can visit Tibet as long as they would follow the Tibet Travel Regulations. This clearly states you will need to arrange a tour with a local Tibet travel agency providing a Personal tour guide, Private Car and Tibet travel permit.
There is a different way to obtain a permit for Tibet. Hence, you can contact a local Tibet travel agency for regular travellers to make all the required permits. But, for diplomats and journalists, you will have to communicate with the Chinese Embassy in your country.
If you are a Tourist visiting Tibet, you will have to book a tour with a local travel agency in Lhasa. Who will help you in obtaining the Tibet permits and Arranging your tours in Tibet? Read more about our Tibet travel information here.
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Tibet Travel FAQ
It is the most asked and fundamental question. Are independent travel allowed in Tibet?
No, It’s been over a decade since independent travels are prohibited in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. So, all the visitors must have the tour organized with a Local Travel agency in Tibet. This organized Tibet tour includes A licensed tour guide, a private vehicle, and the Tibet travel permit.
The primary document needed for travelling to Tibet is the Tibet travel permit issued in Lhasa. Only a local registered travel agency can help apply it for you. Unfortunately, no travel agency can help you make it unless you booked a package tour with them.
While in Tibet. In Lhasa, You are pretty much free in a day besides the guided tour to the sites. During your journey to other regions of Tibet. A tour guide will be with you all the time. But after arriving at the destination of the day. You are pretty much free to explore around. There will be a guide assigned to you all the time during your stay in Tibet.
The private vehicle means a vehicle assigned to the group. If it is a Group Tour, you will assign a bigger car with a driver and a smaller group size like a small family. Then we will assign you a smaller van. You cannot travel on public transportation outside Lhasa city.
You may want to read more of Tibet travel regulations and Tibet travel guide here. If you have questions about Tibet travel, like, Are independent travel allowed in Tibet? Please do write to us at info@itibettravel.com.
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We would recognize these three cities as the most accessible gateway city to reach Lhasa; Xining in Qinghai province, Chengdu in Sichuan and Kathmandu in Nepal. Each one of these cities is different and offers different means of transportation to reach Lhasa.
1) Xining
Xining is the largest city on the Qinghai Tibetan plateau. It is one of the gateway cities to Tibet. Xining is located 1916 kilometres northeast of Lhasa city, on the edge of the plateau. Right now, all the trains to Tibet get funnelled in Xining to Qinghai Tibet Railway line. This makes Xining a significant hub for travellers travelling to Tibet on Train. Therefore, there is a lot of train per day from Xining to Lhasa. Yet, the city has only one flight a day to Lhasa city. Therefore, staying in Xining for two days before coming to Lhasa is highly recommended for visiting Tibet. It gives them a better opportunity for acclimatization in Tibet ahead of reaching Lhasa.
2) Chengdu
Chengdu is the largest city near the Tibet Autonomous Region. It is the biggest gateway city to Tibet. It is located 2040 kilometres east of Lhasa. There is one train every two days from Chengdu to Lhasa. Yet, there are over ten flights a day from Chengdu to Lhasa. Making it most flight to Lhasa. Most international travellers prefer to change their flight to Lhasa at Chengdu for more frequent and Convenient. You can also take one of the most beautiful overland journeys between Lhasa and Chengdu.
If you take a flight from Chengdu to Lhasa, we will send you the original permit to your hotel in the city. Also, we can make an arrangement to send your Tibet travel permit to you at the airport.
3) Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is a great gateway city to Tibet. There is a daily flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. You can also prefer to travel overland to Tibet via a border port in Kyirong. Unfortunately, right now, there is no train between Lhasa and Kathmandu.
Suppose you are travelling to Tibet from Kathmandu. Please remember you will need to get the Chinese Group Visa from Kathmandu. It will take about three days to get the visa. Once you arrive on the China side of the border, you will meet your tour guide with your Tibet travel permit.
Conclusion on gateway city to Tibet
Above are the three best gateway cities to Tibet. Each one with its benefit in choosing. If you have more questions about Traveling to Tibet. Please do let us know at info@itibettravel.com
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Private independent travel is not allowed in Tibet. Can I take a public bus to Tibet? This is often asked by many travellers planning to visit Tibet. All the international travellers visiting Tibet must have their tour organized with a local Travel agency in Tibet. Including a Private tour guide, Private Vehicle, and Tibet travel permit.
So the answer to this question is both yes and No. here is how it is.
Suppose you are taking public buses within the jurisdiction of a town or a city. Yes, you can take the public bus. But, like in Lhasa, If a traveller wishes to take the bus to Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery or the Potala Palace. Yes, you can take the public bus. Yet you are not allowed to take the public bus outside the jurisdiction of that town or city.
No travellers are allowed to take intercity buses service. Therefore like travelling to Shigatse from Lhasa. For these routes, you will have to arrange a private vehicle with your travel agency. But upon arrival in Shigatse, if you would like to visit someplace in Shigatse, you can take the public bus.
The best example of such a case is with our special tour design for elderly people. We have the first three days free for them to stay in Lhasa city for acclimatization in Tibet on these tours. During those three initial days, we do not arrange any cars for their visit around the town. Instead, they would use buses and taxis for transportation within Lhasa.
Once when the tour starts, they would travel in a private vehicle on the tours outside of Lhasa city.
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Booking a Tibet tour with us is relatively easy. following are your book with us:
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But, first, finalise the tour plans and itineraries.
All the Travel agencies in Tibet can help you make your perfect Tibet travel plan to suit your needs. Let them know how you are planning to get into Tibet and your travel plan. With this informations, they can help you get all the required information and schedule your tour before finalising the plan and the price. Please read a lot and ask a lot of questions.
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Finalise the price.
Once all plans are finalised, you can finalise the tour price with the travel agency. Tibet is not a budget destination. It is not easy to get a cheap tour, and an affordable tour often comes with very bad services. If you want a cheaper tour, you can join the group tours offered by Authentic licensed travel agencies in Tibet.
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Sign tour contact after reading our booking terms and condition.
All responsible travel agency in Lhasa requires you to sign a tour contract with them. Please go through the terms carefully before signing them. By signing the tour contract, you also have to send them some deposit. The deposit shall be sent to the company’s official bank account with Tibet address. We need the bank receipt of the deposit on making the Tibet travel permit.
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Sending us a scanned copy of your Permit and Visa.
Once tour Contact is signed and deposited is sent. The last stage in how to book Tibet Tour is. You will have to send them copies of the passport and Visa. Because these documents are required for making your Tibet travel permit
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No. it is very easy in arranging a tour to Tibet. We understand they are a lot of outdated and fictitious information online. All you will need to do is find a good travel agency and have some mail exchange with them to decide on the price and tour route.
It all takes in arranging a tour to Tibet is a good travel agency. We sincerely recommend you to find a travel agency based in Lhasa and, if possible own by a local Tibetan.
If you book the tour with locals, you can have many benefits compared to booking a travel agency not based in Tibet. Making Tibet travel permit and Tibet travel arrangements are easier with them. We are a local Tibetan travel agency, and we arrange all the services for international travellers visiting Tibet.
Besides arranging a tour to Tibet, you will also have to book a ticket for a train or flight to Tibet. Booking a flight ticket is easy and very convenient. Yet booking the train ticket is a little complicating.
Many travel agencies in Tibet requires travellers to book their own. But with us, you can book all the flights ticket to Lhasa and train tickets from any destination from other areas of China to Lhasa.
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Before we answer this question, What is the currency in Tibet? We must be aware that Tibet is a province of China, like elsewhere in other parts of the People’s Republic of China. We use RMB in Tibet. Besides money, all the banking and foreign exchange here are the same as in other areas of China.
Here in Tibet, You can exchange foreign currency with the local banks, and all the major travel agencies can exchange it for you. We often help you call the Muslim forex trader to meet you in the hotel and facilitate your exchange the money to local currency in Tibet without being a middle person. Don’t change the cash at the hotel. They give a worse rate in Tibet. Instead, go to the bank.
In all the ATMs in Tibet, you can withdraw the RMB. The bank offers the best exchange rate in Tibet. You can ask your tour guide or your travel agency to help you to the bank or working ATM place to withdraw the money in Local currency in Tibet.
