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1. What documents should I hold for traveling in Tibet?
2. How to get the Alien's Travel Permit?
3. What statue of person is called "foreign tourist"?
4. Is independent tour allowed in Tibet?
5. What is the best season for tour in Tibet?
6. What are some popular places in Tibet?
7. How to enter Tibet?
8. Can I travel in Tibet by bus? I really can't afford the car.
9. Other than Chinese currency, what else currency is acceptable in Tibet?
10. Can I draw cash from the local banks in Tibet?
11. What should I keep in mind when I contact with the Tibetans?
12. What can I do with Tibetan beggars?
13. What medicines should I bring for the high elevation?
14. What should I bring for the plateau weather?
15. Do I need to bring with me photos of mine for the Tibet Permit? If so, in which size?
16. Do you know whether we can fly freely to Lhasa without Tibet Permit?
17. We hold several different passports, some diplomatic and some United Nations passports. Can we obtain Tibet Travel Permit?
18. Is it safe to travel in winter time, especially from Tibet to Katmandu (which is where I want to finish)?
19. Is it advisable for me to bring a sleeping bag with me because the sheets/blankets of the hotels I'll be staying in may not be clean or may not be sanitary?
20. Is travel in Tibet safe?
21. How much should I tip?
22. Is the water safe to drink?
23. Where do we get water during the trip?
24. How safe is the food?
25. What type of food is served?
26. Will we have private rooms and bathrooms?
27. What are the Tea Houses like?
28. How difficult are the treks?
29. How far is this trek?
30. Can I fly into Lhasa from Kathamandu?
31. How will the altitude affect me?
32. What will the weather be like?
33. What type of shoes or boots should I wear?
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1. What documents should I hold for traveling in Tibet?
There are two documents required for foreign tourists who want to travel in Tibet. One is the Chinese Visa, which you can apply for in Chinese Embassy in your place. Another is the Alien's Travel Permit issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau
2. How to get the Alien's Travel Permit?
Your local travel agency can be your representative to apply for the Permit. To apply for the Permit, you should provide the copies of your visa, passport and Foreign Residence Permit (if any) by fax or email.
3. What statue of person is called "foreign tourist"?
"Foreign tourist" here refers to the person who doesn't hold Chinese ID card. Although Hongkong, Taiwan and Macao are the inseparable parts of China, the citizens there are still required to get the Permit.
4. Is independent tour allowed in Tibet?
Independent tour is prohibited in Tibet. You should take part in an organized group or have the local travel operator to arrange for you.
5. What is the best season for tour in Tibet?
Generally speaking, from April to October is the best season for Tibet tour. However, having a winter tour can be pleasant if you don't mind the cold weather. You can avoid the tourist crowds, and economical accommodations and transportation are more available.
6. What are some popular places in Tibet?
Lhasa, Tsedang, Gyantse, Shigatse, Tingri, Zhangmu etc. are the most popular places in Tibet, for both normal and trekking itineraries. For expedition, Mt. Everest and Mt. Kailish are the most exciting and accessible areas.
7. How to enter Tibet?
By air, there are several routes are available now: Beijing-Lhasa, Shanghai-Lhasa, Chengdu -Lhasa, Xi'an-Lhasa, Xining-Lhasa, Guangzhou-Lhasa, Chongqing-Lhasa, Kathmandu-Lhasa. By land, the possible routes are: Qinghai-Lhasa, Sichuan-Lhasa, Yunnan-Lhasa and Kathmandu-Lhasa. However, land transportation takes much longer time, and can be very tough, especially the Sichuan-Lhasa route.
8. Can I travel in Tibet by bus? I really can't afford the car.
Yes, but very limited, only Golmud (of Qinghai Province)-Lhasa. And this route is subject to change, not always available.
9. Other than Chinese currency, what else currency is acceptable in Tibet?
US$ is acceptable only in a very limited range, e.g. tips. However, for convenience, Chinese currency is the best choice. If you want to change US$ to Chinese currency in Tibet, you can change in Lhasa Hotel or the Bank of China.
10. Can I draw cash from the local banks in Tibet?
Yes, but only the Bank of China has this function. However, the ATM there doesn't always work properly. So we suggest you to bring some cash with you.
11. What should I keep in mind when I contact with the Tibetans?
Tibetan people are very kind and hospitable, you can feel free to talk with them. But there are some rulers you should go by:
1) Do not photo them without permission, please show the respect to them!
2) Do not talk about the sensitive topics like political or religious matters!
3) Do not eat dog, donkey or horse in Tibet!
12. What can I do with Tibetan beggars?
Religious beggars are an accepted part of society in Tibet. Giving money or food to a pilgrim is considered an act of merit. Donations of five fen to two Jiao (Chinese currency) are appropriate. Please note: if the beggars are the old men and women who dress in shredded, bulky clothes, while the younger ones may have a monkey on a chain, it¡¯s a spectacle of great interest to the Tibetans. These beggars are professionals, having less meritorious intentions than religious pilgrims. Just wave them off as the locals do if you don't want give anything.
13. What medicines should I bring for the high elevation?
Try to bring the following medicines that will be very useful during your travel: cold and flu tablets, throat lozenges, nasal decongestant, Aspirin, Multivitamins. Or you can ask your local doctor for suggestions.
14. What should I bring for the plateau weather?
Tibet's high altitude and the atmosphere allow the sun's solar radiation to strike the earth with unusual intensity. It's very easy to get sun-burnt there. Sunscreen of high sun protection factor, quality sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are good means of protection. Calamine lotion is good for mild sun-burnt. Those with fair complexions should bring reflective sunscreen with them. Apply the sunscreen to your nose and lips as well.
