Tibet Travel FAQ

Tibet Travel

1. When is the best time to visit Tibet?

The best time to visit Tibet is April to October, when temperatures are warm and the scenery is beautiful. However, if you are interested in learning about Tibetan Culture and experiencing local activities. You can schedule your Tibetan trip from November to February, as many Tibetan festivals are between these months.

2. Is an independent tour allowed in Tibet?

Independent tours have been restricted in Tibet since 2008. Instead, you should book private time or an organized tour with a local Tibet-based agency. There are many checkpoints, and you must have a tour guide to help you through the legal formalities.

3. Do you sell Tibet permits separately?

No, the travel agency cannot sell Tibet Travel permits separately because it violates local tourism policy. However, if you book your tour with My Everest Trip, we will arrange all the Travel permits for your group.

4. What currency do I have to use in Tibet?

The unit of currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). The Bank of China can exchange all foreign currencies. The banks in Tibet/China are closed on Saturday and Sunday.

5. Are credit cards accepted in Tibet?

Credit cards are not recommended for payment in Tibet because most places don’t accept them.

6. What documents do I need to travel to Tibet?

Various travel documents are required to travel in Tibet. You will need a TTB (Tibet Tourism Bureau) permit for a few days in Lhasa or nearby. However, if you want to travel beyond Lhasa City, you will need a PSB and ATP permit. My Everest Trip will handle all the permit requirements when you book your tour with us.

7. If I travel via Nepal to Tibet, are there any special requirements for a Chinese visa?

If you want to enter Tibet via Kathmandu, you’ll need a Chinese visa from Kathmandu, whether you have already got the key in your country or not; you must get a Group Visa in Kathmandu, which is an official agreement between China and Nepal.

8. What are the Transportation Facilities in Tibet?

Non-Chinese tourists cannot ride on public buses, and hiring a private vehicle is expensive. Lhasa city is usually small, so it’s often better to travel on foot. You can hire a taxi if you want to travel to certain monasteries outside Lhasa.

9. What Kinds of Hotels are Available in Tibet?

Tourism in Tibet is in its early stages. The number of luxury hotels is quite limited. New hotels are built away from the city center to protect the city’s history and environment. These hotels have central heating in winter but no air conditioning in summer. You shouldn’t expect luxury service while in Tibet. However, some hotel rooms in Lhasa have internet access. Service and facilities are quite basic. The hotel staff rarely speak English.

10. What Can I Eat in Tibet?

In Lhasa, you can choose Chinese, Western, Nepali, and Tibetan food. However, remote areas offer only Chinese food and Sichuan cuisine.

11. What Clothes and Equipment Should I Bring When Traveling to Tibet?

• Down jacket or warm Fleece top
• Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
• Cotton shirts (short- and long-sleeved)
• Warm cotton trousers
• Polarized sunglasses
• Beanie or warm woolen hat and gloves
• Scarf (to keep out dust as well as cold)
• Sandals
• Towel
• Sleeping bag (for camping/trekking)

12. How bad is Altitude sickness in Tibet, and what can I do to avoid or treat it?

With an average altitude of 4500m, Tibet is one of the highest places on Earth where people live. The air in Tibet is relatively thin, and many visitors from low-altitude areas may develop altitude sickness. Most people experience minor effects like headaches, loss of appetite, and low energy until their bodies adjust to the high terrain. It can take a few hours or days to acclimatize. So travelers should plan for altitude sickness symptoms and prevention before traveling to Tibet. It is better to carry altitude sickness pills to help manage symptoms. It is highly recommended to stroll and take deep breaths.

13. What vaccinations are recommended for Travel in Tibet?

Hepatitis A + B and Typhoid are some vaccines advised for all travelers planning to travel to Tibet. Yellow Fever vaccines are recommended for those coming from Yellow-fever-infected countries like Africa or the Americas; otherwise, it isn’t required or recommended.

14. Will there be problems with the language barrier?

The main languages used in Tibet are Chinese, Tibetan, English, and Nepali. Few people speak English well, so your tour guide will help with communication.

15. What are the dos and don’ts when visiting religious sites in Tibet?

• Most Tibetans are Buddhist, so show respect for their beliefs.
• Walk clockwise inside or outside temples, monasteries, pagodas, and Mani stones.
• You cannot touch Buddhist statues or sutras or take pictures of them inside temples or monasteries.
• Prayer wheels must not be rotated in the opposite direction
• Do not touch anyone’s head.
• Eating horse, dog, and donkey meat is strictly prohibited.
• Smoking is strictly prohibited.