Tibet Special Travel Info

A valid passport is required to travel to Tibet. Karnali Excursions (p) Ltd. will process visas for those who have booked their trip with us. Please send the following information along with photocopy of your valid passport to Karnali Excursions (p) Ltd. for visa processing:

1. FULL NAME AS WRITTEN IN PASSPORT:
2. DATE OF BIRTH:
3. GENDER:
4. OCCUPATION:
5. NATIONALITY:
6. PASSPORT NUMBER:
7.DATE OF ISSUE:
8.DATE OF EXPIRATION:

Weather & Climate:
Geographically, Tibet lies beyond the trans-Himalayan chain of mountains and has minimal rainfall and sunny days. For those traveling to the Kailash region, the best time to visit is from May to September. Mid-day temperature in this region could rise to as high as 22 degrees Celsius with evening temperature as low as 8 to 12 degrees below zero. March to November is the best time to visit central Tibet.

Health:
Those in good health should have no difficulty traveling to this region. Due to the high altitude of this area, travelers may experience the effect of altitude sickness, which is characterized by mild headaches, nausea, and loss of appetite. Altitude sickness can be reduced by frequently drinking non-alcoholic liquids such as water and juice. Travelers are reminded to protect themselves from the strong sunlight which can cause sunburn. Those with health conditions including asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy and cardiac problems should seek a doctor’s approval before embarking on this journey.

For those who have decided to join this Journey, Karnali Excursions requests that you engage in some type of health related activity such as yoga, morning walks, or jogging in order to maintain your physical fitness.

Currency:
The unit of currency in Tibet is the Renmbi or Yuan. As of February 2002, US $1 is equivalent to Yuan 9 (Yuan 1 = INR 6). This exchange rate is subject to change. Currency can be exchanged at the Bank of China with branches located in Zhangmu, Lhasa and other major cities.

Risk and Liability:
Karnali Excursions (p) Ltd will make every effort to ensure that your journey is smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, please be reminded that all programs in Tibet are strictly conducted under the rules and regulations of the Tibet Tourism Bureau. Therefore, neither Karnali Excursions (p) Ltd. nor its Tibetan Agent shall be responsible for any changes in the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstances including but not limited to: Government restrictions, landslides, road blockages, flooding, snowfall, political disturbances, flight cancellations, illnesses or accidents. Any additional costs that are a result of such circumstances will be born by the traveler/s.

Insurance:
All travelers are advised to purchase travel insurance that provides care and services for sickness, accidents, emergency rescue, etc. related to international travel.

Karnali Excursions (p) Ltd. shall not be responsible for the loss of personal assets and belongings of the traveler/s due to unavoidable reasons or mishap.

Staff:
Karnali Excursions (p) Ltd. only employs well-trained, responsible and capable staffs who have successfully led many trips for European and Indian groups to this vast region. Each trip is staffed with an experienced guide who speaks English and Hindi, ensuring a pleasant and smooth journey for the group. Karnali Excursions (p) Ltd. is committed to providing the best and reliable service for each group for this journey of a lifetime!

Transportation:
Karnali Excursions (p) Ltd. will arrange for all overland transportations. A coach will be provided for the Kathmandu-Kodari-Kathmandu portion of the trip and 4WD Toyota land cruisers will transport the group in Tibet. A support truck will carry the necessary camping gear and supplies. Yaks and yak men will be arranged while trekking to carry camping gears and equipments.

Medical supplies and service:
Medical facilities in Tibet are very basic if at all available. Karnali Excursions (p) Ltd. will provide a first aid medical kit and equipment for treating high altitude sickness including an oxygen cylinder with mask and altitude portable chamber. All travelers are requested to bring their own first aid kit with medicines and supplies recommended by their doctor.

Postal service and communication:
Many areas of Tibet are without communication facilities, including telephone and postal services. However, the major cities like in Lhasa, Xigatse, Gynatse, Lhatse and Tsedang have these facilities. Beyond these points it is almost impossible to make telephone calls. In case of emergency, please ask your family and friends to contact the staff at our Kathmandu office that will provide information and respond to their needs accordingly.

Clothing:
Due to frequent changes in temperature, even moving from inside the land cruiser where it is warm to cooler outside temperatures, travelers will need clothes for both warm and cold periods. Recommended clothing list will be sent to you as per request.