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1. General Information

Question: When is the best time to go to Tibet?
Answer: It is recommended that one visits Tibet around May to July, and September to October. Lhasa, Tsetang and Shigatse are suitable for sightseeing tours all-year round. The harsh climate makes it unsuitable to visit the Everest Base Camp area from October to April. During winter, roads might be blocked by heavy snow in east Tibet and Ngari. While in August, heavy rainfall makes travel in those areas very difficult.

Question: What should I bring when traveling to Tibet?
Answer: Besides the detailed information given on what to pack, we suggest you bring some fresh fruit for your consumption as upon arrival, you might lose your appetite and this might be the only food you would like to eat.

Question: I'm planning to visit Lhasa, could you give me some information on flights that operate in and out of Lhasa?
Answer: Not all cities have direct flights to Lhasa. Hereunder we offer the flight schedule with its corresponding airfare for the current Winter Time (October, 2007 - March, 2008) for your reference. Please note that the info is for reference only. You need to check with the airline companies for the details of these flights.

Flights of Departure (valid until March, 2008)

Note: The schedule is for reference only and subject to change. Please consult for details.

Flights of arrival (valid until March, 2008)

Note: The schedule is for reference only and subject to change. Please consult for details.

Question: Can you tell me how frequent are your tours in Tibet?
Answer: You may start anytime at your convenience if you choose our private tours as long as the flight schedule matches your plan. Please contact us if you want to join our group tours.

Question: What is the best way to visit Tibet? Join a pre-packaged tour or do-it-yourself?
Answer: Independent travel is prohibited in Tibet. To travel in Tibet you have to join an organized group or have a private tour arranged by a travel agency.

Question: What currencies can be used in Tibet? Can I use credit card and ATM cards?
Answer: Besides Chinese Yuan, only US dollars can be accepted. Also shops that accept American currency are very limited and you might not be able to get a good deal for an exchange rate. Credit cards can only be used at some hotels. The Bank of China also accepts credit cards. ATM is not widely available. Exchanging your money to Chinese currency will be the best option for you, which can be done at the Bank of China.

2. Enter Tibet from Other Countries

Question: Can I fly into Lhasa from Kathmandu?
Answer: Yes, you can. However, the flight flying between Kathmandu and Lhasa is not available daily. Also, you need to consider the following information before you opt to fly from Kathmandu.

NOTE: if the people in your group will leave China separately, it will be a better option to apply for an individual visa rather than a group visa.

Question: How do I get to Lhasa from Bangkok or other international cities?
Answer: At present there is no flight operating between foreign cities and Lhasa other than Kathmandu. People can not go to Lhasa from Bangkok. They will need to go to a certain city in mainland China, like Chengdu, Beijing and Guangzhou or go to Kathmandu to take a flight to Lhasa.

3. Safety and Mountain Sickness

Question: Is it safe to travel in winter time, especially from Tibet to Kathmandu (my port of exit)?
Answer: The Chinese-Nepal Highway is often blocked by heavy snow during winter. Therefore, it is not safe to travel along this route.

Question: Is it advisable for me to bring a sleeping bag because the sheets/blankets in the hotels may not be clean?
Answer: In 3- or 4-star hotels in cities and towns like Lhasa, Tsetang, Shigatse and Gyangtse, you do not need to worry about sanitation. Though, it is a fact that the travel to Tibet is a bit hard. But if you are going to remote areas like the Everest, it is best to bring a sleeping bag to ensure that you have a nice sleep en route.

Question: Are the streets in Tibet safe?
Answer: Generally, it is quiet safe in Tibet. Almost all 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 that are free to move everywhere.

Question: What medicines should I bring?
Answer: Medicine is a must for travelers to Tibet. We suggest that you take some pain-killer pills with you and enough medicine for colds, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Some nasal ointment and throat-moistening pills will greatly be of help for those who are sensitive to chilly or freezing weather conditions. Please consult your doctor prior to your travel to Tibet.

Question: I have a cold, but my trip to Lhasa starts tomorrow. Can I join the trip as scheduled?
Answer: We suggest that you postpone your trip and not take such a risk. People with respiratory problems will have great difficulties to recover from cold. The chilly weather might cause pulmonary edema or even death. People who are suffering from colds, heart/cardiac illnesses, severe respiratory problems, hypertension, liver or kidney problems, anemia and other serious health problems are advised not to travel to Tibetan plateaus. The traveler suffering from such illness might have a hard time to adapt to the Tibetan environment which might cause the worsening of their illness.

Question: What could I do to avoid mountain sickness?
Answer: Some travelers will get mountain sickness when on the Tibetan plateau. We have some tips for you:

Before you go to Tibet

When you are in Tibet

Question: Since we are traveling with kids (around 2-3 years old）and we have been hearing a lot about the high altitude adjustment problems for travelers to Lhasa, do you think we would have any difficulty?
Answer: Age has nothing to do with the occurrence of mountain sickness. Anxiety is the common cause of mountain sickness.You may click the link to have more information on avoiding mountain sickness. Always remember that if you have any problems or feel uncomfortable, you need to tell the guide about this immediately.