Country Visa and Entry Procedure: Anyone willing to visit Tibet via requires a Tibet Travel Permit (locally known as Tibet Visa) in addition to a Chinese Visa. Without this, you won’t be able to board a train or flight to Tibet.  If you are planning for a visit from Nepal, then you are required to travel with a Tibet Group Visa. It can be obtained through the joined effect of travel agencies in Lhasa and Kathmandu.  It basically consists of a paper with list of all travelers’ name.  Visitors are required to provide a copy (scan) of passport and a scanned copy of Tibet/Chinese visa. It is also extremely important to carry your official documents with you wherever you travel in Tibet. Popular Destinations to Visit: Tibet attracts surreal numbers of visitors to admire its natural beauty and old religious culture. One of the most beautiful locations is the Potala Palace. At this UNESCO world heritage site, you will encounter precious Buddhist sculptures, murals, and many Buddhist statues. Another extravagant place in Tibet that carries cultural importance is Jokhang Temple which holds a spiritual importance to Buddhist pilgrims. Similarly, if you are looking for scenic views then Lake Yamdrok is a must visit. The exotic view of Everest is the dream of many hikers and trek enthusiasts. Located at the northern front of the Mt. Everest (8848m), Tibet offers you the opportunity to embrace the true beauty of this snowcapped giant. Similarly, Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon is another must-visit location. Other than the above mentioned locations, there are many beautiful places that one can visit in Tibet. Some of the locations include Lulang Forest, Norbulingka, and Mt Kailash, Namtso. Things to do in Tibet: Tibet is majorly known for its breathing taking trek experiences. Since it’s located at the outskirts of India, Burma, Bhutan, Sikkim, and Nepal the region is mostly encompassed by elevated mountain ranges and hills. It is also known for being the most elevated region on Earth thus, the name, Roof of the World. Other than treks, touring is also a major possibility for those wish to experience the natural and cultural magnificence of this region. As the region is host to different Buddhist monasteries, tours allow you to immerse in Tibetan Buddhism.  Along with that, visitors get to explore the true Tibetan culture. You can also witness different Tibetan festivals and blend into the culture by indulging the local cuisine. Getting a local taste of the Tibetan food is a must during the trip.  Other than this you can also visit different local architectural attractions. Apart from different monasteries, the region hosts different palaces, ruins, museum, garden, and temples that one can visit. Trekking seasons in Tibet: Altitude plays a major role when traveling in Tibet. Tibet is located at extremely high elevation which makes its weather conditions extremely unpredictable during most time of the year. 

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) seasons are considered the best time for going on a trek in Tibet. During these times of the year, there is extremely less amount of rainfall to interrupt the treks. Similarly, the temperature is also moderate, that makes walking in the wilderness much easier. Also the skies are clearer giving the best possible views of the landscape. Treks are also possible during winter; however, the temperature is extremely cold in most part of the region. And most the areas are covered with snow. Withal, in areas around Lhasa, it’s not so cold and some treks can be done. During summer, the weather is warmer with highest amount of rainfall which increases the danger of mudslides. Nonetheless, the rain increases the oxygen level making acclimatization a bit easier during the summer. Altitude Sickness: With majority of the region being located at higher elevation, Altitude sickness is a major issue faced by the visitors and trekkers in Tibet. Typically, the symptoms of Altitude Sickness start at an altitude of 2400m from the sea level. Its basic symptoms include dizziness, nausea, shortening of breath, and headaches. At higher elevation oxygen level is very low due to the decreased air pressure and when your body doesn’t get enough time for acclimation, the situation may result into altitude sickness. Usually the instances of AMS are very mild and it heals quickly. However in some rare case, the situation can get severe affecting lungs and brain. Basic Medications for this may include lungs inhaler, dexamethasone (reduces brain swelling), blood pressure medicines, pulse medicine, and aspirin.  Similarly trekkers are recommended to return to lower altitude, reduce any kind of heavy activities and drink a lot of water. Travel Insurance: Travel Insurances are a must when traveling to the remote areas of Tibet. However, one must be wary when choosing the correct travel insurance as well. These arrangements must cover ambulances or emergency helicopter evacuation. A few policies prohibit dangerous activities like boating/rafting and trekking as well. Having a Trip Cancellation Insurance can be extremely helpful. The insurance policy can be particularly helpful when going to western or eastern Tibet as these regions are shut down with next to zero warning. You also must be careful keep all documentation if you need to guarantee the claim later. 