Suppose you have more questions regarding currency in Tibet and other topics relating to Tibet travel. Then, please do contact us at info@itibettravel.com.
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Yes, you can withdraw money from local banks and ATMs in Tibet. Please ask your Tibet Tour guide for a convenient location whenever you will need to.
Most of the businesses in Tibet do Accept all the major credit cards. However, cards like Diners Club, JCB, Master, Visa, and American Express works better. Yet, it is more convenient to have more than one different card. Remember to use the card without using a pin once if the Card machine doesn’t work while paying with cards.
You can withdraw money from the local banks and ATMs in other cities in Tibet. For example, in Lhasa, Shigatse, and Lhokha, ATMs can be found easily. But in remote villages and towns, they might be less frequent, and most of the time, machines would not be functioning.
You can use the bank of China‘s ATM to withdraw cash. Construction Bank ATM works for the above cards, Yet they apply surcharge the service fees of 2-4 USD per transaction.
You can also swipe your card on our Mobile card machine and exchange the money with us. Yet there will be a surcharge of 4% by the bank.
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When the question of What should I do when approached by beggars? Arrives. There are two angles you can look at. The first is the pilgrims seeking alms, and the other are professional beggars.
In Tibetan culture, Religious beggars like people prostrating around the Barkhor street are accepted by society in Tibet. Donating money or food to pilgrims brings you great merit. Usually, people from far away distances travel to Lhasa on pilgrims by prostrating to Lhasa. While they arrive in Lhasa, they would finish all their materials and depend on begging for survival and funds for returning to their home.
But they are many child beggars. Please do not give them any dime. Our Government provides free and compulsory educations and annual rations for children attending school. Many do not see the prospect of education over the short time small income made by their children begging in the street. Giving money to these young beggars discourages their self-reliance.
So we would encourage you to give alms for those pilgrims, yet we strongly discourage you from giving money to beggars.
For more information relating to question like, What should I do when approached by beggars? please do write to us at info@itibettravel.com
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Tibet is known as the third pole of the world for its cold weather and its ice mass. So whether in Tibet is cold dry in the autumn, winter, and springtime. The packing list for Tibet could be a little different as compared with other regions of the world.
Following are our recommendation to add on your packing list
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Wind blocker or a Sweatshirt
Besides being hot in the summer days. It is usually chilly cold in the shade. Due to this huge difference in the temperature, it is often easier for people to catch a cold. We tell all the travelers to have a wind blocker or a sweatshirt with them all the time. Even when it is extremely hot. So a light wind blocker jacket is extremely important to pack for the Tibet weather all the time. During your journey to Tibet. You will often stopover at the high mountain passes. The average hight of those passes at about 3800m and it would be exposed to wind. The wind at the mountain passes are very strong and most of the time could blow away your hat. It is cold up there. So during your journey, Always make sure you have a wind blocker jacket right beside you in the car. So a light wind blocker jacket is extremely important to pack for the Tibet weather all the time next to your seat in the car.
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Sun Screen lotion
Tibet‘s altitude and atmosphere give clear passage for solar radiation strike with intense radiation. It’s very frequent to get sunburnt, so bring sunscreen with a high SPF value, a good quality pair of sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Calamine lotion is great for a mild sunburn. Having a good moisturizer is also helpful as the dry air may cause your lips and the tissue in your nostrils to crack.
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You can find a detail Packing List on the logistic guideline that we will send you before your trip.
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During your stay in Tibet, please keep the following points in mind. Local Tibetans are very kind and friendly, but there are some things that you need to be aware of:
- Upon your arrival in Tibet. Please do not take a bath during the first day of arrival.
- Always keep warm to avoid getting a fever. Fever is the worse case for high altitude sickness.
- Drink lots of water and often try to put some salt in the drinking water.
- Do not smoke or drink any beverage containing alcohol.
- Please do not take photos of anyone without their permission; always ask permission first!
- Please do not discuss sensitive topics like political matters!
- Please do not wear hats or caps when you enter a chapel!
- Please do wear decent clothes during your visit to a monastery, chapel, and other holy places!
- Please do not touch Buddha statues or ritual offerings inside of a monastery!
- Please do not kiss or hug in public places, especially in monasteries!
- Please do not step across someone’s feet, cups or cooking gears!
- Please keep your passport and Chinese visa (especially the Chinese Group Visa) with you all the Tibet. Your tour guide will keep the Tibet travel permit with him for your entire stay in Tibet.
If you want further information about the question, What should I keep in mind during my stay in Tibet? Please do let us know info@itibettravel.com.
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Health and Safety FAQ
Tibet is located in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau of China. It is the highest place on the earth’s surface, therefore, also called the roof of the world.
During your Tibet travel, Many travellers feel changes in their bodies while travelling to high elevation for the Lack of Oxygen in Tibet. If it is not taken care of well, high altitude sickness can seriously hamper the quality of your holiday in Tibet.
To Prevent high Altitude Sickness in Tibet, we would like to recommend the following measures;
- First of all, preparation is key to how you will prevent high Altitude sickness in Tibet. Some months before your Tibet Travel. It is strongly suggested to consult your doctor and tell your plan to visit Tibet.
- When Arriving in Lhasa, avoid strenuous activities, drink plenty of water, do not drink alcohol.
- Ascend gradually with recommended three days stay in Lhasa or more if you are more concerned about it.
- You would recommend you to visit Xining (2275m) for two days before travelling to Tibet.
- We would not recommend any medicine for you. For this, you will have to consult the doctor.
Our preparation to help you prevent High Altitude sickness is the following.
- Help you recommend the travel plan to ease you with the more opportunity to acclimatize to the high elevation of Tibet.
- Provide an oxygen cylinder in the hotel during your stay in Lhasa, and we will keep it in the car while travelling outside Tibet.
- We provide 24*7 customer service in Tibet to assist you in the Hospital if you need help.
- Lastly, all our tour plans are made with high elevation sickness in mind.
The symptoms of Acute Mountain sickness could differ from person to person. To some, it could be severe, and they would have to evacuate from Tibet Immediately. Yet, for others, it could be mild and manageable. Therefore, it is often recommended for Travelers to design Tibet tours in such a way that allows your body to Acclimatize to Tibet.
The followings are symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness.
Symptoms generally ranged from mild to moderate altitude illness include:
- Insomnia
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Shortness of breath with the effort
Symptoms commonly associated with more severe altitude illness include:
- Bluish discolouration of the skin (cyanosis)
- Chest tightness or congestion
- Confusion
- Cough
- Coughing up blood
- Decreased consciousness or withdrawal from social interaction
- Gray or pale complexion
- Inability to walk in a straight line or to walk at all.
- Shortness of breath at rest
All the above of the list of some symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness. Yet in our experience of operating tours in Tibet for the last 20 years. Many travellers fail to recognize the warning of their bodies. Often in many cases, travellers would think it is just a common cold or just a tiny headache—any slight change to your body or the functioning of your body. If the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness are not taken care of in its mildness, it could seriously hamper your Tibet travel or could lead to a severe health issue and even may lead to death.
Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a pathological effect of high altitude on the human body. The causes of Acute Mountain Sickness by acute exposure to low air pressure (usually outdoors at high altitudes). It often happens around 3,000 meters above sea level.
As you all know, the air mass of the earth is pulled towards the surface of the earth by the earth gravity. This led to excellent air density around the sea level and low area. As you go up to the high elevation, the amount of air is lesser and lesser. Above 3000 meters of sea level, the air pressure is more secondary beyond our body’s capacity.
Acute Mountain sickness is the changes in our body in the atmosphere where there is lesser oxygen. For some, it might be mild, but for many, it could be fatal and deathly. The leading causes of Acute Mountain Sickness are the lack of oxygen, Our bodies incapacity to adjust to it and no proper acclimatization.
During your visit to Tibet, you are mostly like be arriving in Lhasa at the beginning of the tour. Lhasa city is at 3600 Meter. You will need some days to adjust correctly to the high elevation of Tibet. Our recommendation is for all the travellers coming in here to keep acclimatization in Tibet a top priority.
First of all, the following rate of high altitude sickness cause is not universal to all. It can differ from person to person based on their health, Age and acclimatization process on their Tibet tour Itinerary.
