Central Tibet Tour - 08 Days

Duration: 08 Days (Tsedang,Lhasa, Gyantse & Xigatse Visit)

The Tibet 08 Days Central Tibet Tour spans 7 nights and 8 days, with a flight into Lhasa, the country’s capital, and followed with a drive to Yarlung Valley, the birthplace of Tibetan civilization, before heading south via Yamdrok Lake to Gyantse, the ancient trading hub, then on to Xigatse, the second-largest town in Tibet and the seat of the Panchen Lama, before concluding with a tour of Lhasa, the country’s heart and soul.

NB:  If you’re traveling from Kathmandu, you will need to allow around 4 working days to secure your Tibet visa. Therefore, combining your trip with a visit to Kathmandu is an excellent choice for those looking to explore both Nepal and Tibet.

Tibet Visa Requirements:

Traveling to Tibet requires both a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. The process differs based on whether you’re entering Tibet from Nepal or China. If you are traveling from Kathmandu, please note that a Chinese visa issued in any other country will not be valid for entry into Tibet. Instead, a group visa will be issued for all travelers entering Tibet from Nepal.

Visa Procedure for Tibet from Kathmandu:

Step 1:
You must book a tour package with a local travel agent in Kathmandu. The minimum group size for obtaining a group visa is 4 participants.

Step 2:
After booking, send a scanned copy of your passport and make the payment. Once received, the agent will begin the process of obtaining your Tibet Travel Permit, which takes around 1 week to process.

Step 3:
Once the Tibet Travel Permit is obtained, the next step is to submit a China visa application to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. You will need to be physically present in Kathmandu for this process as the embassy requires the original passport.

Step 4:
The China visa takes about 4 working days to be issued. It will be a group visa, not stamped in your passport, but rather in a separate sheet listing the names of all group members. All travelers in the group must enter and exit China at the same time.

Important: A visa issued from any other country will not be valid for Tibet travel if entering from Nepal.

Best Time to Travel to Tibet

The best time to travel to Tibet is between April to June and September to October, offering pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. During these months, temperatures hover around 10-20°C. However, due to the high altitude, it can get chilly at night, so be prepared with warm clothing.

These months also offer affordable travel costs and less crowded conditions, making it the ideal period for travelers seeking both comfort and a great experience.

Seasons in Tibet:

• April to June: Mild temperatures, clear skies, and vibrant landscapes.
• September to October: Pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.
• October to April: Cold temperatures requiring heavier clothing, especially for night-time in high-altitude regions.

 Accommodation in Tibet:

Accommodation options in Lhasa have improved significantly in recent years, with many tourist-class hotels now offering comfortable stays. However, in smaller towns along the tour route, the facilities may be more basic, but you will always have the best available accommodation for each location.

Clothing and Accessories for Tibet Travel:

Given the high-altitude nature of Tibet, dressing appropriately is crucial to your comfort during the trip. Layered clothing is recommended to adapt to varying temperatures throughout the day.

• Recommended Clothing:
  • Light layers: shirts, sweaters, jackets, and cotton inner wear.
  • Warm clothing (October to April): woolen jackets, down feather coats, and boots.
  • Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection accessories such as a hat and sunglasses.
  • A warm jacket is essential, even during the day.
• Additional Accessories:
  • Water bottle and purification tablets.
  • Chapstick and sunscreen (Tibetan sun can be harsh).
  • Utility knife, flashlight, bandana or dust mask, and first-aid kit.
  • Medications for common cold, headache, fever, stomach issues, and Diamox (for altitude sickness).

Health Precautions and Vaccinations

While traveling in Tibet, altitude sickness is the primary health concern due to Tibet’s average altitude of over 3600 meters. It’s essential to take precautions such as drinking plenty of fluids, acclimatizing in Lhasa, and avoiding strenuous activities in the first few days.

Vaccinations:

• Hepatitis A and Typhoid fever are commonly recommended.
• Malaria prophylaxis is suggested for the southeastern part of Tibet.
• Bring water purification tablets and avoid drinking untreated water.

It’s advisable to see a health professional 4-6 weeks before traveling to ensure you’re in good health, and to discuss any pre-existing conditions that may affect your trip.

Altitude Sickness: What You Need to Know

Given Tibet’s high altitude (average 3,600m+), travelers are at risk for altitude sickness. Symptoms can range from headaches and dizziness to nausea and difficulty breathing.

Prevention:

• Gradual Acclimatization: Spend a few days in Lhasa before traveling to higher altitudes.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and avoid altitude sickness.
• Move slowly and avoid overexertion.

