Tibet is without any doubt one of the world's ultimate travel destinations and a sacred place often known as the 'Rooftop of the World'.

Tibet offers wonderful experiences of a uniquely proud people, dramatic scenery, some of the world's tallest mountains, tremendous monastic traditions, sights of fluttering prayer flags, the wonderfully pungent scent of yak butter temple lamps, pilgrim routes, high altitude trekking and some great white-water rafting.

Only opened to foreign visitors in 1982, Tibet is an incredible cultural experience the intensity of which, nowadays, probably isn't found anywhere else on earth.

Yes, Tibet has been changed dramatically by its recent history, is relatively difficult to reach, doesn't have 5* 'chain' hotels and is at altitude though whatever the hardships you overcome to arrive here you are bound to get caught up with a tremendous affinity for the Tibetan people, their strength of character, their innate passion for their Buddhist religion, their sense of community along with their beautiful traditional costumes and faces of rugged character.


Lhasa offers some sensational sights and as a reflection of Tibet's unique past they do tend to be the story of a religion as opposed to that of a nation. The sacred Pilgrim Circuit at the Barkhor, the atmospheric monasteries of the Jokhang, Drepung, Ganden and Sera are all unique and offer wonderful introductions to this dramatic city as does a visit to the Potala Palace, home to many of the Dalai Lama's and the religious, spiritual and administrative centre of this spiritual and fiercely religious land.

Outside of Lhasa one experiences the countryside and its' more natural and traditional way of life. Tibet is enormous though easily accessible as short excursions from the city are:
Tsedang, the cradle of the Tibetan civilization,
beautifully scenic and sacred lakes of Yam-Drok and Nam-Tso,
the religious centres of Gyantze, Shigatze and Sakya, along with
endless possibilities for the more adventurous including trekking and white-water rafting.


Without doubt Tibet is one of the most incredible places to visit whether as an extension from China or even Nepal or as a visit in its own right. One of Eastern Journeys favoured journeys is taking in China's stunning Yunnan Province which stretches from the tropical hills of Northern Burma and Laos to the magical Tibetan Plateau.

Eastern Journeys looks forward to welcoming you to Tibet and to one of the world's ultimate travel experiences.

Tashi Dele or Welcome

ALTITUDE - Tibet is at altitude and each guest should consider whether a visit is appropriate to this part of China. Lhasa is set at 3,600 meters (or 11,800 feet) whilst Gyantze and Shigatze are located at almost 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). Other higher altitude visits are at Ganden Monastery (4,500 meters or 14,750 feet) and Kamba-La Pass enroute to Gyantze at 4,795 meters (15,700 feet). Some doctors recommend taking medication to balance the effects of altitude whilst others recommend against it. Gradual acclimatization is the best approach and a visit to Yunnan before flying to Tibet can greatly assist as the gain in altitude is at a much slower pace. Plenty of rest and a high (non-alcoholic) fluid intake are essential. Due to the high altitude the sun is very strong and we recommend a high factor sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.

Tibet Accommodation – Lhasa has recently opened its first 5* hotel which is quite comfortable though once outside the city, accommodation is relatively basic though after considering how remote this area is, we believe it can be described as adequate.

Driving – Tibetan roads have been improved dramatically in recent years and our 4WD vehicles are well suited for the terrain that is covered.

Travel Insurance – strongly recommended for all journeys as is emergency medical evacuation insurance.

Money – Hotels change foreign currency and traveller's cheques and it is strongly recommended that both be in US Dollars as other currencies can be more difficult to exchange in Tibet. Tibet uses the Chinese Yuan often referred to as Remimbi or RMB. Cash is always the easiest to change and notes should be clean as older dirty notes can often be difficult to exchange.
Visas & Permits – As well as a Chinese Visa, a Tibetan Travel Permit is required. Eastern Journeys arranges this on your behalf.

Time – Tibet is at GMT + 8 hours, which is the same time zone as the rest of China. Being in the country's west it does mean that it gets light much later in the morning than in eastern parts of the country.

Annoyances – Tibet is part of a developing country and as with travel to any part of the developing world there can be annoyances whereby the itinerary doesn't work as smoothly as it should, flights are delayed or roads are closed and these delays result in some sights being missed and so forth. We will endeavour to keep any disruption to a minimum though, at times, inevitably must ask for your patience.

Clothing – casual clothing is appropriate in Tibet. Remember that it can get quite hot during the day in summer though can cool significantly in the evenings and overnight. In the early and late part of the season, you will need some warmer clothes as temperatures can suddenly drop. Layered clothing is best and bring plenty of sun screen, a hat and sun glasses.

Photography and camera film – Tibet is a photographers dream and photography is allowed in most places though taking pictures inside Monasteries will involve a local charge, which in places can be very high. We ask you to be sensitive if taking photos of people. You are best to bring camera film and memory cards with you.

Medicines – bring what you need from home. Medical facilities in Tibet are very limited.

Tipping – Gratuities to your guide and driver are strongly recommended. The suggested amount is US$10 per day for your Guide and US$ 5 per day for your driver.

Public holidays – Tibet has the same official holidays as the rest of China with the first weeks of May and October being week-long holidays.

Weather – Tibet's climate is not as extreme as many people think taking into account is high altitude plateau location. Winter is cold though wonderfully empty of other visitors whilst mid summer is Tibet's rainy season. Eastern Journeys favourite months are April, May, early June, late September and October. July and August are not only Tibet's wettest months but also its busiest period.
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9
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9
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Rain
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27
72
120
124
58
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Temperatures are averages in C, Rainfall in mm