Tibet Travel News

Tibet Travel News

A Great, Great News About Exploring the Beauty of Tibet in Winter

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Tibet, the mystical land perched on the “Roof of the World,” is a destination of unparalleled beauty and spiritual significance. And now, with the Tibet Culture and Tourism Bureau officially announcing a new winter tour policy from October 15, 2024, to March 15, 2025, this is the perfect opportunity to explore Tibet in winter. The policy offers a range of exciting discounts and incentives, making it easier and more affordable than ever to visit. Whether you’re interested in breathtaking landscapes, cultural landmarks, or spiritual experiences, Tibet winter travel offers all this and more.

Why Tibet in Winter? Clear Skies, Warm Sun, and Unmatched Views

Many people mistakenly assume that Tibet winter travel would be unbearably cold. However, the reality is quite different. Due to Tibet’s high altitude and abundant sunshine, daytime temperatures during the winter months can be surprisingly mild. When the sun is out—and it often is—Tibet feels warmer than many cities in mainland China, Europe, and even the USA during winter. The strong sunshine and clear skies make exploring Tibet during the day comfortable, allowing you to experience the region’s beauty without the sweltering heat or cold of other parts of the world.

One of the greatest perks of Tibet winter travel is the chance to witness the clearest views of the Himalayan mountain range. The colder months offer the clearest skies, making this the best time to see the iconic snow-capped peaks, including Mount Everest, in all their majesty. The winter air is crisp and clean, providing a crystal-clear view of the towering mountains that form Tibet’s awe-inspiring skyline.

Unmissable Winter Tour Discounts

The winter tour policy provides a host of incentives that make Tibet winter travel incredibly appealing:

  1. Flight and Train Discounts: Traveling to Tibet has never been easier or more affordable, with discounts on flights and train tickets to and within Tibet during the winter season. Whether you’re coming from mainland China or abroad, these savings help lower the cost of your journey.
  2. Hotel Discounts: Many hotels across Tibet are offering a 50% discount during the winter tour period. Even though the prices are lower, the quality of service remains high, and hotels in major cities such as Lhasa, Shigatse, and Nyingtri are equipped with excellent heating systems to ensure your stay is comfortable.
  3. Free Entry to Scenic Spots: From Lhasa’s world-famous Potala Palace to Jokhang Temple and other sacred sites, government-owned A-category scenic spots are free to enter during the winter months. These savings allow travelers to enjoy Tibet’s top cultural and historical landmarks without the usual entry fees.
  4. Transportation Discounts: Tourist vehicles in Tibet are also discounted by 50%, making it even more affordable to travel between destinations. Whether you’re planning to visit the Everest Base Camp or explore the lush landscapes of Nyingtri, these discounted rates make transportation convenient and budget-friendly.
  5. Tour Operator Bonuses: In addition to discounts for travelers, the Tibet Culture and Tourism Bureau offers attractive incentives for tour operators. Companies that bring 1,000 tourists to Tibet during the winter season will receive a 100,000 RMB bonus, while those that organize a single tour with 100 passengers will receive an additional 100,000 RMB bonus. Local prefectures, such as Shigatse, Nagri, Chamdo, and Lhoka (Shannan), are also offering their own bonuses and discounts, encouraging more travelers to take part in Tibet winter travel.

Why Travel with Tibet Shambhala Adventure?

With over 20 years of experience in the Tibetan tourism industry, Tibet Shambhala Adventure knows how to create the perfect Tibet winter travel experience. Our team understands that while Tibet’s winter may be cold at night, the days are filled with sunshine and warmth, making travel comfortable and enjoyable. We also know that winter offers the best opportunities to see the majestic Himalayan range in all its glory, with clear skies and stunning views that will leave you breathless.

Whether you want to explore Tibet’s rich cultural heritage, immerse yourself in its spiritual traditions, or marvel at its natural wonders, Tibet Shambhala Adventure can design a winter itinerary that suits your interests. From Lhasa and Shigatse to the Everest Base Camp, we offer a range of tours that showcase the very best of Tibet.

Recommended Winter Itineraries

For those planning their Tibet winter travel, we recommend several tours that highlight the best experiences the region has to offer.

