Tips for Visiting Tibet
Known as the Roof of the World, Tibet is one of the most interesting places to visit on earth. It is the seat of the ancient Buddhism, and it is where stunning landscapes and artistic monasteries dwell. Tibet is also known for its hidden valleys and caravan trails that are centuries old. Well, all of these things are what actually make Tibet a mysterious land worthy to be explored and enjoyed.
However, visiting Tibet is not an easy thing. There are a lot of things that visitors should know about and that include the travel documents, transportation to and from Tibet, language, money, photographing, health, and a lot more. So before you decide on visiting Tibet, try to know something about the place first. This is by far the most primary move you can take when planning to visit Tibet.
Here are some few tips for you to note before you decide on visiting Tibet:
Travel Documents: Just like the rest of the world, Tibet has its own requirements set for the tourists to meet. For instance, the visitors who are non-Chinese passport holders should carry with them an Alien’s Travel Permit, a visa and a valid passport for them to enter Tibet. If you are wondering where to get a visa, note that your local Chinese consulate provides visas for those who wish to enter China, so you can go directly to them to get your visa. The permit can be obtained for about 200 RMB.
Transportation: Tibet is accessible by all modes of transportation. There are two airports now serving the area, while there are about five highways extending into Tibet. The longest of those highways is the Sichuan-Tibet Highway which extends for about 2,413 kilometers. Tibet also has minor roads where only jeeps pass by. But, buses serve the Lhasa area, charging per passenger for about 2 RMB. In addition, taxis and pedicabs are now available for every tourist to consider.
Language: If you want to travel to Tibet easily, you should try learning about the Tibetan language. Try to maintain a close contact with the locals and let them teach you about their local language. Also, you can learn the Tibetan language by reading some phrases or words and understanding their meaning.
Money: Renminbi (RMB) is the official currency of Tibet. So when visiting Tibet, know that only the Bank of China offers the foreign exchange facilities and services, as well as some market hotels. You can find branches of the Bank of China anywhere in Tibet’s public area.
Photographing: In Tibet, photographing in monasteries is highly permitted. However, there are some restrictions set for those who are visiting Tibet to follow. In the first place, taking pictures inside the chapels is highly prohibited. If you get caught taking pictures at these areas, you will be charged with extremely high rates. So beware of certain rules maintained in the area of your interest when visiting Tibet.
