Tibet Travel, Travel to Tibet, Tibet Travel Permit, Tibet Map-Let's Travel Tibet-China Travel WEB http://www.letstraveltibet.com/ <![CDATA[Tibet Flights]]> 123

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]]> <![CDATA[Tibet Permit]]> Traveling to Tibet, you need to get your passport and China Visa first (If you are going to Tibet from Nepal, you have to apply the China Visa in Katmandu). After that, we (Lets Travel Tibet) will arrange Tibet Permits for you. It is an easy job for us to get the Tibet Permits for you. You need them to enter and travel in Tibet.

Click here to know more about Passport and China Visa Application
 

There are three kinds of Tibet Permits (some foreigners call it Tibet Visas): Tibet Entry Permit (TTB permit, as it is issued by Tibet Travel Bureau, also known as TTB permit); Alien’s Travel Permit (PSB permit, as it is issued by Foreign Affairs Section of the Local Public Security Bureau, also know as PSB permit); and Tibet Military Permit.

The Permits you will need depend on your itinerary and the places you are going to visit. Tibet Entry Permit is a must for people traveling to Tibet. It will be needed when you board the train or flight to Tibet.

Tibet Permits are free of charge now. Actually you do not need to worry about the Tibet Permits if you are booking the tour with a travel agency, anyway, if you do want to know more about it, check the information below.

Tibet Entry Permit
Alien’s Travel Permit
Tibet Military Permit
 

How to get the Tibet Permits?
At the time you book the tour with us, simply send us a COPY of the Passport and China Visa as well as following information (exactly the same as on the passport) of each member in your group. As we are a LOCAL travel agency, it’s quite easy for us to get the Tibet Permit for you.

1. Full name

2. Passport number

3. Nationality

4. Gender

5.Birth date

6.Occupation 

 

Note:
1. You need to tell us your occupation because journalists and people that could be involved in political matters need more complicated procedures. We are not able to get the Tibet Permits for them. 

2. Normally it costs us 2 or 3 days to arrange the Tibet Entry Permit and one day more to send it to your last stop before entering Tibet, such as Beijing, Shanghai etc. In peak season, especially in August and September, it may costs us more days. 

3. The Alien’s Travel Permit can only be arranged after you arrive in Lhasa, as we need your original passport and China Visa to apply it. Please hand your original Passport and China Visa as well as Tibet Entry Permit to your guide after checking in your hotel, he or she will apply Alien’s Travel Permit for you accordingly.

4. Please note that if you do not book any tour from us, we can not help you get the permits. No travel agency can provide "permit-only" service. Here is a note from Lonely Planet:

"Lhasa PSB will not issue travel permits to individuals and will direct you to a travel agency. Agencies can arrange a travel permit to almost anywhere but only if you book a Land Cruiser, driver and a guide."

 

Remark: If you enter Tibet from Katmandu of Nepal, you need to get your China Visa in Katmandu, because even you have had the China Visa in your country, you must get a China Visa in Katmandu, it is regulated by China and Nepal.

]]> <![CDATA[Beijing Tours]]> Thanks very much for choosing us as your tour operator, please be sure to carefully read these terms and make sure you understand your rights and obligations and our rights and obligations. We will send you a Tour Contract after we confirm all the reservations and arrangements. In the tour contract, we will list all arrangements of your tour as well as terms and conditon.
Reservations
It is flexible, but it is better that you book your tour in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the high season, as the competition for the hotels and air or train tickets become very keen then. Deposit should be made within 3 working days after we get your confirmation, the reservation for your tour will not be considered firm until the deposit is received.
10% of the tour cost plus transportation fare is required at the time of booking with us.
Another 90% of the tour cost is required 30days before your departure.
If the booking is made within 30days before your departure, total tour cost will be required.
Payments
Payment can be made by Paypal, WESTERN UNION (highly recommended), Wire Transfer and Credit Card.
Paypal (With or Without Paypal Account)
Western Union
Wire transfer
Credit Card Authorization
Alteration
We provide free and unlimited alteration service after your booking in order to meet your ultimate satisfaction, a higher or lower quotation will be offered according to package modified. Please note too late alteration might not be workable.
Cancellation
We regret it but there is a chance that you have to cancel your confirmed booking, however, all cancellation requests must be made in writing by email or by fax. If you fail to pay the full cost within the specified time, you will be liable to pay cancellation fees too. Cancellation fees will be calculated as follows:
1、If we receive your written cancellation more than 30days before departure: 100USD/per person
2、If we receive your written cancellation from 20-29days before departure: 10% of the tour cost
3、If we receive your written cancellation from 10-19days before departure: 30% of the tour cost
4、If we receive your written cancellation from 3-9days before departure: 50% of the tour cost
5、If we receive your written cancellation from 0-2days before departure: 100% of the tour cost
6、If the trip has commenced, we are unable to refund you anything for the service unused or missed due to your early departure, late arrival.
7、If we issued flight tickets or train tickets for you, we will deduct the cancellation fees needed by airline companies or railway station and refund the rest part to you.
Refunding
Cancellation refund will be issued within 15 working days of our receipt of your written cancellation request.

Tibet Travel Documents Brief:

Considering the less developed tourism industry in Tibet as well as the need to protect its ethnic traditions, cultural relics and etc, the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) regulates that non-Chinese citizens, including foreign tourists, Taiwan & HK tourists as well as overseas Chinese who want to visit Tibet must obtain Tibet Travel Permit (also known as Tibet Visa but actually not a visa) from TTB except a valid passport and Chinese visa. There are 3 categories of permits of various functions.

1.Tibet Entry Permit (TTB permit) - which you have to obtain in order to enter Tibet before you get to Tibet. If you do not travel to closed or restricted areas but just have a few days in Lhasa area, you only have to obtain this permit from us.

2 Aliens' Travel Permit (PSB permit)- which we have to obtain for you when you are planning to travel to the closed areas in Tibet, such as Mt. Everest, Nagri, Sayka, Tsedang and etc.


3 Tibet Military Permit - which we have to obtain for you if you are planning to travel to some military sensitive areas, such as Nagri, Nyingchi or some places through the overland tour to Lhasa from Chengdu or Yunnan or Xining. It takes 1-2 weeks to obtain this permit, so if you want to travel to places like those, please contact us ASAP.


Tibet Travel Permit Categories:

There are three kinds of permits may be involved during your Tibet tour. As a local registered tour operator, our company is able to obtain you all necessary permits if you book a tour with us. Please have a look at the following types of permit which you may need for a Tibet tour.

  • Tibet Entry Permit (TTB permit) - which you have to obtain in order to enter Tibet before you get to Tibet. If you do not travel to closed or restricted areas but just have a few days in Lhasa area, you only have to obtain this permit from us.
  • Aliens' Travel Permit (PSB permit) - which we have to obtain for you when you are planning to travel to the closed areas in Tibet, such as Mt. Everest, Nagri, Sayka, Tsedang and etc.
  • Tibet Military Permit - which we have to obtain for you if you are planning to travel to some military sensitive areas, such as Nagri, Nyingchi or some places through the overland tour to Lhasa from Chengdu or Yunnan or Xining. It takes 1-2 weeks to obtain this permit, so if you want to travel to places like those, please contact us ASAP.

Note: The permit situation is subject to rapid and unpredictable change. Contact us directly to get the current situation within 12hours.

How to apply for a Tibet Entry Permit?

If you are planning to enter Tibet from other places of China, you can claim for the Tibet Entry Permit from your travel agent. Please prepare the following documents before asking your travel agent to apply the permit.

  • a copy of your valid Passport
  • a copy of your Chinese visa
  • Full names, Gender, Date of Birth, Nationality, Passport Number, Occupation

Note: If you are not "L" visa holders, you are required to provide additional information to Tibet Tourism Bureau to get a Tibet Entry Permit.

How to apply for the Aliens' Travel Permit?

Our guide will assist you in applying for it after you enter Tibet. Our guide will ask for your original passport, China visa and the Tibet Entry Permit and submit them to the Foreign Affairs Section of Public Security Bureau. It normally takes 2-3 hours.

Important Issues about Tibet Travel Permit

  • All kinds of people can get Tibet Entry Permit through a travel agency except diplomats, journalists, and government officials who should travel to Tibet under the arrangement by the Foreign Affairs Office of Tibet Government.
  • Aliens' Travel Permit (PSB permit) - which we have to obtain for you when you are planning to travel to the closed areas in Tibet, such as Mt. Everest, Nagri, Sayka, Tsedang and etc.
  • If you do not book any tour (Like Land cruiser with driver, guide) from us, we cannot help you get the permits. No travel agency can provide "permit-only" service. Please note that our company never SELLS the Tibet permit. We only help you obtain a permit from the local authorities. The cost of a permit includes the government charges and the service fee will be included in your tour package quotation.
  • You are not allowed to bring with the TTB permit by yourself while in Tibet, instead, you should give this to your guide. And once you travel outside of Lhasa, you must need your guide accompany you as there maybe check-points on the way. Otherwise if you are stopped by the police without a guide and permit, you will be sent out of Tibet or have trouble politically and economically. Furthermore, the travel agency which helped to get you the permit will also be in trouble.
  • Generally, it needs three working days to get the Tibet permit if you could supply the full necessary documents and another 3 days (or more) to Express Deliver the permit. Please be advised that you need to apply for the Tibet Entry Permit at least 7 days prior to your entry date.
  • After having a permit, a travel agency could buy you the air tickets, and you can pass the check-in at the airport and the check point reroute with the permit.

Travel to Tibet through Nepal

If you entry Tibet from Kathmandu, Nepal, you are required to obtain a Chinese visa in the consulate of P.R China in Kathmandu, the opening time for the Consulate of P.R China in Kathmandu is only available from 9:30AM-11:00AM on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Please note this visa application is compulsory despite you have already had a Chinese visa in your country or not since this is regulated by the border treaty signed between Nepal and China. That is to say, it is useless to have a Chinese Visa obtained in any other county before Nepal.

The Chinese visa you get in Kathmandu is a "group visa". A "group visa" is not entered in travelers' passports but is a separate sheet of paper issued in duplicate by the Chinese consulate in Katmandu, listing all members of the group. It usually allows a stay of 15 or 20 days. A "group" may be of any number of travelers, maybe just one, maybe more than 20. One or more travelers entering Tibet may wish to have their own separate group visa so they are able to separate from the others. Obtaining a group visa requires at least two full days in Katmandu.

Chinese Visa

To enter Tibet, or any part of China excepting Hong Kong and Macao, a Chinese visa is necessary. It may be best to obtain it before leaving your home country unless you are taking a package tour to enter Tibet overland from Nepal.

The first rule when applying for a visa as an independent traveler is to expect that you may be refused a visa if you mention plans to visit Tibet. There is a trick that when you apply for the Chinese visa, you'd better not mention Tibet as your travel destination in your itinerary; you can only inform them you just want to travel to somewhere else in China. However, it will be very easy if you travel to Tibet after you have got a valid Chinese visa.

Keep in mind
  • When entering China it is best to have a visa covering the expected duration of stay. Getting extensions inside China can involve delays and other difficulties.
  • You need to apply for a double- or multiple entry visa when you need to leave and re-enter mainland China. Please note that, even when you leave for Hong Kong or Macao from mainland China, you still need to have a double- or multiple entry visas.
  • If you visa type is not L for tourist, which means you are working or studying in china, you have to also provide us with a certified letter with stamp either from your company or university in China to prove this situation.

Types of China Visa

There are nine types of China visa, which falls into two categories, namely, ordinary and diplomatic visa. The Ordinary visa consists of eight types, which are respectively marked with Chinese phonetic letters F, L, Z, X, C, J-1, J-2, G, and D.

L Visa = Tourist visa

Issued to foreigners who enter China temporarily for touring, family visiting or other personal affairs. Single-entry, double-entry tourist visa are available. The maximum stay in China for each entry is 30 days. Multiple-entry is not granted for tourist visa.

F Visa = Business/Visit Visa

Issued to foreigners who are invited to China for business visit, research, lecture, scientific-technological and cultural exchanges. Single-entry, double-entry, 6-month-multiple-entry, one-year-multiple-entry business visa are available. The maximum stay in China for each entry is 30 days.

Z Visa = Work Visa

Issued to foreigners who works in China as well as their accompanying families.

X Visa = Student Visa

Issued to foreigners who come to China for study or intern practice for a period of six months or above.

C Visa = Crewmember Visa

Issued to crewmembers on international aviation, navigation and land transportation missions and their accompanying family members.

D Visa = Residence Visa

Issued to foreigners who live in China permanently.

]]> <![CDATA[Shanghai Tours]]> If you want to book a tour with us, please complete the following form. We will respond within 12 hours with our best possible itinerary and lowest price. The more information you offer us, the better proposal we can give you. All of the information provided would be kept strictly confidential. So please fill out the form and take advantage of our free quotation service.

Please fill in your demand

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We will never - under any circumstance - rent, sell, exchange or in any way make your information available to third parties, unless legally required to do so.
]]> <![CDATA[China Tour Packages]]> Who are we?

Let’s travel Tibet is a Tibet-based tour operator specialized in offering comprehensive services to Tibet since 1999. We engaged in customizing or tailor-made tours for individuals, families and groups to specific requirements of our clients. Our service covers accommodation, vehicle, guides, restaurants, flight tickets etc. Our primary goal is to provide each customer with a wonderful experience of Tibet, but without the tedious planning and research involved. We are trying to give our clients the best tour packages at unbeatable price as we are Tibet-based. We do offer value for money and we are proud of our friendly and industrious staff, they tirelessly try to ensure you’ll have an unforgettable experience.

Our differences

Prompt reply and 24/7 phone assistance
We directly organize your trip, reply to your email within 12hours and provide a 24/7 phone assistance to assist you on the spot in case of an emergency.

Private tours and private English-speaking guide
All our tours are 100% private and individual. You will travel with your family or friends without bearing other travelers' state of mind, and you will have a private English-speaking guide during your entire trip. Of course, a private car with driver will be at your disposal in your tour.

Flexibility regarding starting date & ending date
Your trip starts and ends on the dates of your choice.
You may also customize the various packages we offer by adding supplementary nights and days in the cities of your choice.

International flights are excluded from our tour prices, giving you the option to use your air miles or corporate tickets, but if you like we can take care of the flights tickets within China for you.

Flexibility regarding hotels
You can choose 3 star hotels or above, and of course you can choose budget guesthouses to taste the local lives while saving some money.

What is in it for you?

Convenience: You just send us an email, we will customize your tour to match your specific needs and budget

High Quality facilities: All tour tourist facilities are elaborately selected by us, including hotel, vehicle, restaurant, guides, theatre, etc.

Passionate: All our staff is zealous to service for all travelers from all over the world. We have regulation on each service details, such as the trip advisor must reply email within 12 hours.

Flexible: The tour is flexible according to client's need, such as you can decide the speed of sightseeing in each attraction as long as it is reasonable.

 

]]> <![CDATA[About Us]]> Let’s Travel Tibet have an office in Lhasa and an office in Chengdu, Chengdu office is the sales office. If you have any question regarding your Tibet tour, you are always welcomed to contact us.

NEW ENQUIRY
If you are the first time to contact us and want us to make a tailor-made itinerary or you have an itinerary in mind and want our best quotation, please complete our online enquiry form or send us an email directly, We will never - under any circumstance - rent, sell, exchange or in any way make your information available to third parties, unless legally required to do so.

So just fill in the online enquiry form to tell us more information about your Tibet tour, such as when to go, want to do and the places you want to visit, etc. Your travel advisor will give you the reply within 12hrs. It will not commit you to any expense, so just take advantage of our free consultation service.

ONLINE ENQUIRY FORM

 

TELEPHONE, FAX AND E-MAIL
Tel: +86-891-6122065

Fax: +86-891-6368613
E-mail: sales@letstraveltibet.com

Note:
1. + stands for international access code (international prefix), 86 is the country code of China. Click here to know the international access code in your country.
http://www.milesfaster.co.uk/access-codes.htm
2. There is no need to input “-“between numbers
3. If you are in China, that is 010-63008591,13811544294, (0) is the NDD prefix in China.
 

