For travellers, Tibet is without doubt one of the most remarkable places to visit in Asia. It offers fabulous monastery sights, breathtaking high-altitude treks, stunning views of the world’s highest mountains and one of the most likeable peoples you will ever meet. There’s Gyantse, in the Nyang-chu Valley, famed for the largest chörten (stupa) in Tibet, and hiking in Yarlung Valley, widely considered the cradle of Tibetan civilization. Base yourself in Tsetang and marvel at the monkey cave in Gangpo Ri or walk the monastery kora (pilgrim path). Your trip will take you past glittering mountain turquoise lakes and over high passes draped with prayer flags. Find a quiet spot in a prayer hall full of chanting monks, hike past the ruins of remote hermitages or make an epic overland trip along some of the world’s wildest roads. The scope for adventure is limitless.
The application for the “Tibet travel approval letter”
In view of unique ethnic traditions, cultural heritage needs and environmental protection in Tibet, as well as the traffic situation, tourism service facilities and reception capacity in this region, the Chinese government requires that all foreign tourists (non-Chinese citizens), Taiwan tourists and overseas Chinese people (not including Hong Kong and Macao SAR residents holding Chinese SAR passports or Home Return Permits), apply for the “Tibet travel approval letter for foreign tourists” issued by the TTB (Tibet Tourism Bureau) before traveling to Tibet.Foreign journalists and diplomats are not permitted to enter Tibet as tourists.
Weather & Tourism Seasons in Tibet:
Generally, the Tibetan climate is not as bad as many people think it to be. It is suitable for travel to Tibet from April to November, and the best time for travellling is August and September. But if you only visit Lhasa , you can go there anytime all year round.
Sun radiation is extremely strong in Tibet. May, June and September are the tourism season in east Tibet. Most annual rainfall falls from June to September. Usually rains come in the evening in Lhasa, Shigatse area. Sometimes,the rainfall may block roads and make travel difficult but the views at the time will be the most beautiful.
Communication
Nowadays, communication in Tibet is much more developed than before. Tibet is no longer shut out from the outside world as it was several years ago. The development of communication provides great convenience to travelers in Tibet.
Money
In Tibet, foreign currency can not be used directly and can be exchanged only in big cities either at the Bank of China or some large hotels. Passports are required to exchange currency.
Mountain Sickness
Located on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Tibet has an average elevation of over 4,000 meters (around 13,123 feet). While allured by its mysterious beauty, tourists are frightened off by mountain sickness.