1. Could you give me some advice on clothing when traveling in Tibet?
Answer:Temperature differs dramatically between daytime and at night. Lhasa, the capital city, could have a temperature during daytime of around 10-25 Centigrade, but at night, temperature may plummet to 0 Centigrade or lower. You are advised to bring thick, warm coats when traveling Tibet. The roads are very dusty so you may wish to consider wearing dark colored clothing.
2. Can I travel Tibet with my child?
Answer:Tibet may not be an ideal destination for young Children. The climate and generally harsher conditions in Tibet may not be ideal for young children. The sights and attractions are not those which children like to visit and facilities will be very primitive. If you do decide to bring your young child to Tibet please ensure that you bring all your child's daily needs with you.
3. When is the best time to visit Tibet?
Answer:Tibet is one of the most dramatic climates places in china. Though cool in summer, it is extremely cold in the winter. The best time for your Tibet trip is from April to November, avoiding the cold and dry weather from December to February.
4. Are there any suggestions on what I should do or take to acclimatize the altitude in Tibet?
Answer:Almost every visitor is affected by the high altitude as Tibet is over 3000 meters above sea level and many areas are above 5000 meters. Most of the visitors get acclimatized to the high altitude by taking it easy for one or two days, while still paying to their health.
We would like to make several suggestions to those contemplating going to Tibet. People with serious heart diseases should not visit Tibet. Those with less serious heart problems need to consult a doctor before traveling.
5. What should I bring for the Tibet plateau weather and high elevation?
Answer:Tibet's high altitude and the atmosphere allow the sun's solar radiation to strike the earth with unusual intensity. To protect your eyes and skin, the sunscreen, sunglasses or dark glasses and lip creams are advised.
In addition to the normal medications for traveling, just like the Aspirin and Ibuprofen etc, you should bring some high altitude medication. Better ask your doctor for suggestions.
6. How to get the Travel Permit to Tibet?
Answer:Travel permit to Tibet is issued by Tibet Tourism Administration. To apply for it, the copy of your passport and Chinese visa, together with other information such as your occupation should be provided. Journalists and people that could be involved in political matters could be revoked. Your local travel agency can help; or, you are welcome to contact us.
7. Can I travel to Tibet by myself?
Answer:No. According to China's regulation, individual travel to Tibet is not allowed. You have to join a group and we can help you find one at any time.
8. When will I get my Tibet Permit?
Answer:Your Tibet Permit will be issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau after our local Tibet agent presents the Permit application together with a copy of your passport and China Visa. The Tibet agency will fax the permit to our office or to our agent's office in the city where you will board the train or plane for Tibet. Your guide at this place will give you then Tibet permit which will be required to be presented when you arrive in Tibet. After your arrival in Tibet, the guide will collect the permit from you and he will return the permit to the Tibet Tourism Bureau. You will not need the permit again and the permit must be returned.
9. Do I need a guide when I go to Tibet?
Answer:The Chinese government requires that all travelers be acompanied by a tour guide at all times so that travelers' safty can be maximized.
10. What currencies Other than Chinese currency, can be used in Tibet? Can I use my credit card and ATM card?
Answer:Chinese Yuan and US dollar are accepted in Tibet however the places which accept US dollars are very few. Visitors can change US dollars into Chinese currency in the Lhasa Central Branch Bank of China or at major hotels. Credit cards are not a recommended mean of payment in Tibet as the acceptance is very limited. Flights and hotels can not be paid using credit cards and they are also accepted at the Lhasa Central Branch Bank of China.
11. Could you please give me some information on train conditions?
Answer:Trains to Tibet are specially equipped for highland traveling. Each car is equipped with an oxygen-supply system to maintain the air pressure at a suitable level. Each seat will be equipped with an oxygen mask which can be used by individual passengers if needed.
All railway cars are equipped with double-layer glass which is covered with anti-ultraviolet radiation film.
Trains from all destinations including Beijing, Chengdu and elsewhere will be fitted with the equipment to ensure oxygen supply in Golmud.
12. Can the staffs on the train speak some English?
Answer:Yes, unlike staffs on trains on other routes, whose English is very limited, staff on trains running on the Qinghai-Tibet railway can all speak some English. Simple communication is ok.
13. Where can I take a train to Lhasa?
Answer:There are currently five train services to Lhasa from Beijing, Xining/Lanzhou and Chongqing/Chengdu, Guangzhou and Shanghai.
14. Where the train will depart from in Beijing? How long is the train journey from Beijing to Lhasa?
Answer:The train will depart from the Beijing West Railway Station and the journey takes about 48 hours.
15. How many tickets can I buy one time?
Answer:Every passenger can only purchase at most two berth tickets or three seat tickets once.
16. Is it easy to purchase a train ticket to Lhasa now?
Answer:The popularity of train travel to Tibet has resulted in the huge demand for train tickets among visitors. It¡¯s very difficult for individual travelers to get a ticket on their own. Reliable travel agencies can not guarantee successful booking.
17. How long in advance can I purchase train ticket to Lhasa?
Answer:Train tickets to Lhasa begin to sell 10 days in advance.
