Travel to Tibet by Different Ways

Are you making a Tibet tour plan? Are you faced with the question: How to travel to Tibet? In fact, nowadays you can travel to Tibet by different ways, by air, by train and by overland. 

 

By air to Tibet

 

By air is the one of the easiest and most popular ways for travelers to Tibet. You know, there was no railway to Tibet before 2006, so by air was actually the only choice for some travelers. At present, there are many daily flights from major Chinese cities to Lhasa. There are also flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa and from Chengdu to Nyingchi.

 

Travelling to Tibet by flight is the quickest way. Non-stop flights are available from cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi’an while cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou offer flights to Tibet with only one stop. There are flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa at least twice weekly. It is best to check with local Tibet travel agency for the latest schedules of flights to Tibet when you are planning a Tibet tour for the airlines may regulate the schedules sometimes.

 

By train to Tibet

 

Since the first railway to Tibet, Qinghai-Tibet railway was put in use, taking a train to Tibet becomes the most popular way to Tibet among travelers. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is renowned as the world’s highest railway. Along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, travelers can see beautiful mountain scenery and the expansive Tibetan Plateau. Therefore, most travelers are excited for the opportunity to ride the Qinghai-Tibet Railway!

 

At present, there are several trains to Tibet, including Beijing to Lhasa train, Shanghai to Lhasa train, Chengdu to Lhasa train, Guangzhou to Lhasa train, Xining to Lhasa train and trains to Tibet from Lanzhou, Chongqing.

 

At present, the Qinghai-Tibet railway is being extended to Shigatse from Lhasa. Until the end of 2014, it is possible to take a train to Shigatse from mainland China.

 

By overland to Tibet

 

If you travel from Nepal to Tibet, by overland to Tibet can be wonderful. Taking the friendship highway from Kathmandu to Lhasa, you can enjoy many opportunities to stop for pictures of the scenery and learn about Tibetan culture at temples and monasteries. Unlike other ways of travelling to Tibet, the overland route gives you a window into Tibetans’ daily life as they pass through towns and cities. You can also make a detour to the Everest Base Camp to view the world’s highest peak. Of course, you can also make a Tibet Nepal Tour instead of the overland trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa. You can enjoy the same sights.  

 

No matter what way you choose to Tibet. Do not forget your Tibet permit. You can check with Tibet travel org for the latest news on Tibet travel permit 2013 if you wanna make a Tibet travel 2013. 

Different types of Tibet Tours

Tibet is a mysterious tourist place that can meet all kinds of tourists’ interests. If you are interested in exotic culture, travel to Tibet. If you are interested in natural sightseeing, travel to Tibet. If you are interested in outdoor activities, travel to Tibet. If you are interested in different life styles, travel to Tibet. If you want to enjoy a hot spring bath and relax yourself, travel to Tibet…Travel to Tibet 2013, you can enjoy different types of Tibet tours.

 

Tibet Culture Tour

 

Tibet culture tour will take you to experience the unique and rich Tibetan culture which is inseparably linked to Tibetan Buddhism. Over the last 1,000 years, Tibet has developed a unique, spiritual and peaceful culture with Buddhism. Tibetan monasteries bear Tibetan culture. Thus, visiting monasteries in Tibet is the best way to experience Tibetan culture.

 

There are many famous monasteries in Tibet, such as Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery in Lhasa, Samye Monastery in Tsedang, Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse and Sakya Monastery in Sakya. You may see interesting ritual ceremony at a monastery or ancient

 

Tibet Scenery Viewing Tour  

 

If you are a lover of nature and wanna have a date with nature, make a Tibet tour plan right now. Tibet is a beautiful place with breathtaking blue sky, white clouds, alpine lakes, snow-capped mountains, stunning river valleys, vast grasslands, ancient forests, etc. When you travel in Tibet, you can find beautiful sights everywhere.

 

Tibet Pilgrimage Tour

 

If you are a follower of Tibetan Buddhism or just wanna make a spiritual journey, Tibet is also a right place for you. You can travel to Tibet and do ritual walks around a divine mountain, a sacred lake or a holy temple as local people do, or meditate in a monastery or hermitage cave. In fact, once you are in Tibet, you will feel peace and calm down for you are in a peaceful world with peaceful people.

 

Tibet Photography Tour

 

If you are a photographer, the fabulous and various landscape of Tibet offers you lots of chance to take good pictures, beautiful holy lakes, snow-capped mountains, magnificent glaciers, vast grassland dotted with herds and nomads, boundless primeval forest, etc. You can get prefect picture no matter when and where you go.

