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1959 is
considered an antique. Rugs may be bought and exported, so may
the small religious objects that are sold in open markets,
providing only one or two are taken as souvenirs. Customs
officials have been known to confiscate jewellery or other
objects if they consider that a tourist has purchased 'too
much'.
Climate, clothing and equipment
Tibet is cold in winter, cool in summer and generally dry,
receiving only 450 millimeters or rain or snow. Sunlight is
extremely intense. The thin air neither blocks nor holds heat,
so sunshine feels warm, shadows are chilly, and temperatures
can vary greatly within a day, exceeding 29 degree Celsius in
desert areas in summer, and plunging below 4 degree Celsius
the same night. The most pleasant months for tourism are from
April to October.
Clothing should be simple and consist of layers which can be
added or removed as the temperature varies during the day. A
warm windbreaker and stout comfortable shoes are especially
recommended. Formal attire such as a necktie or dress is never
needed - trousers and sweaters are the style.
Lhasa now has many pharmacies selling Tibetan, Chinese and
some westerns medicines but, it is advisable to bring your own
comprehensive first-aid kit, sunglasses with good ultra-violet
protection, sun block and lip cream and a flashlight is
important because many interesting sights are poorly lit.
Transportation
There are no air routes within Tibet. The distances are huge
and the only recommended mode of transportation is hiring the
vehicles from the travel agent.
Altitude & Health Tip
Traveling in Tibet is an adventure involving high altitude
and could be strenuous. While most visitors have only minor
effects from the altitude, we advise specially the guests with
known heart or lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor
before traveling. Mild headache, fever, loss of appetite or
stomach disorder can take place in a process of
acclimatization. Our advice for better acclimatization is to
drink 4 liter. Of water minimum a day, do not exhaust yourself
so much, breathe deep and take rest more than usual.
Emergency Evacuation
Seriously ill travelers should not consider trying to leave
Tibet by road, as the difficulties and uncertainties of such a
journey pose unacceptable risks. Your only choice is to fly.
Money
Banks in Tibet/china are closed on Saturday and Sunday. So,
you are kindly requested to carry about US $ 100 per person in
cash over and above the tour cost to cover your extra expenses
for main meals and others enroute until Lhasa. If it is cash
dollars, even local people help you to get them exchanged in
Chinese Yuan. Travelers Cheque and credit cards are very
difficult to be cashed outside the banks especially Outside
Lhasa. The unit of currency is Yuan. Us$ 1 = 8 Yuan.
Communications
International mail is reliable and quite fast if sent by
airmail. ISD phone and fax services are available in up market
hotels.
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