Tibet Frequently Asked Questions

We will send you detailed information about the Adventure in a Pre-Departure Packet once you register.

What is the weather going to be like in Tibet?
In Lhasa, days will likely be in the 70s and nights will drop to the 40s or 50s. As we increase in altitude, expect the weather to be 15 degrees colder. September is after the rainy season so we should receive little moisture - but you need to be prepared for rain and possibly even snow.

What is the best way to get to the tour and where do we meet?
You are responsible for getting to and from Beijing and this transportation is not included in the trip price. The Pre-Departure Packet you will receive upon registration will include arrival and departure information, including suggestions for making your travel arrangements.  Beijing flights from the US are surprisingly cheap and can usually be found for $900-$1000. We will purchase your Beijing to Lhasa airplane ticket and include it on your invoice. The ticket is usually around $695.

How high do we trek and will I be able to deal with the altitude?
We reach a maximum altitude of about 14,500 feet during our trek.  This is lower than in the past, as we have eliminated the 17,100-foot pass we crossed on our previous treks. While 14,000 feet still seems quite high, it is important to remember that Tibet is relatively close to the equator. Because of this, temperatures during our trip are quite reasonable.  Additionally, our entire trip schedule is planned to allow us to properly acclimatize by spending three nights in Lhasa (11,850 feet) and one night each at two progressively higher towns before even reaching our trek.  You will almost certainly feel slight symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, dizziness, etc) but likely nothing more than that.  We do not expect you to have any prior experience with altitude.

What should I do if I want to extend my vacation in China?
You should certainly add additional days in China if you have the time.  Staying in Beijing to do some shopping or see additional sites is an easy option.  Visiting and hiking on the Great Wall can be done in a day trip. With a bit more time, you can visit spectacular areas such as Guilin, Xian, or Yangshuo.

Do I need a passport and visa?
You must have a passport valid for at least six months after the expiration date of your Chinese visa.  If you do not have a passport, you should call your local Passport Agency (in the phone book) now to get the process started.  Getting a travel visa to China is relatively simple and can be done in person at a number of Chinese consulates or by using an outside visa service.  We will provide you with information on exactly how to get a visa in your Pre-Departure Packet once you book the Adventure. We will obtain your Tibetan entry permit for you.

Do I need to get immunizations?
No immunizations are required for entry to China (unless you are arriving from a Yellow Fever area). However, you should still consult with a travel doctor about what immunizations you should have.  You should also be aware that AIDS is prevalent in China.  Recommended shots might include:

What ability level do I really need to be for this Adventure?
This Adventure is rated as More Difficult. While it would not be difficult at a lower altitude, the trek is strenuous simply because of the decreased oxygen at the higher altitude. However, anyone in reasonable fitness should be able to complete the trek. We expect you to be prepared for the trek but this is not solely for athletes.

What is included in the trip price?
Included in the trip price is double-occupancy lodging, all meals except one lunch and one dinner, local transportation, some alternative activities, and a Zephyr Adventures souvenir. Not included is transportation to Beijing and to our hotel meeting location, tips for your local guides, personal expenditures, drinks, and an internal flight of $695 that will be billed to you by Zephyr Adventures.

How is the food in China and Tibet?
The food in China is incredible - incredibly delicious, incredibly bland, incredibly hot, and incredibly disgusting. The key is to know exactly what to order.  Traveling on your own, you will likely not know what to order, especially if you have no knowledge of the written language. Traveling with us, you will have dinner spreads of delicious local vegetable and meat dishes at each meal, ordered by your guides.  We have found the food to be one of the most enjoyable aspects of China, even for those not normally "into" Chinese food. In Tibet, we eat a combination of Chinese, Tibetan, and Western food. The food on our trek is excellent and designed to appeal to a Western palate.

For what type of people would you recommend this Adventure?
This Adventure is for those people who are looking for an active and culturally interesting vacation.  China and Tibet are both areas where the experience is intense but services are not always up to international standards. While most of our China and Tibet travelers find the food, hospitality, and services to be much better than they expected, this Adventure is still for those who ... want an adventure.

Where can I find more information about the area?