 

Tibet Trekking Tour

 

Trekking in Tibet is good way to explore Tibet. You can see the sight other travelers cannot see and get an experience you cannot get at other places. The inaccessibility of most areas of Tibet makes lost of chance for trekking, such as Ganden to Samye trek, Tsurphu to Yangpachen trek, Tingri to EBC trek.

 

So, are you ready to travel to Tibet? Remember, Tibet permit is a must for you to get to Tibet. But do not worry! The policy on Tibet travel permit 2013 makes it is quite easy to get a Tibet permit in 2013. What you should do is to prepare documents to apply for it. Copies of your passport and Chinese visa are needed to apply for Tibet permit.  

The latest news on Tibet tour 2013

Tibet Permits are issued to solo travelers in 2013. The regulation that a group must have two or five with the same nationality has been CANCLLED. 

 

2013 Tibet Permit situation: Some restrictions to get the Tibet permit were removed.

 

1. The restriction that Tibet permits can only be issued to a group with TWO or more than five people was removed in March, 2013.

 

2. The restriction that all members in the same group must belong to the same nationality was removed in March, 2013.

 

3. The restriction that no mixed nationalities in a Tibet tour group, unless you have proof of relationship, e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate and that only these two relationships are possible to form a group with mixed nationalities was removed.

 

4. Everest Base Camp was closed to all foreigners since May 2012, but REOPENED to all travelers since April 2013. Tourists can enjoy an Everest Base Camp Tour from Lhasa or Kathmandu or they can just stop at a viewpoint along Highway 318 to have a glimpse of the Everest, from a distance of 90km.

 

2013 Tibet Tour situation: there are still some restrictions on Tibet permit 2013 and travelling in Tibet.

 

1. Foreigners must apply for Tibet permits through authorized Tibet travel agencies.

 

2. Tibet Travel Permits for the Chamdo Area are not available to foreigners.

 

3. Tibet Travel Permits for overland trip from Sichuan to Tibet, or Yunnan to Tibet, are not available to foreigners.

 

4. Foreigners must travel in Tibet with the company of local tour guide.

 

 

FAQs on Tibet Travel Permit 2013

The situation of Tibet permit is a little changeable. Based on the 2013 Tibet permit policy, Tibettravel org, a local Tibet travel agency answers the FAQs on Tibet Travel Permit 2013.  

 

1. I am travel alone. Is it possible for me to get Tibet permit?

 

Yes. Since April of 2013, the limitation on group size has been removed. Solo travelers can also get Tibet permit easily this year.

 

2. Is there still restriction on the nationality of travelers to Tibet?

 

No. Both the restriction on nationality and group size has been lifted. No matter which country you are from and how many of you, you can easily travel to Tibet in 2013.  

 

3. Do I need a Tibet permit to book air or train tickets to Lhasa?

 

No. Your passport number is needed to book air/train tickets to Lhasa. But you are required to show your Tibet permit when boarding the train to Tibet or flight. 

 

4. Can I just use a copy of Tibet permit to board the train or flight to Lhasa?

 

If you fly to Lhasa, the original Tibet permit is required. If you take a train to Tibet, a copy of the Tibet permit is OK.  

 

5. How much is the cost of a Tibet permit?

 

Tibet travel org only helps travelers to apply for Tibet permit, does not sell Tibet permits because it is illegal. Thus, the cost for a Tibet permit includes both the fee charged by the government and the service fees by our travel agency. 

 

6. What all travel permits do I need to apply for if I travel to Tibet?

 

You only need a Tibet entry permit or TTB (Tibet Tourism Bureau) permit if you just want to have a few days in Lhasa city or somewhere near Lhasa. However, if you travel outside of Lhasa to some areas like Mt. Everest, Tsedang, Nyingchi, you still need Alien’s travel permit or PSB (Public Security Bureau) permit. If you travel to military areas of Tibet, you still need military permit. In fact, you do not need to worry about it. Tibet travel org will take care of them all if you book Tibet tour from the agancy.

 

7. Can I get the permit in my country before arriving in China?

 

Generally not, because this will make the cost high if international delivery is used. As a common practice, you will get your permit after your arrival in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai or Chengdu where you enter Tibet by train or air. Tibet travel org will deliver the permit to the hotel that you book in a specific city; you just need provide the travel agency with the name, address and phone number of your reserved hotel.

