Trekking in Himalayas and rising nearly 5 km. Above sea level, Tibet is a land unlike any other country with a magical realm of vast open spaces, clear light and pure color, dominated by intense blue sky. While other remote corners of the world fell to inevitable modernization, this vast mountain-locked land was left for centuries to develop a unique civilization of its own on the “Roof of the World”. Isolated by formidable barriers and guarded by its government, the Tibetan capital was truly a Forbidden City. Few westerners met the challenge, but the tales they returned with, tantalized the imagination of the world.
Tibet was the epitome of all that was magical, mysterious and unknown. A century ago, a visit to Tibet required strength, courage and a good deal of luck, but today this remote destination is accessible from an exciting route overland from Nepal. This journey begins below the Himalayas and ends on the highest plateau of the world. Since the 8th Century Tibet has been devoutly Buddhists, merging with the influence of Indian Buddhism, Tantra and the indigenous religion called Bonpo thus creating a complex synthesis of beliefs.
Tibetan Buddhism has centuries of impressive arts and architecture. Visits to monasteries are an integral part of a visit to Tibet. Deeply religious, Tibetan are an open, spontaneous people with a good sense of humour. Lhasa, the capital city, is also the cultural and economic center of Tibet where you find the magnificent Potala Palace (Winter Palace of his Holiness the Dala Lama), the holiest Jokhang Temple, Drepung and Sera Monasteries, which once had 18,000 monks and Norbulinkha (Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama).
VISA: Individual visa is not issued for the Tibetan region by the authorities.
Note: Chinese visas issued in home countries are not valid for entry into Tibet.
A special permit is required. We require at least 10 days notice to process your Tibet Visa via Leas and at least 4 days in Kathmandu for the Chinese Embassy to handle you passport. Embassy working hours are 10 am to 11:15 am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Re entry visas for Nepal can be obtained upon your arrival at Airport or Border.
Altitude Sickness: Travelling in Tibet is an adventure involving high altitude and could be strenuous. So far, most visitors only have minor effects from the altitude. However, we advise specially the guests with known heart or lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor before travelling. Mild headaches, fever, lose of appetite or stomach disorder can take place before acclimatization. Our advise: Drink 4 litters of water or liquid minimum a day, don’t exhaust yourself so much and breathe deep and take rest more then usual.
Clothing & Accessories: Warm clothing is required during November to April and light weight clothing from May to October. However, the following items are recommended: Raincoat or windbreaker Jacket Down Jacket Sweater Thermal underwear Sun hat Long johns Sunglasses Woolen Trousers Shirts Woolen shirts Walking shoes Gloves Woolen hat or scarf Leather boots Also a water bottle and water purification tabs, Chopsticks, sun tan lotion, utility knife, flash light, dusk mask or bandanna, medicine for headaches, fever, colds, stomach disorders and diamox for altitude sickness are recommended.
Transportation: Land cruiser or Mini-bus depending on the size of the group.
Time: 08 hours ahead of GMT. Please note Tibet is linked to Beijing time so when you cross the border from Nepal the time change is considerable. Nepal is 05 hr. and 45 minutes ahead of GMT.
Food & Drinks: Tibet has only a handful of towns, and Tibetan cuisine is not exactly the most varied in the world. It is handy to carry, anything that can be brewed with hot water. Instant coffee, drinking chocolate, tea (bags), soup cubes, drink power and powered milk, salami, fruits, breads, instant noodles, vgemite, nuts and raisins, chocolate, dry foods and biscuits.
Working Hours: Most shops are open between 09:00 hrs and then again from 1430 hrs until 17:30 hrs. Many shops close on SUNDAY. Government Offices are usually closed on SATURDAY afternoon and SUNDAY.
Currency: Renmbi, the people’s money used by millions of Chinese everyday, circulates in notes of 1,2,5 10 and 50 Yuan; 1,2 and 5 jiao; 1,2 and 5 fen. There are also coins for 1,2 and 5 fen. With the Chinese Currency, Renminbi; one Yuan is divided into 10 Jiao; into 10 fen.
Weather: Tibet above lies 3,000m. it not surprisingly has a harsh climate. However, there are at least two distinct climatic regions. One of which compromises the high plateau North and West of the Yarlung Tsang Po valley and South of the Kun Lun and Altun Shan mountain ( some 75% of the land area of Tibet) & other, the Yarlung Tsang Po & associated valleys (including Lhasa), Which are considerably lower, & contain all of Tibet’s main population centers.
The first region is largely uninhabited and in winter is dry unbelievably cold. In summer, rain and snowstorms are common. Especially in the wild central section. The second region, has a rather different climate. Tibet region in summer (from June to September) there is plenty of sunshine & blue skies, but the monsoon often makes its way across the Himalayas (Particularly in the south-east) & some rain & cold must be expected. The day time temperature comfortable (about 20 to 25 C. in Lhasa and 18 C. in Mt. Kailash) and the night are rather cold. In spring and Autumn (April/May, October) the weather is generally dry and clear, maximum temperatures around 17-22 in Lhasa and 10-16 C. in Kailash.
Risk & Liability: Panorama Trekking Pvt. Ltd. Shall always put its all efforts in making your journey smooth and pleasant. However, as be responsible for any charge of cancellation of programmes due to any unavoidable circumstances such as road blockade, flood, snow, unrest, cancellation of flight, delay arrivals, sickness or accidents. Any extra cost incurring there shall be borne by the clients. So, it is most advisable that clients to have full insurance against medical and personal accident risks, a cancellation insurance is also most advise from your home country.
Food and Accommodation including in cost: All accommodation as descried in our itineraries is included in the cost. In Kathmandu, bed and breakfast, transfer is included. In Tibet all meals, accommodations hotel / camp, permits, transportation are included.
Group & Staff Group size is normally 10 – 20 parties, accompanied by our Nepalese Sherpa crew of staff depending on size of the group and local Tibetan/Chinese guide. Minimum group size will be 6 persons.
Extra Expenses: Normal personal expenses, airport tax RS. 600.00 for SAARC countries and other countries of Rs.700.00, meal in Kathmandu. We advise you allow about Nepalese rupees 4,000.00 to 6000.00 (100.00 USD) for trips and other option like guest house/hotel in-route to Mt. Kailash & Manasarovar Lake & your personal yak & Yak Man during the Mt. Kailash Parikarma (round).
