Tibet

Tibet is an extraordinary and beautiful region located in Central Asia, and it is also the southwestern frontier of China. It is home to the Tibetan people and is known as the "Roof of the World" because of its high elevation, with an average of 4,900 meters. Tibet is bordered by Sichuan, Yunnan, Qinghai, and Xinjiang to the north, and by India, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, and Burma to the south. It is also bounded by Kashmir to the west. The region covers an area of approximately 1,200,000 sq km.

Tibet has a complex topography, divided into three parts: the west, the south, and the east. Despite its reputation as a cold and snowy place, Tibet only experiences snowfall once or twice a year. The bright sunshine makes it not too cold during the day, even in the winter. The region is home to 6 million Tibetans and is known for its unique high altitude, exotic culture, and stunning landscapes. It is an eternal topic of fascination for many people.

Tibet Travel Information and Destination Guide

Tibet is a truly fascinating and inspiring place, with some of the tallest mountains, highest lakes, and greatest river systems in the world, as well as hot springs, forests, valleys, and even volcanoes. Nomads in Tibet still live in the same way they did a hundred years ago, moving throughout the plateau with their yak herds in the winter and summer camps. The monasteries, mountains, breathtaking landscapes, and holy mountains are a marvel for the 21st century and are sure to keep visitors to Tibet entertained.

In recent years, Tibet has cautiously opened up to the Western world, but access is still restricted. Only foreign travelers are allowed to visit Tibet, and they must obtain one or more permits. The basic permit is the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) permit, which can be obtained from Chinese travel agencies or the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu with proof of purchasing a package tour. Some parts of Tibet also require an Aliens' Travel Permit (ATP), which is issued by the Public Security Bureau (PSB) in major Tibetan cities like Lhasa, Xigatse, and Ali. The list of regions that require ATPs changes frequently.

Tibet is accessible from Nepal by air or road. Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) in China, has an airport. Flights between Kathmandu and Lhasa are seasonal and run from the end of March to the end of October, with three flights per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. However, there are daily flights between Lhasa and Beijing and Lhasa and Chengdu throughout the year.

Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour

Lhasa can be reached by road from Kathmandu via the Kerung Border, which is a distance of 145 km. Along the way, you will visit several important places in Tibet, including Tingri (4,300 m), Xigatse (3,900 m), Gyantse (3,950 m), and finally Lhasa (3,650 m). From Lhasa, you can either fly back to Kathmandu or continue on to China.

A trip to Tibet is not a common experience as the journey can be challenging and unpredictable. Due to the high altitude, it is recommended that travelers with heart, lung, or anemia issues consult a physician before departing. Most people will experience some minor symptoms and discomfort from altitude sickness until their bodies adjust to the elevation, which can take a few hours to a couple of days depending on the individual. Very rare cases of acute altitude sickness have been reported.

For the frosty cold temperatures from October to March, warm clothes are necessary. From April to September, lighter clothing is recommended for the hot weather. However, it is advisable to bring a jacket and sweater with you at all times as the weather can change unexpectedly at any time.