ONLINE CHAT
MSN ID: letstraveltibet@hotmail.com
Skype ID: letstraveltibet1
Our Office Location:

Chengdu Office

Beijing Office

Tibet Lhasa Office
 

OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Friday: 08am-07pm
Saturday-Sunday: 09am-05pm

 

]]> <![CDATA[Tibet Maps]]> Tibet Regional Map

Nagqu Regional Map

Chamdo Regional Map

Nyingchi Regional Map

 

Shigatse Regional Map

Ngari Regional Map

Shannan Regional Map


 

]]> <![CDATA[Lhasa]]> Potala Palace

The palace that we see today had finally been completed in 1645. Over the past three centuries, the palace gradually became a place where the Dalai Lama lived and worked and a place for keeping the remains of successive Dalai Lama. Potala Palace was begun in 641, by Songtsan Gambo, ruler of Tibet’s Tubo Kingdom, who had the palace built for his fiancé Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. This structure was later burned to the ground during a war and was rebuilt in the 17th century by the Fifth Dalai Lama. 
Potala Palace is made of stone and wood and consists of the White Palace and Red Palace. The White Palace, made up of halls, temples, and courtyards, served as the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. The Red Palace includes various chambers for worshipping Buddha and chambers housing the eight stupa that contain the remains of fifth through thirteenth Dalai Lama. All the stupas are covered with gold foil. The most magnificent stupa belongs to the fifth Dalai Lama, which measures 14.85 meters tall. It is inlaid with pearl and jade. Also on exhibit are a large number of sculptures, murals, scripture and other valuable cultural relics.
Potala Palace is located on the Red Hill in Lhasa, Tibet, and is 3,700 meters above sea level and covers an area of over 360,000 square meters, measuring 360 meters from east to west and 270 meters from south to north. The palace has 13 stories, and is 117 meters high. In 1994, the palace joined the list of world cultural heritage sites.
Tips: 
1. According to the local custom, you should tour the palace in a clockwise direction. Also, do not step on the doorsill and do not smoke in the halls. Last, do not take photos without permission!
2. It is a steep climb to get to the top of the palace. Keep this in mind when you start the journey up the stairs, and remember to relax and go slowly. The halls are always chilly so take a coat!
3. Potala Palace is allowed less than 2,300 tourists and pilgrims to enter each day, so try to purchase your tickets beforehand in order to secure entry. Remember your ID card or passport. 
Jokhang Monastery
Jokhang is the first Buddhist temple in Tibet, located on Barkhor Square in Lhasa. It was built during the reign of King Songsten Gampo to celebrate his marriage with Chinese Tang princess Wencheng, who was a Buddhist. The temple was called the Tsulag Khang or 'House of Wisdom' but it is now known as the Jokhang which means the 'House of the Lord'.
For most Tibetans it is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet. It is in some regards pansectarian, but is presently controlled by the Gelug School. Along with the Potala Palace, it is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Lhasa. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace' and a spiritual centre of Lhasa.
Jokhang Temple has remained a key center of Buddhist pilgrimage for centuries. It was sacked several times by the Mongols, but the building survived. In the past several centuries the temple complex was expanded and now covers an area of about 25,000 sq. meters. There is a walled enclosure in front of the Jokhang which contains some willows called the Jowo Utra ('Hair of the Jowo') and a doring or inscribed pillar erected by the Chinese in 1793 during a smallpox epidemic. It records the Sino-Tibetan treaty of 822 concluded by King Ralpacan and includes 'China and Tibet's vow of eternal peace and mutual respect of the borders of their independent states' as well as advice on hygiene measures to prevent smallpox.
The Jokhang is a four-story construction, with roofs covered with gilded bronze tiles. The architectural style is based on the Indian vihara design, and was later extended resulting in a blend of Nepalese and the Tang Dynasty styles. The rooftop statues of two golden deer flanking a Dharma wheel is iconic.
The Jokhang temple complex has several decorated shrines and rooms. The main hall of the temple houses the Jowo Shakyamuni Buddha statue, perhaps the single most venerated object in Tibetan Buddhism. There are also famous statues of Chenresig, Padmasambhava and King Songtsan Gambo and his two famous foreign brides, Princess Wen Cheng (niece of Emperor Taizong of Tang Dynasty) and Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal.
Bakhor Street
Bakhor Street was used as a walking path for Jokhang temple by pilgrims, and is Lhasa’s oldest street. Today it is the busiest shopping place in Tibet. Ancient houses serve as shops, and you can find all kinds of items like Buddha statues, Thangka paintings, and Tibetan joss sticks. The specialty of this street is definitely the eateries that offer all the famous and delicious dishes of Tibeten cuisine. Be sure to hit the local clothing shops for a taste of unique Tibetan traditional dress!
Drepung Monastery
Drepung Monastery, located at the foot of Mt. Gephel, is one of the great three Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet. The other two are Ganden and Sera. Drepung is the largest of all Tibetan monasteries, and indeed at its peak was the largest monastery of any religion in the world. It was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Chojey, a direct disciple of Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelukpa school. It is located on the Gambo Utse mountain, 5km from the western suburb of Lhasa.
Freddie Spencer Chapman reported, after his 1936-1937 trip to Tibet, that Drepung was at that time the largest monastery in the world, and housed 7,700 monks, 'but sometimes as many as 10,000 monks.'
Drepung was known for the high standards of its academic study, and was called the Nalanda of Tibet, a reference to the great Buddhist monastic university of India. Chapman reported that in the late 1930's Drepung was divided into four colleges, each housing monks from a different locality: one being favored by Khampas, another by Mongolians and so on. Each college was presided over by an abbot who had been appointed by the late 13th Dalai Lama.
Drepung is now divided into what are known as the seven great colleges: Gomang (sGo-mang), Loseling (Blo-gsal gling), Deyang (bDe-dbyangs), Shagkor (Shag-skor), Gyelwa (rGyal-ba) or Tosamling (Thos-bsam gling), Dulwa (‘Dul-ba), and Ngagpa (sNgags-pa). It can be a somewhat useful analogy to think of Drepung as a university along the lines of Oxford or the Sorbonne in the Middle Ages, the various colleges having different emphases, teaching lineages, or traditional geographical affiliations. Today the population at the monastery located in Tibet is much smaller with merely a few hundred monks. However, the institution has continued its tradition.
What's more, the Drepung houses many cultural relics, which adron the monastery and make it more superb. Statues of Manjushri Bodhisattva, and Sitatapatra found on the first story of the Coqen Hall, rare sutras on the second story and Jamyang Qoigy's conch shell given by Tsong Khapa on the third one, all add to the wonder of the monastery. Exquisite statues of Tsong Khapa, Kwan-yin Bodhisttva, Manjushri Bodhisattva, Amitayus, and Jamyang Qoigyi in other sutra halls, as well as flowery murals on walls also fully present the wisdom of the Tibetan people.
Sera Monastery
Founded in 1419 by Sakya Yeshe, a disciple of Tsong Khapa, Sera Monastery is one of the great three Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet. The other two are Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery. 'Sera' means 'Enclosure of Roses'. The original Sera Monastery was in Lhasa, about 5 km north of the Jokang in Lhasa. Like the Drepung and Ganden monasteries, it had three colleges: Sera Mey Dratsang, built in 1419, which gave basic instruction to the monks. Sera Jey Dratsang, built in 1435, was the largest, and was reserved for wandering monks, especially Mongol monks. Ngagpa Dratsang, built in 1559, was a school for the teaching of the Gelukpa tantras. Sera Monastery once housed more than 5,000 monks in 1959. Although badly damaged, it is still standing and has been largely repaired. It now houses a few hundred Buddhist monks.
The highlight of this visit will be watching a monks debating inside the shady courtyard behind the main temple. Every day, hundreds of red-robed monks assemble in small groups and practice their debating skills. It is a highly entertaining spectacle, during which they strike poses not dissimilar to hip hop rappers. They are clap, turn, and finger point, whoop, holler, and throw their prayer beads about. In most cases, one monk sits on the floor, while another one stands, and between them, they argue about Buddhist rituals - immensely enjoying their debates. As tourists you are allowed to walk around the edge and observe the very dynamic and animated monks asking and answering questions like ‘why', ‘what came first the chicken or the egg' and ‘who is your favorite Buddha'. The spectacle is just so fun-filled and high energy. It's a bit like a Sicilian market place, or a football match, increasing in volume all the time, and some of the monks are really good showmen, sometimes mischievously involving you in their debates, as if trying to get you onto their side.
Norbulingka Palace
Norbulingka Palace is the biggest man made garden in Tibet, covering 360,000 sq. m. and is situated in the west side of Lhasa, just a quick walk from Potala Palace. The name Norbulingka means Treasure Park, and inside there are more than 370 rooms. It is also known as the Summer Palace because after the 7th Dalai Lama, Dalai Lamas used to visit the palace in the summer to hold religious and government related activities. As a part of "Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace", UNESCO added Norbulingka to its list of world heritage sites. 
Norbulingka is dotted with many palaces that were built by the different Dalai Lamas who spent time here. The first palace built in Norbulingka was Kelsang Potrang, which is a great example of Yellow Hat architecture. It was built by the 7th Dalai Lama and has 3 floors that contain bedrooms, reading rooms, worship halls, and even a sanctuary. Another palace built by the 8th Dalai Lama is named Tyoksil Potrang, and is the architectural wonder of Norbulingka. 
The garden has become a great picnic spot for the locals and a choice venue for theaters performances, dance, and music festivals. A famous festival held here is the Sho Dun Festival, which draws crowds of locals and tourists alike. 
Tibet Museum
Located at the southeast corner of Norbulingka, Lhasa, it is the first modern museum in Tibet. It covers an area of 53,959 square meters and has a floor space of 23,508 square meters including an exhibition area of 10,451 square meters. The museum demonstrates a magnificent traditional Tibetan architectural style. Also it reflects a salient feature of modern architectural art.
The museum houses a rich collection of cultural relics including various kinds of cultural relics of pre-history, handwritten Tibetan classics, colorful Thangka pictures, music and ritual instruments, unique handicrafts and pottery. From the exhibition, the visitors can see the long-standing history and profound culture and art of Tibet.
Outside the exhibition hall are green lawns and shadowy trees. Also there are a performance area for modern cultural and physical activities, a garden of local customs and folk culture and manor houses. In addition, the museum has a cultural gallery, handicraft shop and other service facilities. It is a good place for people to relax while visiting the exhibition.
Ganden Monastery
Ganden Monastery was founded near Lhasa in Tibet by Tsongkhapa in 1409 as the first and main Gelug monastery. Prophesied by the historic Buddha approximately about 2,000 years before his birth, Tsongkhapa, (1357-1419) prophesied by the historic Buddha approximately about 2,000 years before his birth, was a child prodigy who went on to establish and inspire Tibet's most powerful monastic sect, the Gelug. He was dissatisfied by the poor discipline - intellectual, religious, and monastic - of contemporary orders, so he reined his disciples and followers into a strict new order. The Gelug sect re-established the austerity of monastic life and emphasized the importance of philosophical study. Tsongkhapa, the first abbot of Ganden Monastery, was the appointed head of the Gelug sect.  
To this day, the abbot or “Tripa”, of Ganden Monastery, rather than the Dalai Lama, leads this sect. An interesting feature of this succession is that unlike the succession of Dalai Lama, which operates according to the principle of reincarnation, the position of Ganden Tripa is elected. As a result, the Ganden Tripa has traditionally been a strong candidate for the position of Regent within the Tibetan government at such times when the Dalai Lama was in his minority, absent or deceased.
"Ganden”, the Tibetan name for the paradise of the Buddha of the Future, was given by Tsongkhapa to the monastery. According to scriptures, the arrival of this Buddha will herald the end of the world's sufferings. This name suggests the wish that Ganden monastery would become a pathway to the world's salvation. 
The three main sights of Ganden Monastery per se are the Serdung, which contains the golden tomb of Tsongkhapa, the Tsokchen Assembly Hall and the Ngam Cho Khang Chapel where Tsongkhapa traditionally taught his students. 
Yangpachen
Yangpachen is a town approximately 87km (54 miles) north-west of Lhasa, halfway to Damxung. The town lies in an upland lush green valley surrounded by the tents of nomads with grazing yak and sheep populating the hillside.
The area is famous for the Yangpachen hot springs, which have been harnessed to produce much of the electricity for the capital Lhasa. It was said that long time ago, before the sky and the earth was separated, the whole world was in total darkness. People living at the foot of Mt. Nyainqentanglha were suffering. One day, a golden phoenix flied to the area, determined to create brightness by sacrificing itself. It threw one of its bright eyes onto the ground. A fairy caught the eye, and then a bright lamp arose in the air. Snow capped peaks of Mt. Nyainqentanglha appeared; grassland like huge carpet emerged; happiness came into Tibetan people. However, a greedy man near Yangpachen coveted the lamp. He took a witch man's idea to sharpen his hatred into an arrow to shoot the lamp. The lamp was broken then, the pieces of the lamp dropped onto the ground, turning into hot springs and burned the man to his end. People said that the hot springs were the fairy's tears.
There is a thermoelectric power plant on the edge of the Yangpachen hot springs field covering 20–30 square kilometers. The thermoelectric power plant was established in 1976, and the first development of geothermal power in the whole of China.
]]> <![CDATA[Lhoka]]> Samye Monsstery
Samye Monsstery is the first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, constructed in approximately 775 AD under the patronage of King Trisong Detsen of Tibet who sought to revitalize Buddhism, which had declined since its introduction by King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. The monastery is located in Dranang, Shannan Prefecture.
According to tradition, the Indian monk Shantarakshita made the first attempt to construct the monastery while promoting his sutra -centric version of Buddhism. Finding the Samye site auspicious he set about to build a structure there. However the building would always collapse after reaching a certain stage. Terrified, the construction workers believed that there was a demon or obstructive thoughtform in a nearby river making trouble. However, when Shantarakshita's contemporary Padmasambhava arrived from northern India, he was able to subdue the energetic problems obstructing the building of Samye. According to The Fifth Dalai Lama, Padmasambhava performed the Vajrakilaya Dance to assist King Trisong Deutsen and Shantarakshita clear away obscurations and hindrances in the building of Samye.
Samye Monastery is laid out on the shape of a giant mandala, with the main temple representing the legendary Mt. Meru in the centre. Other buildings stand at the corners and cardinal points of the main temple, representing continents and other features of the Buddhist universe.The main temple is full of Tibetan religious art in both mural and statue form, as well as some important relics. Many Tibetan Buddhists come on pilgrimage to Samye, some taking weeks to make the journey.
Yumbulagang
Yumbulagang is an antique fort in the district of Nêdong in the vicinity of Zêtang in Shannan. A legende counts Yumbulagang as the first building in Tibet.
According to a legende of followers of the Bon Religion, Yumbulagang was erected in the second century BC for the first Tibetan king Nyatri Tsenpo, descended from the sky. During the reign of the 28th King Lha Thothori Nyantsen in the fifth century a golden Stupa, a jewel (and/or a form to the manufacture of dough-Stupas) and a Sutra, that no one could read, felt from the sky on the roof of the building and should have called a voice of the sky: 'in five generations one should come, that understands its meaning.' Later, Yumpulagang became the summer palace of the 33rd king Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng in the Tang Dynasty. After Songtsen Gampo had transferred his seat to Lhasa, Yumbulagang became a Chapel and under the reign of the 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, a monastery of the Gelugpa School.
Tradruk Monastery
Tradruk Monastery is one of the earliest Buddhist temples in Tibetan history. Built in 641 AD, it is said that King Songtsan Gampo established the temple to suppress the ogress in order to prosper his kingdom, and later it became the winter palace of the King and Princess Wencheng in Tsedang. It contains the precious relics the Pear Tangkha, which, 2 meters in length, 1.2 meters in breadth, is made of 29,026 pearls and different precious stones by Naidong during the reign of Pamodrupa Kingdom.
]]> <![CDATA[Nyingchi]]> Basumco Lake
Basumco Lake, some times called Lake Basum, is named as Cuogao lake meaning green water in Tibetan language. It is a stunning highland lake lying 90km (56 miles) west of Kongpo Gymdo County. Besides offering awesome views, many glaciers on the upper reaches of the lake provide it with a constant supply of fresh water.
The lake is surrounded by mountains and enjoys a temperate climate. At the feet of the snow-clapped mountains, the vegetation is luxuriant and the trees of black maples, birches, pines cypresses and azaleas connected each other to form a world of greenery. The pristine waters of the green lake reflect the picturesque snow-capped peaks surrounding the lake. The entire area around Basum Lake is so beautiful that thoughts of the inspiring Swiss Alps come to mind as one stands on the shoreline of this majestic lake. Animals are living a comfortable and easy life in Basum. Fish are shoaling in the water, birds are circling in the air and beasts are roaming in the nearby forest.
