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1. Is it safe for kids and seniors traveling to Tibet?
Yes, traveling to Tibet with children and seniors is safe and comfortable. Having running Tibet family tours for years, we’ve received many small kids and elders with no accidents. With attentive services available around the clock and local guides experienced in handling unexpected problems, we promise a safe trip for your family. We also strongly recommend taking physical examinations for your children and elder parents before deciding to take a Tibet tour with them.
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2. What is the best time to travel to Tibet with family?
The best time to join a Tibet family 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 enjoying the stunning views of plateau landscapes with your family members.
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3. What permits are needed to join a Tibet family tour?
To visit Tibet with your family, 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 family tour.
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4. What about the accommodation during Tibet family tours?
Lhasa, Shigatse, Darchen and other major cities and counties 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 Tibet family travelers, you can choose according to your standards. If you need special arrangements for parent-child rooms, please contact our expert travel consultants.
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5. Is Tibetan food suitable for kids and the elders?
We have handpicked restaurants with food safety guarantees for you and your families. 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. If small kids and seniors find it hard to get used to new flavors, they can also find Western-style dishes there. 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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6. Are kids and seniors more easily to experience altitude sickness?
Not really. Altitude sickness has little to do with age, and is mainly related to personal hypoxia tolerance and how you acclimate to the high altitude.
Typically, you and your family members should have a good rest and avoid catching a cold before heading to Tibet. After reaching Lhasa, please make sure that you and your family rest well in hotel and avoid strenuous activities. Our local guides will closely follow your family’s health condition and offer timely assistance throughout your stay in Tibet.
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7. 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. Our family itineraries are hassle-free, taking you to the landmarks in Lhasa, Tsedang, Shigatse and the surroundings and allowing your family to explore the stunning landscapes and cultural splendors on a slow path.
If you or your family members 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.