Fly or Drive
Flying into Lhasa from Kathmandu (Nepal) or Chengdu (China) is by far the quickest option of commencing your trip into Tibet. But it’s not the cheapest. For example, a one-way flight to Lhasa from Kathmandu is around $US500.
You can also elect to drive across the border from Kathmandu, Nepal or internally from Beijing or Chengdu, China.
Note, the road leading from Kathmandu to the border of Tibet is in very poor condition and often subject to landslides. Driving to the border will take you around 8-9 hours, depending on traffic. Once across the border you will reach Kyirong and from there to Lhasa it will take around 12 hours (900km / 559mi).
Most people choose to fly direct to Lhasa from Kathmandu, then once they are closer to the border of Nepal from Tibet, drive back. The scenery of the Himalayas is incredible which ever way you go.
Obtaining a Visa
Obtaining a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) is not that straight forward. Please note that obtaining your Chinese Visa does not permit you to enter the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR). The TTP is separate.
You can only apply for the TTP from either Kathmandu or Chengdu and only through an authorised Tibet agency. Only an authorised travel agency can arrange this as part of an organised tour.
In addition to a TTP, you will also require a tour guide, a private vehicle and a driver in order to travel to or within Tibet. There are NO exceptions to these regulations. You cannot get a TTP on your own. It is issued from the Tibet Tourism Bureau in Lhasa. Permits are not issued from Chinese Embassies or Consulates
You will also need to have a visa invitation letter issued from your Tibetan agency before you can apply for a Chinese visa. In Kathmandu, although the process for applying for both the TPP and visa sounds complex, it wasn’t. It usually takes 3-4 working days to process.
The permit is not placed in your passport – TTP’s are not visas. The permit consists of two pieces of paper and is required to be shown at certain check points throughout Tibet.
Transport and Accommodation
Due to the foresight of the Chinese, the road system is excellent. Even though you will cover vast distances, at least you will do it in relative comfort and with ease. You are not permitted to drive yourself, unless you’re a local.
Accommodation options are improving in the major regional cities. Expect a standard equal to or equivalent of 3 star western standards.
Read more about our Tibetan travels here:
Onwards and upwards!
Trevor
If you fancy a trip to Tibet – get in now before the regulations change or it becomes too cost prohibitive. And, make sure you allow enough days to both acclimatise and travel through this beautiful and amazing area.