1. Lhasa, Tsetang, Samye, Gyantse, Shigatse, Everest, Nepal Border (8–10 Days)

This classic tour combines cultural exploration with stunning natural beauty. Start your journey in Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet, where you can visit the iconic Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. From there, travel to the historical towns of Gyantse and Shigatse, home to the Kumbum Stupa and Tashilhunpo Monastery. Finally, embark on an unforgettable journey to the Everest Base Camp, where the crisp winter air offers the clearest views of the towering Himalayas. The tour concludes at the Nepal border, where you can marvel at the mighty peaks of the Himalayas in winter.

2. Nyingtri, Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake, and Namtso Lake (8 Days)

For those who prefer a mix of nature and culture, this itinerary is ideal. Begin in the lower-altitude region of Nyingtri, known for its milder winter climate and breathtaking natural beauty. After exploring Nyingtri’s lush landscapes, head to Lhasa, where you can immerse yourself in Tibetan culture and history. Continue your journey to the serene Yamdrok and Namtso Lakes, where the turquoise waters contrast beautifully with the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

3. Lhasa, Nyingtri, Chamdo, Riwoche, Dingchen, and Nagqu (14 Days)

For the adventurous traveler, this extended 14-day tour offers a deeper exploration of Tibet’s remote regions. Starting in Lhasa, you’ll venture through Nyingtri, Chamdo, and Riwoche, visiting ancient monasteries and remote villages. The journey concludes in Nagqu, where you can experience the vast grasslands and nomadic life of northern Tibet. This itinerary offers a more immersive look at Tibet’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural traditions.

Winter in Tibet: A Time for Adventure and Serenity

Tibet winter travel offers a rare opportunity to experience the region in its most serene and peaceful state. Without the crowds of summer tourists, winter allows for a more personal and intimate connection with Tibet’s landscapes, culture, and spirituality. The clear skies, warm sunshine, and stunning views of the Himalayas create an atmosphere that is both tranquil and awe-inspiring.

While it’s true that some areas, such as the Mount Kailash Kora, are too cold to visit in winter, there are still countless destinations that can be explored comfortably. Cities like Lhasa, Shigatse, and Nyingtri have well-maintained roads, modern facilities, and heating systems, making Tibet winter travel smooth and convenient.

Conclusion

Tibet winter travel is a magical experience that offers travelers the chance to explore its iconic landscapes, sacred sites, and vibrant culture in a quieter and more affordable way. With discounted flights, hotels, and transportation, as well as free entry to many scenic spots, traveling to Tibet in winter has never been more appealing. Whether you’re drawn to the clear views of the Himalayas or the spiritual serenity of Lhasa, Tibet Shambhala Adventure can help you plan the perfect winter journey.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore the beauty of Tibet in winter. Book your tour today and let Tibet Shambhala Adventure guide you through an unforgettable experience!

Impact of the Tibet-Nepal Border Closure Due to Recent Floods: Travel Updates and Recommendations for Tourists

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The recent Tibet-Nepal border closure has significantly impacted travel plans for many tourists seeking to explore the mystical landscapes of Tibet via the Kyirong border. A devastating flood in Nepal has not only caused major disruptions in the region but also led to the closure of the road at the border between Tibet and Nepal. This unfortunate situation has raised concerns among travelers who were planning to cross into Tibet from Nepal or vice versa, forcing many to change their itineraries and make last-minute adjustments.

Kyirong Border Closure: A Critical Disruption for Tourists

The Tibet-Nepal border closure occurred after heavy floods in Nepal severely damaged the road leading to the Kyirong border. As of now, the road between China Tibet and Nepal remains impassable, and the border between Nepal and Tibet has been officially closed to all foreign tourists. This situation has left travelers stranded or forced them to rethink their travel routes.

For foreign tourists planning to cross from Nepal into Tibet via the Kyirong border, this Tibet-Nepal border closure means they will need to make alternative arrangements for their travel plans. Unfortunately, it has been reported that the road repairs could take more than 20 days, further complicating travel plans for tourists who had already booked their journeys.

Alternative Travel Routes for Tourists Already in Tibet

For tourists who are already in Tibet and were scheduled to exit the region via the Kyirong border, alternative plans must be made immediately. The most feasible option at the moment is to return to Lhasa and fly out either to Kathmandu or to other cities in mainland China.

The current Tibet-Nepal border closure has resulted in skyrocketing costs for flights between Lhasa and Kathmandu. Normally, flight tickets on this route are already somewhat expensive, but due to the sudden demand, prices have more than tripled. This surge in costs has become a significant concern for travel agencies, tourists, and tour operators alike.

