Tibet Travel 2020/2021-Things To Know Before You Go

Hello, as the COVID19 keeps spreading around the world and infected so many people. We are sad to see the pain and pray for those infected. Lets work together to fight for this desease. And we believe with our unit effort, we will defeat the invisible enemy soon. Based o the current situation, we suggest foreign travelers postpone he trip to Tibet in the near for distant future in 2021 or 2022.

As responsible travel agency based in Lhasa, we kept practising our deep knowledge of responsible Tibet tourism. Here are some of our guidelines and hope it can make visitors aware of the cultural differences between Tibet and many western nations that travelers come from. With an average elevation of over 4000 meters, Tibet remained inaccessible to most for a great portion of its history. A lack of outside influence has helped Tibet’s culture blossom into one of the most unique that can be found on earth. With the modern world rapidly encroaching on Tibet and its people, abiding by a few guidelines can go a long way in terms of helping local Tibetans feel comfortable with foreign visitors.

Respect the Basic Principles of Tibetan Ecotourism in 2020/2021

Tibet Ecotourism is about uniting conservation, communities, and sustainable travel. This means that both our travelers and our agency should adopt the following ecotourism principles:

• Minimize physical, social, behavioral, and psychological impacts in Tibet eco tour system.
• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect to local Tibetan minority.
• Act positive Tibetan travel experiences for both visitors and hosts.
• Provide direct financial benefits for conservation to local Tibetan society.
• Generate financial benefits for both local Tibetan people and reliable tour operator like TibetCtrip.com, TibetTravelExpert.com, Tibetlocalguide.com; www.localchinaguide.com
• Deliver memorable interpretative experiences that help raise sensitivity to our local political, environmental, and social climates.
• Try using low-impact facilities during your whole Tibet trip.
• Recognize the rights and spiritual beliefs of the Tibetan People whenever and wherever you go and work in partnership with them to create empowerment.

The Right Behavior Means Quite a lot in Tibet Tour

• Ask permission before photographing Tibetan people or religious sites!

Just like anywhere else, some Tibetans may feel uncomfortable with having their picture taken while others may have no problem! Many monasteries and temples charge a fee for taking pictures, a native Tibet travel guide will know when and where photographs are ok and when paying a fee is necessary.

• Avoid politically sensitive discussions in public in whole Tibet!

Tibet’s political situation is unique. While political discourse is beneficial to societies the world over, given the situation, these kind of discussions may make some Tibetans feel uncomfortable. 

• Be Charitable to Tibetan people!

This is a great way to engage with locals on a Tibet tour. It is appropriate and appreciated to make donations at monasteries or temples. Also, food or money can be a great gift for a pilgrim. However, avoid giving candy or money to children as it encourages begging. Tibet Ctrip Travel Service team is developing fast due to the high standard service quality with reasonable prices and for 2013 we begin a charity project to local community. This is to be supervised by Suonam Duojie, one of our main Tibetan manager and the countryside village leaders (2013 records will be set up for client's reference).

• Try speaking Tibetan language!

While it’s hard to pronounce and the words can be hard for westerners to remember, any attempt is appreciated. A simple “Tashi Delek” can brighten someone’s day! So remember to learn some useful Tibetan travel language and try to talk with local tour guide, driver, shop owners and hotel staff with little simple local language. 

Those traveling to Tibet are likely to experience a world different from anything they know! While it can be difficult to keep in mind every single cultural norm, making an effort to follow these guidelines lets Tibetans know that you respect their culture and way of life. Tibet is a rapidly changing place and many Tibetans are trying hard to hold on to their unique culture before it slips away forever. When visiting, travelers must be mindful of their actions and how they affect locals. Get involved in Tibetan culture by taking Tibet Cultural Travel now.

How to Travel Tibet on Lower Budget?

1. Book Tibet travel permit with your maximum duration (per your arrival and departure date);
2. Decide where you will have to go;
3. Book hotel in Lhasa by yourself or with our agency-as based in Lhasa, our accommodation sales price is lower than TripAdvisor or any other online agent such as booking.com or ctrip.com. With their same price (with 3-4 nights booking) we can include the Tibet travel permits;
4. Just book one day or two days highlight tour of Lhasa (e.g: day tour of Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor street) and leave you more free days in Lhasa by yourself;
5. If your trip covers Everest Base camp or Kailash, we suggest you book just part of the group tour (ie the tour out of Lhasa), or just book a car and driver and hire a guide, you can book accommodation outside of Lhasa upon arrival (but with accommodation flexibility).

Information needed to apply Tibet Travel Permits:

• Arrival date, and departure date;
• Entry point city (please confirm flight booking at least 15 days in advance, and/or train booking at least 60 days in advance) and exit point city;
• Foreign traveler's passport photo copy to be provided 10-30 days in advance (and China visa photo copy if you enter Tibet via mainland China);
• Travel itinerary (you can have permit itinerary with your ideal places you wish to see, but your actual travel itinerary can be the same or just part of the full permit itinerary);
• Apply the 4-8 days easy cultural tour at least 10 working days before arrival, and at least 15 working days before arrival for EBC tour, and 30 days before arrival for Kailash tour 

Check out further important Tibet Travel Tips on Permits, Tour Visas, Weather and Beyond as below.