IMPORTANT PRE DEPARTURE INFORMATION FOR TRAVELLING TO
TIBET
Tibet remains as one of
the most interesting, remote and undeveloped part of the
world. It is without a doubt one of the most remarkable
places to visit in Asia, situated at an average elevation
of 5,000m (16,000ft.) above the sea level. It offers fabulous
monastery sights, breathtaking high altitude treks, stunning
views of the word’s highest mountains and one of the most likeable
people you will ever meet. But you are never far from the
reality of politics. For anyone who travels with their
eyes open, a visit to Tibet will be a memorable, fascinating,
but sobering and at times even saddening experience. A
trip to Tibet is not for the faint hearted. The travelling
can be hard, adventurous and often unpredictable. Due to
Tibet’s high altitude travellers with a history of
heart, lung or anaemia problems should consult a doctor
before even thinking about a visit. The main overland travel
between Kathmandu and Lhasa or Kailash is an incredible,
wonderful and amazing trip. However if you are not up for
a bit of adventure, or for accommodation, amenities that
may be far from perfect, perhaps this trip is not for you
as the trip to Tibet is not easy and is well worth the
effort. Visitors should also understand before taking this
trip that Tibet was only opened to tourism 19 years ago.
The infrastructure of the Tourist industry is still very
basic in this remote country. Please do not expect the
standard you are accustomed to in the west. However, every
effort will be made under the circumstance to ensure a
smooth & pleasant trip.
CLOTHINGS: Casual
wears and comfortable walking shoes are the rule for Tibet.
Be sure to bring warm clothing as nights and early mornings
can be quite chilly to down right cold in winters. Bring
all the film, medicine, cosmetics, personal toilet items
etc. that you will need from home, as these are difficult
if not impossible to obtain in Tibet. However, from November – April,
warm clothes like Down Jacket, Thermal Underwear, Warm
Trousers, Warm Sweaters, Woollen Shirts, Gloves, Warm hat & Scarves,
Light Leather Boots (in case of snows) are required to
fight the frosty cold and from May – October, Raincoat
or Windbreakers, Jackets, Sweaters, Sun Hat, Shirts (Cotton/Woollen) & comfortable
shoes are required. However a Jacket and a Sweater are
advised through out the year as the weather may unexpectedly
change at any time. Other required items are: A domestic
first aid kit, flashlight & utility knife.
CUSTOMS: There is no prohibition on
still and video cameras, tape recorders or radios as long
as they are registered with a custom official. Printed
matters considered unsuitable by the Chinese Government
are prohibited. Customs regulations forbid the export of
art objects created prior to 1959 or souvenirs in amounts
deemed to be excessive. You are advised to take a good
guidebook on Tibet & also the route map.
FOOD & DRINKS: Tibet has only a
handful of towns and Tibetan cuisine is not exactly the
most varied in the world. It is handy to carry anything
that can be brewed with hot water like instant coffee,
drinking chocolate, tea (bags), soup cubes and powdered
milk. Other food items worth considering are instant noodles,
vegetate, nuts and raisins, chocolate, dry foods and biscuits.
BUSINESS HOURS :
Government offices are usually closed on Saturday afternoon
and all day on Sunday.
CURRENCY: The unit of currency is Yuan.
US $ 1 =8.26 Yuan. Money can be exchanged at the Bank of
China in Zhangmu,Xigatse &Lhasa.The hotelsalso change
money for you.All majorcredit cards are accepted in Xigatse & Lhasa.
AIRPORT TAX: The Kathmandu airport departure
tax at present is Npr 1100 (approx. US $ 15.10). Which
you have to pay while flying to Lhasa & also flying
back home.
HEALTH & ALTITUDE PROBLEMS: Travelling
in Tibet involves high altitude and can be strenuous. Clients
with heart and lung problems or blood diseases should consult
their doctor before booking the trip. Very rare cases of
altitude sickness have been reported. Simple headache,
fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders can happen
before the acclimatization. You are advised to drink plenty
of water (approx. 03 litres) per day, do not strain yourself,
move slowly, breathe deeply and take regular rests please
do not smoke & do not drink alcohol, proper hydration
is necessary to acclimatize. We also recommend you to carry
a strip of Diamox tablet.
RISK & LIABILITY: HIMATREK-International
TM ( HIMA ADVENTURE INTERNATIONAL) will put
every effort to make your journey very smooth & pleasant.
However, all the programs in Tibet are conducted strictly
under the rules & regulation of Tibet tourism bureau.
Therefore, HIMATREK-International TM. (Hima Adventure
Int'l) or its Tibet / Nepal counterparts shall not be
responsible for any change and alterations in the itinerary
due to unavoidable circumstances such as landslide, road
blockage, flood, snow, political unrest, , cancellation
of flight, delay arrivals, sickness or accidents, any
extra costs in that case incurring there of shall be
borne by the clients themselves at the spot. It is most
advisable for clients to have full INSURANCE against
medical & personal accidents. Cancellation insurance
is also highly recommended.
BOOKING TERMS, CONDITIONS & VISA ARRANGEMENTS
:
Confirmed reservations should reach us 1 month prior
to tour departure dates along with US $ 100 non-refundable
deposit per person.We will process visa for you in in Chinese
Embassy in Kathmandu.& also your Tibet Travel Permit
in Lhasa- Tibet , China.
BOOKING TERMS, CONDITIONS & VISA ARRANGEMENTS :
Confirmed reservations should reach us 1 month prior
to tour departure dates along with US $ 100 non-refundable
deposit per person. We will process visa for you. A clear
photocopy of your passport and the following details are
required: 01. Name 02. Sex 03. Date of Birth 04. Profession
(Occupation ) 05. Nationality 06.Passport Number
TOUR
CANCILLATION : There will be a
cancellation fee of 25 % for any cancellation three weeks
prior to tour departure date, 50 % two weeks prior to tour
departure date & no refund thereafter. No refund for
no shows & delay arrivals whatsoever reason. No refund
for any uncompleted trip.
