50 Essentials for Your Tibet Tour Adventure

1. What is Altitude Sicknessand theSymptoms?

Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or altitude illness is common at high altitudes, and depends on the elevation, the rate of ascent and individual susceptibility. Most visitors to Tibet will suffer from at least some symptoms that will generally disappear through acclimatization in several hours to several days.Symptomstend to be worse at night and include headache, dizziness, lethargy, loss of appetite, nausea, breathlessness and irritability. Difficulty sleeping is another common symptom, and many travelers have trouble sleeping for the first few days after arriving in Lhasa.

2. Acclimatization

The major cause of altitude illnesses is going too high too fast. Given time, your body can adapt to the decrease in oxygen molecules at a specific altitude. This process generally takes 1-3 days at that altitude. Prevention of altitude sickness falls into two categories, proper acclimatization and preventive medications. Below are a few basic guidelines for proper acclimatization.

The most important thing is that you should never be nervous or worried about your trip. Regard the trip to Tibet like a trip to any other cities. You should always be optimistic.

– Keep in mind that different people will acclimatize at different rates.

– Take it easy; don’t over-exert yourself when you first get up to altitude. Light activity during the day is better than sleeping because respiration decreases during sleep, exacerbating the symptoms

– Do not over-exert yourself or move higher for the first 24 hours

– The acclimatization process is inhibited by dehydration, over-exertion, and alcohol and other depressant drugs.

-Avoid tobacco and alcohol and other depressant drugs including, barbiturates, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills. These depressants further decrease the respiratory drive during sleep resulting in a worsening of the symptoms.

-If you begin to show symptoms of moderate altitude illness, don’t go higher until symptoms decrease (Don’t go up until symptoms go down).

– If symptoms increase, go down, down, down!

– Stay properly hydrated. Acclimatization is often accompanied by fluid loss, so you need to drink lots of fluids to remain properly hydrated (at least 3-4 quarts per day).</li>

– Eat a high carbohydrate diet (more than 70% of your calories from carbohydrates) while at altitude.

– Turn to your doctor for more professional advice, especially for the visitors having a record of heart, lung, other organ problems or anemia, the altitude in Lhasa is 3650m around</li>

3. Who can’t go?

We will suggest the clients who suffer from high blood pressure and severe heart disease not travel to Tibet. If you have respiratory problems, we advise you to postpone your trip till you are fully recovered.

4. What to do if I catch an AMS(Acute Mountain Sickness) ?

Major towns in Tibet have hospitals with basic facilities. Western pharmaceutical treatment, Tibetan herbal remedies and Chinese herbal remedies are also accessible. Honjingtian and Gaoyuan’an (Rhodiola Eoccinea and Hippophae) have very good preventive and treatment effects for Altitude Sickness and AMS.

You should not do anything strenuous on the first day. Brisk walking and running are not advised. We suggest that you do not smoke nor drink alcohol too. Do not eat too much for dinner.

It quite often happens that people feel short of breath. If it is not serious, please do not rely on oxygen equipment all the time so that you can acclimate yourself to the high altitude as early as possible.

If you feel very uncomfortable, you need to tell your guide about this. You guide could send you to the best hospital available in the area. Or we may book you the earliest flight to out of Lhasa.

5. Is it convenient to bath in Tibet?

Major towns in Tibet (such as Lhasa, Shigatse, Tsedang, Gyantse, Lyche, Zhangmu, Naqu) have places for bathing. Hotels usually have private bathrooms. For hostels in other areas there are public bathhouses and hot water is available at certain time. Generally there’s no problem for a bath, however you are not suggested to take showers or bathes too frequently especially on your first night in Tibet. This will help you avoid catching severe colds or aggravate the AMS.

6. Better to come by train or air?

Usually we will not suggest you take the train in. If you really would like to enjoy a train experience, you are suggested to take the train out.

The train ride into Lhasa may not relieve the tiredness and mountain sickness as much as people think. First, it is a long trip in an airtight cabin. It is like on the plane which can not let the outside air in, so it does not do much good for the acclimatization, because you will feel probably the same way in the train as when you are in a lower altitude place. Secondly, a long time in a not so comfortable compartment, not sleeping well on the train may increase the sickness.

Some people may ignore another important point. That is what people often call low altitude sickness or oxygen-drunk. The symptoms are vomit, laxness, dizzy and sleepy. If you take train out, it can somewhat relieve this kind of syndrome.

The most beautiful scenery is from Lhasa to Golmud, the train departing from Lhasa in the morning would ensure the beautiful views along the trail.

7. Tight time, how to arrange the tour itinerary?

You are suggested to take a flight in and out of Tibet. 3 nights 4 days holy city tour in Lhasa or 5 nights 6 days golden tour route of Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse would be very good choices. Or you may contact the local tour agency for a tailor-made tour program. This is very convenient and also more comfortable.