Secondly, the high altitude sickness cause is higher if you are going to higher places in Tibet. Such as The Mount Kailash Region in western Tibet and Mount Everest Basecamp. If your tour consists of only the lower area, the risk is lower.
Thirdly, the rate of high altitude sickness cause also greatly depends on the tour itinerary. Meaning how fast and how much you will go up the higher elevated places. What are your steps for Acclimatization in Tibet?
Following is the most well-known rate of high altitude sickness caused as per the elevation in Tibet. Yet, our human body has the marvellous capability to acclimatize to height. This is why ascending gradual and slow is very important.
Height (meters above sea level)- Percentage
- 3,000-40% (Nyintri Area)
- 3,700-57.3% (Lhasa area)
- 3,900-63.8%
- 4,520-89.24% (Average Elevation of Tibet)
- 5,300-100% ( Mount Everest Basecamp is at 5200M)
So it is recommended to book your tour with an experienced and responsible local Tibetan travel agency in Tibet. So your Tibet travel is easy and has the no or minimal effect of altitude sickness cause. Additionally, please keep the top priority on proper acclimatization in Tibet.
Following are categories of people who should avoid visiting Places of higher altitude including Tibet;
- Women with advanced pregnancy,
- children under three years of age,
- Traveller with a severe fever, cold
- patient with Acute pulmonary diseases
- travellers with acute cardiovascular diseases
Get adequate rest and drink lots of water. Administrating oxygen can help if the symptoms are worsening. The natural treatment for acute high altitude sickness is descending to a lower altitude as soon as possible. Suppose the patient doesn’t show any improvement in 3 to 4 hours. The patient should go to the hospital for proper treatment. High altitude sickness can be deadly if it is not treated accordingly.
All our Tibet tours are designed with this sickness in mind. Yet we would recommend all to keep their plan flexible and adjustable.
First, we recommend every traveller to consult their personal doctor three months prior to coming to Tibet. Your doctor knows you the best and can recommend you, the things you will need to do before coming to Tibet and could also recommend you some medicines too.
Here is the list of medicine, We find commonly with our travellers; Aspirin, flu tablets, throat lozenges, and nasal decongestants. Diamox is the most common medicine for high altitude sickness. And it is not available for sale in China. So if you think you will need it, you can bring it from home.
Here is wisdom from 14 century years old Tibetan medical science; Water is the best medicine, please drink plenty.
High Altitude sickness or AMS common for almost every tourist during the initial stage of the Tibet tours. Its effect differs base on the health status of the individual. We really suggest every traveller take at least three to four days in Lhasa to get proper acclimatization to Tibet’s High Altitude.
All our Tibet tour itineraries are made with this sickness in mind.
We suggest every traveller drink plenty of water, especially during the day time. immediately after waking up, before taking a bath. Do the little physical activities as much as possible. Majority of traveller gets proper to acclimatize after the first couple of days.
In Case of emergency, all our travel cabs are equipped with emergency oxygen supply kit. but remember, its only for emergency and give your body a chance to get adopted. Read more about High altitude sickness and how to avoid it.
Tibet Train FAQ
Yes. There is oxygen available on the train to Tibet. Tibet Train has two oxygen supplying systems on the Tibet train; The General oxygen outlet and the private oxygen outlet.
The General Oxygen outlet realises oxygen for the entire cart. This system is Automated. It increases and decreases the oxygen output based on the amount of oxygen in the cart and elevation. To maintain the oxygen level, call the cabins on the train enclosed to prevent air leakage. The entire cabins are well-pressurised.
There is a private Oxygen outlet at all the beds on the train. You will also find the pipe to connect on it to breathe in the fresh air.
It is not guaranteed that you will not feel the effect of the High elevation sickness on the train or in Lhasa after arriving on the train journey. Thought Train to Tibet pressurised, but it is not much different after arriving in Lhasa. But, we are sure it will help during your trip.
And for acclimatisation in Tibet after arrival in Lhasa. Therefore, It is best to make your Tibet tour plans slow in the beginning to have a great Tibet travel experience.
Yes. There are few charging outlets in the corridor of each cart of the train to Tibet. But sometimes, you might find them not functioning. So it is recommended to bring your own power bank to back up.
Since most International travellers use a soft sleeper cart and hard sleeper cart, a Seating cart is rarely used. So I will be writing here about charging outlets on a hard and soft sleeper of the train to Tibet.
The electric outlets are available wall below the window chairs in corridors and at the hard sleeper carts’ toilet exit point. In a soft sleeper cart, it is available in every single compartment. You will have to go out of your cabin to the seat to charge your phone. Yet it is a good place to relax by the window with the view of the remotest place on earth while charging your phone.
In soft sleeper cars, there are electric outlets under the tiny table in every single compartment. So it is no issue to find and use it.
Please remember, we use A, C and I sockets and plugs in Tibet and other parts of China.
No, there is no shower on the train to Tibet. You will have to wait to arrive in Lhasa for the shower.
We like to urge all travellers to shower in the hotel or the hostel at your departure city so that you will be ok during your Journey to Lhasa.
In Lhasa, you can take a shower. All the hotels associated have facilities of 24hr hot running water like the Shambhala Serai.
If you need to get freshen up on the train. Since there is no shower on the train to Tibet, The only possible way is to use the wet wipe to clean yourself. So it is suggested for all the travellers to go to Tibet on the train to buy a wet tissue for that. At both ends of the cabin, there are toilets, washbasin, and boiled water dispensers. So you can use the bathroom to get clean thoroughly.
Yes, boiling water is available on all the trains to Tibet. Usually, the water is considered safe to drink when it is boiled at 100 ℃. Yet in high elevation, the water boils are a little lower temperature. Here in the Tibet train, water boils at 70℃.
On the Tibet train, each cart has its water boiler, and you can get it for free of cost. There is a water boiler between two carts. Water is available 24 hours, but during peak hours in the day, you will have to wait sometime to get the water to reach the boiling temperature.
While getting the water, you might want to be a little cautious about the moving train. You will have to bring your mug and thermos.
There is hot water available in the sink area. But, it is only for washing things, not for drinking. Therefore do not drink from that hot water tap in the sink area. For it is undrinkable.
Since boiled water is plenty available on the train, it is recommended for travellers to instant food like noodles, oatmeal, tea, coffee, and anything else that requires you to add just hot water before eating it. You can also choose to buy Chinese Instant noodles abroad.
Yes. Meals are served on all the trains to Tibet when you travel to Tibet. Here you can choose food like Tibetan food and Chinese Dishes.
In each Tibet train, There is a Kitchen and Dining compartment. This coach is located right next to the soft sleeping compartment. You can buy three meals a day here. There is also a delivery service; you can order your food to get it at your bed.
The Dining area has a seating capacity of over 40 people. Many travellers like this area for right expansive windows for excellent views of the landscape. Here you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Qinghai Tibet plateau while having meals on Tibet train. As compare to other compartments, this compartment offers a better and broader view of a marvellous landscape. But here you cant seat without purchasing something. So Besides mealtime, you can buy tea or beer to be permitted to seat there.
You can have options to choose if you go to eat in the dining area. Suppose you order your meals to deliver at your berth. You will only have one option to choose the pack boxed meal which is usually the Chinese Meal of rice and fried vegetable and pork at 20RMB.
The meals on the train are usually double the price of the market outside, and it is not very good. Besides the meals, you can also buy a different kind of snack from the snack stroller.
If you are looking for cheaper alternatives, advise bringing their favourite snacks, fruits, even instant foods. There is plenty of boiled water available on the train.
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Tibet Travel FAQ
Traveling to Tibet by train from other cities in China is more economical and easy. Many travelers often ask us how many hours in advance I should arrive at the train station in China.
Here is our answer. It is suggested to arrive at the train station 1.5 hours before the train departure. Trains usually leave on time. Therefore there are a few things you will need to accomplish before the train’s departure.
After arrival at the train station, you will have to retrieve the train ticket from the counter and also fill out the health record form before departure. Additionally, there will be lots of people in line. So we would recommend you arrive 1.5 hours before the departure time.
If possible, we would like to recommend you get the Train Ticket a day before your departure, to avoid the last-minute rush. Ask your hotel or hostel staff for help. We are sure they can help you. It is also recommended to check the drive time to the train station.
If you plan to use public transportation, please research how to reach the train station.