Flight Costs and Alternatives

The Lhasa-Kathmandu flight route is currently one of the only viable alternatives for tourists who need to exit Tibet due to the Tibet-Nepal border closure. Unfortunately, the limited availability of flights, coupled with the increased demand from stranded travelers, has pushed prices up to unprecedented levels. As a result, foreign tourists and travel agencies are now grappling with these unexpected financial burdens.

For tourists who had originally planned to cross the border by land, flying back to mainland China may be another alternative, although this too could incur significant additional expenses. Tourists are strongly advised to check with their tour operators regarding the availability of flights and any potential changes to their itineraries.

Another option for those still wishing to cross into Nepal from Tibet is to exit the region via the border near Mount Kailash. However, this may not be suitable for all tourists due to the remote location and the additional travel time required to reach this exit point. Nonetheless, for those who are flexible and adventurous, this could be a more cost-effective way to adapt to the Tibet-Nepal border closure situation.

Recommendations for Tour Groups Planning to Enter Tibet via Nepal

For tourists who have not yet entered Tibet and were planning to travel through the Tibet-Nepal border, it is highly recommended to change their itineraries. Given the extensive damage to the road and the uncertainty surrounding the reopening of the border, travelers should work with their travel agents to either fly directly into Lhasa or adjust their travel plans to enter Tibet from other parts of China.

October is typically one of the best months to visit Tibet due to its favorable weather conditions and stunning autumn landscapes. However, the Tibet-Nepal border closure has thrown a wrench into many planned tours. Travel agencies are working around the clock to accommodate tourists and help them adjust their plans accordingly.

The Impact of the Border Closure on Tibetan Tourism

The Tibet-Nepal border closure has come at a particularly challenging time for the Tibetan tourism industry. October is generally considered a peak season for tourism, as the weather is ideal for trekking, cultural tours, and other outdoor activities. The temporary closure of the border has disrupted the plans of many travelers who had chosen this period specifically for its favorable conditions.

Tibetan tour operators and travel agencies are facing significant challenges as they scramble to re-route their clients and provide alternative travel solutions. The closure has not only impacted tourists who were planning to cross the border but also has had a ripple effect on the local economy, particularly in border towns like Kyirong, which rely heavily on cross-border tourism.

Looking Ahead: When Will the Border Reopen?

While authorities have indicated that it could take more than 20 days for the road to be repaired and the Tibet-Nepal border to reopen, there is still uncertainty about the exact timeline. As such, it is crucial for tourists and tour operators to stay informed of the latest updates and announcements from both Chinese and Nepalese officials.

Tourists who had planned to travel through the Kyirong border in the coming weeks should be prepared for delays and additional costs. Travel agencies are strongly advising their clients to either postpone their trips or opt for alternative entry and exit points to avoid complications.

Final Thoughts: Adapting to the Tibet-Nepal Border Closure

The sudden Tibet-Nepal border closure has caused a major disruption for many travelers, but with careful planning and flexibility, tourists can still enjoy their Tibetan adventure. Whether adjusting their itineraries to fly into Lhasa or exploring alternative border crossings, travelers should remain in close communication with their tour operators and stay updated on the latest developments regarding the border reopening.

While this is a difficult time for both tourists and the Tibetan tourism industry, October remains a wonderful time to explore Tibet, and with the right adjustments, travelers can still experience the region’s unparalleled beauty and cultural richness. They can still travel to Tibet from mainland China.

Hope COVID 19 is ending up in the roof of the world finally

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Tibet Travel: Lhasa News on Covid 19

Since it has already been 12 days after the COVID 19 has been spreading in Tibet Autonomous Region. Shigatse and Lhasa city has been completely shut down. These two are the most important destinations when the travelers travel to Tibet. Lhasa is the most and first destination of the most of the travelers when they travel to Tibet and Shigatse is the second largest city of Tibet and it is the must stop city when the tourists travel to Mt Kailash or travel to Mt Everest or to the border between Nepal and Tibet.

The first case of COVID 19 was found in Purang county in Tibet which is one of the famous counties in Ngari region where it used to have kingdoms and many very important monasteries and historical sites. Nowadays, it is another border between Nepal and Tibet and when the tourists travel to Tibet from west Nepal, they cross Purang border and travel to Mt Kailash. The distance from Purang border to Mt Kailash is only around 120km. Just after one hour and half from Purang county, you can see Mt Kailash and the most famous two lakes, Mansarovar and Rakshastal lake respectively.