 

8. Is it possible to extend my visit in Tibet after my permit expires?

 

Yes, it is possible to extend your visit, but it is better to apply for a longer time than that you intend to stay in Tibet for it takes a few days for the Tibet Tourism Bureau to accept your application.  

 

9. Can I apply for Tibet permit by myself?

 

Currently, the answer is NO because foreign travelers are required to make a Tibet tour organized by an authorized Tibet travel agency and the Tibet travel permit 2013 is also needed to be applied through a travel agency. 

 

 

Tibet Tour 2013 via Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Having been in operation for seven years, the world’s highest railway, Qinghai-Tibet Railway is still a hot scenic railway popular among both domestic and abroad travelers to Tibet. During the peak tourism season of Tibet, it is even hard to obtain a train ticket to Lhasa. If you want to make a Tibet tour 2013 via Qinghai-Tibet Railway, it is best to book train tickets in advance. If you are not able to get train tickets by yourself, you can ask a travel agency to help you. For instance, Tibet Travel Org or China Tibet Train can help you book train tickets.  

 

Why is the Qinghai-Tibet Railway so popular?

 

Firstly, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the only railway to Tibet at present. When the Qinghai-Tibet Railway was put in use, Tibet’s history without railway finally ended. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway also promotes the development of Tibet’s tourism and changes travellers’ way of travelling to Tibet. 

 

Secondly, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is renowned as the world’s highest railway. The FORBES even commended the Tibet train is Rocket to the Roof at http://www.forbes.com/sites/janetrodgers/2011/12/19/the-tibet-train-rocket-to-the-roof/. It is really an amazing journey when taking the Shanghai or Beijing to Lhasa train to Tibet. You are just travelling from the sea level to the top of the world within two days. Unbelievable! 

 

Thirdly, the scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is spectacular. The Qinghai-Tibet railway traverses three ranges-Kunlun, Tanggula and Nyainqentanglha Mountains, and numerous rivers and lakes, grasslands, etc. Sightseeing platforms are also available along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

 

Fourthly, the train to Tibet is comfortable. All the trains to Tibet, including Beijing to Lhasa train, Shanghai to Lhasa train, Chengdu to Lhasa train, Guangzhou to Lhasa train, Lanzhou to Lhasa train and Xining to Lhasa train are tailor-made according to the environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. The totally-closed Tibet train is equipped with air-conditioning, supercharging system, oxygen supply, altitude display as well as other advanced facilities. The trains to Tibet are considered as the most comfortable in China. Passengers can enjoy ease at any corner of the train.

 

There are three types of coaches on the Tibet train, the first class soft-berth sleeper, the second class soft-berth sleeper and soft seat coaches, which meets different Tourists' demand. Since the journey is really long, most travellers prefer the sleepers.

 

Besides, passengers can enjoy medical service, English service, and other good necessary services, even folk performances which bring a lot of fun for tourists.

 

How does it take to travel to Tibet by train?

 

Generally, it takes about two days to take a train to Tibet from mainland China. For example, the Beijing to Lhasa train takes about 44 hours to cover 3753 kilometers from Beijing to Lhasa; the Shanghai to Lhasa train takes around 47.5 hours to cover 4373 kilometers from Shanghai to Lhasa; the Chengdu to Lhasa train takes nearly 44 hours to finish 3348 kilometers from Chengdu to Lhasa; while the Xining to Lhasa train takes about 24 hours to cover the whole Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

 

Therefore, it best for travelers to book soft or hard sleeper berth tickets to Lhasa. The soft sleepers are the most popular among travelers, thus it is harder to get a soft sleeper ticket than a hard one. Tibet Travel Org or China Tibet Train has annual booking from China train ticket offices, thus it is easier for them to purchase a soft sleeper berth. Travellers can ask them to book Tibet train tickets, especially during the peak season of Tibet tourism (April to October).  

The Top Pilgrimage Trek in Tibet - Kailash Kora

It is popular for Tibetan people to do a pilgrimage trek around a holy mount like Mt. Kailash, or a sacred lake like Namtso, or from one sacred site to another, such as trek from Ganden to Samye. But the top pilgrimage trek in Tibet is Kailash Kora.

 

Mt. Kailash, also known as Kangrinboqe Peak is the most sacred mountain in Tibet. Mount Kailasha is believed to be the birth place of all humanity and the center of the world since centuries.

 

The significance of the mountain in religious sects is enhanced by the fact that it is believed to be the dwelling place of the Lord Shiva and ultimate paradise by many sects that practice Hinduism. Buddhists, on the other hand believe that the mount is the resting place of the Demchog Buddha. 

