Is it possible for me to tour Tibet on my own?
Tibet has become a tourist destination that cannot be visited independently since 2008. China's tourist policy in Tibet is one of limited tourism and reduced environmental effect. The requirement for a tour operator made the entire trip to Tibet considerably easier than it had previously been.
Getting into Tibet from Kathmandu
The two most common ways to reach Tibet are by plane and by land.
By Flight: From the Kathmandu-Lhasa flight, take in a bird's eye view of the beautiful Himalayas. There are two direct flights each day from Kathmandu to Lhasa at the moment. The one-way flight takes roughly 1:35 hours and costs around $300-400 USD. Despite its short duration, the remarkable airborne voyage provides passengers with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly above the awe-inspiring Himalayan Range and take in the complete vista of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Personally, Yolo Hike would advise you to take the window seat on the plane's left side. You'll be treated to a breathtaking vista of steep mountain peaks averaging 8000 meters above sea level, including the majestic Mt. Everest, the world's highest peak.
By Land: Tibet (TAR) and Nepal are ideal neighbors because they are on opposite sides of the Himalayas. Tourists entering Tibet from Nepal must pass via Gyirong County, which is located on the Tibetan border.
What makes this journey so unique is that you gradually ascend from Kathmandu Valley (1400m) to the soaring Qinghai-Tibet Plateau by following the winding route along with vivid ravines on the edge of the beautiful Himalayan Range (above 4000m).
The overland tour expertly integrates the highlights of the magnificent Himalayan environment with sacred Tibetan lakes. Shigatse, Gyantse, and Lhasa are three historical Tibetan cities where you may experience the unique beauty and culture of Tibet. To truly enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime journey, you'll need seven days.
International travelers must also have a Group Tourist Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit to enter Tibet from Kathmandu. You must be in Kathmandu at least three days prior to the visa deadline and apply for the visa using your original passport.
Kathmandu, as an important gateway city to Tibet, Yolo Hike will be able to host a large number of international tourists visiting Tibet. We have a Kathmandu-based office that provides a one-stop service for the application of Group Tourist Visas and Tibet Travel Permits for these travelers.
Travel from mainland China to Tibet
If you're traveling through mainland China, there are two methods to get to Tibet. The first alternative is to fly from Beijing to Lhasa, stopping in Xining along the way. The second option is to go by train over the picturesque Qinghai-Tibet line.
Despite the fact that the voyage will take 40 hours in total. Flying in both ways saves time when time is of the essence, but if time is not an issue, taking the train for at least the second half of the voyage helps passengers adjust to the high altitude.
When to Visit Tibet
On any given day, it is impossible to enter Tibet. During the Tibetan New Year, travel is restricted, and admission is closed in February and March. This also means that railway tickets, especially the cheaper ones, sell out quickly in April and May. It's also worth considering the weather: Tibet's infrastructure is still in its early stages, and most hotels become a touch chilly at night. Because the temperature swings during the day, visiting during the summer months can help you avoid the cold at night.
Altitude Sickness Information and Precaution During Tibet Tour
Tibet is situated at substantially higher altitudes than many of us are accustomed to. That means there's 30% less oxygen up there, which might trigger altitude sickness in those who aren't used to it. Headaches, nausea, a loss of appetite, and weariness are all possible symptoms. Because these conditions can seriously obstruct travel plans, it's critical to take medicine before leaving and make every attempt to adjust to the new altitude once you arrive — consuming less alcohol and avoiding strenuous physical activity can help lessen symptoms while you're there.
Tibet Travel Permit
A specific travel permit is necessary while traveling through China, in addition to a Chinese visa. It is not difficult to obtain, but it is not made available to independent travelers. Prior to traveling, travelers must make arrangements with a qualified travel agent like Yolo Hike who will provide the travel permit. Make sure you have it with you whether flying or using the train, as officials may check it along the way.