Overland
tours to Tibet are of various types, the most popular
being to Lhasa, through very rugged, high-altitude
terrain, often snow-bound during the winter months
- from December to March. On the Nepal side, the highway
to Tibet is sometimes disrupted by landslides during
the monsoons; July to September. The 55-minutes duration
flight to Lhasa from Kathmandu is one of the most
beautiful in the world, where one gets glimpses of
Mt. Everest and other Himalayan Peaks.
Lhasa is connected by road and air with Kathmandu.
You can also fly from Hongkong or Chengdu to Lhasa.
From the north you can travel overland from Golmud.
There are twice a week – Tuesday and Saturday
direct flight between Kathmandu and Lhasa.
Visa
Individual visas are not issued for the Tibet region
by the Chinese authorities. Those who arrive with
a Chinese visa in Nepal, issued by the Chinese embassies
in their countries, will not find it valid for entry
into Tibet. Tourists must buy a tour package from
a travel agency, who will arrange visa clearance from
Lhasa, following which the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu
issues the visa on individual passports or on a sheet
of paper listing the members of the group depending
on each group size. Nepal re-entry visas can be obtained
upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport or at the Kodari
border on payment of a visa fee.
Rainfall
Tibet is in the Himalayan rain-shadow and the place
is quite dry and sunny year round. One as such need
not worry about rainfall or snow. Tibet sees about
25 to 50 cm of rain and snow per year [up to 75 cm
in the forested areas to the east and southeast borders.
Altitude
Sickness
Those with chronic health problems should consult
a doctor before making plans. Most people visiting
Tibet rarely suffer more than mild discomfort before
getting acclimatised.
Money
Money can be exchanged at Bank of China Branches in
Zhangmu, Shigatse and Lhasa. All major credit cards
are accepted at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Lhasa.
Customs
Regulations require all visitors to declare money
and other valuables like jewellery and electronic
goods. Any curios must be declared with proper receipts,
available only from government shops, when leaving
the country.
Taking Some medicines
Best Time
From April to October is the best season for touring
Tibet. From June to September there are more rainfalls
and the scenery is beautiful but the heavy rain may
topple down mud and as a result the traffic will be
affected.
