Brief Information about Tibet
CHINA CUSTOMS
Declare money and other valuables like jewelry and electronic goods while entering and also at exit. Any curios must be declared with proper receipts available only from Government Shops when leaving the country.

RESPONSIBILITY
However, for loss arising from your change, unless reconfirmed by us, you should be responsible for this loss. IT&T has no responsibility for whatever change caused by weather and airliner service. Should there be any additional charges resulting from such changes, the clients are required to pay on the spot.

TIME
Nepal Time is + 5:45 of Greenwich mean time and China time is 2 hours and 15 minutes ahead of Nepal time in winter and 3 hours and 15 minutes in the summer.

ROAD
Road between Kathmandu and Nyalam is bad and it can be disrupted during monsoon. Some parts above friendship bridge and above Zhangmu is not in condition to ply vehicles as such we have to walk about 3 hours above friendship bridge and above Zhangmu road about 2 hours. Porters are provided in these areas. During monsoon, if it rains heavily, road will be flooded with water between Xigatse and Gyantse, so we have to detour via Northern highway. We use Southern highway via Gyantse and Yamdrok Lake. It involves the crossing of a pass Karo - La which is 5010m high.

FOOD
The food is still bad at Zhangmu and Xegar. Since there are no restaurants along the way, we advise you to take few cans of sardine, dried fruits, biscuits etc. For return journey, you can buy at Lhasa. Also you can take a cup, spoon, tea and instant soup. Every guesthouse or hotel provides a big thermos full of hot water.

RESERVATIONS
Deposit of full payment should be made to reserve the arrangements as per the regulation of Tibet Tourism Bureau at least 30 days before departure. Prices are quoted in United States Dollars. All payments must be made in US Dollar.

METHOD OF PAYMENT
All amount of payment should be made by Wire Transfer direct to our company A/C No. 2372300 (Nepal Investment Bank) or other fastest way to receive (pls contact for payment to following mail at the bottom of the page.) and we are to be advised of remittance by fax. Contact us for paying by Credit Card. Bank Draft and personal checks.

DOCUMENTATION
You will be required to advise us the arrangement required of clients with details such as Full Name (exactly appears in the respective Passport), Date of Birth , Passport No, Date of issue, Date of Expiry, Sex, Nationality, Occupation and arrival/ departure flight/date information. Clients traveling to Tibet should arrive in Kathmandu at least 2 days prior to departure to Tibet to process the Tibet Visa with Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu as Chinese Embassy is open for visa application from 10 AM to 11 Am every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If one wish to get the visa in one working day is also possible by paying surcharge of emergency visa fee. We advise to obtain double entry Nepal visa from Nepalese Embassy/Consulate abroad or obtain the same arrival at Kathmandu Airport.

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
Free baggage allowance is 20 Kg per person.

REFUNDS
No partial refunds will be given for unused rooms, meals, sightseeing trips or trekking arrangements for any reason whatsoever.

RISK & LIABILITY
Travelers, who sign up for Tibet trips, will be exposed to health risk because of the nature of terrain and trail in Tibet. In the event of illness, accident or delays beyond our control, Tibet Family Tours and Travels., or its agents will not be held responsible or liable for damages. Please keep in mind that you travel at your own risk.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Those with chronic health problems should consult their doctor before making travel plans for Tibet. Most people visiting Tibet rarely suffer more than mild discomfort before getting acclimatized. Some people use DIAMOX to prevent the sickness. You will be in the higher passes for about half-an-hour. In fact, you are much less susceptible to high altitude sickness in Tibet, because you do not strain yourself. Please consult your doctor if in doubt . Drink lots of liquids.

MONEY
Money can be exchanged at Bank of China and its branches in Zhangmu, Xigatse and Lhasa. Hard currencies are exchanged for YUAN at approximately 8 YUAN to the US$ and is re-convertible at the said banks when leaving Tibet/China.

Tibet Tour
Tibet autonomous region, the mystic Shangri-la, roof of the world, has captured man's imagination for centuries. Great explorers and adventures of the country have ventured into this holy land rendered inaccessible by the hostile natural conditions and bandits that waylaid them across through the Himalayas. Tibet's past grandeur, majesty, magic and mystery still remain undiminished. One can still see today nomads herding their yaks, pilgrims worshipping at sacred shrines, as well as the expansive, striking and enduring Himalayan topography.

Tour Highlights
KATHMANDU: Pashupatinath Temple- the most sacred of the Hindu temples in Nepal dedicated to lord Shiva, built in 1696. Boudha Nath Temple- the worlds largest stupa; a sight of great reneration to the Buddhist., Swayambhunath temple - the oldest Buddhist shrine. Looking east from here, one can see the entire Kathmandu valley spread out below. and lunch break in Kathmandu durbar square. – the temple of the Living Goddess and the old Royal Palace. Finally, visit Kasthamandup – a temple built from a single tree from which the Kathmandu derives its name

POTALA PALACE: The Potala Palace is surely one of the wonders of the world. It rises more than 3000m over the valley floor This legendary, palace, built a top a single bill is synonymous with Tibet. First built in the 70th century, as a fortress by Tibet's foremost king, Songtsen Gompo. It was expanded to its present Structure during the ]7th century by the 05th. Dalai Lama. The Potala teas seat and symbol of the Dalai Lama Unique rule other the temporal and spiritual affairs of Tibet. This 13 stored, 1000 rooms, living quarter of the Dalai lamas apartments for Regents, Tutors, High Lamas, splendid ceremonial areas, offices of Chapel, Shrine and corridors, Treasuries, cell for monks and servants, granaries and store rooms. The 5th Dalai Lama Kundung (Chorden) is covered with 3700 gold and the 13th Dalai Lama, with a ton of gold besides priceless jewels.

JORKHANG TEMPLE: Situated in the heart of old Lhasa, houses which was brought as a gift by the Chinese princes Wen Cheng on the occasion of her wedding the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gompo. Surrounding the Jolkhang Temple is the bustling Bharkhor market place which is the religious and social focus of Lhasa.

DREPUNG MONASTERY: Drepung lies 8km west of Lhasa on the main road, then 3km north a steep unpaired road. Its name Drepung Means "Rice Heap ", was the biggest and the richest of all monasteries in Tibet. This monastery is said to be the largest monastery in the world, housing over 10000 monks and governed 7700 subsidiary monasteries and was divided into four colleges, each with its chanting ball, dormitories, kitchens and offices. It was founded in 1416 by the disciple of Je Tsonkhapa, founder of the Yellow Hat Gelukpa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The second, third and fourth Dalai Lamas lived and were entombed here. The entire monastic communities assemble only for special ceremonies and festivals. Today, about 400 monks lived there. Approaching Drepung, you will see the Nechung Temple, the home of the State Oracle the present oracle lives in India.

BHAKHOR MARKET: Walk along the Barkhor street that circles the Jolkhang and you are in the heart of the old Lhasa with its narrow streets whitewashed stone homes, windows framed in black and brightly painted woodwork and almost everyone has got something to sell over there.

SERA MONASTERY: Once it was the second largest of all monasteries in Tibet. Sera "Enclosure of Wild Rose ", it was founded in 1419 by a disciple of Tsong Khapa. At its peak, it housed over 7000 monks and was famous for its warrior monks, the "Dob-Doa " ' We will visit Ngawa chanting ball and see the remarkable murals in the Drezme college's chanting Hall.
 
Our tour prices are subject to change in case of increases in airfares, ground transportation costs, admission fees, etc.