50 Essentials for your Tour to Tibet

8. Which overland tour is better, Shichuan-Tibet or Qinghai-Tibet?

The overland tour from Shichuan to Tibet is most beautiful one among the roads into Lhasa, but it is most dangerous. The road is gravel-based and goes across Hengduan Mountains. In the rainy reason, the mud-rock flow usually happens. In winter, mountain passes are covered with heavy snow. The seasons are uncertain. Accommodations and meals are very poor on the way. It is very suitable for the adventurers and travel enthusiasts.

The overland tour from Qinghai to Tibet is the safest. Every year, the road is under construction but most part is asphalt road. Accommodations and meals along the way are the best among all roads to Lhasa. However, the scenery along the road is very dull. It is very suitable for tourists who enter Tibet for the first time.

9. What about accommodations and meals along the Qinghai-Lhasa road?

The accommodation could be arranged. In Xidatan, Wudaoniang, Tuotuohe River, tourists could stay in the guesthouse or the army service station. Usually, there are vacancies at any time. In Anduo area after Tanggula Mountain, there are hotels. Hot water and bathing could be done. In guesthouse, there is still no hot water.

It is no problem to find places to eat along the road. Chinese food is usual. And the instant noodles and biscuits also could be bought along the road.

10. How is the accommodation in Tibet? Is it necessary to take the tent and the sleeping bag? Can the tent and the sleeping bag be rented?

The accommodation in Tibet is improving, but the hotel class is lower than that in other parts of China. For example, the 3-star hotel in Tibet is around the same as the 2-star class in other cities.

In Lhasa and Shigatse, the accommodation ranges from the guesthouse to the 4-star class hotels.

In Gyantse, Tsedang and Ningtri, the accommodation ranges from the guesthouse to the 3-star class hotels.

In Tingri, Zhangmu and Nagchu, the accommodation ranges from the guesthouse to the 2-star class hotels.

In remote places, there are only guesthouses.

According to your tour itinerary, you could decide whether you take the rent and the sleeping bag or not. If you only visit these big cities in Tibet, you could take nothing. If you visit some remote places, you’d better take the sleeping bag. In the remote guesthouse, sanitary condition is not good. At the same time, it will be warmer in the sleeping bag. If you make a trekking tour, cycling tour or other adventure tours, you have to take the tent and the sleeping bag.

It is very convenient to rent a tent and sleeping bag in Lhasa. They are charged by the day.

11. How to choose the tent and sleeping bag

You are suggested to take the anti-minus-15-degree-centigrade down-filled sleeping bag and the anti-wind &amp; rain Double-alpine tent.

12. How many star hotels in Tibet? Very expensive?

There are more than fifty star hotels in Lhasa, about twenty star hotels in Shigatse. They are enough for tourists except in May 1stholiday, October 1stholiday and Shoton festival in August. In other places in Tibet, there are not so many star rate hotels. Because of its high altitude, there is a sharp contrast between high season and low season, with few tourists in the low season. The cost of hotel rooms in the peak season can be 30% higher or even double that of other cities in China.

 

Into Tibet 50 essentials before you go – III

13. Tibet’s special food/snacks? Where can get them?

Tsampa (roasted barley flour), Butter tea, yak meat, Tibetan noodles, sweet tea, Qingke wine (chang) are all Tibetan specialties. As travelers who want to have a profound Tibet tour, you must visit one of the sweet tea houses there. You can taste the authentic Tibetan noodles, sweet tea, and the hospitality of the Tibetan people. If you want to have more of Tibetan food, you can try the Aluocang Restaurant beside Jokhang Tempe. There are various local Tibetan dishes, but the price is a little high, and many people are not used to the food, such as dry beef and Tsampa.

14. How is the weather in Tibet? Is summer very hot? And is winter cold?

As for the weather, except the northern Tibet and the non-inhabitation area in Ngari, the temperature is very agreeable, especially for travelling. In summer, the temperature is generally below 25? in daytime, and about 10? during night; in winter, it is also above 10 ? in day time and just several degrees below 0 ? at night. While, for most of our sightseeing activities are in daytime, so summer is not hot, and winter is not cold.

15. How about the sceneries of Tibet in winter?

Tibet is mainly mountains, and for most areas they are various mineral stone mountains. There are no trees except in eastern Tibet, so there is no such big difference between winter and summer. And there are more snow mountains and bigger glaciers in winter. It is low season for travelling in Tibet in winter, so accommodations and vehicle cost etc. are comparatively cheap. You can also enjoy your time there with few other tourists.