Meals and Accommodations: The normal meals in Tibet incorporate Tibetan food, Sichuan cuisines, and western style dishes. Some restaurants inside the hotel even provide Nepalese and Indian cuisine. Note that Sichuan dishes in Tibet are more costly than in different parts of China. Also, these restaurants additionally serve western delicacies. Regarding the accommodation, visitors are not recommended to have any high expectations. There are deluxe hotels in Lhasa and other big cities like Shigatse and Gyantse that are reasonably good.  Similarly, some hotels, lodges, and guest houses provide services of accommodation to travelers. They offer you with dormitory or teahouse accommodations with 3 to 4 bed rooms. Banking ATM’s and Money: Tibet, being a part of China, uses the same currency (Yuan or Chinese Renminbi) as the other cities in China. It is available in form of notes and coins. There are two major points that one needs to know before going on a trip to Tibet: 1) foreign currency cannot be directly used in Tibet, 2) coins of 1 Yuan and below are not accepted in Tibet. Foreign Currency and traveler’s check can only be exchanged at Bank of China. There is a major branch of it in Lhasa and multiple sub branches in cities like Shigatse, Shannan, Qamdo, Nagqu and Nyingchi. Visitors are not recommended to use Credit cards as a mean of payment since they are accepted only by big hotels, few shopping malls and Bank of China. Most of the ATM’s do not provide the option of cash advance for credit cards. This means you have to directly go to the main branch. Internet and Communication: Most lodges, bistros, restaurant, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi.

Nonetheless, using the internet through 3G or 4G services is comparatively more reliable and its coverage is good in central Tibet. There are many online cafés in major towns, but only a few allow outsiders to computers. Most of the social networking sites like Facebook and sites like Google along with applications like WhatsApp are inaccessible inside China except if you utilize a VPN.  However, the software needs to be downloaded before entering china. Buying a local Sim-Card can be helpful but is extremely complicated to as it requires Chinese citizenship.  Similarly public telephones are available throughout of towns but. Major hotels in Lhasa offers the facility of IDD (International Direct Dial), but is quite expensive. Internal Flight Delays: Internal flight delays are common in Tibet. The roof of the world is located at extremely high altitude (average elevation of 4000m) and the weather conditions are pretty much unpredictable here. Heavy winds and thick fog are common in this region. On top of that the topographical structure of Tibet majorly consists of tall mountains and hills, which makes it extremely difficult for landing aircrafts. Especially during winter and monsoon, a heavy amount of rain and snowfall occurs at this region, which usually results in flight delays and even cancellations. Thus, visitors are recommended to issue an insurance policy before the trip. However, during autumn the weather is much dry and skies are clearer. So, there is next to zero chances of flight delays. Health and Safety Including Traveling alone in Tibet: Tibet represents some specific dangers to your health, generally connected with altitude. However, one does not need to be overly worried about it. Not many travelers are influenced by altitude sickness for long, and more serious dangers are present in the form of road accidents and dog bites. Visitors are recommended to get a vaccination for yellow fever, influenza and rabies before going on a trip to the autonomous region. Also, trekkers are suggested to carry a basic first aid kit. Since, 2008 Chinese government have prohibited anyone from travelling independently to Tibet. Unlike most of the countries in Asia where you can go wherever you like without any restrictions, tourists require to travel Tibet with a local guide and a driver. They with accompany you throughout the journey and inform you about pros and cons of the region.