Basum is also a notable holy lake of Nyingmapa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Nyingmapa, the 'school of the old persons', the so-called red caps, the oldest Tibetan buddistischen schools, find its beginnings of the Tibetan Buddhismus in 7th and 8th centuries on the shores of Basum Lake.
Another wonderful reason to visit Basum Lake is found on the northwest bank of the lake. Adventurous travelers find the gigantic stone, which has a hole allowing one person to pass.
At the center of the lake on an islet, there is a monastery, which was founded in the 17th century. Today, the monastery mainly houses Maitreya and Chenrezi. However, centuries ago, monks carved Buddhist figures and animals into the reef, bordering the small island making the small island a worthwhile stop to this beautiful highland treasure in Tibet known as Basum Lake.
Huge Cypress Forest
Huge Cypress is in Purqoin Village, where cypress trees cover an area of 10 hectares. Their average height is 44m with a trunk diameter of 1.58m. The largest cypress is famed as ‘the Best of Chinese Cypress' with the height of 52m and trunk diameter of 5.8m. It is over 2,600 years old now and is named as King of the World's Cypress. It is said that it is the life tree of Sinraomiqiho, the founder of the Bon Religion.
The King of Mulberry is near Bangna Village. It is 7.4-meter high and its trunk diameter is 4m, with an age of over 1,600 years. The mulberry is flourishing with leaves but without flowers or fruits, and is called a male tree. Every time before it rains, water will drop from the leaves of the tree so it is called as a ‘weather forecasting tree' by the locals. It is said that, long ago, the Nyang Qu River and the Yarlung Zangbo River were in flood at the same time. Bangna Village was flooded but several residents of this village escaped from death by climbing up the King of Mulberry, so it is also called a ‘life-saving tree'.
The King of Walnut Tree is near Mirui Village. It is 35-meter high, with a 4.5-meter high trunk and a diameter of 2.66m. Its crown covers 15 hectares and it is over 800 years old.
]]> <![CDATA[Shigatse]]> Yamdrok Lake
Yamdrok Lake is one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. It is over 72 km (45 miles) long. The lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and is fed by numerous small streams. The lake does have an outlet stream at its far western end. Around 90km to the west of the lake lies the Tibetan town of Gyantse and Lhasa is a hundred km to the northwest. According to local mythology, Yamdrok Lake is the transformation of a goddess.
Yamdrok Lake, has a power station that was completed and dedicated in 1996 near the small village of Pai-Ti at the lake's western end. This power station is the largest in Tibet.
The lake with an area of 621 square kilometers and the unknown depth is fan-shaped, spreading to the South but narrowing up to the North. The mountainous lake has a dozen of islands, the largest of which is about 3,000 square kilometer. The lake freezes up in winter. Like mountains, lakes are considered sacrosanct by the Tibetan people, the principle being that they are the dwelling places of protective deities and therefore invested with special spiritual powers.
There are shoals of fish living in Yamdrok Yumtso lake, which are commercially exploited by local population. From April to October, fish caught from this lake are sold at markets in Lhasa. Besides, the lake's islands serve as rich pasture land to local herdmen.
Palkhor Monastery & Kumbum Pagoda
Palkhor Monastery is very different from other monasteries with its unique structure. It lies at the foot of Dzong Hill, 230km south of Lhasa and 100km east of Shigatse.
The main assembly hall of Palkhor was built between the end of 14th century and the beginning of the 15th century. The ground floor of the three-story building is a Chanting Hall with 48 columns decorated with tangkas. An eight-meter high bronze statuary of Maitreya ia also on display and the gilded figure is made from 1.4 tons of bronze. On the second floor, Bodhisattva Manjushri and Arhats from the Ming Dynasty were enshrined in the chapels. Its Arhat Chapel is famous throughout Tibet. On the roof, a chapel houses a collection of 15 mandala murals, which are three meter in diameter. The monastery collects about 100 robes and costumes worn in Tibetan opera, all of which were made of silk, embroidery and tapestry during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Palkhor also features its Bodhi Stupa, or Kunbum in Tibetan. Deemed as the symbol of the monastery, the spectacular Stupa consists of hundreds of chapels in layers, housing about a hundred thousand images of various icons, in total there are about 3,000 statues.
Tashihunpo Monastery
Tashihunpo Monastery is one of the six big monasteries in Tibet. Located at the foot of Mt. Tara, it was founded by the First Dalai Lama in 1447 and was expanded by the fourth and successive Banchen Lamas. The monastery covers an area of nearly 300,000 square meters including the main structures of the Maitreya Chapel, the Panchen Lama's Palace and the Kelsang Temple. Tashihunpo is the seat of the Panchen Lama since the fourth Panchen Lama took charge in the monastery, and there are now nearly 800 lamas.
Standing on the entrance of Tashihunpo, you can see the grand buildings with golden roofs and white walls. The remarkable Tangka wall which is nine-floor high, displays the images of Buddha on the 14th, 15th and 16th of May every year following the Tibetan Lunar Calendar.
Besides the grand palace and gigantic statues, the Tashihunpo also treasures characteristic wall paintings. Because of the variety of shapes,resplendent colors and exquisite painting, the murals are considered to be another masterpiece of Buddhist art. Rare sutras, tangka, china and glass service of the Ming and Qing Dynasties are also invaluable asserts found in the monastery. These are good relics for researching the history and society of Tibet.
Shalu Monastery
The Shalu Monastery is situated in Rikuozuo within the Shalu village.The construction was started in 1000 by Jestun Sherab Jungne. Its architecture is of typical combination of the Tibetan and Chinese styles with the archways, carved pillars, tiled roofs and the Song and Yuan style murals, a rare and unique work of art, mixed feature of Tibetan and Han. Besides the various sorts of statues of Buddha, The monastery enshrines various relics such as religious objects,Buddhist scriptures written on "pattra" leaves, and an important decree of Pagpa, the Sakya abbot. It also has 4 treasures to be enshrined. The first is a scripture printing board carved out of sandal wood. The second is a copper jar to contain holy water. It is said that the water is changed every other 12 years, but the quantity and quality of the water do not change even ifit has been in the jar for 12 years. The third is a stone basin which is said to be used by Shaja Banzhida. The fourth is a stone Board with the 6-character principle engraved on it. On the 4 comers of the board are also engraved four clarit pagodas. It is said that when the construction first started, the board was unearthed.
Sakya Monastery
Sakya Monastery is located at the foot of Benbo Mountain in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Sakya Monastery is the ancestral temple of Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It was built in the 6th year (1073) of the Xining reign of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) by Khon Konchog Gyalpo, the founder of Sakyapa sect of Lamaism. Sakya, meaning 'Grey Soil' in Tibetan since the soil surrounding it is gray; it is the central monastery of Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. In the Yuan Dynasty, the fifth Sakya Throne Holder, Drogon Chogyal Phakpa, known as Phakpa, was appointed as the National Priest by Yuan Emperor Shizu. He took charge of the Buddhist and executive affairs of Tibet and initiated the history of monk's reign in Tibet. In the 2nd year (1265) of the Zhiyuan reign of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Phakpa returned to the Sakya Monastery. Three years later, with the subsidy of Yuan government, the Sakya Monastery commanded a great number of Han, Mongolian and Tibetan craftsmen to rebuild the Sakya Monastery. It became the political center of Tibet at that time. At the end of the Yuan Dynasty, the Sakya Monastery's position was replaced by Kagyu sect. Sakyapa sect only retained its religious and political power in Sakya region. As a result, the Sakya Monastery gradually declined and fell into disuse.
The Zhongqu River runs through the temple and divides it into the southern temple and the northern temple. The northern temple has been mostly deserted and the southern temple still remains. Its walls were painted in red, white and grey strips, which represent Manjushri, Avalokiteshvara and Vajrapani respectively. Therefore, the Sakya Monastery is also called Colored Temple and Sakyapa sect is also called Colored School. The northern temple looks like a castle with walls as high as 13 meters surrounding it. It is a square with an area of 15,000 square meters. In the middle of the eastern side is a gate, on the top of which there is a watchtower. On the west, north and south, there is also a watchtower respectively. On the four corners of the wall, there are four turrets. Outside the castle is a lower earthen castle and outside further is the deep trench. Walls, watchtowers, turrets; earthen castle and trench form the defensive system of the castle, which was almost formidable at that time.
The main architectures inside the castle are the Dajing Hall, the Buddhism Hall and the hall where the Sakya archbishop lived. They all preserve the style of Yuan architectures. The Dajing Hall is in the center of the temple and occupies an area of 5,700 square meters. The columns and walls inside it are all painted dark red. There are 40 columns, each 10 meters high. On the western, northern and southern sides are fresco corridors while on the eastern side is the hall where Sakyapa Masters are enshrined. To the north of Dajing Hall is the hall for Sakyapa archbishop, with monks' dorms on its north and back.
On the shelves of the Dajing Hall and the Buddhism Hall are displayed various hand-written Buddhist scriptures and books of Ming and Qing dynasties. It has the largest number of books among all the temples in Tibet. These scriptures and books are precious materials for research into the Tibetan history.
Mt.everest
Qomolangma meaning "Goddess" in Tibetan, is the highest mountain on earth with an altitude of 8, 848.13 metres. Mtl Qomolangma,known to the western world as Mt. Everest, stands at the south of Tingri county in southern Tibet, at the border of the central Himalayas, between China and Nepal, capped with accumulated eternal snow. Its snow peak sends out silver radiance year after year. Its waist is hidden in the clouds. The optimum weather to visit Mt. Everest is from April to June, a golden period for mountaineers. Each year, a great number of brave robust mountaineers come from all over the world to visit and climb Mt. Everest,hope to fulfill a life-long wish by climbing onto and looking over from the world's highest peak.
Rongbuk Monstery
Rongbuk is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Nyingma sect in Basum Township, Dingri County, Shigatse.
Rongbuk Monastery lies by the foot of the Rongbuk Glacier at 5,100m; it is the highest monastery in the world. It is only 200m lower than the north side Base Camp of Mt.Qomolangma. The monastery is accessible today via vehicle by means of an undeveloped dirt road. Prior to this, explorers had to walk for five weeks from Darjeeling, in the Indian foothills of the Himalaya, to reach this location.
Climbers must pass through Rongbuk in order to reach the highest peak of Mt.Qomolangma via the North Face. It has been described as having some of the most dramatic views in the world, presenting a panorama of the Shishapangma, Mt. Qomolangma, Cho Oyu, and Gyachung Kang peaks to visitors.
Rongbuk Monastery itself was founded in 1902 by a Nyingmapa Lama in an area of meditation huts that had been in use by monks and hermits for over 400 years. Hermitage meditation caves dot the cliff walls all around the monastery complex and up and down the valley. Many walls and stones, carved with sacred syllables and prayers, line the paths. The founding Rongbuk Lama, also known as the Zatul Rinpoche, was much respected by the Tibetans. Even though the Rongbuk Lama viewed the early climbers as 'heretics', he gave them his protection and supplied them with meat and tea while also praying for their conversion. It was the Rongbuk Lama who gave Namgyal Wangdi the name Ngawang Tenzin Norbu, or Tenzing Norgay, as a young child.
In previous times, the monastery became very active with the teachings at certain times of the year. It was, and is, the destination of special Buddhist pilgrimages where annual ceremonies are held for spectators coming from as far as Nepal and Mongolia. These ceremonies were shared with the satellite monasteries across the Himalaya also founded by the Rongbuk Lama.
Zhangmu
Also known as Kasa, Zhangmu perches on a mountainside 10km (6 miles) inland from the Friendship Bridge across the Bhotekoshi River (Sun Kosi River). The small town has become the major trading post between Tibet and Nepal. The subtropical oceanic climate endows the small town a warm, and humid weather and beautiful scenery throughout the year. A road snakes through the small border town. Along the only street in the town, private houses, shops, restaurant and government buildings are built. The booming border trade attracts merchants from inland China, Tibet and Nepal running business here. Nepalese merchants export rice, flour, pepper, vegetables, and perfumes while Chinese merchants sell wool, tea, salt and Tibetan medicine. Nepalese even run Nepalese restaurants in the small town, serving Nepalese dishes, instant noodles and beer produced in Nepal. A free trade market formed near the Friendship Bridge spontaneously 8 years ago, which is now still developing. According to an agreement between Chinese and Nepalese governments, people living near the border may cross the border freely within 30km (18 miles) from the border. Every day, hundreds of Chinese and Nepalese merchants are doing their business. The local Sherpas lease their houses to those merchants, sharing profits from the border trade.
]]> <![CDATA[Nagqu]]> Namtso Lake
With an area of 1,940 square kilometers, the Namtso Lake is the second largest salt-water lake. In the lake, there are 3 islands, which is an ideal habitat for all kinds of aquatic life. One of the islands is made of calcareous sandstone. It is characterized by the stone pillars, natural stone bridges and the stalactite caves. The beaches of the lake are a beautiful natural pasture. Wild life is having a good time there.
]]> <![CDATA[Nagri]]> Manasarovar Lake
Manasarovar is a fresh-water lake in Nagri, 2,000km from Lhasa. To the west of Lake Manasarovar is Lake Rakshastal and towards the north is Mt. Kailash, known in Tibetan as Khang Rinpoche.
Manasarovar Lake lies at 4,556m above mean sea level. It is the highest fresh water lake in the world. Lake Manasarovar is relatively round in shape. The circumference of Manasarovar is 88km , depth is 90m and it occupies a total area of 320 square kilometers. The lake freezes in winter and melts only in the spring. The Sutlej River, the Brahmaputra River, the Indus River, and the Karnali River (Ghaghara River) all trace their sources to its close vicinity.
Like Mt. Kailash, Lake Mansarovar is a place of pilgrimage, attracting religious people from India, Tibet and the neighboring countries. Bathing in the Manasa Sarovar and drinking its water is believed to cleanse all sins. Pilgrimage tours are organized regularly, especially from India, the most famous of which is the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra which takes place every year. Pilgrims come to take ceremonial baths in the cleansing waters of the lake.
According to Hindu religion, the lake was first created in the mind of the Lord Brahma. Hence, in Sanskrit it is called Manasarovar, which is a combination of the words manas (mind) and sarovar (lake). The lake, in Hindu mythology, is also supposed to be the summer abode of swans, who are considered as very wise and sacred birds. It is also believed the Devas descend to bathe in the lake between 3 and 5 am the time of the day known as Brahma Muhurta.
Buddhists also associate the lake to the legendary lake known as Anavatapta in Sanskrit and Anotatta in Pali, where Queen Maya is believed to have conceived Buddha. The lake has a few monasteries on its shores. The most notable of which is the ancient Chiu Gompa Monastery, which has been built right onto a steep hill. It looks as if it has been carved right out of the rock.
Mt.Kailash
Kailash means 'the Treasure or Saint of Snow Mountain' in Tibetan language. The name originates from the year-round snow on its peak and its historical religious connections. The mountain is sometimes called 'Mother of Iceberg'. It appears to be gazing at another mountain, Namcha Barwa, or 'Father of Iceberg' in the far distance.
Mt.Kailash is the highest peak in the massive Gangdise Mountain range with an altitude over 6,600m (about 21,654 feet). The peak is very pointed and looks like a pyramid piercing the sky. Seen from the south the vertical ice trough and horizontal rock formation combine as the Buddhist symbol Swastika '卐', which represents the eternal power of Buddha. More often that not, clouds will gather above the peak, so clear days are thought to be a blessing because local residents can get an unimpeded view.
Legend has it that a high level Lama named Milarepa competed with Naro Bonchung, the leader of Bon Religion, for supernatural power. Milarepa was triumphant and thus the mountain came under the guidance of Buddhism. However, the mountain is also said to be the gathering place of masses of gods, among which are the highest gods of Hinduism. So it is no surprise that many pilgrims of different faiths visit here.
Walking around the mountain is a popular ceremony despite the length and difficult terrain. According to the sayings of Buddhism, one circle around the mountain can atone for all the sins committed throughout one's lifetime. Completing ten circles around the mountain will prevent eternal damnation of hell tribulation in one's reincarnations of 500 years. Completing one hundred circles will make a person one with Buddha. While walking, Buddhists follow clockwise while Bonists proceed in a counter-clockwise direction. In the horse year when Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, is said to be born, worshippers get credit for thirteen circles for every one completed. Naturally, these years draw the largest number of tourists.
]]> <![CDATA[Chamdo]]> Chamdo (Tibetan: ; Wylie: chab-mdo; officially: Qamdo; Chinese: 昌都; Pinyin: Chāngdū), population about 86.280 (1999)[1] in Kham in the eastern Tibet Autonomous Region, is Tibet's third largest city (after Lhasa and Shigatse).[2] It is located about 480km (as the crow flies) from Lhasa, on the road the distance covers 1120 km (southern route) or 1030 km (northern route).[3] It is at an altitude of 3,230 metres (10,600 ft).