During the National holidays in China, you will have to go a lot earlier. Chinese holidays are considered the world’s biggest migration season, and they will be a lot of people at the train station. For that reason, they will be lots of queue at the station.
Please do not forget to bring a copy of the Tibet travel permit, E-ticket Number and passport with you.
We hope we have to answer your question. How many hours in advance should I arrive at the train station in China?
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Tibet Travel FAQ
First of all, we only help traveler booking train tickets to Tibet if you have booked your Tibet Tour with us. (Find here different Tibet Tour packages, we are offering). After booking the tour with us, we will help you in booking flight and train tickets as per.
Suppose you are traveling to Tibet on the train. After securing your train ticket with us. The next question you will have is, How will I get the Tibet train ticket if I booked it with you?
Upon successfully purchasing your Tibet Train ticket, we will send you an email containing your e-ticket Number, Seat information, Departure, and Arrival time.
You can retrieve your paper ticket from any train station in China ( Except Macao and Hongkong) with your passport, copy of Tibet travel permit and E-ticket number. (Chongqing requires the original permit).
Suppose you are getting the train ticket on the same day of departure. You will have to reach the train station at least 1.5 hours before the train departure. During the national holidays in China, there are very long lines at the ticket counter. You will have to reach the train well in advance to have enough time to check on the train. Usually, ticket check stops 2 minutes before the departure time.
It often encourages all travellers to get the Tibet train ticket. In advance, if you are staying in that particular city for a day in advance. I want to recommend you to go to the train station to get the Ticket. In such a way, we can decrease the risk of not getting tickets for any reason. You can also ask people from your hotel or hostel to help you get it.
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- How many hours in advance should I arrive at the train station?
- How far is the Lhasa train station from downtown Lhasa?
- You can also read more about Tibet from our blog. Nomadic Tibet
It does not much ask the question from travellers travelling into Tibet as we (travel Agency in Tibet) are supposed to pick up and drop off all the travellers to and from the station. Yet, it might be a concern when you are initially planning to visit Tibet. How far is the Lhasa train station from downtown Lhasa?
The distance between Lhasa train station from downtown Lhasa is about 20 kilometres. It takes about 30 minutes to reach your hotel. You can either take a taxi, private vehicle or public bus to the train station. But if you are booked a Tibet tour with us, you will provide a free pick up and drop off for all the travellers.
The Lhasa train station is located in the new area of Lhasa city called the New Liuwu Area. This area is located right across the Lhasa Kyichu River. So to reach the train station from downtown, you will have to drive across the Liuwu bridge.
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Suppose you are thinking to book the Tibet train tickets myself from any train station in China. You can try to book from the ticket counter. Yet Tibet Train ticket would be available for purchase on the website site around the earliest hour on the first selling day which is 15 day prior to your travel day. There will be the possibility of tickets being sold out during the ticket counter opening in the morning.
If you are booking the Tibet train tickets from third-party booking sites, you might want to go for a more prominent name and reliable website. Yet most of these booking sites will not ensure you 100% in getting the train ticket. With them, you might end up paying more for the service. They also could offer an alternative plan like breaking the journey into two train journeys.
Suppose you book your Tibet tour package with us. We can help you purchase the train ticket as a part of our Tibet travel services.
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When we help travellers buy train tickets, our client often asks us, Why do I have to pay more than the actual ticket price of Tibet train ticket?
Tickets for trains to Tibet are always in very high demand. Additional that, there are limited numbers of trains available to Tibet. Most of the time, travellers have to use a third party to book it for them, so they charge additional for their services. It is a tough job in securing your train ticket and often a risk of not booking the ticket. So we think they deserve some extra payment for their service.
Here is another reason why you will have to pay more than the actual ticket price of the Tibet train ticket. Tibet is a trendy travel destination for domestic travellers. Most local tourists prefer to travel to Tibet on the railway. This is why it is often always harder to get a Train ticket to Lhasa than other regions in China.
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Yes, you can buy the Tibet train ticket yourself to travel to Tibet. The official train ticketing booking site for China Railways is www.12306.cn. Yet this site requires the Chinese ID card details to register. If you have friends and family members with a Chinese ID card, they can help you purchase for you. Additionally, the site is in Mandarin and requires Chinese Bank information to pay for the ticket.
There are many third party train ticket booking platforms on the Internet. Of all the most often used in China are Ctrip and Qunaer.
All the train tickets are available to purchase 30 days before the departure date. It is best to try to buy it on the first day for a better chance of getting it. If you miss the first day, please try for the next few days and have it booked through other agencies. You may not get the ticket in the last few days.
We can help you to buy the Tibet train ticket. But for this, you will have to book the Tibet Tour with us. The main reason is that purchasing the Tibet train tickets is a little risky as we might not be able to secure you the ticket.
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When you travel to Tibet on the train Tibet, three different seats are available on Tibet Train. The price of these different seats differs a lot with the comfort and facilities.
Following are types of seats available on the Tibet Train:
- Hard Seat
It is a seat like it is in the basic economy flight. However, on this seat, you will sit next to the other passenger’s shoulder to shoulder. Many international visitors would rarely choose this option for the long ride to Lhasa. However, locals and students usually use this as it is the cheapest option available. - Hard Sleeper
The hard sleeper comes with bunker style beds. Each cabin will have six berths and three berths on each side. Each berth has enough space for sleeping and your baggage. Here the bed is a little hard. - Soft Sleeper
It is the most comfortable option on your train journey to Tibet. It is usually 40-50 USD more expensive than the hard sleeper. There are only 4 four berths in a cabin, and the cabin has its door and television.
Above are the different types of seats available on the Tibet Train. If you have any questions about the Tibet train and ticketing, please let us know at info@itibettravel.com.
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There are three primary documents required to board a train to Tibet. The following are documents needed to board a train to Tibet.
- Photocopies of Tibet Travel Permit.
We will send you the scan copies of your permit by email. So you will have to print it out. This permit contains two pages, and you will have to make three copies of it. But if you are taking the train from Chongqing to Lhasa, we will have to send you the original Tibet Travel Permit. So we will have to send it to your hotel. - The Passport
You will have to have a passport. Which number you have used to book your train ticket. The ticket officer will check your passport before issuing your ticket at the Train station. - Train Ticket (Paper)
Please collect your train ticket at the Counters. The reservation number we will send is not good to board you on the train. So we will have to present them with your passport and the Train ticket reservation number and collect the train ticket from the counter.
Above are the three documents required to board a train to Tibet. If you are boarding the flight to Tibet, so you will need the original permit in hand.
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There are two toilets on the Tibet train cart. One is the western seating toilet with seat and lid, and the other is the Asian squatting toilet. Besides this difference, all the other facilities in the toilet rooms are the same.
Toilet in Tibet train is cleaner compare to trains in other regions of Asia. On the journey to Tibet, you will frequently find staff in many stopover stations who would clean the train’s toilets.
Facilities like a sink with running water for washing hands, Soap dispensers and tissue paper dispensers are available in the toilet. The cold running water will be available all the time. Yet, often soap and tissue paper would be finished in the second half of the journey. So it is recommended you bring your hand sanitiser and tissue paper while going toilet.
All the instructions on the train, including the toilet, are in Mandarin, English and Tibetan Language. You will find it all useful and easy to follow.
On the door from the outside, you will find a red and green colour indicator. Red on means someone is inside, and a red one means it is free for use.
Below the sink counter, you will find a green button, Press it to flush the toilet. The toilet flush system is similar to that of the Airplane. It uses both water and vacuum to flush the toilet. Please stand before flushing it. Otherwise, it could suck your rectum out.
When the train is stopped at any train station, the toilet will be closed and not used.
There are also some toilets for people with disabilities. It is bigger than the standard toilets, and a wheelchair can easily fit inside. Besides the regular facilities, There is a red button on it for emergency assistance.
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When it comes to travelling to Tibet, most people are concerned about the high altitude sickness and its effect on their health and journey. Most rubbish website owned by a fake local travel agency claims it helps acclimatization to the high altitude of Tibet. But our answer to the question. Does Taking Train to Tibet reduce the risk of high altitude sickness? In clear no.