The latest news of COVID 19 in Lhasa on Aug 16 was published that there were 218 asymptomatic infection on that day but there was not a single confirmed case that day so until now, there are 1283 asymptomatic infection and among them, five of them were already discharged from the hospital. Sofar, there are 32 confirmed cases in Lhasa and 195 confirmed cases in Tibet Autonomous Region.

Before the COVID 19 was spread in Tibet, it was reported more than 60000 domestic tourists were traveling in Tibet and till now there are around 6000 tourists who are still in Tibet where some of them have been quarantined and some of them could not travel back since their hotel is located in the high risk area.

The fist lock down of the Lhasa city was from 12th Aug till 15th Aug morning and it has been extended to 18th Aug in the morning. The lock down is continued and probably extended to the end of Aug. All the schools, government offices, private companies were completely closed and people were not allowed to exit their residential quarters.

Sofar, through the government’s great support and hard work, the people are getting enough supplies and have no problem to stay at home. Let’s wish that the COVID 19 will end up in the roof of the world finally.

Since Tibet did not have COVID for the last two and half years except only the case that was confirmed from a Chinese tourist who entered to Tibet when the COVID was beginning in Wuhan province in mainland China. We were really hope that Tibet is only place where COVID did not appear but in the end COVID 19 came to Tibet after almost three years of roaming around the world.

If Tibet remained a pure place where there was no COVID, we were really hoping that Tibet will be opened to foreign tourists in the end of 2022 but the hope and plan was again destroyed. Many of our beloved travelers have been waiting for almost three years to travel to Tibet. I hope sooner, there will be chance to bring everything back to normal. Let’s pray to the GOD. Good luck all from Tibet.

Lhasa to Nyingtri ( Nyingchi ) rail way:

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Tibetan Train Tour from Lhasa To Nyingtri (Nyingchi)

It’s a very great news to share with all the tourists around the world that the Lhasa to Nyingtri rail way has been completed. The Lhasa to Nyingtri rail way construction was started on 19th December in 2014 and the total distance of the railway is 435.48km from Lhasa to Nyingtri. The speed of the train is around 160Km per hour and it only takes 3 hours and 29 minutes to reach Nyingtri from Lhasa.

The Lhasa to Nyingtri rail way has 47 tunnels and it covers of 216.5Km distance of the total distance of Lhasa to Nyingtri rail way which means the tunnels cover around 54% distance of Lhasa to Nyingtri rail way. There are three high speed trains from Lhasa to Nyingtri and among them, one of the train is coming from Shigatse to Lhasa and then continue to Lhasa. There are around 755 passengers seats on the train.

The Lhasa to Nyingtri railway takes you through Gongkar county which is near by Gongkar airport, Zhanang county which is the county seat where the Mindroling monastery is, Tsetang which is one of the 7 largest cities in Tibet and it is also the cradle of Tibet, Sangri county which is the county seat where the Olka Choelung monastery and Sangri Kangmar monastery. The monasteries have more than 500 years history, Gyatsa county which is the place where Tibet’s most sacred lake is located called Lhamo Lhatso, Nang county which is the county seat where it was the birth place of the 13th Dalai Lama, Miling county which is the county seat of where the great source of Tibetan herbal medicine comes from and Nyingtri which is one of the seven largest cities of Tibet and it is the place where there is full of dense forest and the great canyon of the Brahmaputra river.

If you take the Lhasa to Nyingtri rail way, you will see beautiful Tibetan villages, green grassland, snow mountains, Bramaputra river. full of dense forest, historical Tibetan monasteries and beautiful natural landscape.

The Lhasa to Nyingtri rail way is a part of the railway from Sichuan to Lhasa and the rail way from Chengdu to Lhasa will be finished in around 5 years. Chengdu is the capital city of Sichuan and if the railway between Chengdu and Lhasa is finished, you will arrive in Lhasa within 13 hours time so the distance between mainland China and Lhasa has become much shorter which gives more easier opportunity for the travelers who like to travel to Tibet on a cheaper price as the train ticket is much cheaper than the flight ticket from Chengdu to Lhasa.  The scenery of the Tibet train tour from Chengdu to Lhasa will be one of the most beautiful parts in the world.

The latest Tibet Travel News

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Latest Tibet Travel News

We here Tibet Shambhala Adventure based in Lhasa, owned by local Tibetans are tremendously happy to share the latest Tibet travel news with all our dearest guests from all over the world. As the Covid 19 in mainland China has been controlled very well and people can travel like normal and the most important thing is Tibet has never had a single case of Covid 19 so Tibet has become the safest destination to travel in the world.

