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Yu · Joined: 06 Mar 2003 Posts: 1219 Location: Shanghai

Thinking about checking out one of these places for May holiday.
Does anybody know what is required for travelling to Tibet for Americans and Chinese? We are just thinking about where to go.
Not sure if we will end up going anywhere as I probably won't know when my break is until like until the week boefe it is time for the break.

millie · Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 413 Location: HK

To get to Xinzhuang from where you are is surprisingly easy and hassle free.
Take the number one subway line to the last station in a westerly direction.
Get out of the subway station.
You will have arrived in Xinzhuang.

Xinjiang, however, is a much longer ride but does have some restricted areas where foreigners can’t go but other than that, all the main tourist towns are open and easy to visit.

Both Xinzhuang and Xinjiang have temperate climates but please do not confuse the 2 places otherwise you may need to do a virtual u-turn. For further up to date information and virtual experiences, please refer to a current guide book and map.

M

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Yu,
As far as I know you still need a special permit to enter Tibet. This permit officially states you are member of a guided tour, and you pay commensurately. You may be able to obtain it from the Shanghai PSB although I rather doubt this. I heard some travellers got it in Chengdu. That's more likely as the only flight in and out between China and Tibet originates from or transits Chengdu airport.
Your other option is to travel overland from Golmud, Qinghai. This is the current terminus of the railway line from Lanzhou that is being extended to Lhasa and due to be completed by 2007.
You are not allowed to enter Tibet from Yunnan or from other parts of Sichuan by road.

Yu · Joined: 06 Mar 2003 Posts: 1219 Location: Shanghai

Millie,
Thanks so much for your clarifying that. Acutally, I had never see the place I want to go written down, just heard it. I acutally thought the two were spelled the same. U live and Learn.
So special permits are still needed for Tibet... we are reconsidering this option anyway as it would involve dragging a 3 year old with us as well, and with the altitude it may not be the best idea.
I really should have posted at the off topic part.

Songbird

Rodger,

Can I ask you a q, you seem to know more than anyone else, while we're on the subject of Tibet Smile

? I am in eastern Gansu, and in Aug I plan to go to Tibet. I was going to train it from Xian to Chengdu then fly, but it seems that I can fly straight from Xian to Lhasa for maybe about 200 or so kuai more. Either way, I have been told that the 'permit' that I need will automatically be included in the cost of the airfare. Is this true, can I trust this info? I will be flying on my own, so of course this doesn't mean I am part of a group! How can I get round this???

Also, when I do get to Lhasa I want to try and hook up with other travellers to share the cost of the 4WD to Everest Base Camp. How do I go about getting the actual permit to Everest reserve?

Can you or anyone help me out? I'm pretty confused about all this, and it seems such a simple little thing I want to do! Better yet, is anyone looking for someone to share the cost with say, early August?

garbotara · Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Posts: 529 Location: China

coolrcdad · Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2005 4:14 pm Post subject:

Try visiting the Ganden Monastery, about two hours from Lhasa. Amazing place at the top of a 14,000-foot "hill."

Madmaxola · Joined: 04 Jul 2004 Posts: 238

To get into Tibet you need to be part of a "tour group" which just means you must pay 2000 RMB and be herded in on the same flight as other foreigns, but after you land it is up to you.

garbotara · Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Posts: 529 Location: China

coolrcdad · Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 2:13 am Post subject:

I was with a middle school tour group as a chaperone. We went to Ganden in late April. Spent most of our time in Lhasa.

Songbird · Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 7:38 am Post subject:

Coolrcdad-

But how do I join this so called 'tour group' (or not)? That 2000 you mentioned, is that inclusive of airfare AND permit, or just permit? I want to buy an airline tkt in either Xian or Chengdu, but not sure of prices to expect.

Man, so much to think about, I'm excited yet very nervous about doing this!!!

Yu · Joined: 06 Mar 2003 Posts: 1219 Location: Shanghai

Does anyone know if the altitude is an issue for a 3 year old. My Chinese friends seem concerned about this and they would not take their kids... so is there something to this don't take kids because of the altitude or are they a bunch of crack smokers?

coolrcdad · Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 2:03 pm Post subject:

Everyone reacts differently to the altitude. You should speak with your doctor and be aware of the signs of altitude sickness.

wayne_weed · Joined: 07 Jul 2005 Posts: 17

I was in Kham in September. At an altitude of about 3500-4000M, I got incredible migraine headaches and shortness of breath, not to mention major nausea. You can get little cans of oxygen breathers, but they're just a temporary relief. It was still worth it though.