1. What does the group tour means?
Tibet Tourism Bureau does not allow tourists to travel in Tibet
individually and one must need to be a part of group. If you are a
single travelers also take part on Tibet tours and treks.
www.alltibet.com
takes booking of both individual travelers and groups.
2. Is individual traveling possible in Tibet?
Individual traveling is possible nowadays in Tibet but you need to
get a special "Alien Travel Permit" from the local PSB Aliens Exit
and Entry Division, we can arrange this permit for you consulting
with our counterpart in Lhasa. For all of your travel needs, you
should consult with the local travel operator as restrictions are
imposed on travel to many areas.
3. Where and what type of visas do I require for traveling in Tibet?
The Chinese embassy changes the visas rule frequently. At current
there is only one type of visa available - Group Visas (visas in
separate sheet of paper) even if you are traveling individually.
Chinese visas can be obtained in your home country too but you must
present your passport at the embassy in Kathmandu through a travel
agency and get the Group Visas (in such a case you do not need to
pay extra money as visa charge). In both cases (group travel or
individual travel) you must need the "Alien Travel Permit".
4. In which places can I travel being as a part of the group tour?
The group tour will be handled as per the agreement between you and
the operator, the Align Travel Permit will be issued accordingly.
However since all the tour programs will be handled strictly under
rules of Tibet Tourism Bureau, there can be the chances of
change/alteration in the program.
5. Shall I need Alien Travel Permit if I'm from inseparable parts of
China like Hong Kong and Taiwan?
Yes! the citizens of Hong Kong and Taiwan also requires to get the
"Align Travel Permit" however they are from the inseparable parts of
China.
6. What is the best time of year to travel in Tibet?
Travel is possible at all times of year but from April to October is
the best season.
7. How should I behave with the Tibetan beggars?
You will see many beggars around the monasteries in Tibet and these
religious beggars are an accepted part of Tibetan society. Giving
money or food to them is considered as an act of merit but not
compulsory. Also notice that if the beggars are old men dressed in
shredded, bulky clothing. There are also young ones may have a
monkey on a chain, a spectacle of great interest to the Tibetans.
These beggars are professionals, having less meritorious intentions
than religious pilgrims. You can discourage simply not giving
anything.
8. What are the norms if I contact with the Tibetans?
You will find Tibetan people very kind and friendly, you can feel
free to talk with them. Do not go around photographing the people,
ask first, show some respect. Buy some local products and encourage
them, they are cheaper. Don't talk the sensitive topics like the
political and the religion things!
9. What kind of clothing/accessories should I bring for traveling
Tibet?
From Oct. to March warm clothes are required due to cold and from
April to September only light clothes will be enough. However, a
jacket and a sweater are advised through out the year as the weather
may unexpectedly change at any time. The recommend items are: A
domestic first aid kit, water purification tablets, toilet and
tissue papers, flashlight, sleeping bag, comfortable walking shoes,
dust masks, utility knife, sun hat, sun glasses, suntan lotion and a
limited number of clothes.
Adventure in Tibet