16. How about the road condition in rainy season? Are rain gears necessary?

The rainy season in Tibet is mainly in June, July and August. The road condition is very bad and unpredictable. The road may be good the first day and then broken the next day. Normally, there are huge amount of workers maintaining the road, and also local garrison help. Generally, the problem of broken road can be solved within several hours. As for the rain gears, if you are traveling on your own, like trekking, mountain hiking or bicycling, rain trousers and rain boots are advised. But if you travel with a travel agency, then you don’t have to bring the rain gears, since for most of the rains are in night, it is always sunny in daytime. There is a vehicle along with you, no need to worry about it.

17. When is the best time to travel to Tibet?

The high season for traveling to Tibet is from April to October, and during these months, the cost is higher in accommodation, eating and shopping. And it is also the time of most beautiful sceneries in Tibet. Several most important festivals (such as Shoton Festival) is amid this period. It is cheaper to travel in winter with fewer tourists and lower cost of accommodation and food. If you like a bustling atmosphere, you can come in July and August, but if you prefer a quiet tour, December is a good choice. There are not so many tourists, expect a few spending long winter time in Tibet.

18. What’s the schedule of the regular bus in Tibet?

Lhasa-Shigatse: fixed schedule regular bus, every day;

Lhasa-Jiangzi: fixed schedule regular bus, every day;

Lhasa-Nyingtri: fixed schedule regular bus, every day;

Lhasa-Nagqu: Fixed schedule regular bus, every day;

Lhasa-Shegar: unfixed schedule

Shigatse-Zhangmu: unfixed schedule

Shigtase- Senge Tsangpo: unfixed schedule, about every ten days

Lhasa-Xining: fixed schedule, every day;

Lhasa-Chengdu: unfixed, about every ten days.

19. Are there restrictions on foreign tourists entering Tibet? And what about overseas Chinese? Taiwanese? Hong Kong and Macau citizens? What are the procedures? And how long will it take?

Foreign tourists must be organized to travel to Tibet. It must be organized by travel agencies, and with the confirmed itinerary, and a permit from Tibet Tourism Bureau. Tourists shall book the flights and board the plane with the permit. Overseas Chinese, and Taiwanese also need to apply for the permit to travel to Tibet. Hong Kong and Macau citizens do not need the permit. Foreign tourists, overseas Chinese, and Taiwanese can entrust travel agencies to apply for the permit with the copies of passport and Chinese Visa and work certificate. Normally, it takes about one week, and 2-3 days for emergency case.

20. What kind of people need the border pass? Who doesn’t need? How to apply? Can apply in Tibet?

Since many places in Tibet are in the border area or have not been entirely open to tourists, domestic citizens (including Hong Kong and Macau citizens) who want to enter these areas must apply for the border pass, otherwise, they are not allowed to enter. Chinese citisens who have valid passport, and the passport has been endorsed with overseas visa, they don’t have to apply for the border pass. The procedure of Tibet border pass is the same as the border pass in Shenzhen, people can apply with ID card at police station of their household registration, and the procedure is simple.

21. The areas where the border passes are needed

Shigatse area: Dengpa county, Saga county, Nyalam County, Shegar county, Kangma county, Yatung County, Gampa county, Tingkye county, Kyirongcounty;

Shannan area: Tsona county, Lhuntse county, Lhodakcounty, Nakartse county;

Nyingtri area: Miling county, Namshan county, Zayul county, Metok county;

Ngari area: Purang county, Tsada county, Rutok county , Gar county.

Money and Currency Exchange in Tibet Travel

Lhasa

Currently, Bank of China, China Construction Bank and Agricultural Bank of China have their branches in Lhasa, and you can use your credit card in Bank of China and up market hotels. ATM machines have been hooked up but we suggest you take some cash in case the network breaks down. US dollars can be accepted besides Chinese Yuan, but shops that accept American currency are very limited and you might not be able to get a good deal for the exchange rate. Exchanging your money to Chinese currency will be the best option for you, which can be done at the Bank of China and some hotels. You can cash your travellor’s checks in all Bank of China branches but cash advances of major credit cards can only be done in the main office of Bank of China.

Shigatse

In Shigatse, Bank of China, China Construction Bank and Agricultural Bank of China have their branches there. And ATM is also available, but not functioning well at the moment. Exchange of currency can be done in some hotels and Bank of China.

Shannan

There is only Agricultural Bank of China in Shannan, so we suggest you take some cash. But you can exchange money at Tsedang hotel.

Nyingchi

You can only find China Construction Bank and Agricultural Bank of China in Bayi Town, but without ATM. And you can not exchange foreign currency there, so you’ll need to bring enough cash if you are going to the remote areas in this region.

Changdu

The only possible way for drawing money is the post office. So if you want to visit this region, you should take enough cash that ensures your expenses there! Must remember, there is no way to exchange foreign currency there.

