Tibet
About
| Its noble beauty, mystifying culture and friendly people cast a spell over the travellers who leave it with unforgettable memories, memories to take back home. The mystifying Tibetan Buddhist culture and monuments such as Potala and Jokhang are the main attractions in Lhasa. It offers some fine accommodation, restaurants and shopping facilities for the tourists. Other attractions of the city include Barkhor Street, Drepung monastery, Ganden monastery, Jokhang temple and Potala palace. Chamdo is one of the main cities of Tibet, and should be included in your itinerary. It is a fertile valley with lovely scenery, thick forests, ancient ruins and unique ethnic groups. The city of Ngari has spectacular scenery and occupies a special place in the history of Tibet and Buddhism. The tourists coming here should visit the ruins of Guge Kingdom and the Tholing Monastery. |
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| Official Name: | Autonomous Region of Tibet |
| Capital: | Lhasa (LXA) |
| Currency: | Renminbi Yuan (CNY) |
| Language: | China and Tibetan (English is not widely spoken) |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 86 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +8 hours (6 hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Best Time to Go: | April – October Mar 5, Mar 10, May 23, Sep 1, Sep 27, Oct 1 and Dec 10 are politically sensitive dates, which have marked past protests. Travel is not recommended around these dates. Tibet generally closes to foreign travellers for the entire month of March. |
| Best For: | Religious Sites |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. However, most 4- and 5-star hotels are also wired for the use of 110-volt appliances. Round or flat two-pin plugs and flat, angled three-pin plugs are use. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised. |
| Health: | Altitude sickness is a serious risk in Tibet – ensure that you take the necessary precautions. Medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. |
| Customs: | When inside a temple or monastery, respect should be shown (no loud talking, smoking or photographs). Avoid talking about politics. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Photography of bridges and military installations and personnel is prohibited. Credit and debit cards are accepted in top-end hotels in Lhasa but are of very limited use elsewhere. Check the local political situation before finalising travel plans. |
Issuing Authorities
Note: Mar 5, Mar 10, May 23, Sep 1, Sep 27, Oct 1 and Dec 10 are politically sensitive dates, which have marked past protests. Travel is not recommended around these dates. Tibet generally closes to foreign travellers for the entire month of March.
Visa Requirements
Travel Permits are required. These are only obtainable through a certified tour agency.
China's cities (excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) and Nepal are the only entry points for Tibet.
- If you are arriving from China, you will need to apply for a China Tourist Visa first. Your tour agency may recommend not mentioning that you are travelling to Tibet on your application.
- If you are arriving from Nepal, you will need to apply for the Tibet Group Visa through your certified tour agency - even if you have a visa for China.
NOTE: If you are travelling outside of Lhasa, you will need additional permits.
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis (Not available in SA), Tick-Borne Encephalitis (Not available in SA), Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
