Tibet

Tibet Autonomous Region is located at the Southwest part of China, with a land area of 1.22 million square kilometers and a population of 2.3 million, in which, 95% are Tibetan nationality. There are also 30 other nationalities in Tibet, such as Han, Menba, Luoba, Hui, Mouggul, Naxi as well as Cheng and Sharba peoples.

Tibet is the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau proper, with an average landrise of 4,000 meters above the sea level. It is well-know as the Roof of the World and The Third Pole of the Globe. The world highest summit- Himalayan, which strides across the boarder between China and Nepal, claims a height of 8,848 metres above the sea level.

The characteristics of the Plateau climate are the great difference of different heights and of days and nights. The northern part is arid and cold. On the whole, Tibet claims a low temperature, long-day sunshine, strong radiation, rare rainfall and thin air.

The pastoral area of Tibet is one of the five biggest in China, in which sheep, goat and yak are grazed. Farming crops are mainly highland barley, wheat, bean and rape seeds as well as some apples and walnuts. Tibet has a forest coverage of 60,000 square kilometers, which is the second largest timber deposit in China. Famous and dear animal and herb medicines, such as musk, pilose antler, bear's gallbladder, Chinese caterpillar fungus, the tuber of elevated gastrosits, the bulb of fritillary and the snow lotus flower, are world-famous. The Deposit of hydroelectric and geothermal power are at the top of the country's reserves; solar energy is the second.

Being the capital city, with 1,300 years of history, Lhasa, which means holy land of Buddha's land in Tibetan, is the political religious economical and cultural centre of Tibet.

Tibetan culture originated from Tibet. Human activities traced back to the later ages of the Paleolithic. The king of Tibet, Songzangarbu, unified Tibet in the 7th century. A.D and established Tibet dynasty, which twice weaved matrimonial relations with Tang Dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries. In the 13th century, Tibet became an administrative region of Yuan Dynasty; a Gedanpozang government was established during the rule of the fifth Dalai Lama, and it was confirmed by the Qing Dynasty government; a standing minister to Tibet was authorized. After the 1911 Revolution, administrative agencies were set up in Tibet by the Government of the People's Republic of China.

Accommodation
There are modern hotels and restaurants in Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse and Tsetang. Basic facilities at other places.

IMPORTANT PRE DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Tour Cost Includes
Accommodation on twin sharing basis in best available hotels and lodges enroute with daily breakfast. All ground transfers, sightseeing tour, monastery entrance fees, English speaking guide and airfare where applicable.

Tour Cost Excludes
All expenses of personal nature, airport departure taxes, Nepal re-entry visa fee, extra cost in the even of landslides, road blockage, hiring of porters and additional transportation, Tibet/China Visa Fee and urgent visa charges.

Clothing
Casual wear and comfortable walking shoes are the rule for Tibet. Be sure to bring warm clothing as nights and early mornings can be chilly to downright cold in winter months. Bring all the film, medicine, cosmetics, personal toilet items, etc. that you will need from home as these are difficult if not impossible to obtain in Tibet. A small first aid kit is also a good idea.

Altitude Sickness
As Lhasa lies at over 12000 feet, you are likely to experience some of the minor symptoms and discomfort of altitude

As Lhasa lies at over 12000 feet, you are likely to experience some of the minor symptoms and discomfort of altitude sickness (headache, mild nausea, loss of appetite) until your body adjusts to the elevation. This can take from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the individual. Take it lightly, but drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids. Proper hydration is critical to acclimatization.

Currency
The unit of currency for foreigners is Yuan. US$1=8. Money can be exchanged at The Bank of China at Zhangmu, Xigatse and Lhasa. In case the banks are closed we suggest you ask for a loan from your guide.

Risk & Liability
We will put every effort to make your journey very smooth & pleasant. However, all the programmes in Tibet are conducted strictly under the rules and regulation of Tibet Tourism Bureau. Therefore, Siniolchu Tours and Travels or its Tibet counterpart shall not be responsible for any change and alterations in the itinerary due to unavoi-dable circumstances such as landslide, road blockage, flood, snow, political unrest, Cancellation of flight, delay arrival, sickness or accidents. Any extra cost incurring there of shall be borne by the clients on the spot. It is most advisable all clients to have full insurance against medical and personal accidents. A cancellation insurance is also highly recommended.