15. Do I need to bring with me photos of mine for the Tibet Permit? If so, in which size?
Your photos are not necessary to apply the Tibet Permit since your personal information is enough to get the Tibet Permit.
16. Do you know whether we can fly freely to Lhasa without Tibet Permit?
The Tibet Permit must be obtained beforehand so that you can be allowed to enter Lhasa.
17. We hold several different passports, some diplomatic and some United Nations passports. Can we obtain Tibet Travel Permit?
Non-Chinese passport holders (including those of Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and other countries) must have an Alien's Travel Permit as well as a valid passport and a visa (Travelers from countries having visa exemption agreement with Hong Kong do not need a visa) to visit Tibet. Since the government encourages group tours to Tibet the Permit is issued only to tour groups traveling with a Chinese tour operator and travel agency. We can represent you to facilitate the application process with the requirements on your full name on the passport, gender, birth date, occupation and the passport number and nationality. But for visitors who hold diplomatic passports, such a permit should be obtained in an official way.
18. Is it safe to travel in winter time, especially from Tibet to Katmandu (which is where I want to finish)?
The Chinese-Nepal Highway (Lhasa-Kathamandu) is often blocked in winter times due to heavy snow and is not easy to travel along. Flying is much more advisable.
19. Is it advisable for me to bring a sleeping bag with me because the sheets/blankets of the hotels I'll be staying in may not be clean or may not be sanitary?
It is all right. Tibet tour is a hard tour. Do expect unsatisfactory and uncomfortable hotel facility and service in Tibet, except in Lhasa! Your own sleeping bag ensures your nice sleep en route if you take our tours to remote areas.
20. Is travel in Tibet safe?
Generally, it is quiet safe in Tibet. Since most Tibetans are devout Buddhists, who believe good deeds will accumulate merit in their next lives, crimes are rare. But tourists need pay attention to dogs!
21. How much should I tip?
Tipping is not a custom in China, thus in Tibet. However, as the tourism develops, tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff do expect tips. If the service is satisfactory, a few dollars to the guide and the driver will be appreciated. While in restaurants and taxis, tips are not necessary.
22. Is the water safe to drink?
Your guide will be in charge of all your water needs. He will make sure all water is boiled and treat it with iodine. Iodine is 100% effective in killing the bacteria in water.
23. Where do we get water during the trip?
All tea houses have boiled water for trekkers. Your guide will provide you with all the water you need during your trek. We discourage the purchase of bottled water while on the trail. The plastic bottles are difficult to dispose off and have become an environmental problem.
24. How safe is the food?
Food safety is always big concern when visiting a foreign country. This is why we do our best to choose tea houses and restaurants with clean and sanitary kitchens. On our lodge treks, we provide a cook to prepare safe and tasty meals with our own set of cookery as well as hygienic cleaning facilities. The food we serve on camping trips is completely safe.
25. What type of food is served?
Almost every tea house serves the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice and curried lentils). All tea houses we stay at have a variety of different foods on the menu including noodles, rice, potatoes, vegetables and soup. Some have Nepali versions of western food such as pizza and Finger Chips. The choice is yours. Sodas and beer are available at most of the tea houses and of course Nepali milk tea is served everywhere.
26. Will we have private rooms and bathrooms?
Private rooms are available in most tea houses except for those at very high altitudes. Most bathrooms are shared. On our lodge treks we also provide someone to clean all bathroom facilities for our groups. Our lodge treks also include bed and pillow covers.
27. What are the Tea Houses like?
Tea houses are a way of life for almost all trekkers. They are the combination of guest house, restaurant and social hang out. We encourage all trekkers along the Everest, Langtang, and Annapurna treks to try our tea house treks. Our many years of experience along these routes have helped us find the friendliest, cleanest, and most enjoyable tea houses with the best views. Most tea houses have running water. Many have hot water available for bathing. But we discourage our groups from using water heated by wood fires due to lack of firewood in most villages. Deforestation is a big environmental concern in Nepal. They are also a great way help support local villages.
28. How difficult are the treks?
The difficulty of our treks depends on where you want to trek and how long you want to go. The shorter Treks tend to be easier while the longer ones require some physical fitness. Be prepared for some steep trails leading to amazing views. The pace at which you hike is up to you. We have friendly and dependable porters to assist you with your personal gear.
29. How far is this trek?
Generally the trek duration depends on your interest and location of trek. Your trek can last anywhere from 2-3 days to an entire month or longer if you wish. We can accommodate day hikes, cultural visits to local villages, and relaxing rest days on your trek. The decision is up to you.
30. Can I fly into Lhasa from Kathamandu?
At least 5 persons as a tour group are a must to enter Tibet from Kathamandu, which is regulated by China National Tourism Administration.
31. How will the altitude affect me?
Altitude sickness can be a worry for many people coming from sea level. This is why Mother-Land Nepal Trekking trips give our customers extra days to acclimate to the higher altitudes. Our guides are trained to spot any signs of altitude sickness and know how to react.
32. What will the weather be like?
Weather affects everything in Nepal and trekking is no exception. Sudden rain storms or snow flurries are always a possibility. The weather during the trekking season is somewhat more stable. We pay close attention to weather reports during the trekking season.
33. What type of shoes or boots should I wear?
The proper foot wear depends on the trek. Shorter treks can be done in comfortable running shoes while longer ones require sturdy but light weight hiking boots. Shoes and boots are best purchased before arriving in Nepal. Proper fit is a must for boots. And we encourage wearing your boots before the trek to wear them in.
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