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17 December 2012

Tibet Trips Are Are Worth Every Second

By Tonia Michael


With an approximate elevation of 4,900m, Tibet is the highest region on the earth. According to a census conducted in 2010, this breathtaking destination has a population of little over 3 million. There are many great and wonderful things to do and see in the area, and when planning Tibet trips, there are a few popular tourist spots you should not miss out on.

In order to travel, you need a valid passport and a Chinese visa. This can take between 7 and 10 working days to be processed. You will also require a region travel permit, which is managed by travel agencies. You will be required to have these documents scanned clearly in order to apply for the special travel permit. Please make sure of how many days your stay will be.

The lengths of the tours vary according the agencies' programs. Common visits are of 4 to 17 days, the shortest being the holy city of Lhasa tour. In this outing, you explore a place also known as "The Land of the Gods", being home to the Dalai Lama and where the palace of Potala is. The tours that are up to 6-10 days long cover more areas, from Lhasa all the way to the Everest base camp and contain visits to ancient villages, monasteries and temples.

Other offers last up to 10 or 17 days. These tours also cover Lhasa, the Tsangpo Valley, Yarlung and Everest. Between these places, there are visits to the Ganden monastery all the way to the Samye, on a trail of 80km distance. A few of these may also include a Kathmandu expedition.

Before you head off, check the current exchange rates. The currency used in the region is the Chinese Yuan. If you are running low on cash from all your souvenir buying, don't worry, the cities have ATM machines that you can use with a surcharge of up to 4 USD.

The best months to make your booking for are from April to October. There are also winter tours available, so if you don't mind the cold and feel up to you can braving the elements, there is nothing stopping you from going in November through to February. An upside to this time of year is that there aren't as many tourists and it's cheaper.

If you don't know exactly when it is best to go, contact a travel agency and they will be able to find something that complements your needs. A popular time for these is from the month of April to end October. Winter tours are a good option if you are ok with the cold and like the pros of this season. At this time of the year, there are not so many people and prices are pretty low compared to other seasons.

If during your visit you are approached by a beggar, keep in mind that they are accepted in the Tibetan society. Giving them a little something will always be appreciated. When planning a vacation to this land of natural beauty and splendor, if it advisable to go to a travel agency that has experience in organizing Tibet trips.




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