Tibet

Itineraries While we intend to adhere to the route described in your contract, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion, it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations.
The contract is a general guide to the tour, region, and proposed itinerary any mention of specific wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be encountered, as we can never guarantee what mother nature has to offer us. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Accommodation If a hotel is unexpectedly fully booked, we will always contact you before booking an alternative. We will always offer alternatives of the same level and value for money.
Kindly note that water is scarce in many parts of the world, so we always recommend taking short showers and reuse towels if possible.

Emergency Contact Should you need to contact Your Travel Nation during a situation of dire need. If you do not receive an immediate answer for any reason, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. We have an emergency line, which will connect you directly with our office.
+1 757 656 3391

Luggage You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be restricted to one medium-sized rolling bag, duffle bag, or backpack, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited.

Packing list
Documents:
• Flight info (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the immigration)
• Insurance info (With photocopies)
• Passport  (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates  (With photocopies)
• Copy of your contract 

Essentials:
• Any medication you might need: This should include medication for possible common situations like headaches or diarrhea, but we also recommend bringing high altitude medication, like Diamox.
• Sunblock, sunglasses, hat, and lip balm.
• Your electronic devices and chargers.
For camera and lenses; we recommend bringing a wide lens (about 17-55mm) for those scenery pictures; Renting a camera is not possible. As it can get very cold in the mountains; please ensure your camera equipment is appropriate for such conditions and that you bring bags to protect it.
• Insect repellent
• Adaptor for A, C and I Type plugs.

Altitude Sickness It is important to acclimatize upon arrival in Tibet, that's why we won't plan any activities on the first day. It is also helpful to travel from lower altitudes to higher altitudes to acclimatize your body to the altitude gradually. During your journey in Tibet, remember to avoid strenuous activities and always walk at a slow pace and take deep breaths. We will also provide you with oxygen bottles during your tour which you can use in case the guide decides that it's best.

Laundry Hand washing of clothes can be done at most of the hotels where you will stay. We recommend you bring a non-polluting/biodegradable soap, as well as a roll of simple string to act as a drying line for your clothes. If you arrive in the late afternoon, or if there is poor weather, it may not be possible for your clothes to completely dry. Your hotels may also have a laundry service available at an additional fee.

Visa & Entry requirements As a tourist, you are required to obtain a visa before you arrive in China. Certain tourists may apply for a visa on arrival (VOA) at certain entry ports. It is valid for a maximum stay of 30 months, 6 months, 1 year, and sometimes 10 years. You have to make sure that your passport is valid for another 6 months from the day of departure from China.
Traveling to Tibet requires you to get a permit as well, which we will arrange for you. The permit will be sent to you in China before you depart to Tibet, if you don't carry the permit, the airline or train can deny your boarding.

Insurance A travel insurance is highly recommended when traveling. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that we highly recommend good medical coverage and repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage, and personal effects.
We don’t issue any insurances; however, we recommend using www.worldnomads.com
 
Health We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least three months before departure or in case of a last-minute tour, as soon as you confirm your travels. Travellers are also advised to carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes on their travels. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you advise your local guide of any medical condition that may affect you while travelling. Your local guide will be able to inform you of local health advisories (e.g. drinking water quality). Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor.

Allergies and dietary restrictions This is something we take very seriously. Upon booking with us, we will send you a form in which you will be able to indicate any dietary preference or restriction or any specific request you might have. We will then provide that information in advance to all the hotels. 

Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. 
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, bank cards, cash, and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of your group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our local guides have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Photography and drone laws Please refrain from taking photos of police stations, airports, bus stations, immigration or border crossings, army barracks and personnel, or any government building. It is against the law and will result in the minimum of your film and camera being confiscated. The use of drones is allowed in China.  The maximum altitude is 120m (400ft). Anything higher requires a commercial license from CAAC.

Electricity For there are three associated plug types A, C, and I. Plug type A is the plug that has two flat parallel pins, plug type C has two round pins, and plug type I is the plug that has three flat pins in a triangular pattern. China operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Religion Buddhism is the largest religion in Tibet.

Climate Tibet is located in the Qinghai Tibet Plateau with an average altitude of more than 4,000 meters. Tibet owns a complex climate – freezing winter and mild summer, featuring strong sunlight, ultraviolet radiation, and dry and thin air. It will get colder with the rise of elevation. In Everest and Ngari, the temperature is much lower than in Lhasa. It will be 10°C only in summer during the day and drops to below zero degrees at night. 

Best time to visit The best time to visit Tibet would be from April to October, as the temperatures will be easier on you compared to the winter. Especially, August and September is a great time to visit Tibet where the weather is rather good for most sightseeing in Tibet. Meanwhile, attraction tickets and hotels are in high demand during the high season when crowds are everywhere. If you only have enough time for a winter tour and can bear the cold weather, you could decide to visit during the low seasons as prices will be cheaper as well.

Plastic bags Plastic bags are banned from entering China. However, plastics carrier items known as “Ziplock bags” that are specifically used to carry toiletries will be permitted as they are expected to remain in the permanent possession of visitors and are not expected to be disposed of in the country. 

Money and currency The official currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB or CNY). You can bring USD, Euros, or Pounds and exchange them at any authorized bank in China and large hotels usually have a money exchange counter. Hotels will usually only allow you to change money if you are a guest at the hotel. Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, and tipping. We always recommend carrying enough cash if you would like to pay for something in a remote place and the credit card machine cannot connect to any network. Please keep in mind that credit- or debit card payments may be subject to an extra charge, varying from 2% or 3%. Depending on the card and co-branded payment network.

Dress code It's advisable to dress in layers that can be easily added or removed as temperatures vary widely within a day in Tibet. A windbreaker, a fleece jacket, and other warm coats are advisable at any time of year. Waterproof clothing and raingear (raincoats) are highly recommended if you come to Tibet in July and August of summer because it rains frequently during this period. You'd better dress in dark-colored clothes as the road outside of Lhasa is very dusty and dirty. A down jacket (better with hat) together with other warm-keeping clothing is necessary when you stay outdoor in Tibet at night or if you want to travel into remote areas or to have a trekking tour. Women should avoid skirts or dresses. A pair of slippers and a pair of durable and comfortable shoes, like sports footwear, snow boots when needed. Water-proof and warm-keeping climbing shoes are recommended.