At the turn of the 20th century it had a population of about 12,000, a quarter of whom were monks.[4] Chamdo, and the region around, it is the centre for the fierce Khampa tribesmen.

Chamdo was visited by Tsongkhapa in 1373 who suggested a monastery be built there. Galden Jampaling Monastery was constructed between 1436 and 1444 by a disciple of Tsongkhapa, Jansem Sherab Zangpo.[5] It is also known as the Changbalin or Qiangbalin Si Monastery. At its height it contained five main temples and housed some 2,500 monks.[6] It was destroyed in 1912 but the main hall (which was used as a prison) and two other buildings survived, and it was rebuilt in 1917 after the Tibetan army retook Chamdo. It now houses about 800 monks.[7][8]
 

 

 

]]> <![CDATA[Mount Kailash，Mt.Kailash]]> Mount Kailash Breifing

Mount Kailash  is a peak in the Gangdisê Mountains, which are part of the Himalayas in Tibet. It lies near the source of some of the longest rivers in Asia: the Indus River, the Sutlej River
It is considered a sacred place in four religions: Bön, Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism. In Hinduism, it is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva and a place of eternal bliss. The mountain lies near Lake Manasarowar and Lake Rakshastal in Tibet.


Make a pilgrimage to Kailash


Every year, thousands make a pilgrimage to Kailash, following a tradition going back thousands of years. Pilgrims of several religions believe that circumambulating Mount Kailash on foot is a holy ritual that will bring good fortune. The peregrination is made in a clockwise direction by Hindus and Buddhists. Followers of the Jain and Bönpo religions circumambulate the mountain in a counterclockwise direction. The path around Mount Kailash is 52 km (32 mi) long.Some pilgrims believe that the entire walk around Kailash should be made in a single day. This is not easy. A person in good shape walking fast would take perhaps 15 hours to complete the 52 km trek. Some of the devout do accomplish this feat, little daunted by the uneven terrain, altitude sickness and harsh conditions faced in the process. Indeed, other pilgrims venture a much more demanding regimen, performing body-length prostrations over the entire length of the circumambulation: The pilgrim bends down, kneels, prostrates full-length, makes a mark with his fingers, rises to his knees, prays, and then crawls forward on hands and knees to the mark made by his/her fingers before repeating the process. It requires at least four weeks of physical endurance to perform the circumambulation while following this regimen. The mountain is located in a particularly remote and inhospitable area of the Tibetan Himalayas. A few modern amenities, such as benches, resting places and refreshment kiosks, exist to aid the pilgrims in their devotions. According to all religions that revere the mountain, setting foot on its slopes is a dire sin. It is claimed that many people who ventured to defy the taboo have died in the process


Following the Chinese army entering Tibet in 1950, and political and border disturbances across the Chinese-Indian boundary, pilgrimage to the legendary abode of Lord Shiva was stopped from 1954 to 1978. Thereafter, a limited number of Indian pilgrims have been allowed to visit the place, under the supervision of the Chinese and Indian governments either by a lengthy and hazardous trek over the Himalayan terrain, travel by land from Kathmandu or from Lhasa where flights from Kathmandu are available to Tibet and thereafter travel over the great Tibetan plateau by car. The journey takes four night stops, finally arriving at Darchen at elevation of 4,600 m (15,100 ft), small outpost that swells with pilgrims at certain times of year. Despite its minimal infrastructure, modest guest houses are available for foreign pilgrims, whereas Tibetan pilgrims generally sleep in their own tents. A small regional medical center serving far-western Tibet and funded by the Swiss Ngari Korsum Foundation was built here in 1997.Walking around the holy mountain—a part of its official park—has to be done on foot, pony or yak, taking some three days of trekking starting from a height of around 15,000 ft (4,600 m) past the Tarboche (flagpole) to cross the Drölma pass 18,200 ft (5,500 m), and encamping for two nights en route. First, near the meadow of Dirapuk gompa, some 2 to 3 km (1.2 to 1.9 mi) before the pass and second, after crossing the pass and going downhill as far as possible (viewing Gauri Kund in the distance).

 Featured Mt Kailash Trek

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1 Lhasa-Mount Kailash Trek-Kathmandu

2 17N/18D Lake Manasarovar Mount Kailash Trek

3 Overland tour from Tibet to Xinjiang

]]> <![CDATA[Tibet Attraction]]> setTimeout('window.location.href="tibet-travel-guide.html"', 2000);

Page goto "Tibet Travel Guide"......

-->]]> <![CDATA[Getting There]]> There are three routes to take into Tibet. Read on to find out more.
Lhasa by Air
There are flights from Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi’an, Chongqing, Kunming, Zhongdian and Kathmandu(Nepal) to Gonggar airport now, Gonggar airport is about 65km from Lhasa city. For details, check the flight timetable below.
 
For details, check the flight timetable
By train
Now there are trains from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou Chengdu, Chongqing, Lanzhou and Xining to Lhasa now. More and more people are taking the train into and out Tibet everyday now.
It is better to fly to Tibet and take the train out of Lhasa to Xining, as the Lhasa-Golmud sector offers the most breath-taking scenery, furthermore, Lhasa-Beijing, Lhasa-Shanghai, etc will cost you more than 48hrs, you will be extremely tired before you arrive your destination.
Read more about the Qinghai-Tibet Railway
Overland tour to Tibet
After years' construction, now you have 5 ways to enter Tibet: the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, the Yunnan-Tibet Highway, the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway and Nepal-Tibet Highway. For those very adventurous people, driving a land cruiser is the most popular way to explore Tibet, which will be remembered for the rest of your lift, but the drive does require a lot of courge and determination. In this section, we hope you can find which route is best for you.
Among the routes below, driving from Kathmandu ("friendship highway") is the easiest route. But please note if you are entering Tibet from Nepal, you must get your Chinese Visa in Kathmandu. The opening time for the Consulate of P.R China in Kathmandu is only available from 9:30AM-11:00AM on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
  • Sichuan (Chengdu) to Lhasa : 2159 kilometers to 2407 km
  • Yunnan (Kunming) to Lhasa: 2317 kilometers
  • Qinghai (Xining) to Lhasa: 1947 kilometers
  • Xinjiang (Yecheng) to Lhasa: 2743 kilometers
  • Kathmandu to Lhasa
]]> <![CDATA[Tibet Weather]]>

In fact, the Tibetan climate is not as harsh as many people imagine it to be. It is suitable for travel to Tibet from April to the beginning of November, and the best time is August and September. But if you only stay in Lhasa, you can go there anytime of the year.

The climate in highland Tibet belongs to the typical downy special climate. Climates are much different in different areas in Tibet and temperatures vary greatly within a single day. Climate in southeastern Tibet (e.g. Nyingchi) is gentle and temperate with the average temperature of eight degrees; In western Tibet (e.g. Nakqu), the average temperature is below zero degree; While in Lhasa and the central part of Tibet, the climate is normal and nice for traveling. Visitors would not feel cold in winter nor hot in summer, especially from March to October, the best seasons for traveling. Most annual rainfall comes in the rainy season that starts from May to September, when the precipitation covers 90 percent of the whole year. Usually it rains at night in Lhasa, Shigatse and Chamdo area. The precipitations gradually decrease from 5000 millimeters in the lower part of southeast to just 50 in the northwest.
 

Here below is the average temperature of Lhasa in a Year. Please prepare the clothing and medicine accordingly.

If you want to know the following five days’ weather for a city, just click the city below.
]]> <![CDATA[Tibet Festival]]>

If you participate in one colourful festival of Tibet, it will surely add more to your memory of the snowland. Hardly a day passes without some festivities, ceremonial observances or pilgrimages occurring in Tibet. Here below is the major traditional Tibetan festivals in Tibet.
Tibetan New Year
Tibetan New Year is the most important festival in Tibet. It is an occasion when Tibetan families reunite and expect that the coming year will be a better one. Known as Losar, the festival starts from the first to the third day of the first Tibetan month. Preparations for the festive event are manifested by special offerings to family shrine deities, painted doors with religious symbols, and other painstaking jobs done to prepare for the event. Tibetans eat Guthuk (barley crumb food with filling) on New Year's Eve with their families. Eating Guthuk is fun since the barley crumbs are stuffed with a different filling to fool someone in the family. The Festival of Banishing Evil Sprits is observed after dinner. Signs that the New Year is approaching when one sees lit torches, and people running and yelling to get rid of evil spirits from their houses. Before dawn on New Year's Day, housewives get their first buckets of water for their homes and prepare breakfast. After breakfast, people dress up to go to monasteries and offer their prayers. People visit their neighborhoods and exchange their Tashi Delek blessings in the first two days. Feast is the theme during the occasion. On the third day, old prayer flags are replaced with new ones. Other folk activities may be held in some areas to celebrate the events.
Butter Lamp Festival
The Butter Lamp Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month every year by the Tibetan in Qinghai and Gansu provinces. It ‘s the last day of the Great Prayer Festival. To honor the victory of Sakyamuni in a debate against Heretics,people assemble at the Barkhor Street in Lhasa, worshiping the Buddha in the daytime and by nightfall. People usually light thousands of lamps filled with butter in an intriguing assortment of designs including immortals, animals, flying birds, beasts, and flowers.. The whole festive will last all night. People sing and dance in great joy throughout the night.
Saka Dawa Festival
On the fifteenth day of the fourth Tibetan month is Saka Dawa Festival. The day is believed to be the time when Sakyamuni was born; stepped into Buddhahood, and attained nirvana. Tibetans believe that a merit is an accumulation of a myriad of merits from previous days, months or years. People refrain from killing animals by liberating them and abstain from eating meats. Sutra chanting, prayer turning, Cham dancing and other religious activities dominate the occasion. Offering sacrifices to the female deity enshrined in the temple on the islet of the Dragon King Pond, boating in the pond and picnicking add more to the festive mood.
Shoton Festival
Shoton Festival, also known as the Yoghurt Festival, begins on the thirtieth day of the sixth Tibetan month. The origin of the festival started from the 17th century when pilgrims served yoghurt to the monks who stopped for their summer retreat. Years later, Tibetan opera performances were added to the event to amuse monks in monasteries. During the festival, giant Thangkas of the Buddha are unveiled in Drepung Monastery while Tibetan opera troupes perform at Norbulingka.
Bathing Festival
The Bathing Festival starts on the twenty-seventh day of the seventh lunar month and lasts a week when Venus appears in the sky. Tibetans bring food, set up tents along rivers and bathe themselves under the star light. The holy bath was believed to heal all kinds of illnesses and wards off misfortune.
Nakchu Horse Race Festival
Nakchu Horse Race Festival is the most important folk festival in Tibet. People who gather for the annual horse race festival in Nakchu town construct a tent city. Dressing themselves and their finest horse, thousands of herdsmen participate in the thrilling horse race, archery and horsemanship contest. Other folk activities and commodity fairs are also held. The event falls on early August.
Gyangtse Horse Race Festival
There are different versions of the origin of Gyangtse Horse Race Festival, which is also popular throughout Tibet. The festival usually falls in June. Horse race, archery contest, and other games are performed to entertain people. Religious activities also are part of the event.
Harvest Festival
Harvest Festival (Ongkor in Tibetan) is celebrated when crops ripen, usually around August. The festival is observed only in farming villages. People walk around their fields to thank the gods and deities for a good year's harvest. Singing, dancing, and horseracing are indispensable folk activities.
Tibetan Festival Calendar in 2009 and 2010

List Of Festivals Dates in tibetan calendar In 2009 In 2010
Tibetan New Year (Losar) 1-3 of the 1st lunar month Feb 25 Feb 14
Monlam Prayer Festival 4-11 of the 1st lunar month Feb 28-mar 7 Feb 18-24
Butter Lamp/ Choe-Nga Choepa 15th of the 1st lunar month Mar 14 Feb 28
Saga Dawa 15th of the 4th lunar month June 7 May 27
Gyantse Horse Race 14-18th of 4th lunar month June 6-10 May 27-30
Thanka Unveiling At Tashilhunpo 15th of the 5th lunar month July 7 June 26
Shoton Festival 30th of the 6th lunar month Aug 20-25 Aug 10-15
Lhabab Dhechen 22nd of the 9th lunar month Nov 9 Oct 29
Palden Lhamo Festival 15th of the 10th lunar month Dec 2 Nov 21
Gaden Nga-Choe 25th of the 10th lunar month Dec 11 Dec 1
Gaden Thanka Unveiling 15th of 6th lunar month Aug 5 July 25
Nagchu Horse Race   Aug 10-16 Aug 10-16
Lithang Horse Race   Aug 1-3 Aug 1-3