Through the very hard work of Tibet Autonomous Region, Tibet stays without a single case of Covid 19 and the people in Tibet can live like normal lives and they can travel from one city to another city during this severe pandemic time that happened in other parts of the world. With all these good result, we have the latest Tibet travel news that Tibet Tourism Bureau officially announced that all the foreigners who live in mainland China can travel to Tibet.

How many days in advance do you need to book your Tibet trip?
It depends on where you are going to travel in Tibet. If you are going to travel around Lhasa city, Namtso lake, or Yamdrok lake or to the Everest base camp from Lhasa, you can book the trip to Tibet in around two weeks. If you are traveling to the further western or eastern part of Tibet including a trip to Mt Kailash, Guge Kingdom or a trip to Nyingtri, the eastern forest region of Tibet, you need to book your trip in around 25 days advance so that your local Tibetan travel agent will have enough time to make all your necessary Tibet travel permits.

Is the way of processing Tibet travel permit the same as before?
According to our latest Tibet travel news, the way of processing Tibet travel permit is the same as before apart from requiring some of the amplification testing of the Covid 19. Like usual, you need a valid passport and China visa as well as your working certificate or company introduction to prove that you are living in mainland China. Above those three requirements are the documents that you always need to provide when you travel to Tibet if you are living in mainland China.
After the Covid 19, there are three more new requirements for applying for your Tibet travel permits which are a Nucleic acid testing, QR code and an introduction letter that says that you have been in mainland China for 28 days and can prove that you are healthy by showing your Nucleic acid testing and QR Code. Having those above documents, if you book your trip to Tibet with a reliable local Tibetan travel agent like Tibet Shambhala Adventure.

Can you travel to all the famous tourist destinations in Tibet like before?
Yes, you can travel to all the famous tourists’ destinations in Tibet like before but as I earlier mentioned that you need to confirm your travel destination well when you book your Tibet trip as you need to include all the destinations that you like to travel in Tibet in your Tibet travel permits. According to our latest Tibet travel news, the foreign tourists can take the travel route in Tibet are below.
You can travel to Lhasa city and around, trip to Mt Kailash and Guge Kingdom, overland trip to Kashgar from Lhasa, over land tour from Chengdu to Lhasa through the most beautiful 318 highway and overland tour from Yunnan to Lhasa or Shangrila or known as Gyelthang to Lhasa overland tour, a round trip from Lhasa to Lhasa via Nyingtri, the eastern forest region of Tibet, Minling county, Gyatsa county, Sangri Kangmar, Tsetang, Samye monastery and then to Lhasa. A trip to Mt Everest Base Camp or all the way to Kyirong border to visit the most sacred place of Mila Repa cave and a beautiful landscape of Kyirong county, surrounded by snowcapped mountain.

Are the western tourists’ suppliers still operating like before in Tibet?
With the latest Tibet travel news, most of the hotels in Tibet who receive foreign tourists in Tibet are under operation but some of the hotels that are under renovation so if you are a tour operators who are sending tourists to Tibet and have your own liked hotels, you need to check whether the hotels are under operation or not because after the pandemic, some of the hotels are under renovation so you might not be able to use those specific hotels for a year as many hotels are thinking that they can only receive foreign tourists in the end of this year or from next year. Most of the restaurants, vehicle companies are also under operation so there is no worry about those supplies.
The most important thing is that you need to check well with your travel agents to make sure that you will have a good tour guide because many of the English speaking guides have changed their career and working in other industries so if your travel agent is not a standard or strong company, it might be a difficult option for them to find a good English speaking guide for you since they don’t have their own local Tibetan tour guides.

How can we find a right Tibetan travel agent?
To find a right Tibetan travel agent, it is very important to check the certificate of the travel agent that was given by the Tibet Tourism Bureau or China National Tourism Bureau as Tibet is a very special tour destination unlike many other countries since you need to make Tibet travel permits so choosing a local Tibetan travel agent who has been officially recognized by the related government offices here in Tibet. According to our latest Tibet travel news, some of the small companies or websites owners who used to organize Tibet trips were already collapsed so for your safety and security, it is very important to choose a right and officially recognized Tibetan travel agent and make sure to check all the necessary documents before you transfer the money.

