Tibet
Known
as the "Roof of the World", this highest plateau in
the world rises up about 4 km into the sky and covers an area
of nearly half a million square miles of vast open space,
clear light and pure color, dominated by an intensely blue
sky. Its unique landscape and rich Buddhist culture have drawn
adventurers, pilgrims, scholars and traders throughout
history.
A
deeply religious land with a highly developed culture
revolving round a unique form of Buddhism, religion is not a
matter of occasional ritual but an integral part of everyday
life in Tibet. Visits to Buddhist monasteries and temples are
an integral part of any journey to Tibet. Travelers encounter
Buddhist monks and nomads with yak caravans and sheep on its
immense plains.
You
can travel to Tibet from Kathmandu by air or overland
(retracing the ancient caravan route) or a combination of
both. Tibet is open from Nepal from April till November only.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
ALTITUDE
AND HEALTH
Tibet tour in General can be managed by those generally fit
and active of all age group but due to Tibet's high altitude,
travelers with pre-existing problem of heart, lungs or anemia
should consult a doctor before even thinking about a visit.
The
combination of the elements - fierce winds, strong sun,
piercing cold and clouds of dust results in various
respiratory problems- coughs, colds, sore throats, and also
causes sun burns, cracked lips, sore eyes and sinus problems.
If well prepared above can also be prevented to some extent.
Above all these problems are the probability of ACUTE
MOUNTAIN SICKNESS (A.M.S.) as
most of Tibet is over 3500 meters. Some of the high
plains and passes over which you will travel specially during
the treks and during the overland trip are over 5,000 m. At
such high altitudes, there is a chance of having symptoms of
mountain sickness and certain cases can become a serious
problem. We have no record of any serious case of A.M.S. till
date but on worse conditions the only way to fight altitude
sickness is to descent as fast as possible. Rescue/ evacuation
by air or by surface may also be required in worse case.
CLIMATE
Tibet is cold in Winter, cool in summer and generally dry.
Temperature can vary greatly within a day. Day times can be
warm and nights can be very cold. Winds in winter are
ferocious. Tibet is not affected by monsoon, although Zhangmu
is.
BEST
SEASON
The best time to travel to Tibet is from April till October.
Average
Temperature, Rainfall and sunshine hours in Lhasa
Month
|
Rainfall
(mm)
|
Temperature
©
|
Sunshine
(Hours)
|
January
|
+ 09 to -13
|
0.2
|
251
|
February
|
+ 10 to -12
|
0.5
|
226
|
March
|
+ 13 to -5
|
2
|
241
|
April
|
+ 16 to +1
|
5
|
244
|
May
|
+ 20 to +5
|
25
|
284
|
June
|
+ 25 to +9
|
77
|
227
|
July
|
+ 26 to +10
|
129
|
224
|
August
|
+ 27 to +9
|
138
|
221
|
September
|
+ 21 to +8
|
56
|
238
|
October
|
+ 17 to +1
|
8
|
285
|
November |
+ 12 to -7 |
2 |
271 |
December
|
+ 08 to -13
|
0.5
|
261
|
CLOTHING
For general Tibet tour your clothing should be simple and
consist of layers which can be added or removed as temperature
vary during the day. A warm windbreaker and stout, comfortable
shoes are especially recommended.
Following
clothing are recommended for general Lhasa tour
May
to September |
October to April
|
Raincoat
or Windbreaker
|
Down Jacket
|
Jacket
|
Thermal underwear
|
Sweater
|
Warm trousers
|
Sun-hat
|
Warm Sweater
|
Shirts
& trousers (cotton or woolen)
|
Woolen shirt (full)
|
Comfortable
walking shoes
|
Gloves, warm socks
|
Thermal
underwear, cotton socks
|
Stout comfortable shoes
|
Good
quality walking shoes
|
Sun-hat
|
PHOTOGRAPHY
It is recommended that you buy sufficient films, batteries and
other necessary accessories to last you for the whole trip.
Photography
is allowed in most places except security areas. The
monasteries usually charge for photographs, often quite a lot.
FLIGHT
INFORMATION
(Subject to change without prior notice)
All
Lhasa-Kathmandu Flights and Vice versa are operated by China
South West airlines twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays
only.
Regular
flight services start from the first week of April till the
last week of November every year.
VISA
FOR TIBET:
Visa
for China can be obtained from the Chinese Embassy/Consulate
in your home town. We will provide you with the necessary
Permit for Tibet. Visa for Tibet can also be obtained for you
by us. Five working days are necessary to get a visa and
original passports have to be submitted then. There is urgent
fee of US$ 30 if passport is submitted later.
As
per present Chinese Government regulation, Visa for Tibet is
provided on for a group of minimum 5 pax travelling together
with a fixed itinerary.
Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice.
NOTE:
It should be understood, that tours to Lhasa are exclusively
controlled by the Chinese authorities and therefore, clients
should accept that a general flexibility is needed for
adventure travel of this type & Insight Nepal or its
foreign operators will in no way be responsible for sudden
change in the fixed itinerary when in Tibet.
MONEY
MATTER
Travelers
checks and credit cards are difficult to exchange. US$ cash is
best for all Tibet tours. The present rate of exchange is US$
1 = Yuan 8.00 (subject to change)
|