]]> <![CDATA[Lhasa Shopping]]> Barkhor street in Lhasa is the most famous traditional Tibetan shopping market. Tourist can find lots of odd and fascinating stuff. Small shops and stores on the street sell a variety of items like Buddha figures, prayers flags, fur hats, amulets, conch-shell trumpets, rosaries, horse bells, copper teapots and jewelry inlaid with turquoise and other gems.
Tibetan Carpet
Tibetan carpet is one of the three main kinds of carpets in the world, renowned for its excellent workmanship, unique patterns showing strong ethnic and religious characteristics. Some of the carpets are simple but elegant; others are noble and luxurious. All of them are exquisite works of art.
Thangka
A Thangka is a painted or embroidered banner. In Tibetan the word 'than' stands for flat and the 'ka' means painting. Therefore, the Thangka is a kind of painting done on flat surface but which can be rolled up. The most common shape of a Thangka is the upright rectangular form.
Based on the techniques and materials, thangkas can be divided into several categories.
Generally they are divided into two major categories: those which are painted and those which are made of silk.
The painted thangkas are further divided into five categories: gold background; red background; black background; cotton support outlines and touched up with colors; painted on cotton canvas with water soluble pigments, tempered with a herb and glue solution.
Fresco
Tibetan fresco painting is an important part of Tibetan art. The painting of Buddha image must follow the rigid principles. They include the images of Buddha in his many manifestations, portraits of saints, great masters, founders of various Buddhist sects and the stories of their lives, wars, scenes of manual labour, construction of monastories and everyday life of the people.
Wooden Tablet Painting
Wooden Tablet Painting represents another branch of Tibetan art. Their subjects and pictorial composition are similar to those of thangka while the difference is that the pictures are drawn on wooden tablets of various shapes. Some of them have handles attached to them for holding and hanging.
Sand Painting
The materials of Sand Painting are colored sand and minerals. They are filled inside a cone with a tiny hole at the tip. Many disperse thought the hole will form a single line in the picture. The subject is usually `mandala'.
Bronze
The Tibetan artists absorbed the influences of the art of Han, Nepalese and Indian sculpture and developed a style and craft of their own which was distinctively Tibetan. The shaping of a bronze is a complicated process. It is so difficult and time-consuming that sometimes many artists spent all their lives making them but did not live to see them completed.
Mask
Masks depict the range of beings from deities to men and animals, qiangmu religious dances and folk tales. Those depicting humans are carved to display a certain characteristic such as honesty, harshness, greed or humor. Animals depicted are mainly deer, yaks, sheep and birds.
Butter Sculpture
Most Butter Sculptures produced in Lhasa are made for the Lamp Festival on the fifteenth day of the first month of the Tibetan year. The butter is first mixed with ice water, and then mineral dyes mixed in. Working on a wooden support, a world of flowers and grass and towers and buildings, populated with men and animals and deities, is then created.
Wooden and Stone Carving
These beautiful engravings lavishly decorate the columns, beams, door, windows and cross-beam supports in Tibetan monasteries and temples. Shrines, platforms seating deities, altars, stupas and some ritual objects are often adorned with wood carving or stone carving.
Clay Molding
Clay modeling of miniature Buddhist image represents a form of artistic expression in Tibetan Buddhism. As the modelings are not difficult to make and the material is easily obtainable, such objects of art are turned out in large quantities by Tibetan. They can be found almost everywhere.
Ritual objects
The numerous ritual objects of Tibetan Buddhism may be divided into six groups symbolizing respect, praise, attendance, devotion, protection and guidance. Kasayas, necklaces and hadas are symbols of respect. Bells, drums, bone flutes, and six-string lutes symbolize praise. The Buddhas' throne, water vessels, flower baskets, and canopies belong to the attendance group. Rosary beads, the fish-shaped wooden percussion instrument, scepters, bells, and initiation vessels are used to show devotion. Images of protecting deities, and written secret messages signify protection. Wheels, cylinders, tablets, banners and stones with the `Six-Syllable True Teaching' on them symbolize guidance.
]]> <![CDATA[What To Bring]]> Here below is a trekking check list which could be helpful for you. But if your tour is just a conventional one, some of the trekking equipment listed below is not necessary.
Trekking Check List
  • Passport, Visa
  • Flight tickets
  • Money, Credit Card (We accept Credit Card payment right now, but only a few big souvenir shops can accept credit card)
  • Travel plan, addresses
  • Medicine (see Medicine in detail as below)
  • Two pairs of trekking boots
  • Sleeping bag
  • Walking sticks
  • Water bottle
  • Day backpack
  • Big travel bags (soft luggage)
  • Gloves
  • Scarves
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun screen, lip balm, insect repellent
  • Cold weather trekking trouser (fleece inside)
  • Pullover
  • Fleece jacket
  • Socks
  • Towel
  • Toiletries
  • Plastic bags
  • Torch, headlamp
  • Knife
  • Camera, film, batteries
Watch, Compass Medicines

 

]]> <![CDATA[Clothing]]> The following are what we suggest you to bring for your Tibet Tour, if you want more information, please click to Tibet Weather & Climate
We also suggest some medicines,please click to Medicine
 
The temperature during daytime is around 10-25°C in Lhasa, but the night temperature may reach 0°C and when visit the lake or mountain, down-jacket is needed. Try to dress in black or other heavy color clothes since the road out of Lhasa may be very dusty and dirty. The following are some we are suggested to bring for your tour in Tibet:
  • Jacket: a fiber-pile jacket is ideal for evening.
  • Sweater: Wool or wool mix with a high neck for extra warmth.
  • Headwear: wool or fible-pile ski-stly cap or balaclava for warmth.A lightweight brimmed hat is good for sun protection .Inexpensive broad brimmed straw and elt hats are sold in Tibeet's city markets.
  • Scarf: wool or silk is best .
  • Mittens or gloves: wool, pile, or polypylene are best.
  • Bandanna or handkerchief: Bring several.
  • Cotton underwear: four or five pairs.
  • Socks: at least three pairs.
  • Shirts: A long-sleeve shirt made of wool, flannel, or chamois, or a track-suit top. A long-sleeve stay-pree cotton shirt for warmer temperatures.Bring two or three T-shirts as well.
  • Pants: For men, one pair of loose-fitting wool pants, wool knickers, or fiber-pile pants, and one pair of light-weight cotton pants. Women should wear a midcalf dress or skirt, though pants and knee-lenth knickers with socks are also acceptable.Shorts are not appropriate at any time in Tibet for men or women.
  • Jornal, reading book, writing materials: For quiet moments.
  • Camera: You will regret not bring one.
  • Binoculars: Good for observing birds, wildlife, and distant scenery.
  • Money pouch or belt: Safer than a wallet for keeping your passport, meney, and valauable papers.
  • Pictures from home: Personal photographs of your children, pet, city, house, and so on are a great way to communicate with ocal people.
  • Snack foods: Nuts, chocolate bars, granola bars, dried fruit, hard candies， beef jerky, and flavored drink mixs are much-appreciaed trail treats.

 

]]> <![CDATA[Medicine]]> Medicine is a must for travelers to Tibet. Since the boiling point of water is somewhat lower in Tibet because of the oxygen shortage and low air pressure, it is better to boil water for a longer period of time. Drinking water should be purified with iodine or other purification tablets to prevent intestinal complaints. And when you first arrive, you may have loose bowl, so you should prepare some bitter aloes, berberine and so on. But the water in Tibet is very pure, where most of the water is natural mineral water. Furthermore, take some chrysanthemum tea, sealheal mulberry leaves and gen-seng powders, vitamin C pills, and some pain-killers, and enough medicines for colds, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Some nasal ointment and throat-moistening pills will be of great help for those who are sensitive to chilly or freezing weather conditions. Please consult your doctor prior to your travel to Tibet.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, eg 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 hygine 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.
]]> <![CDATA[Money and Credit Card]]> Money & Credit Card
In Tibet, the only place to change foreign currency and travellers cheques is the Bank of China. The top end hotels in Lhasa have exchange services but they are only availbale for guests. The sensible thing to do is to change as much money in Lhasa as you think you need. The only other places to change money are in Shigatse, Zhangmu and Purang(or perhaps Ali). If you are travelling upcountry, try and get your cash in small denominations: RMB100 and RMB50 bills are sometimes difficult to get rid of in rural Tibet. If you don't like the idea of turning up at the border with no Chinese currency you can buy cash RMB from banks in Hong Kong and the Bank of China in large cities.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are not recommended as a way of payment in Tibet. Flights and Lhasa can not be paid using a credit card. The Lhasa central branch of the Bank of China is the only place in Tibet which provides credit card advances. A 4% commission is usually deducted.
 
Remark : In Tibet, coins are not acceptable even for donations, and sometimes the new version of money are not recognized and accepted as well.
 
Money and Currency Exchange in Tibet
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.
 
Ali
Only cash is possible.
 
 
]]> <![CDATA[Sunburn]]> It is very easy to get sunburnt in Tibet. Sunburn can be more than just uncomfortable. Among the undesirable effects are premature skin ageing and possible skin cancer in later years. Sunscreen ( UV lotion) with a high sun protection factor( SPF>30) , good quality sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are good means of protection.
 
Those with fair complextions should bring reflective sunscreen( containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide) with them. Apply the sunscreen to your nose and lips and note how many hours it works.
 

 

]]> <![CDATA[Taboos In Tibet]]> The Tibetans are among the easiest people to get along with in Asia, however, considering the unique culture and religion, please keep in mind the taboos below when you travel in Tibet:
Taboos on diet
Tibetan people, especially the initiated Buddhists do not kill living things. They don’t kill cows or sheep although they eat beef and mutton. Tibetan people do not take horse, dog and donkey meat and also do not eat fish in some areas, so please respect their diet habits.
Generally, Tibetans do not eat fish, shrimps, chickens and eggs. But the diet habits have already changed a lot in the recent years with tourists’ coming into Tibet.
At dinner, do not eat mouthful. Do not chew your food noisily. Drink soup without noises.
Taboos on social courtesies
Let the guests or the elder people go first when you walk together with them. When you talk, use honorific expressions. When you address somebody, please add "la" behind the name to express respects. When greeting or seeing off a guest, smile at him while you bend your body forward and bend your knees. If you are asked to sit down, please cross your legs, do not stretch your legs forward and face your sole to others. Do not gaze around casually. You should accept the gift with both hands. While presenting the gift, you should bend your body forward and hold the gift higher than your head with both hands. While offering tea, wine or cigarette, you should offer them by both hands and do not tough the inside of the bowl with any of your fingers.
When the host presents you a cup of wine, you should dip your ring finger in the wine and flick the wine in the air three times to express your respects to the heaven, the earth and the ancestors before sipping the wine. The host will fill the cup, and you take a sip of the wine again. After the host fills your cup for the forth time, you have to bottom it up.
When the host presents you a cup of ghee tea, you should wait until the host holds the cup with both hands to you and take the tea.
Do not accept things or give things to others with one hand. When the host fills the cup, you should lower the cup a little with both hands to show respect.
Taboos on behaviors
Do not spit or clap your palms behind Tibetan people.
Seeing any dagobas, monasteries or Mani piles, please go around them clockwise (not of the Bon). Do not cross any musical instruments used in the Buddhist mass. Do not cross any fire-pans.
Do not relieve yourself near any cattle pens, horse stables, or sheepfolds.
Do not throw any bones into fire.
Do not touch other’s head by hand.
Do not use paper with Tibetan characters as tissue or wipe off mess with the paper.
Do not step on threshold when entering the tent or house. Do not spit in front of the Tibetan people.
In the tent, men sit on the left side, and women on the right side.
When there is someone ill or when a woman is giving birth to a baby, Tibetans will make a sign in front of their houses. Some people light a fire in front of their houses. Some place a branch or a red cloth tag in the doorway. Do not enter the house if you see the sign.
Tibetan people believe that there are auspicious days and ominous days for everyone. In the ominous days, people can do nothing but stay at home pattering or go to worship the gods and Buddha to avoid the mischance. The Tibetans believe that the end of each Dizhi (the 12 Terrestrial Branches, used in combination with ten Celestial Stems to designate years, months, days and hours) and the beginning of the following Terrestrial Branch in the Tibetan calendar is an ominous year. People should be more careful when they reach their ages of 13, 25, 37 and 49 and so on, which are believed to be one’s ominous years in their life.
On the outskirts, you could not drive or disturb the sheep or cows with red, green or yellow cloth strips on because these animals are the Tibetan sacrifice to worship gods. Eagles are the sacred birds in the eyes of the Tibetan people. You should not drive them away or injure them.
Taboos Related to Belief
Do not whirl round the prayer wheels anticlockwise.
Do not enter the monastery without permission. No smoke in monasteries. Also it is banned to touch the statue of Buddha and religious articles and scan the sutra books, toll the bells or beat the drums. Do not touch any amulets or the prayer beads that the Lama wears. Be quiet when you are in the monastery, and sit erect. Do not take the seat of the Living Buddha. Do not make noise, hunt or kill any animals near the monastery.
Do not make a racket when you arrive at a mountain (rackets at the quiet mountaintop are believed possible to cause sudden storm or hailstones).
]]> <![CDATA[Tibet Custom]]> Tibetan Buddhism
The Tibetan Buddhism was introduced to Tibet from the mainland and India in the seventh century. The Tibetan Buddhism consists of four major sects, the Ge lug pa Sect, the Nying ma pa Sect, the Saturday kya pa Sect, and the Ka gyu pa Sect.
Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage is the tradition of Buddhist in Tibet,For the ordinary Tibetan,pilgrimage is a means of accumulating merit or good luck. They may go on pilgrimage in the hope of winning a better rebirth, cure an illness, end a spate of bad luck or simply because of a vow to take a pilgrimage if a bodhisattva granted a wish.
Presenting Hada
Present hada is a common practice among the Tibetan people to express their best wishes on many occasions, such as wedding ceremonies, festivals, visiting the elders and the betters, and entertaining guests. The white hada, a long narrow scarf made of silk, embodies purity and good fortune.
Sky Burials
Sky burial is a common form in Tibet. There are many prohibitions. Strangers are not allowed to attend the ceremony. Visitors should respect this custom and keep away from such occasions.
Toast and Tea
When you come to a Tibetan family, the host will usually entertain you with toast and barley wine. You should sip three times and then drink up. To entertain guests with tea is a daily etiquette. The guest has not to drink until the host presents the tea to you.
]]> <![CDATA[Tibet Food]]> Tsampa
The basic Tibetan meal is tsampa, a kind of dough made with roasted barley flour and yak butter with water, teror beer. It has a certain novelty value the first time you try it, but only a Tibetan can eat it every day and still look forward to the next meal.
Meat
Tibetans live on beef,mutton and milk products.As everybody knows,beef and mutton contain high heat energy,which is helpful for people living in the area of high attitude to withstand coldness.It is very interesting that Tibetans have the practice of eating raw meats.Dried beef and mutton will be found hanging in Tibetans' tents if you pay a visit to the local families,and the host may ask you to taste the dried raw beef and mutton.
Yak Butter
Yak Butter,refined from the milk of cattles and goats,is the daily food of Tibetans.It is intriguing for Tibetans to refine yak butter.As milk segregators are not widely used in the pasturing area in Tibet,Tibetan people usually refine milk in old way.Yak butter has very high value of nutrition. Tibetans usually eat fruits and vegetables little,especially in pasturing area,the daily required heat energy is supplied by yak butter besides meats.
Milk product
The prevalent milk products are yoghourt and milk sediment.Yoghourt has two types as well,one is cheese,Daxue in Tibetan,which is made of milk from which ghee has been refined;the other is Exue made of milk from which ghee has not been refined.Yoghourt is a kind of food after saccharification, richer in nourishing components and easier to digest.Milk sediment can be made into milk cakes.
]]> <![CDATA[Travel Tips]]> qdsfdsrgdsgrtdsgsdgsdrtgsd

]]> <![CDATA[Altitude Sickness]]>

About AMS
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) 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.
Symptoms tend 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.
Symptoms tend to be worse at night and when respiratory drive is decreased. Mild AMS does not interfere with normal activity and symptoms generally subside within two to four days as the body acclimatizes. As long as symptoms are mild, and only a nuisance, ascent can continue at a moderate rate.
The altitudes of different places in Tibet

Place Altitude Place Altitude
Lhasa 3658 m/12001 ft Nyingchi 3000 m/9843 ft
Nagqu 4507 m/14787 ft Tsedang 3500 m/11483 ft
Qamdo 3205 m/0515 ft Shigatse 3836 m/12585 ft
Damshung 4200 m/13780 ft Gyangtse 4040 m/13255 ft
Pome 2750 m/9022 ft Tingri 4300 m/14108 ft
Amdo 4800 m/15748 ft Zayui 2325 m/7628 ft

Tips to avoid AMS
Do not overexert yourself or more higher for the first 24 hours.
Drink extra fluids. The mountain air is dry and cold and moisture is lost as you breathe. Evaporation of sweat may occur unnoticed and result in dehydration.
Take it easy and don't overexert yourself when you first get up to altitude. But, light activity during the day is better than sleeping because respiration decreases during sleep.
Avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of dehydration, and don't smoke.
Don't push yourself when climbing up to passes, rather take plenty of breaks.
If you begin to show symptoms of moderate altitude sickness, don't go higher until symptoms decrease.
Avoid catching cold before you entering Tibet.
Prepare some AMS pills according to your doctor's suggestion.
 
Who can't go
Everyone should have more or less altitude symptoms. However, those who have the following symptoms may not going to Tibet
1. something relating to Tuberculosis, pneumonia, serious tracheitis, bronchitis
2. Serious heart attack, high blood pressure
3. have already got a serious cold

Click here to learn more about Altitude Sickness!

