Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Transport
For most international travellers, getting to Tibet will involve at least two legs: first to a gate-
way city such as Kathmandu (Nepal) or Chéngdū (China) and then into Tibet.
From within Asia, the most popular options into Tibet are as follows: flights from Kath-
mandu, Chéngdū, Kūnmíng, Xī'ān or Běijīng; the train link from Qīnghǎi to Lhasa; or the
overland drive from Kathmandu to Lhasa along the Friendship Hwy.
At the time of writing, bureaucratic obstacles to entering Tibet from China were tight and
involved signing up for a preplanned and prepaid tour. The situation from Nepal is even
trickier because of ever-changing visa requirements. Political events, both domestic and in-
ternational, can mean the regulations for entry into Tibet change overnight. It would be wise
to check on the latest developments before setting out.
It can be very hard to get hold of air and train tickets to Lhasa around the Chinese New
Year and the week-long holidays around 1 May and 1 October.
Flights, hotels and tours can be booked online at
www.lonelyplanet.com/bookings.
GETTING THERE & AWAY - GATEWAY CITIES
Entering the Country
Arriving in China is pretty painless these days. All travellers fill in a health declaration form
on arrival in the country. Expect closer scrutiny of your group documents and luggage when
crossing into Tibet from Nepal at Zhāngmù, where some travellers have on occasion had
Tibet-related books and images confiscated.
Chinese embassies will not issue a visa if your passport has less than six months' validity
remaining.
