Tibet Group Joining Tour

Weather and Best Season

The Tibet Group Joining Tour will be held in any month of the year, although the best season is between May and October. At this time, the weather is more predictable, the skies tend to be clear, and travelling is not difficult. Days are pleasant normally, whereas nights may still be cold, taking into consideration that Tibet is quite an elevated area.

In most of the roads, passengers sleep and rest between altitudes of approximately 2,700 m (8,858 ft) to 4,300 m (14,108 ft), whereas some of the passes are above 5,000 m (16,404 ft). Due to this rise, temperatures may fluctuate very fast even on a sunny day.

The Tibet Group Joining Tour is particularly good in spring (April, May) and autumn (September, October). In these seasons, the weather is cool, the mountain scenery is usually clearer, and there are fewer tourists compared to summer. These months are ideal for sightseeing of the Everest, Yamdrok Lake, and the expansive Tibetan plateau.

Summer is also a good season since the weather is mild and roads are normally free, even though there can be some rain during July and August.

It is much harder and colder in winter. High passes might be blocked by snow, and even certain services are restricted. To the majority of travellers, the most suitable and comfortable mode of visiting this place is from the end of spring to the beginning of autumn.

How Difficult is the Tour

Tibet Group Joining Tour is largely a moderate trip, and this implies that most healthy tourists can complete the trip without having to undergo special training.

It does not entail any long walking or strenuous climbing. The majority of the trip is spentina vehicle, and only a small amount of walking is involved during sightseeing. This renders the tour preferable to most individuals, including older travelers, provided they are fit enough and willing to go to high altitude.

The Tibet Group Joining Tour has the primary difficulty of the altitude. You start at approximately 2,700 m (8,858 ft) in Kerung and proceed to such destinations as Lhasa at 3,650 m (11,975 ft), and Shigatse at 3,900 m (12,795 ft). There are parts of the route that lead to the mountain that have mountain passes that have a height exceeding 5,000 m (16,404 ft).

The air at these heights is less dense and therefore, some of the travelers might be fatigued, breathless, or develop slight headaches. This is natural, yet it is necessary to take time, consume lots of water, and take breaks when necessary.

Long driving days may also be exhausting, particularly on the way back. Nevertheless, there are frequent pauses during meals, photographs, and stretching. The tour is challenging but fulfilling to most tourists, provided you listen to the advice of your guide and take good care of your body.

Visa and Permits

To join a Tibet Group Joining Tour, one needs special travel documents; the good news is that we organize them for you.

The key among the documents is the Tibet Travel Permit that is required by all foreigners coming to Tibet. In the absence of this permit, one cannot join the tour or cross the border into Tibet. In order to process it, we require you to send a copy of your passport prior to your trip, and your travel information.

In case you fly to Tibet via Kathmandu, you must also have a China Group Tourist Visa to accompany your Tibet Group Joining Tour. This is contrary to a standard Chinese visa. The group visa is granted to the entire travelling group, and all of them get in and out of Tibet simultaneously. Due to this procedure, the traveler is expected to come into Kathmandu a few working days prior to departure so that the visa can be organized accordingly.

Other local permits can also be obtained during the trip, such as entry to specific regions, which are normally a behind-the-scenes task of the travel company. The travelers are required to be in possession of a valid passport that has at least half a year to expire. Your guide will assist in taking care of the formalities in the trip.

Because the road crosses areas like Kerung(2,700 m / 8,858 ft), Shigatse(3,900 m / 12,795 ft), and Lhasa (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), appropriate permit structuring is a significant element of unproblematic travel.

Transportation

The Tibet Group Joining Tour involves a large aspect of transportation, and it is organized such that the journey is safe, comfortable, and practical. The journey begins in Nepal, with the visitors taking a normal drive through Kathmandu to the border in a personal vehicle, jeep, or van. Once across the border on foot, the group then carries on in a Tibet-registered vehicle with a local driver since foreigners cannot drive themselves in Tibet.

The overland tour is also one of the highlights of the Tibet Group Joining Tour. It enables the viewer to experience how the scenery gradually evolves when the green Nepalese hills give way to the vast dry Tibetan plateau.

Most of the roads in Tibet are tarmac and good enough to be used during a long journey, but the Nepal side might seem to be narrower and rougher. Transport can be in the form of a Land Cruiser, a minivan, or a small bus, depending on the size of the group.

Certain days would entail extensive driving, particularly on the roads connecting Lhasa, Shigatse, and Shegar. They are very high areas and the spending of the night may be on such places as Kerung(2,700 m / 8,858 ft), (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), and Shegar(4,200 m / 13,780 ft). Regular rest, photo, meal, and short walk stops are made to make the journey easier.

Your Extra Expenses on the Trip

Even though the key services of a Tibet Group Joining Tour are often covered, travellers still need to make a personal budget during the trip. The most predominant additional costs will be meals, snacks, drinks, visa fees, tipping, and shopping. Breakfasts are included in the packages, but lunch and dinner will have to be paid for on your own. There are more restaurant options in bigger destinations, such as Lhasa and Shigatse, and fewer in smaller destinations.

Since the Tibet Group Joining Tour will go through isolated highlands like Kerung at 2,700 m (8,858 ft), Shigatse at 3,900 m (12,795 ft), and Shegar at 4,200 m (13,780 ft), it would be a good idea to bring plenty of Chinese Yuan cash. Such small costs as bottled water, tea, coffee, snacks, and toilet charges can be accumulated over several days. Purchases also include souvenirs like prayer flags, handicrafts, jewelry, and local art.

Other items that should be included in the budget of travelers are the China Group Visa, Nepal visa, where applicable, and travel insurance. It is not mandatory to tip the guide and the driver; however, it is a popular and welcome practice.