]]> <![CDATA[Insurance]]> More and more families are choosing to travel during their vacations. Although visiting new places is rewarding and exciting, sometimes unexpected contingencies occur that put a damper on your trip. Thus, to minimize unplanned damage and loss, travel insurance offers a safeguard, providing immediate help as well as reimbursement or payment for mishaps that may occur during your trip.
In China, most travel agencies offer their clients Travel Agencies' Liability Insurance. Each insurance company must carry this coverage, however, only the issue caused by the travel agencies may be compensated, since the beneficiary (insured) is the travel agency.
Travel Agencies' Liability Insurance
Issued by National Tourism Administration of China (CNTA) on May 15, 2001, the Travel Agencies' Liability Insurance law was officially enacted in China on September 1st that year. Under this statute, every Chinese travel agency must provide their clients this insurance to guarantee the legitimate rights and interests of both travel agency and tourists.
The Insurance Coverage
'Accidents' listed below which are caused by the travel agency may be compensated:
  • Tourists' casualty (injury or death)
  • Related expenses for medical treatment and related transportation fee
  • Expenses related to the tourists' death and repatriating the body
  • Expenses that occur when the necessary aid has been provided to tourists, including the transportation fee, dining and lodging costs of relatives visiting; payment for the staff of the travel agency and doctors; fees for postponing the tourists travel itineraries
  • Loss, damage, and theft of tourists' belongings
  • Legal costs incurred disputing the fault of travel agency
  • Other compensation agreed upon between the travel agency and the insurance company
Please note that this insurance only lasts for one year and the maximum amount of reimbursement for inbound travel from abroad is CNY160, 000 per person.
Since the Travel Agencies' Liability Insurance will not cover any expenses related to accidents outside of the control of the travel agency, it is highly recommended that the traveler buy personal insurance in his or her home country prior to departure.
Question:Is travel insurance necessary?
Answer: Yes. We strongly recommend that our clients purchase travel insurance before departure on a tour to guard against unforeseen circumstances.
Most travel insurance companies offer Trip Cost Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, emergency medical transport and medical expenses insurance. These policies pay for loss due to unforeseen circumstances such as death, injury and illness. Travel policies also cover you for a variety of other risks, such as cancellation charges, loss of money, loss of baggage, and liability to third parties, to name a few. Although we do everything possible to ensure client security, if a mishap occurs, it can be very costly to you. By purchasing travel insurance you can relax, knowing that you can deal with problems that may arise. In addition, an annual travel policy may save you money if you plan to go abroad more than once in any twelve-month period.
Question: What kind of insurance can you offer us if we book a tour with you?
Answer: The insurance we offer our clients is called Travel Agencies' Liability Insurance, regulated by the China National Tourism Administration. Under this plan client will receive compensation for personal or property losses, injury, or damage incurred during the guided tour. This insurance does not cover mishaps or physical problems occurring outside the guided tour period or caused by clients themselves.
Question:Is it enough for a traveler to buy only Travel Agencies' Liability Insurance?
Answer: Travel Agencies' Liability Insurance covers only accidents occurring during the activities arranged by a travel agency, so it is recommended that you purchase personal insurance in your home country before departure. We recommend that all visitors to China purchase travel insurance sufficient to cover medical needs and trip curtailment beyond the coverage of the Agency policy.
]]> <![CDATA[Road Condition]]>  

Road Conditions in Tibet
As the rapid development of Tibet's economy and the strong support of central government,
the road conditions in Tibet are better and better.
 
Common vehicles could run on some of the roads, say for instance, Lhasa to the airport, to Tsedang, to Nakchu. Only to those far away from Lhasa land cruisers will be used for the smooth passing.
 

Route
Distance
Hours
Road conditions
Vehicle type
Airport - Lhasa
70km
1hour
asphalt road in good condition
All
Lhasa - Gyantse via Yamdrok-tso
340km
7hours
Rough road condition around mountains
All
Gyantse - Shigatse
90KM
1.5hours
Cement road in good condition
All
Lhasa – Shigatse
(friendship Hwy)
300KM
4-5hours
Cement road in good condition
All
Shigatse - Shegar
240KM
5hours
asphalt road ( With a bit construction)
All
Shegar - Rongphu Monastery
100KM
3hours
Rough road condition around mountains
Landcruiser
Shegar - Old Tingri
60KM
1hour
asphalt road
All
Old Tingri - Zhangmu
190KM
5hours
Rough road around mountains
Landcruiser or
good Minivan
Shigatse - Zhangmu
490KM
11hours
Part of asphalt road and part rough road
Landcruiser or good Minivan
Lhasa - Tsedang
170KM
3hours
Cement road in good condition
All
Lhasa - Namtso
250KM
4hours
Cement road in good condition
All
Shigatse - Namtso
280KM
7hours
Rough road by crossing high passes
Landcruiser
Lhasa - Bayi(+Basum-tso)
460KM
8hours
Cement road in good condition
All
Lhasa - Golmud
1200KM
25hours
Cement road in good condition
All
Lhasa - Ali
1800KM
3-4days
Rough road ( grassland, plateau mountains ranges)
Landcruiser

 
 
 
 
 
]]> <![CDATA[Local Customs]]> Tibetan Buddhism
The Tibetan Buddhism was introduced to Tibet from the mainland and India in the seventh century. The Tibetan Buddhism consists of four major sects, the Ge lug pa Sect, the Nying ma pa Sect, the Saturday kya pa Sect, and the Ka gyu pa Sect.
Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage is the tradition of Buddhist in Tibet,For the ordinary Tibetan,pilgrimage is a means of accumulating merit or good luck. They may go on pilgrimage in the hope of winning a better rebirth, cure an illness, end a spate of bad luck or simply because of a vow to take a pilgrimage if a bodhisattva granted a wish.
Presenting Hada
Present hada is a common practice among the Tibetan people to express their best wishes on many occasions, such as wedding ceremonies, festivals, visiting the elders and the betters, and entertaining guests. The white hada, a long narrow scarf made of silk, embodies purity and good fortune.
Sky Burials
Sky burial is a common form in Tibet. There are many prohibitions. Strangers are not allowed to attend the ceremony. Visitors should respect this custom and keep away from such occasions.
Toast and Tea
When you come to a Tibetan family, the host will usually entertain you with toast and barley wine. You should sip three times and then drink up. To entertain guests with tea is a daily etiquette. The guest has not to drink until the host presents the tea to you.
]]> <![CDATA[Photo Gallery]]> Tibet is located at the Southwest part of China, the capital city is Lhasa. It is bordered on the south by Burma, India, Bhutan and Nepal, on the north by Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Qinghai province, and on the east by Sichuan and Yunnan Province.
Located on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau and with an average altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level, Tibet is regarded as the roof of the world and the Third pole of the Globe. Tibet is encompassed by some of the world’s highest mountains: The Himalayas to the south, the Karakoram to the west, and the Kunlun to the north are the dream lands of so many adventurers and mountaineers.

]]> <![CDATA[Traveller's Voice]]>

by
mutteringflipflap
Posted on
18-Jul-2007 23:04

Just a piece of advice to all would-be travellers to Tibet:

If you want to experience the famous Qinghai-Lhasa train ride, take the train from Lhasa and out to Xining/Chengdu/Beijing, etc. I will advice all not to take the train into Lhasa as it's close to impossible to get any tickets on the hard/soft sleeper. Even if you were to pay the black market price, it's still extremely difficult to secure the sleeper tickets.

By
Tilanne
Posted on
19-Jul-2007 12:28

Hi,
is it easy to buy tickets from Xining?

Can tickets be bought directly from the railway station or from some agency?

I´ve already posted some inquiry to one other thread, but as this concerns more about my topic so here it is again.

I´m planning to travel to Tibet by taking a flight to Xining, staying there one night and then take the train to Lhasa. Sometime in september / october

by
westwood
Posted on
19-Jul-2007 20:24

It was difficult way back in April to get tickets for sleepers from Chengdu to Lhasa.

Guest
Posted on
19-Jul-2007 21:14

This is confusing. I'm talking to friends in Beijing (local Chinese) who checked for me, and they say you can't buy tickets until 10 days ahead.

What the heck is it?

by
mutteringflipflap
Posted on
20-Jul-2007 01:09

Hi KennethToronto,

All train tickets in China are only open for sale 10 days before the date of departure, except for the Hong Kong - Guangzhou train tickets. However, there are some routes that are so popular that they get snapped up before they go on sale to the public. I call these the black-market tickets. Essentially, the officials who work in the train stations buy them up themselves and sell it at a high price to travel agents and who will sell these at yet a higher price to travellers.

Tickets from any cities in China INTO Lhasa are very, very popular. Personally I have approached at least 10 travel agents to get me the tickets but only 2 replied to say they can get it. One packaged it with a 10 day tour at a ridiculous price; the other quoted me RMB 1300 for a soft sleeper, Xining into Lhasa (the official price is only RMB 409). I went with the latter but guess what - I was told a couple of days ago that the sleeper tickets are ALL sold out, only hard seats left! I had no choice and went ahead to buy a hard seat ticket at RMB 726 (official price at RMB 226, so technically I paid RMB 500 for the booking fee).

Tilanne, I will advise you to reverse your trip: Fly into Lhasa and take the train out.

I hope this helps!

By
Tilanne
Posted on
20-Jul-2007 01:12

It sure is if it´s like that...

Has anyone else faced same kind of problems?

There is a peak season in China from August to October so this might make getting train tickets difficult. Or is it just that?

If Ken´s example is the current situation in China it would make my trip a little bit longer than originally planned...;)

By
Tilanne
Posted on
20-Jul-2007 01:16

thanks, mutteringflipflap!

(was replying to Ken while you posted your message;)

by:
mikeygster
Posted on
20-Jul-2007 01:27

we too are trying to get to lhasa on the train.

tried in bejing - impossible or too expensive and some people were asking for our permits which are still being processed.

heading to xian and xining next to give it a go. will let you know of we are lucky.

have been told there are trains from xining and lanzhou which originate in these cities - hence easier to get tickets. anyone heard anyting similar.

thanks

By
DafLoz
Posted on
20-Jul-2007 08:44

Personal experience from a few days ago. The only seats that are easish to get are hard seats from beijing (47hour journey!!).

Doesn't matter how much money you pay (we met a couple who had paid 3500RMB each fror soft sleepers months ago and still couldn't get any tickets - not even when they downgraded to hard sleepers at the same price.

It also seems to be extremely hard to get seat tickets from Xining (even hard seats) and very difficult from Xian.

Believe me, if you want a sleeper - you have to know someone VERY special at the moment - even if you find a travel agent who says he can get them - doesn't matter how much you pay he almost certainly can't - you will only find out the day of your journey!

My advice if you have to go by train is Hard Seat from Beijing as soon as possible after the 10 days before you travel and then explorer other options. You can always refund the Beijing ticket (-20 %) if you do find something better.

by
anaya
Posted on
22-Jul-2007 07:21

If the option is flying one way and taking the train the other way fly to Lhasa and take the train out. Its easier to get tickets out of Lhasa and the scenery is better as you pass the Tibetan areas in daylight.

by
Losang
Posted on
24-Jul-2007 18:01

Agree with the others...getting sleeper tickets to Lhasa are very difficult. I have been trying to arrange tickets to Lhasa from Xining all summer for people with great difficulty. A lot of it has to do with the local mafia/black market. Somehow they are able to buy a large percentage of the tickets before they even go on sale. In Xining the tickets go on sale 10 days in advance. Even if you go to the train station 10 days in advance, hours before the ticket window opens there is a good chance the tickets will be sold out. A woman from Singapore emailed me a couple of weeks ago and told me her aunt (local Loanzhou person) was first in line at the ticket window in Lanzhou waiting to buy tickets for the train 10 days in advance and they were sold out. How can the tickets be all sold out when she was the first in line to buy tickets for the train leaving in 10 days?? Some travel agencies in Xining are able to get sleeper tickets, but the "service charge" is extremely high. It is usually between Y700 and Y1000 per ticket. Since getting any type of sleeper ticket is next to impossible to arrnage, I have quit trying to get them. It is a little easier to get a hard seat on the train from Xining to Lhasa, but the past week even these have been difficult to get.

by:
scotfrank
Posted on
25-Jul-2007 02:07

Right now it seems possible to buy hard seat tickets from Beijing to Lhasa for 5 days in advance. It's not all that bad, after all.
The only problem is you still (as far as I know) need a permit to buy them as a foreigner.

]]> <![CDATA[FAQ]]> Questions are not found above? Please leave a message to us at letstraveltibet@gmail.com

]]> <![CDATA[Tibet Hotel]]> <![CDATA[Tibetan Horse Race]]>
Tibet Horse Festival---Tibet Horse Race Tour ----Book              Naqu 9 days Horse Race Festival -------Book

Introduction to the Festival    

Yushu and Litang Horse Race Festival annually are two of the largest horse festivals in Tibet. This is also a well-designed cultural expedition to map the eastern frontiers of ancient Tibet Empire. You will have chances to encounter with the colorful Amdo, Kham, Gulok and Gyarong ethnic groups of Tibetan people, also visit each group’s homelands, their cultural and spiritual places the magnificent monasteries and sacred mountains. Moreover, we will take part in their celebrations of the two festivals.

On this trip you get a chance to explore the stunning scenery and beautiful monasteries of mysterious Tibet. Many places you visit have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. The Horse Festival, an annual gathering of between 2,000-3,000 horses and riders living in tents on the open grassland. This festival is an annual harvest celebration, when people meet and riders compete in races and enjoy music, dancing and feasting as well.

Introduction to Yushu

Yushu Tibet Autonomous Prefecture is located in southern Qinghai province on the northern Tibetan Plateau. Yushu has a population of 280,000 people and is over 95% Tibetan. Yushu is one of the most remote areas in Tibet being over 500 miles (800km) from Xining (capital of Qinghai) and over 750 miles (1200km) from both Lhasa and Chengdu. Yushu is not connected by air or by train. The only way to get there is by sleeper bus. Yushu Tibet Autonomous Prefecture is famous across Tibet for containing the headwaters of three of Asia's greatest rivers. The Mekong (Lancang Jiang in Chinese), Yellow River and Yangtze all start in Yushu.

Living conditions are harsh as winters are long and cold. Snow can fall in these counties well into summer. These areas average over 270 freezing days per year. Due to the high altitude and freezing temperatures little can grow in this area. Farmers, with the aid of insulated greenhouses, are able to grow a few crops such as barley and potatoes.

Yushu is one of the best regions of Tibet to see real authentic Tibetan culture. Because Yushu is so remote, the long bus ride and poor conditions keep most travelers away. The Tibetans of Yushu are also famous for their dancing and for their annual horse festivals held each summer, one of the largest in Tibet.

Yushu Horse Festival

The weeklong spectacular Horse Festival commences on July 25, on a grassy plain south of town. Colourful Tibetan tents surround the racecourse where more than 10,000 people converge to barter and enjoy the celebrations at this Horse Racing Festival. Shows of horsemanship skills, including archery on horseback and racing, are the main theme. Of course the Tibetans never call for the day without singing and dancing. The Tibetans bring their traditional nomadic tent made of black yak hair tents and these colourful applique affairs are sometimes bigger than houses. Best time to visit is summer. The weeklong spectacular Horse Festival commences on July 25 each year.

Kham Horse Festival

The Kham region of Tibet is one of 5 traditional regions of the Tibetan plateau.  These regions of the plateau make up Tibet, regardless of which Chinese province they technically lie in. Kham, the southeastern portion of the Tibetan plateau, is the most populated region of Tibet and is home to nearly 40% of the Tibetan population of China.  This tour provides a unique, refreshing, and authentic experience compared to the mostly Chinese and heavily toured Lhasa region.

Kham is the remote and rugged region of Eastern Tibet characterized by high mountains, deep alpine river gorges, spectacular fortress homes and vast rolling alpine green pastures where nomads graze their yak herds. When the Khampa men of this region strayed outside their homeland, they were held in awe and fear, for they were the tough horsemen warriors of Tibet. Recent history has wrought changes to the culture and traditions of these people but horses still play an important part in their lives. Thus, in the summer months, the communities of this region gather together for their annual celebration, when their horsemen race their sturdy steeds and show off their equine skills, with much dancing and singing to embellish the event.