Taking a Train to Tibet does not reduce the risk of High altitude sickness as the train compartments are built high altitude travel. Therefore, taking the train to Tibet does not help you to get proper acclimatization along the journey. However, it has a built-in pressurizer and oxygen supply systems to aid passengers to travel at the high elevation of Tibet.
Moreover, if the passenger could not get sleep on the train, there would be tried on arrival, which increased the risk of high altitude sickness.
Many excellent and reliable travel website does suggest travellers take the flight into Tibet and take the train for a way out.
We would additionally suggest every traveller spend at least two full days in Lhasa before heading to the higher altitude.
Staying in Xining for a night or two would be an excellent move to acclimatization. Xining is at 2250m and Lhasa is at 3600m. Read more about Acclimatization in Tibet.
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Suppose you would like to cancel Tibet train Ticket after purchasing it. Likewise, here you will have to understand the Tibet train ticket cancellation policy. Here we are discussing it.
In most cases, you will have to purchase with a Ticketing agency in China. This is because so many travel agencies in Tibet can help you buy a train ticket. Hence, we also allow travellers to buy the Tibet train ticket.
But for cancellation, we can only help to cancel before you get the paper ticket for the train station. Remember, we cant help you cancel the ticket if you have already retrieved the paper ticket. Therefore, the Traveler is responsible for going to the Train station to cancel the ticket if the access is already on paper.
Here are the Tibet Train ticket cancellation policy
- It is free If you cancel the ticket 15 or more days before the departure date. It is free
- 5% of the total ticket is cancellation fees. If you cancel the ticket in 15 days to 2 days.
- 10% of the total ticket is cancellation fees if you cancel the ticket in 2 days to 1 day.
- 20% of the total ticket is cancellation fees if you cancel the ticket within 24 hours.
The Above mention cancellation fees are changed on the original Ticket price. Moreover, most third-party service provider service fee is nonrefundable. These third-party cant cancel your ticket, for it, you will have to go to the train station to cancel or change it yourself.
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The train journey to Tibet is long, ranging from 24 hrs – 50 hrs. We would recommend you to make full preparation for this journey to enjoy the trip. We would recommend you to pack all the essential item in a small bag for more accessible. Here is the list of critical thing you may want to fill in a smaller container.
- Toiletries
- Slipper
- Mug/ Cup or a thermos for the boiled water
- Flashlight, (lights will turn off in the cabin after 10 pm).
- Snack and cookies
- Earplug and eye mask
Tibet Flight FAQ
Suppose you book your Tibet flight ticket with us. We will send you a photo of the e-ticket of your Tibet flight ticket. You will have to print it out and bring it to the counter at the Airport. Or you can take show your passport at the counter, and they will print out your ticket at any Chinese Airport or Kathmandu airport.
But please remember for those flying to Lhasa from other cities in China. You will need to have the original signed and stamped copy of your Tibet travel permit. There will check for your Tibet travel permit before giving your boarding pass and before getting on the plane.
Suppose you are coming to Lhasa from Kathmandu on the flight. Please remember to bring both copies of your Chinese Group Visa to the Lhasa airport. Please do not leave them at the Kathmandu airport. Without both on arrival in Lhasa, you will be deported back to Nepal. Read more about the Chinese Group Visa here.
It is straightforward in getting a flight ticket if you book your flight ticket with us.
Suppose you have further questions similar to this question. Then, please do contact us for a free travel consultancy for visiting Tibet. Please write to us at info@itibettravel.com.
Discount on Tibet Fight Tickets depends on the season and time of booking. During the low season, we might find you a discount on Tibet flight. The low season is from November to March. But only if you would give us confirmation to book your ticket two months before the travel date.
During the high season, which is from April to October, there is little chance for us to find you the discount on Tibet flight, as it is a peak season and there are millions of domestic tourists making it to Tibet.
Usually, the price is higher during public holidays in China. So book your flight ticket about two months earlier for a discount after booking your Tibet tour and getting all the Tibet travel information.
You might also want to get a Chinese Visa before buying the Tickets for flights to Tibet. Once you have the Visa physically on your passport, We will start making your Tibet travel permit. So it is best to buy the flight ticket after the Tibet tourism bureau accepts our Tibet Permit application after booking your tibet tour packages.
The above-stated points are based on our experiences, but we will know for sure when we book your ticket.
Suppose you have further questions similar to this question. Please do contact us for a free travel consultancy for visiting Tibet. Write to us at info@itibettravel.com
Some years ago, many travellers booking Tibet flight tickets from home often couldn’t complete the purchase. Those flight booking websites would usually ask you to submit your Tibet travel permit. The Tibet travel permit is only available a week before you arrive in Lhasa.
When such a thing happens, we would recommend you in trying a different booking agency. Preferably those based in China. Most Travel agencies in Tibet can help you book a ticket.
Now, It is not a problem. You can book a Tibet flight from home on all the primary ticketing websites. Many ticketing platforms has stopped asking for a copy of the Tibet Permit. But, If you face an issue in booking the ticket. Then it tries an alternative booking platform. We can also help you book the ticket to Tibet.
On additionally. Please book your flight ticket well in advance. The ticket price is always high if you book near your departure date.
In the winter the ticket price is much cheaper as compared to the train ticket price.
Please let us know how is your process for booking a Tibet flight ticket from home. We will be glad to hear about your experiences.
If you are having issue in Booking flights to Tibet, Please do connect us for recommending you a flight booking agency in Lhasa.
To answer the question, What documents do I need to board the flights to Tibet? We will have to see it from two scenarios. One is while coming to Tibet from the other parts of China, and the Other is while coming to Tibet from Nepal.
- The first scenario is when you fly to Lhasa from other cities in China. Here you should have the original copy of your Tibet Travel Permit. They will not allow you to board the flight without it. In such a case, we will have to either send you the permit to your address in China or have someone meet you at the airport.
- If you are staying overnight anywhere in China, we can send the permit to your that hotel. Thus you will have to send us your hotel address in both English and Mandarin, phone number, and your booking number.
- Many travellers often would not choose to spend a night in transit cities and take a consecutive flight to Lhasa. Therefore, we would strongly recommend you to change your flight to Tibet at the Chengdu airport. The first reason is there is more flight to Lhasa than compared with any other city in China. The second reason is it is easier for us to arrange some to go to the airport in Chengdu.
- The second scenario is when you fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu. First of all, when you travel to Tibet from Kathmandu, please remember, you will need to get a special Visa called a Chinese Group Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Nepal. So don’t apply it from home. This visa is a two A4 paper visa. One is for your arrival at the Lhasa airport, and Another one is for your departure. So you must have both paper visas upon arrival in Lhasa. So please do not leave it at Kathmandu Airport. Your Tibet travel permits await you at the Lhasa airport with your guide. She will meet you at the airport and help you proceed with the permit checkpoint before exiting from the airport.
If you have further questions similar to, What documents do I need to board a flight to Tibet? Please do contact us for a free travel consultancy for visiting Tibet. Would you mind writing to us at info@itibettravel.com?
Tibet is also known as one of the world’s most remote regions. Due to its remoteness, there is no international flight from most countries in the world. So, You cant fly to Tibet directly from home. Instead, you will have to either fly to Tibet from Kathmandu or Tibet from Other cities in China.
The only International flight to Lhasa in Tibet is from Kathmandu in Nepal. Besides this, all the flights to Tibet are domestic flights in China. So it is either you fly to Kathmandu and flight to Lhasa or Fly anywhere in China and then take a flight to Tibet.
There is a regular flight to Tibet from all the major cities in China. In some cities, the flights are more prolonged and need to change to a connecting flight before arriving in Lhasa. The most common and recommended flight to Tibet is from Chengdu. From the city, there are more than a dozen flights to Lhasa each day.
The permit policy is different in both cases.
- If you are flying to Tibet from Nepal, your permit waits for you in Tibet. Read more about travelling to Tibet from Nepal.
- If you are flying from other cities in China to Tibet, we will have to send your permit to your hotel in that city. Read more about travel to Tibet from China.
Following is the luggage weight allowance for a domestic flight in China.
| Luggage Type | First Class | Business Class | Economic Class | Baggage Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on baggage | 5kg * 2 pieces | 5kg | 5kg | 55cm/20cm/40cm(L/B/H) |
| Checked-in baggage | 40kg | 30kg | 20kg | 100cm/60cm/40cm(L/B/H) |
The Maximum Weight for carrying in baggage is 5Kg, first-class passengers can have 2 carry bag but the passengers in other class can have on one. there will be the extra charge for access weight.
