China featuring T ibet & Hong Kong

Tibet
Handmade from local knowledge. Handpicked by us.
Tibet, the rooftop of the world, has long fascinated travellers. The wild and beautiful high-altitude
scenery of snowcapped mountains, yak-dotted plains, turquoise lakes and deep valleys is like
nowhere else in the world. Add to this the charming and inspiring Tibetan people and their
unique and spiritual culture, and it’s easy to see why Tibet is considered one of Asia’s most
remarkable destinations.
Money
As in other regions of China, the local currency in Tibet is the Renminbi (RMB), known
colloquially as the Yuan. At the time of writing the Australian Dollar (AUD) is equivalent to
5.9RMB. It is possible to change AUD at major hotels in Lhasa. Outside of Lhasa money
changing, ATM and credit card facilities are extremely limited.
Passports, Visas and Permits
As Tibet is a part of China, the normal China tourist visa applies for Tibet. In addition to the China
tourist visa, a travel permit is also required, and organised as part of your touring arrangements
with Travel Indochina. You will, however, need to arrange a China visa in advance of arrival into
China, with a copy of this visa being faxed to the Travel Indochina office for the necessary Tibet
permit application to be processed. It is recommended you allow a minimum of ten working days
for processing, in addition to the time it takes to obtain your visa for China.
Health & Vaccinations
Travellers to Tibet should take the same precautions they would elsewhere in Asia. Western
medical facilities are basic and very limited in remote areas of Tibet. As Tibet is at a high altitude,
travellers are likely to experience some form of altitude sickness (breathlessness, dizziness,
headaches, loss of appetite or difficulty sleeping). The touring itineraries that follow all factor in
extra time to allow your body to adjust to this change; however, travellers tend to be affected in
different ways. Vaccinations are strongly recommended prior to travelling in Tibet. Please consult
your doctor for more information on vaccinations.
Safety & Security
Tibet is generally a safe destination; however, petty street crime is on the rise as tourist numbers
increase. We recommend you wear as little jewellery as possible and make sure your spending
money is kept in a secure place close to your body.
Communications
International phone and fax facilities are available in Lhasa, although they can be expensive.
Climate
The high altitude in Tibet causes climatic extremes. The country has an average altitude of
4,000 metres, so some visitors might experience altitude sickness in higher areas. The weather
is very changeable and it is not uncommon to experience four seasons in one day. Highs in the
summer (June to August) reach 20 or 21 degrees Celsius, while the winter months can see the
temperatures plummeting below -10 degrees Celsius with fierce winds. The best time to visit
is between May and November, although it is possible to experience rain in July and August.
Between December and February travel is restricted to Lhasa and low-lying areas, although even
here temperatures may fall well below -10 degrees Celsius at night.
Average Minimum/Maximum Temperatures in Celsius
JAN APR JUL OCT
Lhasa -10°–8° 1°–17° 9°–22° 11°–17°
“Tibet offers one of the most unique and spiritual experiences imaginable.
Not only is the scenery amongst the most spectacular in the world, but its rich
culture and history and the air of mystery surrounding this land leaves an
indelible imprint on your soul. For anyone seeking a true ‘old fashioned’ adventure
you can’t go past Tibet!”
Claudia Wolf – NSW Business Development Manager
38 I CHINA featuring TIBET AND HONG KONG