Q: Must I travel to Tibet by a travel agency?
A: According to the local tourist law, you have to travel in Tibet in a pre-organized group, allowing no individual groups. If you desire to travel with your couple or family separately, we can arrange a private package tour for you.
Q: What should I consider when working with a travel agency?
A: When deciding a travel agency, sign a contract with it to clarify the tour schedule, transportation fees, admission to scenic spots, and other interests and obligations.
In addition, one should affirm the qualification of the tour guide. One can determine if the guide is a member of the travel agency, or if he or she wears an identification card issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB). And before getting on the vehicle hired by the agency, to ensure passenger safety, check to see if it has a fixed tourist symbol, and if the driver is qualified for the drive.
Q: Where does the uniqueness of Tibetan travel lie?
A: Tibet, known as the 'Roof of the World', is the place on earth nearest to the sun. It has been called 'the last pure land in the world' for centuries. With its mysteriousness and holiness, this plateau has been a dreamland for sightseers, pilgrims and other travelers. This extensive land, the year-round snow-capped mountains, the pure waters, the fantastic cultures, the mysterious region, and the exotic people, all will give you a unique feeling when traveling in Tibet. It will surely be an experience to be found nowhere else in the world.
Q: Which attractions can best attest to Tibetan travel?
A: Tibet is blessed with all kinds of natural, historical and cultural attractions. In Lhasa, the must-see attractions are Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Norbulingka, Barkhor Street, and the three largest monasteries of Gelugpa Sect of Buddhism – Drepung, Ganden and Sera. Shigatse, as the second largest city of Tibet, is also often included in the itinerary. It features the seat of the Panchen Lama – Tashilhunpo Monastery, and the highest peak in the world – Mt. Everest. Besides these, the heavenly lake – Namtso near Lhasa, the sacred mountain and holy lake – Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Ngari, and the deepest Great Canyon of the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Nyingchi also will make for an unparalleled travel experience.
Q: Can you recommend some of the best attractions around Tibet?
A: The scenery along the Tibet Railway is worth seeing, especially the Qinghai Lake and Ta'er Monastery in Xining, Qarhan Salt Lake and Kunlun Mountain in Golmud. Shangri-la has its archetype in the Diqing Autonomous Region of Sichuan. The three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas and Meili Snow Mountain are worth seeing. The Nepalese border city of Katmandu can also be easily visited from here.
Q: Can you provide the altitudes of the main regions in Tibet, so that I can have a better plan before the trip?
A:
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Cities or Counties
|
Altitude (m. / ft.)
|
|
Zayul
|
2,327 / 7, 635
|
|
Pome
|
2,750 / 9, 022
|
|
Nyingchi
|
3,000 / 9, 843
|
|
Chamdo
|
3,240 / 10, 630
|
|
Tsedang
|
3,500 / 11, 483
|
|
Lhasa
|
3,650 / 11, 975
|
|
Purang
|
3,700 / 12, 139
|
|
Shigatse
|
3,836 / 12, 585
|
|
Gyangtse
|
4,040 / 13, 255
|
|
Damxung
|
4,200 /13, 780
|
|
Rutog
|
4,250 / 13, 944
|
|
Tingri
|
4,300 / 14, 108
|
|
Pagri
|
4,300 / 14, 108
|
|
Shiquanhe
|
4,300 / 14, 108
|
|
Nakchu
|
4,507 / 14, 787
|
|
Amdo
|
4,800 / 15, 748
|
Q: Is winter good for traveling in Tibet?
A: In the relatively low areas, such as Lhasa, Shigatse and Nyingchi, the scenery does not vary much from summer to winter; but it is easier to view the snow-capped mountains at this time; the sunshine is adequate so it doesn' feel gloomy and cold. Besides, winter is Tibet's low season, so it is not very crowded and the cost of accommodation and transportation is cheaper, so you may enjoy yourself fully during the tour. A tour to the nearby Nepal is also a wise plan during winter time.