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness:

• Headache, nausea, dizziness, and loss of appetite.
• Fatigue and sleeping difficulties.
• Breathing problems and overall unsteadiness.

If symptoms persist, the only remedy is to descend to a lower elevation as soon as possible. Always listen to your body.

Travel Insurance for Tibet

Given the high-altitude nature of Tibet, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, accidents, and helicopter rescues if needed. It should also cover evacuations, tour cancellations, and any unexpected travel disruptions.

Flight Information: Kathmandu to Lhasa

The Kathmandu to Lhasa flight once operated daily, but now it runs only three times a week i.e. Mon, Wed & Fri. With fewer flights available, it is essential to book your flight in advance to secure a seat. The flight offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest.

Is it Safe to Travel to Tibet?

One of the most common concerns among travelers is whether Tibet is a safe destination. The answer is a resounding YES! Tibet is as safe as other popular tourist destinations in mainland China, with no significant security issues for visitors. However, travelers should be mindful of the high altitude and unpredictable plateau climate.

In this guide, we address key safety concerns and provide expert tips to ensure a secure and enjoyable journey in Tibet.

Tibetan Cuisine: What to Expect:

Tibetan food primarily consists of barley, meat, and dairy products. The staple foods include:

• Yak butter – Refined from cattle and goat milk, widely used in Tibetan tea.
• Tsampa – Roasted barley flour mixed with tea, butter, curds, and sugar for flavor.
• Tubo – A traditional gruel made from dried meat, tsampa, and wheat flour.

Due to Tibet’s high altitude (above 4,000m), vegetables are scarce, leading to a diet rich in meat. In winter, beef and mutton are preserved by air-drying and consumed raw or barbecued.

In Lhasa, travelers will find numerous restaurants serving Tibetan, Indian, Nepali, and Western cuisine. Momos, steamed or fried dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetables, are a popular delicacy. Chinese food is widely available in Tibet’s major towns.

Food Safety Tips in Tibet:

• Always eat at restaurants frequented by locals for better hygiene standards.
• Ensure your food is thoroughly cooked and served hot to eliminate bacteria.
• Avoid raw foods and items that may have come into contact with unfiltered water.

Duty-Free Allowance for Tibet

Travelers can bring the following items into Tibet:

• 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars, and 500g of tobacco
• 1.5 liters of alcoholic beverages (12% alcohol content or more)
• Personal articles up to ¥5,000 (USD $50) for Chinese residents
• Personal articles up to ¥2,000 (USD $20) for non-residents

Prohibited Items:

Arms, ammunition, narcotics, fruit, animals, animal products, and politically sensitive materials (e.g., publications on Tibetan independence or the Dalai Lama). Chinese customs may inspect and seize restricted content upon entry.

Currency and Payment in Tibet

The official currency in Tibet is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Foreign currency exchange is available at the Bank of China branches in Lhasa, Shigatse, and Zhangmu. Many hotels also offer exchange services.

Payment Methods:

• ATMs: Available in Lhasa and Shigatse
• Credit Cards: Accepted in major hotels, shops, and restaurants
• Cash: Small denominations are recommended for local purchases
• Traveler’s Cheques: Not recommended due to high fees and limited exchange availability

Travel Costs in Tibet:

Since all foreign visitors must be part of an organized tour, tour packages (including accommodation, transport, and travel permits) form the bulk of travel expenses.

• Dining costs: International restaurants cost around USD $15-20 per meal. Local Tibetan and Nepali eateries offer meals for as low as USD $6.

Electricity & Plugs in Tibet

• Standard Voltage: 220V, 50Hz AC
• Plug Types: European two-round pins or American two-flat pins
• Recommendation: Carry a universal travel adapter and a voltage converter for U.S. appliances

Internet & WiFi in Tibet:

WiFi is available in hotels and cafes in Lhasa, but connections are generally slow and unreliable. Additionally, internet access is monitored, and many sites (e.g., social media platforms) are blocked.

Tibet Time Zone

Tibet follows China Standard Time (CST), which is GMT+8. Daylight Saving Time is not observed.

Final Thoughts:

This Tibet tour blends spirituality, breathtaking landscapes, and immersive cultural experiences. From sacred monasteries and UNESCO heritage sites to high-altitude lakes and scenic drives, every moment in Tibet is a step into an ancient and mystical world.

Book your Tibet adventure today and embark on a journey of a lifetime!