 

The mountain pulls devout pilgrims from all over the world including Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bons. Apart from these major religions, many people also visit this scenic and spiritual location to gain calmness, tranquility and ultimate peace.

 

Therefore, many pilgrims worship this sacred mountain by walking the Kailash trek around this mount. The pilgrimage trek starts in the village of Darchen sitting at about 4600 m. The highest point on the trek is at around 5500 m at Drolma Pass.

 

If you travel to Tibet, it is a great opportunity to challenge yourself by walking the Kailash Kora. During this Tibet trek to the holy site, you can enjoy unparalleled mountain scenery and meet many Tibetan pilgrims. Hiring a yak to carry luggage for you will reduce the difficulty of this trek.

 

In addition, it is best to spend several days in Lhasa for acclimation before heading to the Kailash. Actually, no matter what kind of Tibet tour you choose, full acclimation in Lhasa is necessary. Someone may say taking the Beijing to Lhasa Train is also a process of acclimating. Wrong! Absolutely wrong! Taking a train to Tibet via the Qinghai-Tibet Railway cannot reduce the symptom of altitude sickness because all the Tibet trains are pressurized and provided with oxygen supply system. It is just like travelling at a low altitude on the train.  

 

 

Five Tips of Tibet travel 2013

Another peak season to Tibet’s tourism starts from early April when some areas of Tibet get warm. If you are going to visit Tibet this year, the following ten tips of Tibet travel 2013 may be helpful for you.

 

1. Apply for Tibet travel permit 2013

 

If you have gotten a Chinese Visa, you still need to apply for another permit or visa to visit Tibet, that is, Tibet travel permit issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau. The policy on Tibet permit 2013 makes it quite easy for solo travelers to get Tibet permit, so if any Tibet travel agency still asks you to travel in a group with at least two or five travelers from the same country, do not believe it or maybe you have gone back to 2012.

 

But it is true that application for Tibet permits can only be processed through authorized Tibet travel agencies, such as Tibettour org or Tibettravel org. Along with the application, you need to submit scanned copy of your passport and Chinese visa, and your Tibet tour route, like Lhasa tour, Tibet Nepal tour.

 

2. Pack suitable clothing for your Tibet tour

 

Summer is regarded as the best season to travel Tibet, but do not think that short pants and short-sleeved shirts are what you should pack for you Tibet tour. Even in summer, you may experience winter weather at mountain areas in Tibet, so a warm coat or down coat is also needed. Besides, the temperature varies greatly between day time and night. At day time, it is very hot, but in early morning and at night, it is very cold. In addition, comfortable walking shoes are important for travelling in Tibet.  

 

3. Cut down your Tibet tour cost

 

Due to the harsh environment of Tibet, the cost on a Tibet tour is usually much higher than a tour in other place with the same standard. But you can figure out some ways to cut down the cost, such as taking a join-in Tibet group tour instead of a private Tibet tour, travelling to Tibet by train instead of by air, staying at a guesthouse or hostel in Tibet, etc. Tibettravel org, a local Tibet travel agency, offers various small Tibet group tour packages covering most important tourist sites in Tibet. If you choose the group tour packages, you can share the cost with other travelers and cut down your tour cost.

 

Though taking a train to Tibet will cost you more time, but it is a little cheaper than by fight to Tibet. At present, there are several trains to Tibet from mainland China each day, such as Beijing to Lhasa train, Chengdu to Lhasa train, Shanghai to Lhasa train and Xining to Lhasa train for your option. 

 

4. Tips your tour guide and/or driver

 

Though tipping is not a customer in China, the Tibet tour guides and drivers serving you have served many foreign travelers before and were tipped for their good service. Therefore, they also expected to be tipped especially when they have worked very hard to provide you the best service. In addition, your tip to hotel staff, porters and other staff serving you will make them happy, too. Actually, tipping is not limited by cash, some special gifts, such as music CDs, perfumes/colognes, hats or t-shirts are also appreciated. 

 

5. Choose souvenirs

 

You may find that the tourist souvenirs in many tourist cities are just similar, but you will find unique items in Tibet, like Tibetan carpet and Textiles, Tibetan Thangka, Tibetan medicine, wooden bowls, jewelry, jade, prayer wheels, knives, local boots and beads. The best place to choose souvenirs is the famous Barkhor Street where you can find various Tibetan items, but the shop owners always ask a high price. Just bargain with them and you may get what you want at a price that is only 1/3 or 1/5 of the original price.