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1. What is the best time to join a Tibet low altitude tour?
The best time to join a Tibet low altitude 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 the breathtaking landscapes of Tibet.
If you are traveling to Nyingchi, you can join our Tibet low altitude tour in March and April, when you can see peach blossoms blooming everywhere. Locals even organize the annual Peach Flower Festival. It often begins in the middle of March to late April, during which you can also enjoy the singing and dancing performances and wrestling and archery competitions.
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2. What permits are needed to join a Tibet low altitude 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 low altitude tour.
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3. What about the accommodation during Tibet low altitude tours?
Lhasa, Shigatse, Nyingchi and other major cities and counties offer more diverse options from 3-to 5-star hotels to local guesthouses. For small group travelers, you will be staying at designated 3-or 4-star hotels. If you want better accommodation or view rooms, you can book luxury hotels by making up the price differences. Private travelers can choose according to your standards. In some remote areas like Everest Base Camp, however, only cozy tents and guesthouses are available.
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4. What about the food during Tibet altitude tours?
We have handpicked restaurants with food safety guarantees for our travelers. You can enjoy unique Tibetan, Nepali and Sichuan 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 dishes feature chicken masala and various curries. You can also find Indian dishes and Western-style dishes in Tibet. 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. Our low altitude tour itineraries mostly cover areas with lower altitude. If you start with a Lhasa city tour, it gives you enough time to acclimate to the high altitude. If you choose to start with Nyingchi, you’ll be less likely to experience altitude sickness as it’s a low-altitude area. If you ascend slowly from Chengdu, you’ll have more time to adapt to the altitude on the drive.
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.