Tibet - 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.