The maximum weight for check-in baggage is 40 Kg for the passenger in first class, 30 Kg for passengers in business class, and 20 Kg for the passenger in Economic Class. Passenger traveling with an infant is allowed with extra 10 Kg.
Yes, there is an increasing number of international tourist flying to Nyintri first and then proceed with the other places. Especially travellers coming to Tibet from Southeastern Asia like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Currently, there are five airports in Tibet Autonomous Region. Following are;
- Lhasa Gonga Airport
- Nyingtri (Linzhi) Airport
- Shigatse airport
- Chamdo Bangda Airport
- Ali Airport ( Near Mount Kailash)
Chamdo, Nyintri and Lhasa Airport has regular flights from Chengdu. For the flight to other airports, you will need to take a flight from Lhasa.
For the domestic flights to Tibet, the fare for children is half for children from two years of age to twelve years of age. For international flights, the cost for children’s flight fare is seventy-five per cent of that is for the adult. For infant child, the cost for the flight fare is ten per cent of the adult fare, but the child is not allowed to occupy a seat.
Lhasa Airport is located 65 kms southwest of Lhasa city. the journey from Lhasa Airport to Lhasa could take one and a half hours.
You can either take shelter bus service to the Airport or Use the private car booked with your travel agency.
Tibet Travel Permit FAQ
To know, how long does it takes to make a Tibet travel permit? You will have to know your Tibet Tour Itinerary. The Tibet tour packages with more distance to travel to and longers duration. It is likely to take more time to make the document. So it depends on the area you will be visiting Tibet, area like Mount Kailash and Everest Basecamp takes more to make your Tibet Travel Permit.
Tibet travel permit is not just one issue by the Tibet tourism bureau. At the time of applying it, simultaneously Travel agencies in Lhasa will make other permits required to make before you arrive in Lhasa.
So we have broken down the duration to make the Tibet permit in two.
- For the Lhasa and central region TAR, it will take 7 days for us to make your permit.
- If you are visiting more restricted areas like Mount Kailash region of Ngari and Nyingtri region, it will take from 15 to 20 Days.
So while booking your tour, we will have to send your travel agency following document for Permit.
- Your Passport copies ( with validity of next six months)
- Chinese Visa ( L catagory, that is for travel purpose. Other visa catagories needs to summit additional supporting Document).
- Deposit for the tour to the official bank account of the travel agency with the local bank in Lhasa. ( Please read Travel scam)
Consider Time for delivering Tibet travel permit
If you are coming to Tibet from other parts of China. please keep this paragraph. You will need a origanal copy of the permit in hand before boarding flight to Lhasa, Hence we will have to send it to our friend in Chengdu to deliver it to you at the airport or to send it to your hotel in China. Hence please consider adding 4 more days in your permit appilcation date.
Conclusion on How long does it take to make a Tibet permit?
Please contact your Tibetan travel agency in Lhasa,well in advance so that you and your travel agency both have enough time to make Tibet travel permit and deliver it to you. If you are contacting the travel agency, give them your arrival date to Lhasa so that they can guide you properly through the booking and procedure.
No. it is not possible to visit Tibet without a Tibet permit. No international travellers can visit Tibet without a Tibet permit. According to Tibet travel regulations, No independent travel is allow in Tibet. All foreign nationals must get this permit before they arrive in Tibet. Only a local Tibetan travel agency can help you make this document in Lhasa.
Tibet Travel Regulation clearly states that all travellers to Tibet must have a tour organized with a local Travel agency in Tibet. Therefore this Organized tour means the arrangement of Local tour guides, Private cars and Tibet travel permits by a local travel agency. At all the entry and exit points to Tibet, they check for the permit, passport, and Visa.
It takes 2 to 4 weeks to make all these arrangements, depending on the duration of your journey in Tibet and the places of your visit to Tibet. So it is recommended for all the travellers to contact the travel agency well in advance.
Suppose you have no time to make a permit and other arrangements. You can still visit the Tibetan Inhabitat region in different provinces of China. Namely Sichuan, Qinghai, Yunan, and Gansu. These Tibetan area doesn’t require a Travel permit to visit.
First of all. Before discussing, How to get the Tibet Travel Permit. We want to discuss applying for the Tibet Travel Permit.
For all the international visitors visiting Tibet. Independent Travel is not allow and It is mandatory to book you with a local Tibet travel agency. One with a legal registration with the Tibet tourism bureau and a physical office in Lhasa.
Once when your Tibet tour is booked with a travel agency like us. You will have to send you a copy of your passport and visa for applying for a Tibet permit. You will not need to send a visa if you are coming to Lhasa from Nepal.
It will takes about two to three weeks to make Tibet permit application, in some case a little more. So give us at least three weeks to finish your Tibet travel permit.
So here we are back to the main question.
How to get the Tibet Travel Permit? If you are coming to Tibet from Nepal.
Since you will need to get the Chinese Group visa from the Embassy in Kathmandu, we will make your permit without your visa. Upon your arrival on Tibet’s side, your guide waits with tour complete set of permits. If flying on Kathmandu to Lhasa flight, you will your guide with the permit at the airport border. If travelling overland from Kathmandu to Tibet, you will meet your guide with the land border permit. Please read more about the topic, travelling to Tibet from Nepal.
How to get the Tibet Travel Permit? If you are coming to Tibet from Other cities in China.
The most popular transportation mode for travellers travelling to Tibet from China is either flight or train. So we will discuss the scenario base on it.
Flight from other cities to Tibet.
For all those coming to Tibet from other parts of China in flight. You will need the original permit in hand before going into the flight bound for Lhasa. We can send your permit to your hotel in that transiting city.
Suppose you don’t want to book a hotel for a night, just for receiving the permit. We recommend you to fly to Chengdu and take a flight to Lhasa from Chengdu. In this way, we can have someone come to the airport to deliver your Tibet travel permit. The permit delivery fee is 300 RMB.
Read More about getting a Tibet Travel Permit.
Train from other regions to Tibet.
Suppose you are taking a train from other regions to Tibet. You will only require a copy of the Tibet travel permit while getting your train ticket or boarding the train to Lhasa. So we will have to send you the picture of your permit via email. Please make sure you have access to your email in China and use a message Apppp called WeChat.
Suppose you are coming from Chongqing to Lhasa by Train. You will need the original permit, and hence we will have to send it to your hotel in China. Or arrange someone to drop it for you.
Overland drive to Tibet.
Yes, you can do an overland drive to Tibet from Yunnan, Sichuan and Xinjiang prefecture of China. In this case, we will have to send the tour guide and Driver (if our car is booked) to meet you either at the Provincial border or any place in the given province. The overland journey is popular for its beautiful landscape and extended journey.
You can apply for a Chinese visa from all the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Please get in touch with them in advance to know what are documents required for applying for it.
Usually, to apply for a Chinese Visa, Embassy would require your flight information, tour itinerary. If you mention your plan to visit Tibet, they need an extra invitation letter from the Tibet tourism bureau. Or they might say you will need to produce your Tibet travel permit. But in reality, they only need a visa invitation.
Many travel websites do advise people visiting Tibet, not to mention your plan to visit Tibet. But I Tibet Travel & Tours strongly recommend to apply it with saying about your travel plan to Tibet. We can help you send the Chinese Visa Invitation from the Tibet Tourism Bureau office in Lhasa.
But for this, you will need to apply for a Chinese visa at the Chinese Embassy, not the consulate, to apply with it. This is because the Visa invitation will only address to Embassy, not to the consulate. So we hope you will choose whichever is more convenient for you.
The Visa invitation can only be applied during the second half of the Permit process. Therefore you will have to book the tour with us and send us the Passport copies to start making the permit. Please remember, We can never complete the permit without a copy of the visa. So you will have to send it to us as soon as you get it.
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Visa is the main difference in going to Tibet from Nepal or other parts of China. Besides this, there is some difference in Tibet travel permit and mode of transportation.
Following are some main differences in going to Tibet from Nepal and parts of China.