This year we have been invited to attend a traditional horse festival as special guests of a monastery in the heart of Kham, very much away from any tourist trail. This is a unique opportunity and we are sure to be welcomed by the local community. In addition we will also see Tibetan homes, nomads, ancient monasteries, magnificent scenery, carpets of wild flowers, pandas…and, of course, it’s always an adventure up on the roof of the world!

Participants will also have the opportunity to spend 4 days photographing the Jyekundo-Yushu Horse Festival while living along side the locals in Tibetan-style tents.  This is the largest horse festival in all of Tibet.  More than 20,000 Tibetans from the surrounding grasslands will converge on the Jyekundo-Yushu Horse Festival.

Content of the Festival

Tibet Horse Festival is a traditional and high-class festival in the Tibet
steppe. Tens of thousands herdsmen dressing gorgeous clothes will bring highland barley liquor, yogurt, tents with beautiful patterns and racing horses flooding into the race track from everywhere. Except horse racing, toxophily and equestrianism, weightlifting, tug-of-war, rap performance are also held here. Sometimes there will be a large-scale goods exchange. Horse racing is an activity beloved by Tibetan people, for it is not only an assemblement for leisure time and exchanging farming experience, but also a show of horse racing spirit of local people.

Horsing racing has its directly link to Tibetan people’s religion and customs. Their belief reflects on the psycological level. And the custom of Horsing racing has close connection with religional consciousness of local nationality. We can see tibetan Buddhism has great influences on its people’s history, culture and daily life. As a result, you will see this side in the festival.

Since ancient times, horse is linked neatly with Tibetan meterial chase and spirit desire. Tibetan has a deep and rich feeling on horse, the closest company in their daily life. Horse is the life of herdsmen. Loving horse is human nature of them. No matter farming, hiking or wedding, they will always have a ride on their favourite horse. Horse racing is the main content of their entertainment. So, horse racing is a vital part of their festivals and this has become a featuring custom of Tibetan nationality.

Horse Racing on the grassland has been divided into long term race, short term race, shooting on the horseback and equestrianism, etc. Distance of long term is about 310km and the rider is usually a teenager whose weight has little influence on the speed of horse. Before the race, a aged and reputated Lama will give his blessing to all the riders. Once the gunshot, dozens even hundred horses will dash themselves to the finishing line at great speed. Other herdsmen will  be crowded to cheer them on. The champion of the race will win a horse or the equal prize. What’ more, he will win the glory of the people’ s blessing and best wishes. Wherever he go,he will always be treated like a VIP. The loser will also win an award: people will hang a strand of horse manure and mock him as “the horse manure picker”.
 

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]]> <![CDATA[Where is Tibet located？]]> Tibet Autonomous Region lies in the southwest of China and in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is bounded to the north by Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Qinghai Province, to the east by Sichuan Province, to the southeast by Yunnan Province, to the south and west by these countries: Burma, India, Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal. The region covers an area of around 1.22 million km2, which accounts for 12.8% of the total of China.
With an average altitude of above 4,000 meters, Tibet Autonomous Region has very complex topography and falls into three geographic parts: the west, the south and the east. The west part, known as the North-Tibet Plateau, lies between Kunlun Mountain and Kangdese Mountain, and Tonglha Mountain and Nyainqentanglha Mountain. This part takes up 2/3 of the total area of Tibet. The south part of Tibet consists of valleys and lies between Kangdese Mountains and Himalayas. The east part is mainly made up of canyons and is marked by a gradual decline in altitude intercepted by small ranges called Henduan Ranges.

where is tibet locatedClick for larger image Tibet Map

]]> <![CDATA[Overland Tour From Lhasa To Kathmandu with Mt.everest]]> <![CDATA[Overland Tour From Qinghai To Tibet]]> <![CDATA[Sichuan-Tibet Highway --South Route (Total is 2142km)]]> <![CDATA[Overland Tour from Sichuan to Tibet(North Route)]]> <![CDATA[Overland tour from Tibet to Xinjiang]]> <![CDATA[Overland Tour From Yunnan To Tibet]]> <![CDATA[Trekking From Ganden Monastery To Samye Monastery]]> <![CDATA[Lhasa-Mount Kailash Trek-Kathmandu]]> <![CDATA[Trekking From Shalu To Nartang Monastery]]> <![CDATA[Trekking From Old Tingri To Mt.everest]]> <![CDATA[Trekking from Tsurpu to Yangpachen]]> <![CDATA[Tour for Tsedang and Lhasa city]]> <![CDATA[Kathmandu/Mt.everest/Shigatse/Tsedang/Lhasa]]> <![CDATA[Overland Tour From Kathmandu to Lhasa without Mt.everest]]> <![CDATA[17N/18D Lake Manasarovar Mount Kailash Trek]]> <![CDATA[4days Lhasa-Drigung-Reting-Namtso Lake-Lhasa-Circuit tour]]> <![CDATA[Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse tour plus Lhasa-Xining train]]> <![CDATA[Mt.Everest Base Camp plusa Lhasa-Xining train]]> <![CDATA[4 Days Beijing Olympic Tour]]> <![CDATA[Classical tour to Lhasa -Gyantse -Shigatse]]> <![CDATA[4 or 5 days Essence of Lhasa city]]> <![CDATA[Mt.Everest Base Camp with Holy Lake Namtso 10 day tour]]> <![CDATA[Tour for Lhasa and Nyingchi]]> <![CDATA[2 Days Classic Shanghai City Tour ]]> <![CDATA[4 Days Classic Beijing Tour]]> <![CDATA[3 Days Classic Xian Tour]]> <![CDATA[2 Days Xian City Break]]> <![CDATA[2 nights/3 days Chengdu City Break]]> <![CDATA[4 Day Beijing Highlights Tour]]> <![CDATA[Horse Race Festival Tour 2011]]> <![CDATA[Fascinating Tour in China with Yangtze Cruise & Tibet]]> <![CDATA[12 Days Silk Road Tour]]> <![CDATA[16 Days Eastern China Tour]]> <![CDATA[10 Days Diamond Route of China]]> <![CDATA[12 Days Classic China Tour]]> <![CDATA[12 days Classic China Tours]]> <![CDATA[4 Days Beijing Package Tour]]> <![CDATA[6 Days Beijing Tour]]> <![CDATA[Beijing 7 Days Private Tour]]> <![CDATA[9 Days Nagqu Naqu Horse Race Festival Tour]]> <![CDATA[4 Day Suzhou and Water Village Tour]]> <![CDATA[4 Days Wuzhen and Hangzhou Tour]]> <![CDATA[4 day Lhasa City Tour]]> <![CDATA[5 day Lhasa city plus Namtso Lake tour]]> <![CDATA[7 day Tibet Classical Tour Plus Namtso Lake]]> <![CDATA[8 Day Lhasa - Tsedang - Gyantse - Shigatse Join-in Tour]]> <![CDATA[Join-in 8 day tour to Mt.Everest Base Camp]]> <![CDATA[8 day tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu via E.B.C]]> <![CDATA[Flights Booking Policy]]> Please read the following terms and conditions carefully. Placing a booking order implies that the China Highlights Terms & Conditions have been read and accepted.
Reservation
Seven easy steps to make a reservation with China Highlights
  1. Search our flights page to select flights based on your requirements.
  2. Select flight and seat class that suits you.
  3. After selecting the flight, please click the "choose it" button to proceed to the booking page. Fill in all the details that are required in the booking form. Please make sure that the passenger name provided is the same as the name on the valid ID.
  4. Submit your booking order. Our travel advisor will confirm your booking within 24 working hours.
  5. We will then send you a payment form. Please pay the payment within the required time. Failure to pay within the specified time period may result in loss of the booking.
  6. Your ticket will be issued within 10 days of the departure date of the flight after your payment is received. You will be then informed of your E-tickets code after your ticket is issued.
  7. Unless specifically indicated, all air ticket provided are E-tickets.
Payment
We accept two methods of payment: Visa or Master Card secure online payment via PayPal, Visa Card, Master Card, American Express Card and Diners Card by fax.
The card holder must be the passenger or one of the passengers. If the card holder is neither the passenger nor one of the passengers, a fax copy of the card holder's passport is required.
If payment is made by fax authorization China Highlights will draw Chinese currency (RMB) from your credit card. The Credit Card Company or Bank will convert this amount to the currency that is normally shown on your credit card. This procedure may result in a higher amount being charged that quoted by China Highlights. These additional fees are not the responsibility of China Highlights and are caused by additional fees charged by the credit card company/bank or exchange variation.
Check-in
Passengers shall arrive at the airport 90-60 minutes before the departure and check-in with valid ID. Airlines will cease check-in 30 minutes before the departure time.
Cancellation Refunds
Cancelled bookings will incur a cancellation fee. These charges can be up to 100% of the cost of the booking regardless of whether the service is used.
In the event of cancellation, we will calculate the cancellation fee as per example below:

Cancellation Fee Calculation example

Ticket Price

  US$200.00

Less – US$33 - ($33 made up as follows: Domestic Airport Tax + Jet Fuel Surcharge + Handling Charge)

These fees will be returned as part of the refund

   - US$ 33.00
    US$167.00

Less – say 10% Airline Cancellation Fee

   - US$ 16.70

China Highlights cancellation fee

   - US$  5.00

Total Cancellation Fee

   US$21.7

Refund

  

US$200.00

-US$21.70

=US$178.30

Flights Changes
  1. Change of flights is free of charge between flights of the same airline.
  2. Change of flights may result in a change of airfare because discounts could vary. Passengers are required to pay according to the changed flights.
  3. Cancellation of the original flights is required if the changes occur between flights that belong to different airlines.
Travel Documentation
  1. Passengers should hold the valid ID to check-in. The name and ID No. provided on the booking order must be the same as the one on the valid ID. Losses caused by inaccurate information are the sole responsibility of the passenger.
  2. A copy of Tibet Permit is required to book China domestic flights to Tibet. China Highlights does not provide Tibet permit application only and that service is only available when a book is tour with us.
Luggage Allowance
In accordance with regulations of the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China, the free baggage allowance within China is 20kg for economy class, 30kg for the business class, and 40kg for the first class, plus limited carry-on luggage. Excess baggage charges are the sole responsibility of the client. Regulations within China specify that all suitcases must have a locking device attached. Failure to follow this regulation may result in refusal by airport staff to load suitcases onto the aircraft.
Health Requirement
It's the passengers' responsibility to ensure that they are aware of all international travel risks and familiarize themselves with health requirements applicable to the areas they intend to visit. The client is solely responsible for checking the safety and security conditions, vaccination, and other health requirements of governments in countries visited or transited. Travelers to Tibet are required to provide a doctor's certificate stating that the he/she is fit to travel and his/her blood pressure and heart condition are normal. This is a necessary requirement because of the possible effects that the very high altitude may have on certain people.
Any passenger suffering from serious illness should have a certificate issued by a medical unit certifying his or her fitness for flight.
Insurance
Air tickets booked with China Highlights do not include aviation accident insurance. Passengers can purchase the insurance themselves at the airport before check-in
Responsibility
  1. China Highlights tries to ensure the best possible discount for our customers. However, subject to the airlines' discount policies, all the air ticket discounts shown in China Highlight's web site cannot guaranteed until the ticket is confirmed.
  2. China Highlights guarantee the confirmed discount if passengers make full payment in accordance with the required payment dates.
  3. China Highlights is not responsible for any loss caused by flights cancellation or flights changes implemented by the airlines. In this event, China Highlights will inform customers as soon as possible and help with re booking.
Wheelchair Passengers and Infants
People requiring wheelchairs are required to produce a certificate issued by a hospital to certify the fact. Failure to provide a certificate will prevent the passenger from boarding the flight with your wheelchair.
E-tickets are not available for infants and infant can not occupy a separate seat. China Highlights do not provide infant tickets booking. Infant tickets can be bought at the tickets counter in the airport's departure hall with your passport and E-ticket code.
]]> <![CDATA[China Tibet Train Schedule]]> Take A Train To Tibet

Qingzang railway, Qinghai–Tibet train, or Qinghai–Tibet railway

Now you can take a train to Tibet, the roof the world. Although travel to Tibet by train will take you more time than by plane, it is cheap and gives you much more enjoyment of wonderful landscapes on Qinghai-Tibet plateau.

                     

 

Timetable and Availability for the Qinghai-Tibet railway

The first train to Tibet was inaugurated on 1 July, 2006, after that, new timetable of Tibet train was launched on 18 July, 2007 and 1st April, 2009. The Tibet train timetable below is updated to the one on April 1st, 2009.

Lhasa-Xining: 24 hours 18 minutes; Distance: 1,972km

Lhasa-Beijing: 47 hours 04 minutes; Distance: 4,064km

Lhasa-Shanghai: 49 hours 15 minutes; Distance: 4,373km

Lhasa-Xi’an: 35 hours 52 minutes; Distance: 2,864km

Lhasa-Lanzhou: 27 hours 06 minutes; Distance: 2,188 km

Lhasa-Chengdu: 44 hours 42 minutes; Distance: 3,360km

Lhasa-Chongqing: 46 hours 04 minutes; Distance: 3,654km

Lhasa-Guangzhou: 56 hours 08 minutes; Distance: 4,980km

Timetable for trains into Lhasa

Beijing-Lhasa, Shanghai-Lhasa, Xining-Lhasa, Chengdu-Lhasa, Chongqing-Lhasa, Guangzhou-Lhasa, Lanzhou-Lhasa

 Tickets price for Qinghai-Tibet railway 

From-To Distance

Hard Seat

 Hard sleeper
(Bottom Berth)		 Soft Sleeper
(Bottom Berth)
Lhasa-Xining 1,972km 226CNY 523CNY 813CNY
Lhasa-Lanzhou 2,188 km 242 CNY 552 CNY 854 CNY
Lhasa-Xi’an 2,864km 296 CNY 693 CNY 1008 CNY
Lhasa-Chengdu 3,360km 331 CNY 712 CNY 1104 CNY
Lhasa-Chongqing 3,654km 355 CNY 754 CNY 1168 CNY
Lhasa-Beijing 4,064km 389 CNY 813 CNY 1262 CNY
Lhasa-Shanghai 4,373km 406 CNY 845 CNY 1314 CNY
Lhasa-Guangzhou 4,980km 451 CNY 923 CNY 1434 CNY

Note:

01. The ticket price for train into Lhasa is the same.

02. Xi’an is just a stopover for Lhasa-Beijing, Lhasa-Shanghai, Lhasa-Guangzhou and Lhasa-Chongqing, but a lot of people will get off the train there to visit Xi’an.

Click here

SOFT SLEEPER (SOFT BERHT) VS HARD SLEEPER (HARD BERTH)

The train to and from Tibet has three classes: soft seat, hard sleeper (hard berth) and soft sleeper (soft berth).


Soft Sleeper: There are four bunks in a soft sleeper cabin, two upper and two lower bunks. There is a door for a 4 bunks soft sleeper cabin and there is LCD television for each bunk, but it plays Chinese programming only. There is a table with tablecloth and a vacuum flask of hot water for making tea or drinking chocolate or cuppa soups if you’ve brought some. There are power sockets for laptops and mobiles under the table.China voltage is 220V.


Hard Sleeper: There are six bunks in a hard sleeper cabin, an upper, middle and a lower one on each side. There is not a door for a hard cabin and there is not television. The power sockets are along the aisle outside the cabin and there are quite limited. Hard sleeper car is a little far from the dinning car. If you are on a tight budget, there is no reason why you shouldn’t take hard sleeper, as many western backpackers do. Cushion used in soft sleeper is softer than the “hard” sleeper, but hard sleeper bunks are reasonably well padded and the “hard” is comfortable enough for a good sleep, and bedding is supplied. Just one thing, as there is not a door for a hard sleeper cabin, it is a little noisy at night as someone are playing cards or chatting with others.


