Answer: The yak is a treasure for the Tibetan people. Not only does it provide them with meat, milk, and cheese, but the clothes they wear are also made of the yak’s hair. For Tibetan nomads, yak wool is also the material for their tents. Almost everything in Tibet tent houses is related to yak, and even the yak’s dung can be used as fuel to keep the Tibetan nomads warm and to fuel their cooking.
The yak is also an important vehicle for riding and carrying goods. For example, while doing the Mount KailashKora, you can hire a porter and his yak to carry your luggage, which not only lightens your burden but also brings some income to the local Tibetans.
Answer: Your Permit will be sent to your given address in China but not other countries; you will be required to send your proper address in China (Either apartment or hotel) with a telephone number; the postman will send your original Permit before your flight or train to China. On the other hand, if you are traveling from Kathmandu (Nepal) there is a different procedure as you will need to prepare the paper issued from the Embassy of China in Kathmandu. Please consult with your travel agent about it. Please check out Tibet Travel Procedure for more details.
Answer: Your travel agent applies for the necessary permits to TTB. The authority starts to issue permits 2-3 weeks before your departure. The travel agent uses the Permit 2-3 weeks in advance, which means you are requested to confirm your trip at least four weeks to avoid any risk.
Answer: No, it is impossible to travel to Tibet without an organized tour. A tour guide and permits are required to travel to Tibet from Nepal and Mainland China ports. You must process the Permit and book a tour guide through the tour operator.
Answer: Yes, wi-fi is available in each hotel in Lhasa.
Answer: Most of Tibetan people can speak very good English, unlike Chinese people.
Answer: Street food is not available everywhere. You can get some snacks (Tibetan delicacies) but not a proper meal. There are few restaurant, very cheap and nice, where you can dine out. If you don’t like Tibetan food (little spicy, based on yak meat and dairy products) you can easily get Indian or western style food.
Answer: Tibetans are extremely religious so you should respect their privacy when they pray (back off, don’t stay too close, be quiet, ask for photo permission, etc.). You should also show your respect and thankfulness when you receive any gifts from them. They don’t eat fish, dog, donkey and horse meat due to religion belief so don’t insult them eating these food in front of them. Moreover, when you visit temples you should follow prayers, wait in the queue, walk around them clockwise, don’t push people or overtake. Always follow the rules when going to monasteries and taking pictures inside temples is strictly forbidden.
Answer: You can either fly, take a train or go by road.
Answer: Independent travel in Tibet is prohibited. In order to get there, all foreign travelers need to book a travel tour with travel agency.