How can you know who is officially recognized Tibetan travel agent?
First, you can check whether the company whether it has the official certificate with the same name as they have on their website. There are two certificates, one is the business license given by the commerce and Industry Bureau and another business license given by the China National Tourism Bureau or the Tibet Tourism Bureau with a stamp of the commerce and Industry Bureau and Tibet Tourism Bureau or the China National Tourism Bureau. The company name on the certificate and the website should be the same.

Second, the best way is once you book your Tibet trip, it is always recommend to transfer the trip deposit through the company official bank account, not through the personal bank account because the company account is not possible to register without the official business license and once there is official business license, even if something happened before you travel to Tibet, your money is very safe. If you send the money through personal bank account, first of all, it is illegal so just incase you did not get service after you paid, the related government can not help you to bring your money back because you transferred the money illegally through personal bank account.
AGRICULTURAL BANK OF CHINA US ACCOUNT
Agricultural Bank of China Tibet Branch

No 10 East Kangang road Lhasa

Bank Swift Code No:ABOCCNBJ250

Name: Tibet Shambhala Adventure Co.Ltd.

Account No:25980014040000080

AGRICULTURAL BANK OF CHINA RMB ACCOUNT
户名:西藏林芝香巴拉国际旅游有限公司
Account name: Tibet Shambhala Adventure Co Ltd
账号:25980001040040547
Account Number: 25980001040040547
开户行:中国农业银行拉萨康昂东路支行
Bank name: Agricultural Bank of China Tibet Branch
No 10 East Kangang road Lhasa
Bank Swift Code No:ABOCCNBJ250

Tibet Shambhala Adventure has been working in the tourism industry for 20 years and we have been working with many tour operators from different countries in the world. Our main customers are foreign tourists so during this pandemic, we have been through a difficult time in maintaining our office and staffs as we need to pay the life insurance of all our staffs including our tour guides eventhough we did not have a single dollar income for the last one and half year but the entire team of Tibet Shambhala Adventure is healthy and still waiting for a good day to come for welcoming our guest from all over the world. We know that many of our business partners in foreign countries have also been through a very difficult time but we often convince each other and we are all still alive to serve our guest since we all love our careers. All the members of Tibet Shambhala Adventure warmly welcome to our dearest guests to travel to Tibet which is the most beautiful and safest tour destinations in the world.

The domestic tourism of cross-provincial (regional, municipal) in China has restarted.

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The General Office of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China issued the “Notice on Promoting the Expansion of Domestic Tourism Enterprises to Restart Businesses”, which pointed out that cross-provincial (regional, municipal) tour groups should be resumed.

Under the premise of doing a good job in epidemic prevention and control, the ministry of culture and tourism of each province (region, city) can officially resume the operation of travel agencies, online tourism enterprises, hotels, scenic spots and air tickets across provinces (regions, cities) with the consent of the local provincial (regional, municipal) party committee and government )

Medium and high-risk provinces or cities are not allowed to carry out travel business. They can restart the travel business once they improve to prevent the Covid 19 properly.

Inbound tour and outbound tour are not considered to re-open at the moment. It will remain closed until we get further information or notice from the General office of the culture and tourism.

Tibet as being only the autonomous region of China that does not have any cases of Corona virus, there are already quite many self-driving domestic tourists and Individual tourists to Tibet. After reopening the domestic tourism in China, there will be more and more domestic tourists who come to Tibet from different cities of mainland China.

There are few reasons that there will be lots of domestic tourists from mainland China after reopening the domestic tourism because one is Tibet does not have any Covid 19 cases, two is Tibet has a very nice weather at the moment. It is only around 20-23 degrees and it has blue sky and clear weather, third the landscape of Tibet is the most beautiful part at the moment as we have green mountains, green grasslands, blue sky, white snow mountain etc.

At the same time, the “Notice” emphasizes the adjustment of the tourist attractions limit measures. The scenic spots should continue to implement the requirements of “limits, reservations, and peak shifts”, and the number of tourists received should be adjusted from the previous 30% to 50% of the maximum carrying capacity in order to have a good prevention of the dCovid 19.

Under the premise of strict implementation of various prevention and control measures, the indoor places of tourist scenic spots are opened through appointments and current restrictions. The general office of the culture and tourism urged that all the scenic spots need to advice the travelers to book the entry tickets through online platform in order not to make a long queue at the entry gate of the scenic spots.

In General, Chinese government has achieved a great result in dealing Covid 19 and almost all the provinces and cities are doing great job of preventing and controlling the disease. At the same time, the lives of the people in China are basically back to normal like before and now the domestic tourism is already under action and plan so the economy of mainland China and Tibet will bring back to normal again.

