Tibet General Information
RESERVATIONS
Deposit of full payment should be made to reserve the arrangements as per the regulation of Tibet Tourism Bureau at least 30 days before departure. Prices are quoted in United States Dollars. All payments must be made in US Dollar.
METHOD OF PAYMENT
All amount of payment should be made by telex transfer to Himalayan Bank Limited, Tri Devi Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal, and we are to be advised of remittance by fax. Contact us for paying by Credit Card. Bank Draft and personal checks will not be accepted.
DOCUMENTATION
You will be required to advise us the arrangement required of clients with details such as Full Name (exactly appears in the respective Passport), Date of Birth, Passport No, Date of issue, Date of Expiry, Sex, Nationality, Occupation and arrival/ departure flight/date information. Clients traveling to Tibet should arrive in Kathmandu at least 2 days prior to departure to Tibet to process the Tibet Visa with Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu as Chinese Embassy is open for visa application from 10 AM to 11 Am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If one wish to get the visa in one working day is also possible by paying surcharge of emergency visa fee. We advise to obtain double entry Nepal visa from Nepalese Embassy/Consulate abroad or obtain the same arrival at Kathmandu Airport.
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
Free baggage allowance is 20 Kg per person.
CANCELLATION
Any cancellation made up to 10 days’ prior client’s arrival in Kathmandu, 50% of total payment will be charged and if made less than 10 days before tour date, no refund will be made as per the policy of Tibet Tourism Bureau.
REFUNDS
No partial refunds will be given for unused rooms, meals, sightseeing trips or trekking arrangements for any reason whatsoever.
RISK & LIABILITY
Travelers, who sign up for Tibet trips, will be exposed to health risk because of the nature of terrain and trail in Tibet. In the event of illness, accident or delays beyond our control Himalaya Journeys Treks & Expeditions, or its agents will not be held responsible or liable for damages. Please keep in mind that you travel at your own risk.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Those with chronic health problems should consult their doctor before making travel plans for Tibet. Most people visiting Tibet rarely suffer more than mild discomfort before getting acclimatized. Some people use DIAMOX to prevent the sickness. You will be in the higher passes for about half-an-hour. In fact, you are much less susceptible to high altitude sickness in Tibet, because you do not strain yourself. Please consult your doctor if in doubt. Drink lots of liquids.
MONEY
Money can be exchanged at Bank of China and its branches in Zhangmu, Xigatse and Lhasa. Hard currencies are exchanged for YUAN at approximately 8 YUAN to the US$ and is re-convertible at the said banks when leaving Tibet/China.
ROAD
Road between Kathmandu and Nyalam is bad and it can be disrupted during monsoon. Some parts above friendship bridge and above Zhangmu is not in condition to ply vehicles as such we have to walk about 3 hours above friendship bridge and above Zhangmu road about 2 hours. Porters are provided in these areas. During monsoon, if it rains heavily, road will be flooded with water between Xigatse and Gyantse, so we have to detour via Northern highway. We use Southern highway via Gyantse and Yamdrok Lake. It involves the crossing of a pass Karo – La which is 5010m high.
FOOD
The food is still bad at Zhangmu and Xegar. Since there are no restaurants along the way, we advise you to take few cans of sardine, dried fruits, biscuits etc. For return journey, you can buy at Lhasa. Also you can take a cup, spoon, tea and instant soup. Every guesthouse or hotel provides a big thermos full of hot water.
Booking condition:
– Kindly send scanned copy of your passport port (1st page only) by e-mail.
– 25% of the cost must be sent 2 months in advance. (contact us for payment options – We accept online payment, swift/telex transfer, bank draft etc.)
Recommended clothing and equipment list for the trip:
Sleeping bags (down with inside extra cover), jacket (down) / polar fleece, with rain and water proofed, thermal underwear, wind / rain-proof trousers, woollen and sun hats, scarves (muffler), woollen or cotton socks, gloves, trekking boots, sun/snow glassed, towel, t-shirt/s, sunscreen/sun lotion, flash light with extra bulbs and batteries, sandals, water bottles, day pack (for your day time necessities), kit or duffel bag (to keep your personal belongings) first aid box /personal medicine walking stick.
