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1. What is the best time to join a Tibet anniversary tour?
The best time to join a Tibet anniversary tour is generally from April to June and from September to October. During these months, the weather is relatively stable, with clear skies, mild temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for appreciating beautiful landscapes and visiting historical and cultural sites. In summer, the weather may be rainy, but the temperature is higher and tourists can witness the celebration of Shoton Festival. In winter, the weather is cold but tourists can enjoy a lower cost of transportation and accommodation and feel less crowded as there are fewer tourists. Also, Losar, the Tibetan New Year, often falls in February or March.
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2. What permits are needed to join a Tibet anniversary tour?
To visit Tibet, you typically need the following permits:
Tibet Travel Permit: This permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) and is required for all foreign travelers visiting Tibet.
Aliens' Travel Permit: Travelers traveling to partially restricted areas such as EBC, Basumtso Lake, Samye Monastery, etc. need to obtain Aliens’ Travel Permit via Tibet Travel Agency (like Tibet Horizon).
Military Area Entry Permit: Travelers visiting military-sensitive areas such as Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, etc, need to apply for a Military Area Entry Permit.
Our Xizang (Tibet) tour packages include Tibet Travel Permit and all the necessary Tibet travel documents. If you book with us, we’ll help apply for the permits needed to ensure a smooth and worry-free Tibet anniversary tour.
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3. What about the accommodation during Tibet anniversary tours?
Lhasa and Shigatse, as major tourist destinations in Tibet, offer more diverse options from 3-to 5-star hotels to local guesthouses. They provide basic to luxury facilities, all ensuring a comfortable stay. For private travelers, you can choose according to your standards. However, in remote areas like EBC, only cozy tents and guesthouses are available.
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4. What to eat during Tibet anniversary tours?
We have handpicked restaurants with food safety guarantees for our clients. You can enjoy unique Tibetan, Sichuan, Nepali, and Indian cuisines along the way. Specialties include yak hotpot, sweet tea, butter tea, roasted pig, tsampa, barley wine, stone pot chicken and spicy diced chicken. Nepali and Indian dishes feature chicken masala and various curries. You can also find Indian dishes in Tibet. Also, if you have any special dietary requirements, please keep our guides informed and they will help you check food composition when you order dishes.
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5. How to deal with possible altitude sickness when traveling in Tibet?
Traveling on the Tibet Plateau with an average altitude of over 4,000 meters, it’s common for some tourists to experience altitude sickness. The symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, nausea, and dizziness.
To minimize the effect of altitude sickness, it is important to allow time to acclimate to the high altitude and to take precautions to prevent altitude sickness. Travelers should drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol or caffeine. It is also recommended to take a slow path in the first two days after entering Tibet. The itineraries of our Tibet anniversary tours are hassle-free, taking you to the landmarks in Lhasa and allowing you to explore the stunning sites and cultural splendors on a slow path.
If you feel uncomfortable, tell your guide. We have prepared oxygen tanks in our vehicles. You can inhale oxygen and take medication when necessary. If symptoms of altitude sickness persist or worsen, we’ll help transfer you to the hotel or hospital to seek medical attention immediately.
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6. Does Tibet have its Valentine’s Day?
Yes, Tibetan Valentine’s Day is called Fairy’s Day, which falls on October 15th in Tibetan Calendar. The tale goes that, Bandanlamu, one of the supreme gods in Tibetan Buddhism, had three daughters. The oldest daughter, Baibadongze was not good-looking, with the face of a frog, but she was full of tenderness or affection and fell in love with the general, Chizunzan. When Bandanlamu knew this, she was strongly against it. In a violent rage, she drove away Chizunzan to the southern bank of Lhasa River, and made the rule that only on Oct, 15th of Tibetan Calendar can they see each other across the river. Unlucky as Baidonglaze was, she was kind and amiable to protect the women and children, so people made Oct, 15th as the Fairy’s Day to worship her. Modern Tibetan youth associate Valentine's Day in the West with the Fairy’s Day in Tibet. Because only on this day can Baidonglaze meet her lover and talk about her lovesickness and affection. On this day, many young Tibetans also ask their lovers out and present them with flowers and gifts.
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