Chinese Visa difference
Suppose you are coming to Tibet from Nepal. It is mandatory to get a Chinese Group Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. All the preexisting valid Chinese will get cancelled. In Nepal, you will get the visa after three business days. Therefore you will have to wait there as per.
Suppose you are coming to Lhasa from other parts of China. You can get a regular visa from anywhere.
The difference in Tibet Travel permit
When you are coming to Tibet from Nepal, we don’t have to send you your permit in Nepal. Your permits wait here in China, and upon your arrival, your tour guide will have them. She will help proceed to the checkpoint in both Lhasa airport or the Land border in Kyirong.
While going to Tibet from other parts of China is different.
If you are flying to Lhasa from other parts of China, we will send your original Travel permit to your hotel in cities in China. Therefore, you will have to have the original travel permit on hand while boarding the flight to Lhasa.
Suppose you are taking the train to Tibet from other cities in China. You will only need a copy of your Travel permit in hand while getting the train ticket and while boarding the train. We will send you a photo of your permit by email.
The difference in the mode of transportation
While coming to Tibet from Nepal has only flight and overland journey options available. Travelling to other parts of China to Tibet has train additional to flight and overland drive options. Taking the train from Other cities in China to Lhasa makes travelling to Tibet cheap and accessible to many travellers.
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Technically Tibet Travel permit is good to go if you are only visiting the Lhasa Prefecture. However, suppose you are visiting other prefectures in Tibet beyond Lhasa. Then, you will need the additional Tibet permit depending on the region you will be visiting.
The following are the three additional Tibet permits and requirements.
- If you are travelling to Mount Kailash, Xinjiang, Yunan, and Sichuan from Lhasa, you need a military permit.
- Aliens permit is needed if you are visiting from Lhasa other prefectures in Tibet. Therefore Mount Kailash in Ngari prefecture, Mount Everest in Shigatse prefecture, Samye Monastery in Lhokha prefecture and Nyingtri prefecture.
- Additionally, Borders Permit is an additional Tibet permit. You will require it if you travel to any border region and Arrive from Nepal to Tibet on a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. You will also need it if you are coming to Lhasa overland.
Once when you book your tour with any local travel agency in Tibet. They will automatically take care of these additional Tibet permits. But you need to know which is required for your Tibet travel. If you would like to learn more, let me know your Tibet tour package. We can tell you what the permits are you will require. Please write to us at info@itibettravel.com.
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To make your Tibet travel permit following documents are required for applying for a Tibet travel permit. Passport, Chinese Visa and its additional letter and Bank receipt for your tour deposit.
Therefore, after booking your Tibet tour with us, You will have to send us all the above-mentioned documents and tour deposits to our bank account.
The following are the details on the Documents required for applying for a Tibet Travel Permit.
-
Passport:
You will have to send us a valid passport for applying for your Tibet travel permit. But this passport should be the one you are getting a Chinese Visa on.
-
Visa:
You will have to send your Chinese visa and passport to us to apply for a Tibet travel permit. With any valid Chinese Visa, you can come to Tibet. There are many different kinds of Chinese Visa for different purposes. Hence following are the details.
Visa L: The most common visa traveller would travel to Tibet is the Chinese Visa L., which is meant for tourists.
Chinese Group Visa: If you are coming to Tibet from Nepal. It is mandatory to get a Chinese Group Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. So all the valid pre-existing Chinese visas will be cancelled. You can learn more about the Chinese Group Visa here.
Other Visa: If you have any additional visas like student visas, business visas, etc. You will need to submit a valid addition letter from your host in China for these categories of visas. For example, if you are a student, you have to offer either your student ID card or a letter from your institution. If you are coming to China to visit your family member, you will have to submit a message for that person along with their ID card. For a business visa, you will have to send a letter from your host company in China on their official letterhead and official stamp.
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Tour Deposit:
When you apply for the Tibet permit, we will have to submit your deposit receipt from our bank. For this, you will have to send us a tour deposit to our official bank account. The deposit usually is about 30% of the total tour price.
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Tibet travel regulation clearly states, no independent travel is admitted for international travellers in Tibet. So you will have to arrange a package Tibet tour with a local Travel agency in Lhasa. Including the Tibet travel permit. It is your Tibet travel agency that applies for your permit. Tibet Tourism Bureau issues the permit.
So, the answer is no. You cannot apply for a Tibet travel permit directly. It is your travel agency going for you. It takes 20 days to make Tibet travel permit. Therefore you will have to choose your travel agency wisely.
We know many fictitious travel agencies are claiming to be locally owned in Tibet. Which many are not based here in Lhasa? Let alone with registration with Tourism Bureau here. Hence we would like to recommend you a smaller effective travel agency in Lhasa for more attention.
You can book your tour with us for a better Tibet travel experience. Our company is found in the year 1997. With these many years of experience come with a much-need reputation and love from around the globe. We are one of the few oldest existing travel agencies in Lhasa. You can find lots of good reviews from our clients on our TripAdvisor page.
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There are three primary documents need for visiting Tibet, when you are travelling to Tibet
Following are the three document need for visiting Tibet:
- Valid Passport
You will need a valid passport enough for your return journey back to your home country. - Chinese Visa
Generally, most travellers would come to Tibet with L category visa, which is a tourist Visa. Besides this, if you happen to have a visa in other categories, you will need an additional letter from your host in China.
If you are coming to Tibet from Nepal, You will have to get a Chinese Group Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Nepal. Read more about it here. - Tibet travel permit
Tibet travel permit is some times called a Tibet entry permit or Tibet Visa. You will need it when you enter into Tibet. The Tibet Tourism Bureau issues it in Lhasa. We will make it for you in Lhasa after booking the tour with us. For this, you will have to send us the above two documents.
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Tibet Travel FAQ
Tibet Travel regulation clear states, all the Tibet tours for international travelers must be an Organized tour. Which includes, Guide, Car, Tibet travel permit. Hence, we are sorry to say we not provide Tibet Permit only Service.
No one can sell you the Permit or provide Tibet permit the only service. Therefore, we can only make the Tibet permit with the Tibet tour service, which includes Professional Tour guide, Tourist licensed vehicle with a driver and Hotels Accommodations.
If you would like to visit Tibet. You must book a Tibet tour package with a local Tibetan travel agency. There are no other alternative ways of getting the permit only service for Tibet. You can also choose to visit other Tibetan Inhabitat regions in other provinces of Chine Like Sichuan, Qinghai, Yunnan, and Gansu. Traveling to these regions doesn’t require the permit and additionally, you can have similar experiences like that of traveling in Tibet.
For Visiting Tibet. There is no alternative way but to have your tour book with a travel agency Tibet and have them arrange all the documents need for traveling to Tibet.
We think you might want to read our post on Tibet travel permit, Tibet travel regulation and Tibet travel Information for further details.
Read More
- What is the best time to travel to Tibet?
- Can i Visit Tibet?
- Please read more from our blog: Nomadic Tibet.
No. Tibet is a part of China and one Chinese visit will do to continue your tour in Other parts of China after completing your Tibet journey.
But your travel agency will have to make your Tibet entry permit from Tibet tourism bureau in Lhasa.
Food and Lodging FAQ
First, the majority of Tibetans are Buddhist. Yet, traditionally meet is one of the most staple food as we live in very very high altitude. We don’t have much choice of another source for nutrition. But now a day due to scientific improvement and rapid development of Tibet’s infrastructure and the market, We now have large options for vegetables and fruits to substitute our consumption of meat.
Many Tibetans are now converting in vegetarianism, Veg only restaurant in Tibet are booming in business. Especially urban cities, their wide range of choice. but in the remote places, you can order for veg food, like fried rice, fried noodles. Read more about Tibetan food.
Tibet can be categories into two, one urban and rural. In urban centres in Tibet, like Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Nyintri, Tsedang, and Zangmu. You can easily find a good restaurant and we will have a good number of cuisine you can choose from. Like Chinese, Continental, Indian, Nepalese, western, and Tibetan Dishes. In the remote areas, You can easily find a noodle place and the Chinese restaurant.
When you are in Tibet, we think you may want to try a local Tibetan dishes unique and exquisite. Read more about Tibetan food here.
