Tibetan Treks - Tibet - page 430

if these are required. You can also negotiate cheaper, less inclusive packages by bringing
more equipment from home and cooking yourself along the trail.
There is a plethora of private agencies that can arrange treks. Let the buyer beware
though, for the standard of service fluctuates wildly and may bear little relation to what
you pay. Shop around online or better yet on the ground. Competition between agencies is
strong, impelling the smarter ones to up the quality of their trekking services. Be prepared
to provide all your own personal equipment.
Make sure the agency spells out exactly what is included in the price it is quoting you,
and insist on a written contract detailing all services that are to be provided as well as a
money-back guarantee should it fail to deliver what has been agreed. For the standard con-
tents of tour contracts, have a look at the brochures of adventure-travel companies in your
home country. It is prudent to pay one-half of the total cost of a trip up front and the bal-
ance after the trek is completed. This is now more or less standard operating procedure in
Tibet.
All the Lhasa-based agencies listed here have run many successful treks. Trekkers are
particularly at the mercy of those driving them to and from the trailheads. To avoid prob-
lems, it is prudent to test the driver and guide on a day trip before heading off into the
wilds with them. Always have the phone number of your agency so that you can contact
them should something go awry. Mobile (cell) phone coverage has now been extended to
all the trailheads and to many places along the trekking routes.
Prices vary according to group size, ranging from US$170 to US$300 per person per
day. For treks in remote and border areas, your agency will need up to three weeks to sort
out the permits. If you feel you have been cheated by your agent, you may find help with
the marketing and promotion department of the Tibet Tourism Bureau ( 0891-683 4315;
fax [phone]) in Lhasa. This government organisation is in charge of training tour guides
and monitoring the performance of all trekking and tour companies.
The agencies listed below tend to be tucked away in hard-to-find spots. If you are in
Lhasa call first and ask the staff to come and pick you up.

Lhasa Agencies

Higher Ground Treks & Tours TOUR
( 0891 686 5352; [e-mail] ; 75 Beijing Middle Rd)