To have more information of Tibet travel or Tibet trekking tours, you can go to visit the site of Tibet Shambhala Adventure. You will get hundreds of special programs and information of how to travel to Tibet.

The Jokang temple was re-opened to the tourists and local people after the Covid-19

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We could not visit Jokang temple for a pretty long time. The Jokang temple was closed for around 6 months after the Covid-19 has been spread all over the world even though Tibet does not have Corona virus at all.

The Jokang temple was founded in the 7th century by the 33rd kind of Tibet called Songtsan Gampo who married Princess Bhrikuti Devi from Nepal, Princess Wencheng from Tang dynasty and his Tibetan princess from Toelung county.

Jokang temple nowadays, is considered as the most sacred temple of Tibet and all the Tibetans from Kham, Amdo and central Tibet come to Lhasa and visit Jokang temple. There are hundreds of old statues and lots of old paintings in the temple and the most sacred statue inside the temple is the statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, brought by Princess Wencheng from Tang Dynasty in the seventh century as a dowry of the princess Wencheng.

Visit Joking temple during your Tibet tour is a must because it is located in the center of the old section of the city and it is listed in the UNESCO world heritage site. The temple is surrounded by the ancient Bharkor Bazzar with lots of colorful shops and restaurants. You can see lots of different people from different regions of Tibet, wearing different kinds of Tibetan traditional clothes, walking around Bharkor Bazzar, known as Khora, doing prostration in front of the Jokang temple to pay homage and respect to the statue of the Buddha Khakyamuni.

During high season, there are thousands of thousands tourists visit Jokang temple and if you are lucky enough, you can see monks in the temple are chanting and doing monastery ceremony. There is a very big ritual ceremony in Jokang temple during the winter time that all the Tibetan women gather inside the Jokang temple on 15th of 10th Lunar month of Tibetan calendar. It is the day of offering to the deity of Pel Lhamo and many Tibetan women in a beautiful dress, gathering inside the courtyard of the Jokang temple, singing songs, dancing, offering Chang ( Barley beer ) to Pel Lhamo deity and after that they celebrate the day by considering as a women’s day in the present day.

If you like to buy souvenirs from Tibet, the best place is to go to the Bharkor Bazzar near Jokang temple and you can walk around through the Bharkor Bazzar which is around the Jokang temple. You can get different kinds of souvenirs from Bharkor Bazzar. Whenever you visit Lhasa city, the Jokang temple is something that you always want to visit.

The Potala Palace is re-opened after more than four months closure

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Even though Tibet does not have any cases of Covid 19, the Potala Palace has been closed to the tourists and local pilgrims for more than 4 months in order to protect the safety of the local pilgrims and tourists Since the codvid 19 has been spread in China and the rest of the world.

For the last few months, the Chinese government has worked very hard in order to control the virus spreading and today, the entire China has achieved a great result of fighting against to the disease and almost all the cities including Wuhan could control the Covid 19 and the daily lives of the people in China are back to normal and people are starting to travel in China from here and there again.

At the same time, there are more and more individual tourists are traveling to Tibet nowadays since most of the scenic spots in Tibet have already been opened to the tourists.

Today the administration bureau of the Potala Palace decided to re-open the Palace to both the tourists and local pilgrims from tomorrow which is 3rd June 2020 so all the local pilgrims and tourists can book the tickets of the Palace as before.

The local Tibetan pilgrims can queue in front of the Palace from 7.00 Am and buy the tickets at 9.00 Am. They can visit the Potala Palace from the main entry gate. The tourists who come as individuals, they need to book the tickets in one day advance from the administration bureau of the Palace.

The administration of the Potala Palace requires that all the tourists and local pilgrims should wear face musk while visiting the Palace and at the same time, the administration of the Potala Palace will check the fever of each and every single visitors to make sure that there won’t be problem of spreading the disease.  

For the tourists who come to Tibet, visiting the Potala Palace is a must when they travel to Tibet because in the one hand, the Potala Palace was historically not only the winter Palace of the Dalai Lamas but also the most important pilgrimage sites and the greatest cultural relics of the Tibetan people.

At the same time, the Potala Palace was listed in the world’s heritage sites and it has also be chosen into the list of Seven Wonders of the World. The unique architecture of the Palace and the most beautiful, and historical cultural relics inside the Palace including the giant golden stupa of the fifth Dalai Lama and the most sacred and the oldest statue of the Avalotesvara, the god of compassion attract thousands of thousands tourists every year from all over the world.

