Central Tibet Tour - 5 days

Travel Documents and Permits

In planning for a trip to Tibet, attention is essential to the documents and permits that need to be obtained. As a primary consideration, you notice that all foreign visitors are to have a Tibet Travel Permit that is necessary for entering Tibet. This is an advance permit that must be organized by a licensed Tibetan travel agency because this permit cannot be applied for directly by independent travelers. The second is that a Chinese visa is necessary for entering China and it should indeed be arranged before your actual travel starts. Depending on your nationality, the Chinese visa could be issued as a group visa into Tibet, normally organized by your travel agency in Kathmandu.

Again, it is essential to remember that permits for Tibet normally are not issued for independent travelers, which makes it especially important to arrange your trip via a licensed travel agent. Thirdly, the Alien's Travel Permit may be needed for restricted areas outside Lhasa and your travel agency can obtain this permit for you once you are inside Tibet. Documents must be in order before entering to avert complications in your travels.

Best Time to Tour

In Tibet, however, touring from May to September is considered the best period to travel. Mild weather, daytime temperatures between 15 and 25 °C (59-77 °F), provides compendious travel along with sight-seeing, while the roads and trekking paths would have to be opened, with the skies clear, longer daylight hours, and the splendid vernal view of Tibet's exquisite landscapes.

While autumn (October) is still a good month to visit, as the weather becomes even milder but less crowded, temperatures start to drop. While winter (November to April) assures clear skies and fewer crowds, it tends to be exceedingly cold, especially at high altitudes; some remote areas may become inaccessible due to snow and harsh weather conditions.

Thus, spring to early autumn will be a good time when weather and access afford well in a tour to Tibet.

Packing Essentials for Tibet Tour

Packing properly for a trip to Tibet is very essential because of the climate and high-altitude environment. Layering is essential, so pack light layers for daytime, with heavier layers such as thermal jackets for chilly nights.

Good walking shoes or hiking boots are vital for easy movement across rugged terrains and for temple visits. The hat and gloves are important for keeping warm during the cold early mornings and evenings at altitude. Protection from the sun is also mandatory-wide-brimmed hats, shades, and sunscreen are important, because the higher you go, the stronger the UV rays. Take altitude sickness medication for your health after consulting your doctor. A first-aid kit should include painkillers, stomach treatments, and antiseptic cream. One refillable water bottle is essential, and remember to drink only bottled or boiled water; hand sanitizer is good for cleaning up in the wild.

And lastly, don't forget your Tibet Travel Permit, passport, and other travel documents that you will need.

Food and Accommodation during the Tibet Tour

The food and accommodation options during your Tibet trip will likely be different from what you are used to, but there will still be enough of them to help you have a pleasant time.

Food

Tibetan food is livingly nourishing and meant to fuel the energy needed for activities at high altitudes. Most recipes are pretty simple but maintain maximal flavor, incorporating ingredients such as barley, yak meat, and its by-products. Very common dishes include thukpa (noodle soup), momo (dumplings), and tsampa (roasted barley flour). Also famous is yak-butter tea, which is made from, you guessed it, yak butter, tea, and salt, a staple food of the Tibetan diet. While some vegetarian options are available during your trip- for example, in monasteries, or more tourist-oriented places- most Tibetan cooking revolves around meat, with yak and sheep being common. To make the list a bit longer, some restaurants offer a mix of Chinese and international cuisine, from noodle dishes to rice, to, yes, Western-style food.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Tibet depends largely on the place. While in Lhasa, different hotels ranging from guesthouses, the inexpensive ones; to more comfortable ones such as 3 stars, or 4 stars with modern conveniences-likes hot water, Wi-Fi (albeit slow), and a Western-style bathroom shall be common. Shigatse and Gyantse diversify these alternatives with mid-range hotels and guesthouses, albeit with more basic facilities than Lhasa. 

Further outside, guesthouses or simple hotels are often to be found, with the most basic facilities. Near monasteries or in remote areas, Kurkuls may very well have the most basic accommodation, such as shared rooms less serviced, which is part of the whole adventure.  Be prepared for lack of heating in many places, so it’s a good idea to bring warm clothing for the evenings.

Overall, while food and accommodation in Tibet might not always be as luxurious as in more developed regions, they are adequate for an enjoyable and culturally immersive experience.

Transportation and Communication

Transportation in Tibet

Tibet transportation usually combines private vehicles, local taxis, and trains. Most tours will be organized with a private vehicle and driver, particularly over longer routes between Lhasa, Shigatse, and Gyantse. The stretches can be quite rough, especially in remote areas, so comfort and reliability are vital for those long drives. Travel to more remote or high-altitude areas may see long drives across rugged terrain. The Tibet train system is another very scenic and pleasant way to reach Lhasa from other cities in China. The Tibet Railway offers a unique experience, with the journey crossing some of the highest railway tracks in the world.

One more option is by air from Kathmandu to Lhasa with major direct flights offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas from the air. Taxis and local buses are available in cities such as Lhasa, although hiring a guide with a vehicle is often easier and more convenient.

Communication in Tibet

In Tibet, communicating is not that easy, especially when one relies on mobile phones and the internet. Due to the remoteness of Tibet, international roaming may not work, so it is best to buy a local SIM card for Lhasa and major cities. Even then, coverage may be limited in some remote areas, and internet service will generally be slow in opening foreign sites, most of which are often blocked. These restricted sites, including Google and Facebook, can be accessed using a VPN. Wi-Fi is frequently offered in most hotels and restaurants in Lhasa, although the connectivity tends to be slow and quite unreliable. Even further afield, access to the internet may be impossible, so it is better to prepare for limited communication. 

Most large hotels have staff dedicating some time to communication support, and a few phrases in basic Mandarin (or Tibetan, if traveling with the locals) will be very helpful.

Cultural Sensitivity

Showing respect for local customs and traditions is essential during your travels in Tibet. Given that Tibetans are deeply religious and Buddhist, modest attire is to be worn. Always take off your shoes when entering a monastery or a holy place. Do not disturb the monks or photograph them without permission, especially during religious ceremonies. Be aware that certain topics, like Tibet's political status, are sensitive; warmly greet locals by respectfully saying "Tashi Delek." Always ask for permission when photographing a person; refrain from shooting military personnel or government buildings. Remember that during a religious occasion, stupas and sacred sites are walked around in a clockwise manner, and never point your feet at sacred objects.

Finally, always remember to dress respectfully without wearing revealing clothing, while small tips for good service are welcome but discreet. Adhering to these norms of conduct will make a world of difference in ensuring that you have an enriched experience and good relations with the Tibetan people.