Soft seat: most Chinese people call it hard seat; actually there is not hard seat for trains concerning Tibet . The seat is soft; some tourists told me it is equivalent to first & second class on a European train. It is crowded in the soft-seat cars and you will be very tired if you are seating for long hours. So there are fewer western people taking soft seat.

>> Click here to see more pictures of the Tibet Train


How to get the train tickets

Train tickets in China can only be bought 10days (or sometime just 5 days) before departure date at the departure city. Beijing-Lhasa train tickets can only be bought in Beijing and train tickets out of Lhasa can only be bought in Lhasa . Since we are local in Lhasa , we can well guarantee the train tickets out of Lhasa for you, and there is no service charge for it. If you do want to take train into Lhasa , we will contact our local operator, but they will want some commission (about 50USD/per person) for this service as train tickets are in high demand and they are difficult to get especially for soft-sleeper.

>>Read more to see why we suggest you fly in and take the train out of Lhasa


Tour package with Tibet railway

We have compiled some Tibet railway or Tibet train travel package. If you are interested in any of these railway and train travel package, please contact us directly. Actually you can take a train out of Lhasa instead of flying for any travel package on our website.

Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse tour plus Lhasa-Xining train

Mt.Everest Base Camp plusa Lhasa-Xining train

 

]]> <![CDATA[Call us or Email us]]>

]]> <![CDATA[Terms And Condition]]>  
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If you did not use it before, please refer to their official website www.westernunion.com, please select your country’s website from the top banner on the official website and call the local number on “contact us” page to get instant and local help.

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  2. Beneficiary’s and Receiver's Last Name: Wang
  3. City: Chengdu of Sichuan province
  4. Country: China
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It is easy to pay us by wire transfer, your money can be wired to our bank account from any bank in your country, or you can call your bank first to see if they can do the transaction for you directly or you can do it on your bank’s official website. It will cost us 5-7days to receive the money.

Here below is the information of our bank account:
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]]> <![CDATA[beijing-lhasa-train]]> T27 BEIJING-LHASA

Number

Train Station

Arrival Time

Departure time

Stops for

Distance(km)

1

Beijing West

-

21:30

-

0

2

Shijiazhuang

23:49,1st day

23:51

02Minutes

277

3

Xian

08:36,2nd day

08:48

12Minutes

1200

4

Lanzhou

15:06,2nd day

15:21

15Minutes

1876

5

Xining

18:14,2nd day

18:29

15Minutes

2092

6

Golmud

05:23,3rd day

05:43

20Minutes

2922

7

Nagqu

16:07,3rd day

16:13

06Minutes

3742

8

Lhasa

20:00,3rd day

-

-

4064

]]> <![CDATA[T28 LHASA-BEIJING]]> T28 Lhasa-Beijing

No.
Station
Schedule
Arrival
Departure
Rest Time
Distance
(km)
Total Hours
(hrs:min)
1
Lhasa
1st day
-
08:30
-
0
00:00
2
Nagqu
1st day
13:06
13:12
06Minutes
322
04:36
3
Golmud
1st day
23:31
23:51
20Minutes
1142
15:01
4
Xining
2nd day
09:54
10:14
20Minutes
1972
25:24
5
Lanzhou
2nd day
12:34
12:49
15Minutes
2188
28:04
6
Xi'an
2nd day
20:22
20:28
06Minutes
2864
35:52
7
Shijiazhuang
3rd day
05:13
05:15
02Minutes
3787
44:43
8
Beijing
3rd day
07:34
-
-
4064
47:04

 
T27 Beijing-Lhasa
No.
Station
Schedule
Arrival
Departure
Rest Time
Distance
(km)
Total Hours
(hrs:min)
1
Beijing
1st day
-
21:30
-
0
00:00
2
Shijiazhuang
1st day
23:49
23:51
02Minutes
277
02:19
3
Xi'an
2nd day
08:36
08:42
06Minutes
1200
11:06
4
Lanzhou
2nd day
15:06
15:21
15Minutes
1876
17:36
5
Xining
2nd day
17:50
18:10
20Minutes
2092
20:20
6
Golmud
3rd day
04:23
04:43
20Minutes
2922
30:53
7
Nagqu
3rd day
14:38
14:44
06Minutes
3742
41:08
8
Lhasa
3rd day
18:38
-
-
4064
45:08
]]> <![CDATA[T22/23 CHENGDU-LHASA]]>  

T22/23 CHENGDU-LHASA

Number
Train Station
Arrival Time
Departure time
Stops for
Distance(km)
1
Chengdu
-
20:36
 
0
2
Guangyuan
01:23
01:37
14Minutes
319
3
Baoji
08:06
08:20
13Minutes
669
4
Lanzhou
13:17
13:32
15Minutes
1172
5
Xining
16:25
16:41
16Minutes
1388
6
Delingha
23:03
23:05
02Minutes
1909
7
Golmud
02:52
03:12
20Minutes
2218
8
Nagqu
12:47
12:53
06Minutes
3038
9
Lhasa
17:21
-
 
3360

]]> <![CDATA[T21/24 LHASA-CHENGDU]]>  

T21/24 LHASA-CHENGDU

Number
Train Stations
Arrival Time
Dept. Time
Stops for
Distance(km)
1
Lhasa
-
10:45
-
0
2
Nagqu
14:30
14:36
06Minutes
322
3
Golmud
00:19
00:39
20Minutes
1142
4
Delingha
04:05
04:07
02Minutes
1451
5
Xining
10:58
11:13
15Minutes
1972
6
Lanzhou
14:16
14:31
15Minutes
2188
7
Baoji
20:46
20:58
14Minutes
2691
8
Guangyuan
03:24
03:41
16Minutes
3041
9
Chengdu
08:25
-
-
3360

]]> <![CDATA[K917 LANZHOU-LHASA]]>  

K917 LANZHOU-LHASA

Number
Train Stations
Arrival Time
Dept. Time
Stops for
Distance(km)
1
Lanzhou
-
17:15
-
0
2
Xining
20:08
20:28
10Minutes
216
3
Delingha
02:50
02:56
06Minutes
737
4
Golmud
07:13
07:33
20Minutes
1046
5
Amdo
16:10
16:19
09Minutes
1740
6
Nagchu
18:01
18:07
06Minutes
1866
7
Damxung
19:54
19:56
02Minutes
2024
8
Lhasa
21:50
-
-
2188

]]> <![CDATA[K918 LHASA-LANZHOU]]>  

K918 LHASA-LANZHOU

Number
Train Stations
Arrival Time
Dept. Time
Stops for
Distance(km)
1
Lhasa
-
11:20
-
0
2
Damxung
13:10
13:12
02Minutes
164
3
Nagchu
15:12
15:18
06Minutes
322
4
Amdo
17:10
17:12
02Minutes
448
5
Golmud
01:06
01:26
20Minutes
1142
6
Delingha
04:51
04:57
06Minutes
1451
7
Xining
11:44
12:04
20Minutes
1972
8
Lanzhou
15:27
-
-
2188

 
]]> <![CDATA[N917 XINING-LHASA]]>  

N917 XINING-LHASA

Number
Train Stations
Arrival Time
Dept. Time
Stops for
Distance(km)
1
Xining
-
20:28
-
0
2
Delingha
02:50
02:56
06Minutes
521
3
Golmud
07:13
07:33
20Minutes
830
4
Tuotuohe
12:22
12:23
01Minutes
1239
5
Amdo
16:10
16:19
09Minutes
1524
6
Nagchu
18:01
18:07
06Minutes
1650
7
Damxung
19:54
19:56
02Minutes
1808
8
Lhasa
21:50
-
 
1972

]]> <![CDATA[N918 LHASA-Xining]]>  

N918 LHASA-Xining

Number
Train Stations
Arrival Time
Dept. Time
Stops for
Distance(km)
1
Lhasa
-
11:20
-
0
2
Damxung
13:10
13:12
02Minutes
164
3
Nagchu
15:12
15:18
06Minutes
322
4
Amdo
17:10
17:12
02Minutes
448
5
Tuotuohe
20:22
20:23
01Minutes
733
6
Golmud
01:06
01:26
20Minutes
1142
7
Delingha
04:51
04:57
06Minutes
1451
8
Xining
11:44
12:04
20Minutes
1972

]]> <![CDATA[T222/T223 CHONGQING-LHASA]]>  

T222/T223 CHONGQING-LHASA

Number
Train Station
Arrival Time
Departure time
Stops for
Distance(km)
1
Chongqing
-
19:42
-
0
2
Guang'an
21:25
21:28
03Minutes
144
3
Dazhou
22:46
22:53
07Minutes
255
4
Xi'an
06:30
06:45
15Minutes
790
5
Baoji
08:18
08:20
13Minutes
963
6
Lanzhou
13:17
13:32
15Minutes
1466
7
Xining
16:25
16:41
16Minutes
1682
8
Delingha
23:03
23:05
02Minutes
2203
9
Golmud
02:52
03:12
20Minutes
2512
10
Nagqu
12:47
12:53
06Minutes
3332
11
Lhasa
17:21
-
 
3654

 
]]> <![CDATA[T221/T224 LHASA-CHONGQING]]>  

T221/T224 LHASA-CHONGQING

Number
Train Stations
Arrival Time
Dept. Time
Stops for
Distance(km)
1
Lhasa
-
10:45
-
0
2
Nagchu
14:30
14:36
06Minutes
322
3
Golmud
00:19
00:39
20Minutes
1142
4
Delingha
04:05
04:07
02Minutes
1451
5
Xining
10:58
11:31
15Minutes
1972
6
Lanzhou
14:16
14:31
15Minutes
2188
7
Baoji
20:46
20:48
02Minutes
2691
8
Xian
22:12
22:26
14Minutes
2864
9
Dazhou
05:57
06:03
06Minutes
3399
10
Guang'an
07:22
07:24
02Minutes
3510
11
Chongqing
09:17
-
-
3654

 
 
]]> <![CDATA[T164/165 SHANGHAI-LHASA]]>  

T164/165 SHANGHAI-LHASA

Number
Train Station
Arrival Time
Departure time
Stops for
Distance(km)
1
Shanghai
-
20:08
-
0
2
Wuxi
21:06
21:08
02Minutes
126
3
Nanjing
22:32
22:35
03Minutes
301
4
Bengbu
00:03
00:05
02Minutes
485
5
Xuzhou
01:23
01:29
06Minutes
649
6
Zhengzhou
04:14
04:20
06Minutes
998
7
Xi'an
10:00
10:12
10Minutes
1509
8
Lanzhou
16:30
16:45
15Minutes
2185
9
Xining
19:38
19:56
18Minutes
2401
10
Golmud
06:22
06:42
20Minutes
3231
11
Nagchu
17:08
17:14
06Minutes
4051
12
Lhasa
21:00
-
-
4373

 
]]> <![CDATA[T163/T166 LHASA-SHANGHAI]]>  

T163/T166 LHASA-SHANGHAI

Number
Train Stations
Arrival Time
Dept. Time
Stops for
Distance(km)
1
Lhasa
-
10:00
-
0
2
Nagchu
13:57
14:03
06Minutes
322
3
Golmud
23:31
23:51
20Minutes
1142
4
Xining
09:53
10:08
15Minutes
1972
5
Lanzhou
13:00
13:15
15Minutes
2188
6
Xi'an
20:49
21:02
13Minutes
2864
7
Zhengzhou
02:44
02:50
06Minutes
3375
8
Xuzhou
05:31
05:37
16Minutes
3724
9
Bengbu
06:58
07:00
02Minutes
3888
10
Nanjing
08:30
08:33
03Minutes
4072
11
Wuxi
09:57
09:59
02Minutes
4247
12
Shanghai
10:58
-
-
4373

 
 
]]> <![CDATA[T264/265 GUANGZHOU-LHASA]]>  

T264/265 GUANGZHOU-LHASA

Number
Train Station
Arrival Time
Departure time
Stops for
Distance(km)
1
Guangzhou
-
13:07
-
0
2
Changsha
20:03
20:09
06Minutes
707
3
Wuchang
23:25
23:40
15Minutes
1069
4
Zhengzhou
04:14
04:20
06Minutes
1605
5
Xian
10:00
10:12
12Minutes
2116
6
Lanzhou
16:30
16:45
15Minutes
2792
7
Xining
19:38
19:56
18Minutes
3008
8
Golmud
06:22
06:42
20Minutes
3838
9
Nagqu
17:08
17:14
06Minutes
4658
10
Lhasa
21:00
-
-
4980

 
]]> <![CDATA[T263/T266 LHASA-GUANGZHOU]]>  

T263/T266 LHASA-GUANGZHOU

Number
Train Stations
Arrival Time
Dept. Time
Stops for
Distance(km)
1
Lhasa
-
10:00
-
0
2
Nagchu
13:57
14:03
06Minutes
322
3
Golmud
23:31
23:51
20Minutes
1142
4
Xining
09:53
10:08
15Minutes
1972
5
Lanzhou
13:00
13:15
15Minutes
2188
6
Xian
20:49
21:02
13Minutes
2864
7
Zhenzhou
02:44
02:50
06Minutes
3375
8
Wuchang
07:38
07:53
15Minutes
3911
9
Changsha
11:05
11:11
06Minutes
4273
10
Guangzhou
18:10
-
-
4980

 
]]> <![CDATA[Taking train out of Lhasa]]>  

How to enjoy the train tour best?

 

Some tourists (mostly Chinese tourists) think (even in a crazy way) that taking the train tour into Lhasa can have less or even no altitude sickness. This is not correct, because there is oxygen filled in the train, there is no difference in the train compared with at other places with lower altitude. Furthermore after the long time journey the altitude symptoms may be caused more or less by the exhaustion.

 

Some other tourists think they may see more on the way into Lhasa. This is almost correct. But if the trains into Lhasa delay, tourists will miss the scenery on Damung-Lhasa part. Most of the beautiful landscape on the way is in the North Tibet from Lhasa to Thang-lha Mountains. So there is not much difference for taking a train into or out of Lhasa.

 

Why it is more difficult to get train tickets into Lhasa?

Let’s take Xining-Lhasa train for example. It is very hard to 100% guarantee train tickets from Xining to Lhasa, especially for soft sleeper. But we can well guarantee train tickets out of Lhasa for you. Check the information below

 

01 Train tickets in China can not be booked; they can only be bought 10 days (or sometimes just 5 days) before departure date at the railway station of the departure city. Xining-Lhasa train tickets can only be bought in Xining railway station and train tickets out of Lhasa can only be bought in Lhasa. So many people will be queuing up for a lot of hours before the tickets are on sale in order to get one.

02 Xining-Lhasa trains leave every other day. In August, 2009, it is available on even number days, such as

August 2nd, 4th, 6th, *** 14th, 16th, etc. There is only one train in two days. By the way, there are 4 beds in a soft sleeper cabin, and there are only 16 soft sleeper cabins on each train. So there are only 64 soft sleeper beds on each train. Some trains into Lhasa will have a stop in Xining, but all the tickets are in all likelihood fully issued at the departure city such as Beijing-Lhasa part, Shanghai-Lhasa part etc.

 

But all the trains out of Lhasa will have a stop in Xining, so it will be easier to get Lhasa-Xining train tickets as Lhasa is the departure city.

 

 

 

 

03 There is not name on the train tickets, so a lot of people are always queuing up at the railway station to get train tickets and then some partners of them sell the tickets at a high price to travel agents or sell the tickets at yet a higher price to travelers. Something likes the black market. Here below is a train ticket for Xi’an-Shanghai.

04 Most Chinese people prefer taking the train into Lhasa and flying out, because train tickets must be bought at the departure city. It is impossible for them to get train tickets out of Lhasa. But as we are based in Lhasa and there are less people taking train out of Lhasa, we can well guarantee the train tickets out of Lhasa for you. Even if we contact our partner in Xining and they can finally get the train tickets for you, they will charge you a higher commission, about 50-75USD/per person, but the soft sleeper ticket is just about 120USD/per person. If you are taking the train out of Lhasa, we will NOT charge you any commission.

 

 

]]> <![CDATA[pictures of Tibet Train]]>