1.
What documents should I hold for traveling in Tibet? There
are two documents required for foreign tourists who want to travel in Tibet. One
is the Chinese Visa, which you can apply for in Chinese Embassy in your place.
Another is the Alien' s Travel Permit issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau 2.
How to get the Alien's Travel Permit? Your local
travel agency can be your representative to apply for the Permit. You can get
it right here from our Tibet Tourism Bureau Chengdu Office, too. To apply for
the Permit, you should provide the copies of your visa, passport and Foreign Residence
Permit (if any) by fax or email. 3. What Statue of person called
" foreign tourist"? "Foreign tourist"
here refers to the person who doesn't hold Chinese ID card. Although Hongkong,
Taiwan and Macao are the inseparable parts of China, the citizens there are still
required to get the Permit. 4. Is independent tour allowed in
Tibet? Independent tour is prohibited in Tibet.
You should take part in an organized group or have the local travel operator to
arrange for you. 5. What is the best season for tour in Tibet? Generally
speaking, from April to October is the best season for Tibet tour. However, having
a winter tour can be pleasant if you don't mind the cold weather. You can avoid
the tourist crowds, and economical accommodations and transportation are more
available. 6. What are some popular places in Tibet? Lhasa,
Tsedang, Gyantse, Shigatse, Tingri, Zhangmu etc. are the most popular places in
Tibet, for both normal and trekking itineraries. For expedition, Mt. Everest and
Mt. Kailish are the most exciting and accessible areas. 7. How
to enter Tibet? By air, from Chengdu -Lhasa .By
land, the possible routes are: Qinghai-Lhasa, Sichuan-Lhasa, Yunnan-Lhasa and
Kathmandu-Lhasa. However, land transportation takes much longer time, and can
be very tough, especially the Sichuan-Lhasa route. 8. Can I travel
in Tibet by bus, I really can't afford the car? Yes,
but very limited, only Golmud (of Qinghai Province)-Lhasa. And this route is subject
to change, not always available. 9. Other than Chinese currency,
what else currency is acceptable in Tibet? US$
is acceptable only in a very limited range, e.g. tips. However, for convenience,
Chinese currency is the best choice. If you want to change US$ to Chinese currency
in Tibet, you can change in Lhasa Hotel or the Bank of China. 10.
Can I draw cash from the local banks in Tibet? Yes,
but only the Bank of China has this function. However, the ATM there doesn't always
work properly. So we suggest you to bring some cash with you. 11.
What should I keep in mind when I contact with the Tibetans?
Tibetan
people are very kind and hospitable, you can feel free to talk with them. But
there are some rulers you should go by: 1) Do not photo them without permission,
please show the respect to them ! 2) Do not talk about the sensitive topics
like political or t religious matters! 3) Do not eat dog, donkey or horse in
Tibet! 12. What can I do with Tibetan beggars? Religious
beggars are an accepted part of society in Tibet. Giving money or food to a pilgrim
is considered an act of merit. Donations of five jiao(Chinese currency) are appropriate.
Please note: if the beggars are the old men and women who dress in shredded, bulky
clothes, while the younger ones may have a monkey on a chain, it's a spectacle
of great interest to the Tibetans. These beggars are professionals, having less
meritorious intentions than religious pilgrims. Just wave them off as the locals
do if you don't want give anything. 13. What medic I should bring
for the high elevation? Try to bring the following
medicines that will be very useful during your travel: cold and flu tablets, throat
lozenges, nasal decongestant, Aspirin, Multivitamins. Or you can ask your local
doctor for suggestions. 14. What should I bring for the plateau
weather? Tibet's high altitude and the atmosphere
allow the sun's solar radiation to strike the earth with unusual intensity. It?¡¥s
very easy to get sun-burnt there. Sunscreen of high sun protection factor, quality
sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are good means of protection. Calamine lotion
is good for mild sun-burnt. Those with fair complexions should bring reflective
sunscreen with them. Apply the sunscreen to your nose and lips as well. |