Tibet Travel FAQs

Key to Trip-Planning


• Must I travel to Tibet by a travel agency?
  
• What should I consider when working with a travel agency?
  
• Where does the uniqueness of Tibet travel lie?
  
• Which attractions can best attest to a Tibet travel?
  
• Can you recommend some of the best attractions around Tibet?
  
• Can you provide the altitudes of the main regions in Tibet, so that I can have a better plan before the trip?
  
• Is winter good for traveling in Tibet?
  
  Reservation
  
  
• How can I be sure you are a reliable travel agency?
  
• Which kind of tours do you provide?
  
• I have some questions about your tours, where can I find help? How can I book a tour?
  
• Do you provide any insurance?
  
  Procedures
  
  
• Can I obtain a Tibet Permit from you?
  
• How much does the TTB permit cost? Which is the legal issuing organization?
  
• Does each individual in a group need a separate permit or only does the group get one that covers everybody? Can we hold the permits ourselves and use them privately? Are copies of the permit valid?
  
• Should I handle the visa or the Tibet travel permits first?
  
• If I plan a tour into Tibet, the central land of China and Katmandu, which kind of documents shall I obtain? How shall I arrange the tour?
  
  Preparations
  
  
• Is it safe to travel in Tibet?
  
• Is cold very serious for going to Tibet? What shall I do if I catch cold in Tibet?
  
• Can I buy western medicines in Tibet or should I bring them all with me?
  
• What clothes should I wear when traveling in Tibet?
  
• I hear that the sunshine is ruthless in Tibet? How can I protect my skins?
  
• Is it convenient for me to bring cash or credit cards in Tibet?
  
• Should I bring an umbrella?
  
• Is film easily available in Tibet?
  
• Can I wear contact lenses outside in Tibet?
  
• I heard that some small gifts will make the communication with Tibetans easy, which ones shall I take?
  
  Transportation
  
  
• what is the better way to get to Tibet? Should I travel by air or by road?
  
• Should I travel by the Sichuan-Tibet Highway or Qinghai-Tibet Highway?
  
• How is the condition of trains on Tibet Railway? How can I buy a ticket easily?
  
• I want to change the schedule of my trip, how can I change or return the airplane ticket? How about the fees?
  
• How is the transportation inside Tibet?
  
  Accommodation
  
  
• What is the condition of the accommodation in Tibet?
  
• Are there many starred hotels in Tibet? Are they difficult to book? And are they expensive?
  
• Does Lhasa have a five-star hotel?
  
• Do the hotels in Tibet provide water heaters?
  
• Can I use the internet in the hotels in Tibet?
  
• Do the hotels provide drinkable water? What about coffee?
  
• Do I need a tent or sleeping bag in Tibet? Where can I get them in Tibet?
  
• Can I lodge in the local houses?
  
• Can you recommend some hotels in Lhasa and other regions?
  
  Dining
  
• I am a vegetarian will I be able to eat a balanced diet when I'm in Tibet?
  
• Are the Tibetan food spicy?
  
• Will I get used to Tibetan food? What if I can't?
  
• Do I need to bring some food items on the travel?
  
• Can I recognize the menus in the Tibetan restaurants? Are they only in Tibetan?
  
• Where can I have the authentic Tibetan Dishes in Lhasa? What about in the other regions?
  
  All-around
  
  
• Is it difficult for me to get a ticket for Potala Palace? How much does it cost?
  
• Is it ok for me to bathe every day?
  
• How about the shopping markets in Tibet? Are there many fakes? Can I bargain?
  
• I can speak some standard Chinese, but I have learnt that the Tibetan language is quite different, so I wonder if the Tibetans understand Putonghua?
  
• Where can I change my money into CNY?
  
• Can I see sky burial in Tibet?
  
• Can you explain Tibetan etiquettes and taboos?
  
• May I take photos of Tibetan people, especially elderly people? Should I give money for the photography?
  
• Can I take photos in the monasteries in Tibet?
  
• Should I give money to the monks and beggars in Tibet?
  
• To whom can I complain?
  
• What do I do in case of emergency?