Ngari

Only cash is possible.

Get Rid of Altitude Sickness by Tibet Travel Advisor

Don’t be so afraid of high altitude sickness, just take other people’s advice, not to do heavy actions, not to take shower, not to eat too much on the first day, and what’s more, do not think too much about the altitude, psychologically thinking you can overcome the alitude sickness is the most important.

About Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), it normally a slight reaction taking place more or less especially for the travelers who come to Tibet for the first time. AMS represents the body’s intolerance of the hypoxic (low oxygen) environment at one’s current elevation. the typical symptoms would appear on the facets like headache, dizzy, feels of to be disgusted, vomit and etc, but if only do you follow the necessary instructions from our tour guide and everything should be okay. And the major cause of AMS is going too high too fast. Given time, your body can adapt to the decrease in Oxygen molecules at a specific altitude. This process is known as acclimatization and generally takes 1-2 days at that altitude. And when acclimatization lags significantly behind ascent, various symptoms occur. To prevent of the Altitude Illness, the most important thing is you can’t over-exert yourself or move higher for the first 24 hours and you’d better not to take any activities for the first day in Tibet. Normally you will regain normal sense on the second day upon your arrival.

There are also some other tips to avoid AMS:

1. Do exercises to keep you fit before coming to Tibet.
2. Avoid catching a cold before you entry to Tibet.
3. Make sure you have a good sleep the night before you flying to Lhasa.
4. After getting off your airplane in the airport, walk slowly, take some deep breath. Do not do anything severely.
5. Ascend to higher altitude gradually. Stop ascending if you feel bad.

Prepare some AMS pills according to your doctor’s suggestion.

1. Medicine to bring
2. Aspirin-for pain or fever
3. Cold and flu tablets, throat lozenges and nasal decongestant
4. Multivitamins-consider for long trips, when dietary vitamin intake may be inadequate

Essentials to bring for Tibet tour

Acute Mountain Sickness

About Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), it normally a slight reaction will take place for sure especially for the travelers who come to Tibet for the first time. AMS represents the body’s intolerance of the hypoxic (low oxygen) environment at one’s current elevation. the typical symptoms would appear on the facets like headache, dizzy, feels of to be disgusted, vomit and etc, but if only do you follow the necessary instructions from our tour guide and everything should be okay. And the major cause of AMS is going too high too fast. Given time, your body can adapt to the decrease in Oxygen molecules at a specific altitude. This process is known as acclimatization and generally takes 1-3 days at that altitude. And when acclimatization lags significantly behind ascent, various symptoms occur. To prevent of the Altitude Illness, the most important thing is you can’t over-exert yourself or move higher for the first 24 hours and you’d better not to take any activities for the first day in Tibet. Normally you will regain normal sense on the second day upon your arrival.

That’s why we do not arrange any activities for our guest the first day upon their arrival. It’s our responsibility to guarantee to your safety.

There’re also some other tips to avoid AMS:

– Do exercises to keep you fit before coming to Tibet.

– Avoid catching a cold before you entry to Tibet.

– Make sure you have a good sleep the night before you flying to Lhasa.

– After getting off your airplane in the airport, walk slowly, take some deep breath. Do not do anything severely.

– Ascend to higher altitude gradually. DO NOT ASCEND ANY HIGHER if you feel bad.

– Prepare some AMS pills according to your doctor’s suggestion.

Medicine to bring

Following is a list of items you should consider including in your medical kit – consult your pharmacist for brands available in your country.

– Aspirin or paracetamol – for pain or fever

-Antihistamine – for allergies, e.g. hay fever; to ease the itch from insect bites or stings; and to prevent motion sickness.

-Antibiotics consider including these if you’re traveling well off the beaten track’ see your doctor, as they must be prescribed, and carry the prescription with you.

– Loperamides or Diphenoxylate ‘blockers’ for diarrhea’ Prochlorperazine or metaclopramide for nausea and vomiting.

– Rehydration mixture to prevent dehydration, eg due to severe diarrhea; particularly important when traveling with children.

– Insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm and eye drops.

– Calamine lotion, sting relief spray or aloe vera-to ease irritation from sunburn and insect bites or stings.

– Antifungal cream or powder – for fungal skin infections and thrush.

– Antiseptic, such as povidone-iodine for cuts and grazes.

– Bandages, band-aids or plasters and other would dressings.

– Scissors, tweezers and a thermometer (note that mercury thermometers are prohibited by airlines)

– Syringes and needles in case you need injections in a country with medical hygiene problems. Ask your doctor for a note explaining why you have them.

– Cold and Flu tablets, throat lozenges and nasal decongestant.

– Multivitamines – consider for long trips, when dietary vitamin intake may be inadequate.