Please do not carry unnecessary items and / or valuables.
Be sure you have the needy items!
Warm clothes, water bottle, water purification tabs, sun tan lotion utility knife, dusk musk, medicine for headaches, fever, colds, stomach disorders and diamox (unless you are allergic to sulpha drugs) for altitude sickness, it is also good to carry dry fruit, juice powder, breads, candy, canned or packed food, nuts, pickles and biscuits.
Good Health:
Even though participants do not need to submit any health certificate those with a history of medical problems, particularly cardiac or respiratory, should consult a doctor before deciding to undertake the trip. It is rigorous and challenging trip where all the time spent at high altitudes. At least 2 months’ regular practice is recommending either 2 hours daily running, swimming, or joining on a health club may help to complete the yatra very successfully.
Health, Fitness & Insurance
Start your physical fitness program several weeks before starting the journey. Walking, hiking and back packing over rugged terrain are the best ways to prepare for a trek any regular regime of strenuous aerobic exercise is also beneficial as also running, swimming and cycling prior to departure.
As some areas in Tibet, especially in the higher regions have a rarified atmosphere and could lead to breathing problems. In addition to the normal medications for traveling recommended by your doctor, you should bring something to prevent symptoms of acute mountain sickness. Altitude Mountain Sickness -is basically lack of oxygen at heights over 2500 mts. The major cause for AMS is the speed with which one makes the ascent. Even when one is acclimatized to a given height one can still get ill when climbing higher. Nausea, breathlessness, head ache and dizziness are common irritability and loss of appetite is common symptoms of AMS. Acclimatization is hampered by rapid ascent where necessary a few days of rest help. Take time to acclimatize, drink lots of water, consumption of light food with high carbohydrate content is also advisable and bring purification tablets.
People suffering from heart, diabetes, asthma, lung and kidney, high blood pressure are known to have trekked successfully in Tibet, but before traveling to Tibet one should consult a physician and medical advice on precautions to be taken in case of problems erupting on the way.
Tibet’s high altitude and the atmosphere allow the sun’s solar radiation to strike the earth with unusual intensity at all times of year can cause Sun burn – It is easy to get sun burn in Tibet. Sunscreen lotion (U.V.lotion) is a must to avoid sunburn good quality lotion will contain sun protection factor (SPF). To protect your eyes and skin, bring a sunhat (A wide brimmed hat), sunglasses (Preferably without a metal frame), lip balm, zinc-oxide cream to provide 100% block-out.
In the event of an emergency, the hospitals and clinics are primarily located in the large cities. There is no emergency helicopter service in Tibet. If anybody requires evacuation, he or she will take to the nearest road head. A basic first -aid kit is provided in the support truck. However, one should carry one’s own personal medication and basic first – aid material as well.
INSURANCE & EMERGENCY EXPENSES:
We suggest that clients insure themselves against a comprehensive claim policy. Which should also include Helicopter Evacuation if necessary. (Comprehensive Insurance Policy may be taken in Kathmandu. You may ask our Kathmandu representative to assist in this regard).
Please note that our Kailash Tour Package does not include any rescue or evacuation expenses in emergenices. Any Emergency arrangement other than regular straight forward tour itinerary service should be borne by the client themselves.
Travel Tips
DOCUMENT REQUIRED
- Passport /Photographs
- Dairy: Address, Telephone
- numbers, Contacts.
- Travelers Cheques, Credit Cards And Currency
- Airline/Railway Tickets/Vouchers
- Any Other Documents For Personal Use.
ARTICLE
- Personal Jewellary Must Be Kept To Minimum
- Camera – Film Rolls As Required
- Torch (Water Prrof And Powerful) Spare Cells
- Video Camera – If Required
- Pocket Cassette Recorder: With Earphones To Listen To Music, Prayers Etc, During Travel And Also To Record Daily Events As Witnessed.
- Binoculars
- Conventional Spectacles – Contact Lens Not Advisable
- Palstic Mug
- Swiss Knife (Multipurpose)
- Leak Proof Plastics Water Bottles (For Water From Mansarovar And Gauri Kund) available in Nylam & Saga also.
- Waist Pouch
- Ball Pen (spare refills)
- Maps/Charts/Books of the area.