At Everest Basecamp in Tibet, the only available place to buy food is in those Tent guest house and the Rongbuk Monastery restaurant. All the tent guest house has its kitchen. They serve relatively good food from Noodle, Fried rice, and other simple dishes. If you stay at the Everest Basecamp, they will serve breakfast. they can make pancake and omelette and instant coffee. With us, breakfast is always included.
Dishes at the Rongbuk Monastery is delicious, but it will be expensive for you. If you eat in that restaurant, it is better to have your guide calculate and pay for it. Instead, you were paying it directly.
On average, the cost of meals per person in cities like Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse would be about 10 to 15 $ USD. but in the restaurant along the road, and in the remote places, the average cost for the meal would be 5 – 10 $ USD. but in the Kailash region, the average cost per meals would be more expensive than in any town. The average cost for a meal in the Kailash region would be about 15-20 $ USD.
But the above state price could differ base on the region of your visit and your travel time in Tibet.
Yes. All our tour guide are locals Tibetan and they know well. They are the reservoir of local knowledge. Since there has been guiding and travelling to every part of Tibet. They know which is the best restaurant for you. You can ask for their recommendation.
No, you do not have to pay for any expense of your guide and driver. Normally in Shigatse city, Gyantse town, Shelkar town and at Everest base camp, Our guide and drivers are provided with complimentary lodging and breakfast from the local hotels or guest house.
Other than that if you would like to invite your guide and driver for lunch and dinner. You are welcome to do so. but we do encourage you to tip them gratitude before you leave. It will help them a lot.
During your trekking in Tibet, We will arrange your Tibetan private cook for you. he will make Tibetan, Chinese, Nepalese dishes like Dal and veggies, Pancakes, fruit salad, and fried rice. If you have any special request, we can make all the arrangements for you. Cook will learn to make your special request dish if he is new to it.
About Tibet Travel & Tours
Tibet Travel & Tours is a local travel agency in Tibet that offers unique and authentic experiences to travelers from all around the world. As a leading tour operator in Tibet, we provide high-quality Tibet Travel services that are tailored to our clients’ needs and preferences.
Our team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals strives to ensure that our clients have a hassle-free and memorable trip in Tibet. We specialize in various types of tours, including cultural tours, trekking and hiking tours, and adventure tours.
Our commitment to providing exceptional service has earned us a reputation as one of the best local travel agencies in Tibet. Contact us today to plan your unforgettable trip to Tibet.
Explore Tibet with a local Tibetan Travel Agency
If you’re looking to explore Tibet, starting your journey with a reputable Tibetan travel agency in Tibet is crucial. Tibet Travel & Tours is a great choice to begin your adventure with their extensive knowledge of the region and commitment to responsible tourism.
Their Tibet tour packages cater to a range of interests and budgets, making it easy to plan a trip that suits your needs. Before embarking on your tibet tour, it’s essential to have the right Tibet travel information and necessary documents, including a Tibet travel permit.
The Tibet Travel Planner provided by i-Tibet travel is an excellent resource to plan your trip, including tips on what to pack, where to stay, and what to see.
For beginners, the “About Tibet” guide provided by i-Tibet travel offers a comprehensive overview of the region’s history, culture, and top attractions. So, start your Tibet travel plan here with i-Tibet travel and discover the magic of Tibet for yourself.
Due to the rapid development of the Tourism industry in Tibet, the number of hotels and quality of services has rapidly improved. We have an increasing number of international star hotels coming into play, and a growing number for local Tibetan families are starting their own guest house and hostel.
In recent years we have Shangrila Lhasa and intercontinental Lhasa paradise coming into the market. But the quality of Five-star hotel in Lhasa is not as it is at other places.
I would instead encourage you to the Tibetan-run Tibetan style hotels. The popular choices are Shambala palace, House of Shambhala, Kyichu hotel and Yak hotel. Those hotels are centrally located and have excellent friendly staff. Those hotels are like a small and warm family. We would instead suggest you to the small and warm family rather than living in a big and cold structure.
Here are post of where to eat in Lhasa
The differences are Cleanliness, Service quality, Private bathrooms, comfortable beds, furnish, and Availability of Breakfast. All the accommodations in Tibet, especially in all the major cities, Namtso, Shelkar has WiFi facilities. But in generally WiFi is the same week in most of the hotels in Tibet.
But out of all the hotels in Tibet, our favourite hotel is a Tibetan boutique hotel called the House of Shambhala and Shambhala Palace.
All the hotels in Tibet have hot running water for 24 hours. Some hotel may have taken some time to get hot water in the shower due to poorer infrastructure and the water pressure. But in the wintertime, you might find it harder to get the hot water in the shower due to the cold climate and also due to less tourist.
But the guest house in Shelkar, Everest Base camp tent guest house, guest house in Namtso and Western Tibet towards Kailash region, In most case does not have running water and even toilet in the room. You will have to use public toilets.
Tibet Travel FAQ
If your Tibet tour plan consist of a visit to Mount Everest basecamp. Tent guesthouse is the only accommodation available for you, during your stay at Mount Everest Base Camp. You might have heard lots of about it in Tibet travel sites. but here is the latest update.
It is a rectangular, black tent made from Yak wool. It would have few beds, which is used as a bench during the day time. They would some small tables, There would be a Tibetan stove in the middle of the tent, which is the source of heat for the tent burned with Dried Yak dung.
Until recently the solar is the only source of electricity. But the region is connected with the state grid in recent years. So don’t worry about charging your cell phone.
Read more about Tibet, and Tibet Travel Permit
About Tibet Travel & Tours
I Tibet Travel & Tours is a local travel agency in Tibet that offers unique and authentic experiences to travelers from all around the world. As a leading tour operator in Tibet, we provide high-quality Tibet Travel services that are tailored to our clients’ needs and preferences.
Our team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals strives to ensure that our clients have a hassle-free and memorable Tibet Tour. We specialize in various types of tours, including cultural tours, trekking and hiking tours, and adventure tours.
Our commitment to providing exceptional service has earned us a reputation as one of the best local travel agencies in Tibet. Contact us today to plan your unforgettable trip to Tibet.
Explore Tibet with a local Tibetan Travel Agency
If you’re looking to explore Tibet, starting your journey with a reputable Tibetan travel agency in Tibet is crucial. Tibet Travel & Tours is a great choice to begin your adventure with their extensive knowledge of the region and commitment to responsible tourism.
Their Tibet tour packages cater to a range of interests and budgets, making it easy to plan a trip that suits your needs. Before embarking on your tibet tour, it’s essential to have the right Tibet travel information and necessary documents, including a Tibet travel permit.
The Tibet Travel Planner provided by i-Tibet travel is an excellent resource to plan your trip, including tips on what to pack, where to stay, and what to see.
For beginners, the “About Tibet” guide provided by i-Tibet travel offers a comprehensive overview of the region’s history, culture, and top attractions. So, start your Tibet travel plan here with i-Tibet travel and discover the magic of Tibet for yourself.
About Tibet Travel & Tours
Tibet Travel & Tours is a local travel agency in Tibet that offers unique and authentic experiences to travelers from all around the world. As a leading tour operator in Tibet, we provide high-quality Tibet Travel services that are tailored to our clients’ needs and preferences.
Our team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals strives to ensure that our clients have a hassle-free and memorable trip in Tibet. We specialize in various types of tours, including cultural tours, trekking and hiking tours, and adventure tours.
Our commitment to providing exceptional service has earned us a reputation as one of the best local travel agencies in Tibet. Contact us today to plan your unforgettable trip to Tibet.
Explore Tibet with a local Tibetan Travel Agency
If you’re looking to explore Tibet, starting your journey with a reputable Tibetan travel agency in Tibet is crucial. Tibet Travel & Tours is a great choice to begin your adventure with their extensive knowledge of the region and commitment to responsible tourism.
Their Tibet tour packages cater to a range of interests and budgets, making it easy to plan a trip that suits your needs. Before embarking on your tibet tour, it’s essential to have the right Tibet travel information and necessary documents, including a Tibet travel permit.
The Tibet Travel Planner provided by i-Tibet travel is an excellent resource to plan your trip, including tips on what to pack, where to stay, and what to see.
For beginners, the “About Tibet” guide provided by i-Tibet travel offers a comprehensive overview of the region’s history, culture, and top attractions. So, start your Tibet travel plan here with i-Tibet travel and discover the magic of Tibet for yourself.