ENTRY FORMALLTIES

TIME
ííííTibet has a high topography and is comparatively cold. The temperature varies greatly between day and night. The ideal season to come to Tibet for a tour is from April to October, and from May to September.

HEALTHCARE ON THE PLATEAU
ííííDue to the high elevation, thin air and cold, dry weather, tourists often experience varying degrees of altitude sickness on arrival in Tibet. A medical examination is necessary before comeing Tibet.

ENTRY CONFIRMATION
ííííThe Tibetan government encourages the development of the tourism indeistry,tourits individually or grouped need a Tibet entry confirmation letter. Organized overseas tourist groups should have the confirmation formalities handled by the Tibet tourism reception agency. For foreign backpackers who desire to travel in Tibet, the Tibet Tourism Bureau has set up offices in Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Golmud responsible for hiking groups and consultancy services.

AVIATION
ííííTibet has opened international and inter-provincial air routs. China Southwest Airlines provides the flights to Chengdu, Beijing, Chongqing, Xií»an, Xiní»in and Kathmandu etc.

LAND COMMUNICATION
ííííThe Qinghai-Lhasaand Sichuan-Lhasa highways are the main routs in good condition. Those who prepare to travel by the highways should make preparations before leaving (oxygen, medicine, etc.)

HOTELS
ííííThere are lots of hotels in Tibet that provides services to foreigners. However, in the busy seasons, some star rated hotels still need to be ordered in advance.

FOOD
ííííThose who are first-comers to Tibet must have a strong desire to taste Tibetan food such as Yak meat, tsampa, Tibetan butter tea, etc. thus, you should be prepared as to you whether you will be able to eat it or not. There are also a number of Chinese, Western, Indian and Nepali restaraunts available in Lhasa.

SHOPPING
ííííThere are a lot of handicraft articles and local products to buy in Bakor street and some other markets. The prices can be bargained. If you plan to leave Tibet by air, do remember not to take the Tibetan knives and animal specimens with you.

TRAVEL BY CAR
ííííWhen you make a long distance trip in Tibet, you can order a car through a travel agency and try to find a driver who can easily communicate. The cost to hire a car usually is about 2.5-8yuan Renminbi and another 100yuan per day to the driver. It is better to find partners to share the costs.

THE LOCAL PEOPLE
ííííIn order to make friends with local people, you should get some information about Tibetan customs and habits before starting your journey. This will be very helpful for you to make friends with local people. Being polite is the most important priority.

SAFTY
ííííIf you plan to make a trip to a place outside of cities and towns, it is better to have a experienced guide.

ENVIRONMENT PRESERVATION
ííííThe environment has been well preserved till now. Do not leave the rubbish on the ground and do not hurt the wild animals.

CURRENCY
ííííRenminbi is the only currency that can be used in Tibet. Travlers can change the Renminbi with foreign currency in Chinese Banks or at hotels.

COMMUNICATIONS
ííííThere are a number of post-offices in Lhasa and other areas which can handle of telephone and telegram services.