Tibet Travel Forum

Hi anyone,

I'm planning to go to Tibet, Lhasa probably this April 2008. Planning to go in via Air either from Guangzhou or Chengdu as I'll be traveling to Guangzhou from my home country Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Initally plan is going by train but my schedule does not permit it. By air will be much faster. But may I know where can I buy the flight tickets either from Guangzhou or Chengdu to Lhasa? If flying from Chengdu to Lhasa, how about the flight ticket from Guangzhou to Chengdu? Or does anyone has any better idea of traveling to Lhasa by the fastest way?

Do I need to apply for any Visa beside the China Visa to enter Tibet?

Also, how's the weather in Lhasa during April month?

When arriving in Lhasa, what kind of transpotation will you recommended to travel within Tibet?

How many days (Min) do you think will be sufficient to travel Tibet? I am planning to spend around 6 - 7 days there. Is it enough?

Any recommendation will be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!

Cheers,
Kah Yap

You could fly from either Guangzhou or Chengdu. In any case you'll need a TTB permit in order to fly to Lhasa.
If you're planning to travel out of Lhasa, the usual way would be to organise a 4WD with other travellers.
6-7 days should be enough for the usual tourist trail.

Hi Ellyse,

Thanks for your reply. In terms of organizing a 4WD with other travelers, can i just rent a 4WD instead? Or do we need a local driver? If can rent, what's the cost like? Please advise. Thanks again!!
Regards,
Kah Yap

You can't self-drive (unless you're a Chinese citizen, or a foreigner with a Chinese residence permit with the necessary paperwork, or a foreigner with a lot of money and necessary paperwork) so you'll have to hire a driver along with the 4WD. Sorry no idea about costs.

If you book a 4WD Jeep you have to book it through a travel agency. This travel agency arrange you car with driver, usually the drivers for the tours got special lisence from TTB. If a driver does not have this TTB driving permision, he migh get found. It is very strickt.

In season time you should pay about 15 RMB per KM. Of course it depends also the 4WD and travel agencies, group size and so on.

Rigpa

better to get in tibet by train because this will allow your body fit the atmosphere easily. It's easy to get a ticket at Chengdu and you do have to get a permit as a legal paper. But if you are planning to go to some border places in Shigatse,Ali,Nyingchi,etc, you need another Permit named:TTP. But if you just planned travel only in Lhasa, the Entrance-permit is enough.

The weather there in Apr. is just so so, a little cold. Temperature changed a lot between day and night.

I will be in Lhasa in the middle of March. If you still have something unclear, just keep in touch with me:)

To correct the information given by the last answerer: For travel to other regions eg Ali, you need a ATP (Alien Travel Permit) in addition to the TTB permit.