Tibet captivates many tourists, with its unique natural landscape and distinctive local customs. Its highlands and snowy sceneries set the region apart from all other tourist destinations. As a travel agency that has arranged countless trips to Tibet, the Shanghai Focus travel agent has many tips for tourists to ensure a pleasant journey in Tibet.
When is the best time to travel to Tibet? How's the weather there?
It's advisable to make a trip to Tibet during July to September. The region has a long sunshine duration, and the temperature drops as the elevation increases. It gets dry, cold and windy during the winter, and turns cool and rainy during the summer months. Therefore, it's necessary to avoid the rainy season and freezing winter.
Are there any places or things in Tibet that truly impress you?
I spent a month there, but many things were unforgettable. When I stood at the gate of the JokhangTemple at five in the morning, it was spectacular and overwhelming to watch many pious local people genuflecting and worshiping the Buddha. While heading toLhasa, I ran into pilgrims who were covered in mud and genuflecting every three steps on the way. It would take them months or even a year to get to Lhasa. A little girl told me that one needs ten thousand genuflections to be considered pious.
Can foreigners go to Tibet alone?
Foreign tourists need to have a Tibet travel permit, which can be obtained with the help of travel agencies. Foreigners must sign up on an organized tour during their visit. At the same time, foreign journalists and diplomats can't enter Tibet as tourists.
Will everyone suffer with altitude sickness? How should tourists deal with it?
Most people will have altitude sickness when they arrive for the first time. The best way to avoid or alleviate it is to keep a positive attitude, because many of the symptoms are induced mentally.
If you feel a bit uncomfortable, it's better to take more rest and maintain a regular diet. If the conditions get worse, you should go to hospital. In addition, it's better to stop all intense exercise half a month before traveling to Tibet, because intense exercise causes more oxygen consumption and strains the heart, which is more likely to cause altitude sickness.