About Tibet
Tibet is a rich and beautiful land
with an average altitude over 4,000m (13,120ft) above sea level.
Possessing more than fifty peaks above7,000m (22,960ft), Tibet is
home to eleven Himalayan mountains over 8,000m (26,240ft). China,
India, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Burma and Kashmir all border Tibet.
Over two million people inhabit this land of rich natural resources
and ancient cultures.
Spiritual traditions, temples and
monasteries, lakes and rivers, and mighty snow clad peaks are just
a few of the intoxicating wonders to be experienced by adventurous
travelers who get the opportunity to visit this land. Buddhism,
with a history of some 1,300 years is shaped into a unique form
of "Lamaism". Tibetan history, culture and religion are mixed together
and infiltrate every aspect of social life. Tibetan religious arts
have a distinctive style with adoption of Indian and Chinese Buddhist
influence, thus forming a pearl of Oriental Buddhist art. The various
people who live on the Tibetan plateau, such as Tibetans, Monpas,
Lhopas and Moslems, each have their own unique of traditions of
marriage, burial birth, and other ceremonies. Festivals in Tibet
are numerous providing many opportunities for large and exciting
celebrations. So come and visit the land rich in mountains, monks,
mystery and adventure.
Useful travel information to
Tibet
Tibet remains one of the most interesting,
remote and undeveloped part of the world, situated at an average
elevation of 5000m (16500ft) above sea level. Its limited facilities
for tourists are only now approaching a reasonable standard.
A trip to Tibet is not for the faint
hearted; the travelling can be hard, adventurous and often unpredictable.
Due to Tibet's high altitude travelers with a history of heart,
lung or anemia problems should consult a doctor before considering
a visit.
Visitors should also understand
before taking this trip that Tibet was only opened to tourism in
recent years. The infrastructure of the Tourist industry is still
very basic in the remote country. Please do not expect the standards
you are accustomed to in the west. However, every effort will be
made under the circumstances to ensure a smooth and pleasant trip.
Clothing Accessories:
From Oct.-March warm clothes are required to fight the frostily
cold and from April-September light clothes to shun the scorching
heat. However a jacket and sweater are advised through out the years
as the weather may unexpectedly changes at any time. The recommended
items are: A domestic first aid kit; water purification tablets
(mineral water can be bought as well) 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.
Customs: There
is no prohibition on still and video cameras, tape recorders or
radios as long as they are for personal use or if commercial use
should be registered with a custom official. Printed matters considered
unsuitable by the Chinese Government is prohibited. Customs regulations
forbid the export of art objects created prior to 1959 or souvenirs
in amounts deemed to be excessive.
Food & drinks: Tibet
has only a handful of towns, and Tibetan cuisine is not exactly
the most varied in the world. It is handy to carry anything that
can be brewed with hot water. Instant coffee, drinking chocolate,
tea (bags), soup cubes. Other food items worth considering are instant
noodles, nuts and raisins, chocolate, dry foods and biscuits.
Business Hours: Government
offices are usually closed on Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday.
Currency: RENMNBI,
the people's money used by millions of Chinese everyday, circulates
in notes of 1,2,5,10 and 50 yuan; 1,2 and 5 jiao; 1,2 and 5 fen.
There are also coins for 1,2 and 5 fen. With the Chinese Currency,
Renminbi, one yuan is divided into 10 jiao; into 10 fen.
Airport: Lhasa Gonggar
Airport is approx. 96km away from Lhasa.
Airport Tax: The airport
departure tax at present is US$ 12.00 per person.
Air Ticket reconfirmation:
Your guide will reconfirm the air ticket upon payment of RMB 30,
which is reconfirmation fee charged by China South West Airlines.
Health & Altitude problems:
Travelling in Tibet involves high altitude and can be strenuous.
Clients with heart and lung problems or blood diseases should consult
their doctor before booking the trip. Very often the cases of altitude
sickness have been reported. Simple headache, fever, loss of appetite
or stomach disorders can happen before the acclimatization. Advised,
drink approx. 03 litres of water per day, do not strain yourself,
move slowly, breathe deeply and take regular rests.
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