Visiting the Potala Palace is the highlight of the Lhasa sightseeing tour. When tourists travel to Tibet, they always include 2-4 days Lhasa sightseeing tour and the Potala Palace is a must visit place in their program. If you took a trip to Tibet without visiting the Potala Palace, then your Tibet trip is not completed and you must come back to Tibet again.

Temples and monasteries around Lhasa city are re-opened

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In accordance with the spirit of the Chinese Central Government, and according to the overall arrangement of the epidemic prevention and control work of the district and municipal party committees, after the Buddhist Association of Lhasa City fully solicited the opinions and suggestions of the temples and monasteries in Tibet.

it was decided that all temples and monasteries in the city and the main urban area except the Jokhang Temple has gradually been reopened from May 20, 2020 after more than four months closure since the Covid 19 was spread world wide even though Tibet does not have the cases of the disease.

After the temples and monasteries around Lhasa city are opened to the public, the local people are required to show ID cards to enter the monasteries or temples for worship and the tourists are required not only to show the ID cards or passports but also they should scan the QR code for the ID card and epidemic prevention and control itinerary to enter the temple for visiting.

Another important kind notice is that Please wear masks consciously when visiting temples and monasteries, and cooperate with the health workers and security guards for body temperature detection, disinfection and other prevention and control work.

The Buddhist association of Lhasa city also urges all the pilgrims and the tourists that Crowding, staying close to each other and gathering are strictly prohibited.

All temples and monasteries are required to strictly implement the overall prevention and control requirements for external input and internal rebound, strictly control the entrance to religious activities, and deepen the prevention and control measures such as temperature measurement, mask wearing, disinfection, and regular ventilation inside the temples and monasteries to ensure the safety and healthy environment of the visitors.

All temples and monasteries in the city are temporarily required not to hold any kinds of  religious activities with the participation of believers and also not allowed to have religious ceremony or monks chanting in the assembly hall.

Jokhang Temple is currently not opened to the public due to the implementation of the overall safety and renovation of fire immigration systems of the temple and the upgrading of electricity and the protection work of cultural relics.

Opening time of the Jokang temple to the public will be notified separately. After hearing this good news, I think slowly Tibet travel business will be picked up and there will be more FIT domestic tourists from mainland China.

We request the majority of pilgrims or tourists to give their understanding and support of this announcement.

Lhasa Buddhist Association

May 19, 2020

Visit Bharkor Bazzar in Lhasa Tibet

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Visit Bharkor Bazzar in Lhasa Tibet, the bustling Lhasa market is one of the must visit during your Tibet tour and a very important pilgrimage circumambulation for local Tibetans.

Bharkor Bazzar is located around the Jokang temple in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. Tibetan pilgrims believe that Bharkor Bazzar is one of the most sacred pilgrimage circumambulation which goes clockwise direction around the Jokang temple.

Jokang temple has been dedicated to the most sacred statue of Jowo Shakyamuni, which was brought to Tibet by the princess Wenchang of the Tang court in the 7th century as her dowry when the King Songtsan Gampo invited her to become his princess. 

The statue was built by the time when Buddha was alive and blessed the statue by Buddha himself with more than 2600 years history so the Tibetans believe that the statue is the most sacred object inside the Jokang temple and walk around Bharkor Bazzar to make a Kora around the Jokang temple.

For the tourists, to visit Bharkor Bazzar in Lhasa Tibet during their Tibet trip is a must because they can see lots of Tibetan pilgrims around Bharkor and in front of the Jokang temple and it is also the best place to buy souvenirs when you visit Tibet.  

After Corona Virus spread all over the world, since end of January till 28th April, Bharkor Bazzar was closed to both tourists and local people. All the shops inside Bharkor Bazzar were also closed till then.

April 28th 2020, Bharkor Bazzar was again opened and there are thousands of pilgrims queuing to go to Bharkor Bazzar. Everybody was very happy that they can go back to visit Bharkor Bazzar in Lhasa Tibet like before and do their ritual Buddhist practice in front of the Jokang temple. You can again see hundreds of people, doing prostration in front of the Jokang temple and doing meditation.

All the shops around Bharkor Bazzar are also opened and the owners of the shopkeepers are very glad that they can come back to their shops and do the business as usual. Lots of pilgrims and domestic tourists already begin to visit Bharkor Bazzar in Lhasa Tibet again and enjoy the beauty of Bharkor Bazzar.