1. What to see in Chengdu?
Chengdu is not short of tourist spots offering you an insight into the city’s spiritual essence.
Giant Panda Breeding Research Base: Giant pandas are favored by people around the world. This base focuses on breeding, conservation, and re-introducing pandas into the wild. You can see the cute giant pandas there and may have close contact with these animals.
Jinli Ancient Street: This street is deep in the local living ambience with colorful stores selling snacks and handicrafts. Walk in the avenue, you can also appreciate the classic Sichuanese architecture.
Chunxi Road: Visit the bustling commercial center, you can have a taste of modern culture. Go shopping, taking photos, and savoring local dishes, you can feel the city’s dynamics.
2. What to see on Chengdu-Lhasa train?
Taking a Tibet train from Chengdu to Lhasa, you can enjoy the stunning landscapes along the way.
Min Mountains: Heading to Qinghai Province, the train will traverse the majestic range in the northeastern part of China, which is known for its lush forests and diverse wildlife. You can witness the region's geological wonder and ecological richness.
Qinghai Lake: As the train departs Xining, you will be greeted by Qinghai Lake. Located in the northeast of the Tibetan Plateau, it is China’s largest alkaline salt lake. The heavenly blue lake is like a sapphire set in the land. The lake is located at the intersection of several bird migration routes. You may witness many species here during migration.
Delingha: Delingha area offers a unique blend of diverse landscapes, including lakes, deserts, and mountains. On the train, you may catch the sight of serene blue lake surrounded by red rocks and colorful hills.
Cuona Lake: It’s the world’s highest freshwater lake and the closest lake to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, with clear and green waters against the blue sky and the mountains beyond.
3. What permits are needed to travel Tibet from Chengdu?
To visit Tibet from Chengdu, travelers 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 traveling along G318 Highway or visiting Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash need to apply for a Military Area Entry Permit.
Provisional Driving License: Travelers joining a self-driving trip in Tibet need to apply for a provisional driving license.
Our Xizang 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 Chengdu Tibet tour.
4. What is the best time to visit Tibet from Chengdu?
The climate of Chengdu is temperate, with relatively cold winters, and hot, muggy and rainy summers. The best time to visit Tibet from Chengdu is generally from April to June and from September to October. During these months, Chengdu sees mild temperature and less rainfall, making it suitable for traveling. The weather in Tibet during this period is relatively stable, with clear skies and mild temperatures, making it ideal for enjoying the stunning views on this plateau. Also, you can experience the grand Saga Dawa Festival in May. In summer, the weather may be rainy, but tourists can witness the celebration of Shoton Festival. Winter in Tibet is not as cold as you might think and you 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.
5. Where to stay in Tibet?
Major Tibetan cities like Lhasa, Shigatse, and Nyingchi 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 and Mt. Kailash, only cozy tents and guesthouses are available.
6. What to eat during Chengdu Tibet Tours?
Sichuan cuisine holds a great reputation in China. Traveling in Chengdu, you can taste hotpot, mapo tofu, and other delightful dishes. Then, moving to Tibet, you can find unique Tibetan and Nepali cuisines there. Tibetan dishes include yak hotpot, sweet tea, butter tea, roasted pig, tsampa, and barley wine. Nepali dishes feature chicken masala and various curries. You can find specialties of other Tibetan prefectures and cities such as stone pot chicken, a specialty of Nyingchi. You can also find Indian dishes and Western-style dishes in Lhasa.
7. How to deal with possible altitude sickness?
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, avoiding strenuous activities like running.
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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