TIBET ‘RED-TAPE’ ISSUES –
The prices given below include and exclude the following services in Tibet and Nepal.

SERVICES INCLUDED:

• All ground transport by private mini bus and/or four wheel drive land cruiser in both Tibet and Nepal
• China/Tibet per capita group visa fee
• Tibet travel permit fee
• Kathmandu-Lhasa Airfare
• Twin share hotel accommodation in Lhasa, best available Guest Houses throughout the itinerary and two night’s tented accommodation (nights 4 & 6 at Drigung and beside Nam-tso Lake)
• All sightseeing tours & monastery entrance fees as per the programme/itinerary in this dossier
• Local English-speaking Tibetan guide throughout Tibet
• Breakfasts, as detailed in itinerary - (B)

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:

• Airport departure tax
• Lunches, Dinner.  Allow $US 15-20/day
• Refreshments and all other expenses of personal nature
• Charges levied on photography in monasteries and additional/optional entrance fees
• Any possible extra costs incurred due to emergency evacuation, landslides, road-blocks and consequential transport or porter hire; and any other costs whatsoever even if not referred to in the above

VISAS (China/Tibet and Nepal)

China/Tibet -
A standard, individual Chinese tourist visa is NOT valid for travel in the Chinese Autonomous Region of Tibet.

A Group Visa for China/Tibet will be obtained in Kathmandu. The Group Visa must have your full name, as appears in your passport, date of birth, and full passport details.

To obtain the group visa, all passports will need to be presented together at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, allowing usually three full days (meanwhile presumably you explore Kathmandu). 

This Tibetan information is provided in good faith but is (and has frequently been) subject to change without warning.   Please note obtaining a valid visa has to ultimately remain the responsibility of each applicant.  We recommend you consult Himalayan Encounters at least 4-6 weeks before departure for the most up-to-date information.

Nepal -
The standard procedure for obtaining a Nepalese visa is detailed in the Dossier  Let’s ‘Summit Up!’  however, in this instance where you are travelling from Nepal to Tibet and returning, you must simply ensure that your Nepalese visa states it is ‘multiple entry’.

Currency – 
The currency in Tibet is Chinese Yuan.  For a guide on currency exchange rates go to www.xe.com   The best currency to carry is the US dollar as notes can be changed in both Nepal and Tibet.  Bring a mix of large and small denomination notes.  Opportunities to change money in Tibet are limited and credit cards are not widely accepted outside Lhasa.

Accommodation & Food –
outside Kathmandu, Lhasa and Shigatse can be basic.  And remember, we will be camping two nights - at Drigung (4,150 m) and Nam-tso (4,718 m).

Meals:
breakfast is included and lunch and dinner are at the individual’s expense.  Meals are generally of an adequate tourist standard yet they can also be relatively expensive – thus our guideline advice of $ US 15-20/day for meals. 

Personal Equipment –
For recommend Kit List up to 5,000m see the Dossier Let’s ‘Summit Up!’ A sleeping bag, comfortable to – 20c should be carried – this can be hired in Kathmandu.

Altitude Acclimatisation –
Everyone should anticipate a need to adjust to the high altitude.  Even moderately excessive physical activity should be performed with care, backing off if necessary.  The warning signs are slight headache and/or dizziness.  Some people also experience erratic sleep patterns.   

Guides
are Tibetan, experienced and well-informed and usually have deep roots in one or other of the areas that we visit.  

Let’s ‘Summit Up!’ 
You are also recommended to note the relevant contents of the Dossier ‘Let’s ‘Summit Up!’

Lastly, the prevailing political climate in Tibet requires a circumspect degree of political sensitivity from visitors. The reality is that advocating Independence for Tibet is not the best way to ensure you complete your journey on schedule!

We are quoting here in three currencies:  US Dollars, £ Sterling and € Euros.   It isn’t practical to correlate exactly these three currencies and it is for you to decide in which one currency you choose to pay.  For a guide on currency exchange rates go to www.xe.com
SEE DOSSIER: LET’S ‘SUMMIT UP!’ FOR BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS