As one of the most popular destinations for private China tours, Tibet is famous for its magnificent natural landscapes, rich ethnic minority heritage and splendid religious culture. Here is a detailed guide to making plans for your Tibet Tours.
Document Preparation
Foreign tourists must apply for a Tibet Travel Permit to enter Tibet. Foreign tourists can apply for it through international travel services in China as agents. To apply for a Tibet Travel Permit, you need to provide passport and visa photos, basic information, travel itinerary, travel time and other information. The Tibet Travel Permit needs to be applied at least one month in advance.
Travel Type
Foreign tourists entering Tibet must join a tour group or customized private car service through regular channels. Foreign visitors can not travel freely and must be led by a professional guide to visit scenic spots in Tibet.
Transportation of Tibet
Foreign tourists can only enter Tibet by airplane or train. Airplane is the fastest transportation to reach Tibet. There are many direct flights to Lhasa Kongga International Airport from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other cities, which usually take 2-5 hours.
Trains are also an option for foreign tourists entering Tibet. Foreign tourists can fly directly from their countries to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu, and then take trains from these cities to Lhasa. It takes longer to travel by train, but you can enjoy the picturesque scenery along the way.
Detailed Itinerary
Tibet offers stunning natural scenery and rich cultural relics. There are many attractions to visit and you need to plan your travel route properly. Take a leisurely walk along the crystal Qinghai Lake to enjoy the tranquil scenery. Visit the Potala Palace to marvel at the majestic halls, pagodas and scripture halls. Or explore the folklore of Tibet and learn about the local life at Barkhor Street.
Some attractions such as the Yarlung Zangbu Grand Canyon, Nanyi Valley, and Medog County are not open to foreign visitors. Therefore, please check the relevant policies of the attractions in Tibet before planning your trip. Also prepare the relevant documents in advance.
Sightseeing Notes
Due to the high altitude of Tibet, tourists may have altitude sickness. It is recommended to take medication in advance for prevention. Pay attention to your physical condition and avoid strenuous exercise. Considering the strong sunlight on the plateau, don’t forget to carry sunscreen or wear sunglasses and hats.
When you visit the attractions in Tibet, you should respect minority cultures and local customs. For example, don’t touch children’s heads and don’t push Mani piles (piles of stones used for blessings). Tibet has complicated terrain and changeable climate, so please be careful when visiting.