Some spare money in case of delays that cannot be predicted is also intelligent. It is always good to plan to be less worried about the trip.

Don’ts on This Trip

Tibet Group Joining Tour will not just be all about beautiful scenery and well-known monasteries, but again, it will be about respecting people and rules, as well as the religion.

Among the most vital aspects to keep in mind, you should not act carelessly in monasteries and temples. No handling of statues, altars, or religious objects. Speak not loudly in places of worship, and do not take photos where you are not permitted to do so. One is also expected to dress in an appropriate manner as well as take off hats or sunglasses when visiting holy places.

One more valuable fact to be noticed during a Tibet Group Joining Tour is not to discuss political issues sensitively. Issues touching on the politics of Tibet, religion, and government policies are extremely delicate. It is preferable to remain on culture, history, and the experience of travelling itself.

Travelers should also not push themselves too far at high elevations. The road contains destinations like Lhasa at 3,650 m (11,975 ft), and mountain passes that are above 5000 m (16404 ft); thus, altitude may impact your body. Never ignore symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or unusual tiredness. Inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell.

Also, do not litter, disturb animals, or overpack heavy luggage. Treat people with respect and stay calm, and this will make your way easier and more pleasant for the group and for you.

Trip Extension

The Tibet Group Joining Tour is a comprehensive service and can be characterized as a full trip alone, but most travelers opt to add on to it and have a look around the Himalayas.

The most popular one is the extension of the Everest Base Camp on the Tibet side. Because the primary route already winds around mountainous terrain, including Shegar at approximately 4,200 m (3,780 ft), it is easy to head more towards Everest. This provides the travelers with additional time to appreciate the mountainous landscape and have one of the most renowned views in the world.

The other extension of the Tibet Group Joining Tour is the visit to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. It is a more challenging and lengthier one, yet very significant when one is interested in spiritual travel and in remote areas. This route requires additional permits and additional travel days.

In case you come back to Nepal after the tour, there are numerous simple extension options. In Pokhara, you can relax, in Chitwan, you can go on a jungle safari, and in Kathmandu Valley, you can visit heritage sites. There are also those tourists who visit both Tibet and Bhutan to have a more Himalayan experience.

You can add extensions to your trip that will make it more meaningful. It is an excellent choice for people who have made a long way and want to spend as much time as possible in the area.

Photography & Drone Rules

A Tibet Group Joining Tour will give an opportunity for amazing photography, whether it is monasteries, old streets, lakes, or mountain passes.

It is important to note that the travelers must be careful and respectful when taking photos. Photography in the interior of the prayer halls is prohibited in several monasteries. Most sacred statues, murals, and prayer halls have strict rules, and it is better to be attentive to the signs and instructions of your guide.

On the street, one should politely request people to take close-up shots of the locals, monks, or pilgrims.

When you are on a Tibet Group Joining Tour, you see high and sensitive destinations including Lhasa, Shigatse, and beautiful passes of more than 5,000 m (16,404 ft). Photography within military areas, police stations, border crossings, and government buildings is heavily prohibited in these areas. Violating these guidelines may be dangerous.

Even the use of drones is more regulated. In Tibet, drones are restricted in most locations, particularly near cities, airports, along borders, as well as religious locations. Drones can fly in certain open scenic areas, but again, you must abide by local regulations, and your guide must confirm that it is permissible. The use of drones should also be done with responsibility by the travelers, as the noise may distract the worshippers, the local people, and wildlife.

Major Attractions

The Tibet Group Joining Tour gives a chance to view most of the most renowned cultural and natural sites in Tibet. The largest attraction is the Potala Palace, a great hilltop palace in Lhasa which stands above the city on top of a hill of 3,650 m (11, 975 ft). The Dalai Lama used to stay here in winter, and it is one of the most significant landmarks in Tibet.

Barkhor is another market worth visiting in Lhasa, and the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism, Jokhang Temple.

Another natural attraction during the Tibet Group Joining Tour is the Yamdrok-Tso Lake, which is among the holy lakes in Tibet. As observed at Kamba La Pass, which is located at an approximate altitude of 4,794 m (15,728 ft), the lake is gleaming in beautiful hues of turquoise and is engulfed by snow-coated mountains.

Passing by Gyantse, you can also see Pelkor Chode Monastery and a well-known Kumbum Stupa, which is designed in a unique way and has beautiful interior prayer halls.

Another significant attraction is Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse at 3,900 m (12, 795 ft). It is the customary seat of the Panchen Lama and is renowned for its gigantic statue of Maitreya.

Drepung and Sera monasteries near Lhasa are also included in the tour, as the travelers have the opportunity to observe the significant monastic life and the famous debates between the monks.

Tips for first-time travellers

If this is your first Tibet Group Joining Tour, proper preparation will make your journey a lot easier.

The most important suggestion is to take altitude seriously. You will go through such places as Kerung(2,700 m / 8,858 ft), Lhasa (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), and mountain passes over 5,000 m (16,404 ft). Owing to this, it would be good to walk slowly, take lots of water, and not engage in heavy exercises in the initial days. This is very important, as your body needs time to adjust to the altitude.

Proper packing is also another important aspect of a Tibet Group Joining Tour. Warm clothes, even during warm weather, are necessary, as the weather may shift rapidly. Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, and moisturizer are quite handy since the sun is intense and the air is dry. A little personal first aid kit comes in handy.

One should also have sufficient cash in Chinese Yuan, particularly when one is not in Lhasa. A lot of distant locations lack convenient card payment. Tissue paper, hand sanitizer, and a reusable water bottle should also be taken on long drives.

Lastly, respect local customs. Wear modest clothes, and listen to the instructions of your guide in religious places. A peaceful and respectful attitude will make you appreciate Tibet, its culture, people, and landscapes in a more significant way.