- Whistle
- Thermos (Hotwater bottle)
CLOTHING
Light weight Rucksack/travel bag (take care to keep your baggage simpler and lighter as an emergency may arise where you might have to carry your own baggage against all odds.)
- Pure wool and thick cotton socks
- Long Johns (Inners – full fitting) wool or mixed combinations.
- Down Jackets: Light, quilted (warm and well insulated)
- Wool Pullovers – Polo Necks
- Flannel Shirts.
- Thick wool trousers (Thermal wear)
- Warm light gloves. (Water Proof)
- Snow cap (with ear covering)
- Balaclava (wool monkey cap)
- Scarf
- Cap (Sun/Rain/Snow Protection)
- Monkey Cap
- Cotton undergarments
- Towels
- Hot water bottle.
- Keds/Boots: very light, skid proof, water resistant, ankle protection & soft interior -2 pairs, break in earlier for comfortable use.
- Light trek bag (cameras etc.)
- Rain coat with hood
- Personal clothing as required
REQUEST YOUR DR. TO PRESCRIBE EFFECTIVE MEDCINES TO COVER THE FOLLOWING
- Fever
- Sore Eyes
- Stomach cramps
- Body &Joint Pains
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Loose Motion
- Constipation
- Swelling
- sneezing
- Muscle Pulls
- Cold & Cough
- Chest congestion
- Stiffness
- Dysentery
- Nose blocks
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Acidity
- Vomiting
FIRST AID KIT
- Vascline
- Cotton
- Facial Tissues
(Wet Tissue)
- Chapstick
- Band Aid
- Dettol/Listerene (antiseptic)
- Toilet Papers
- Bandage Roll
- Rubber Bands
- Cough Drops
- Mouth Freshners
- Dark sunglasses (B-2
- Candle & Lighter glass)
- Dust Cover (Surgeon’s Mask)
- Nose Inhalers
- Vicks
- Body lotion/Mustard Oil (Sun Protection)
- Small Plastic Bags
- Cologne
- Ear Muffs
- Eye Masks
OTHER THINGS
Glucose based items
- Mints
- Toffees
- Mini Chocolate bars
- Multi – vitamin & Vitamin C tablets
- Glucose
- Electoral rucksack
MONEY
Carry extra money (in addition to the tour cost approx. INR 20000 to 25000) for personal needs.
- Travelers Cheques & Credit Card can be used in Nepal.
- Indian Currency (Except Rs.500 & Rs.1000 currency notes).
EXCHANGE
Chinese currency Yuan can be Exchange in Nepal (Kodari Border) and Tibet (Zhamgmu border). The un spent Chinese currency can be re – converted on return in Tibet border.
US $1 = 8 Yuan,
INR 100 = NPR 160,
INR 100 =15Yuan approx.
NPR – Nepalese Rupees
INR – Indian Rupee.
- Above exchange rates are subject to change
INR – Indian Rupee.
- Above exchange rates are subject to change
INR – Indian Rupee.
- Above exchange rates are subject to change
PRECAUTION SHOULD BE TAKEN DURING TREKING AND PARIKARM
v Any cut or bruise may not heal quickly
- Walk slowly and firmly.
- Guard yourself from slipping or falling to prevent fractures, sprains and muscle pulls.
- Listen to your guide. (Very Important)
- Never leave the group.
- Rest/Relax, do not be excited
- Reduce Talking, breathe slowly. (Especially during Kora)
- Walk slowly – adopt one third of your normal speed and space
- Keep your load light.
- Do not exercise
- Sleeping doses and strong anti-biotic must be avoided. (Important)
- Avoid smoking and alcohol – drugs or intoxicants.
- Consume plenty of liquids; never proceed with an empty stomach. (Prefer to drink hot water)
- Be careful not to catch cold.
- Be over clothed than under protected.
- En – route avoid taking bath or drinking water from lakes, streams or rivers.
- Keep your nose smooth by applying Vaseline.
- Keep your boots/keds/feet dry – never let it get wet.
- Wear cotton and woollen socks.
- Face, feet, and hands must be well protected.
- Do not combine walking and sightseeing together.
- Inspect your track in front and trek slowly.
- Take light Breakfast/launch and dinner.
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