Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CLIMATE CHANGE AND TRAVEL
Every form of transport that relies on carbon-based fuel generates CO
2
, the main cause
of human-induced climate change. Modern travel is dependent on aeroplanes, which
might use less fuel per per person than most cars but travel much greater distances. The
altitude at which aircraft emit gases (including CO
2
) and particles also contributes to
their climate change impact. Many websites offer 'carbon calculators' that allow people
to estimate the carbon emissions generated by their journey and, for those who wish to
do so, to offset the impact of the greenhouse gases emitted with contributions to portfoli-
os of climate-friendly initiatives throughout the world. Lonely Planet offsets the carbon
footprint of all staff and author travel.
Air
There are no direct long-haul flights to Tibet. You will probably have to stop over in Kath-
mandu, Chéngdū or Běijīng, even if you are making a beeline for Lhasa.
DEPARTURE TAX
Departure tax in China is worked into the price of both domestic and international tickets,
so there's nothing additional to pay at the airport.
Airports & Airlines
For China, you generally have the choice of flying first to Běijīng, Shànghǎi or Hong Kong,
although there is a small but growing number of flights direct to Chéngdū or Kūnmíng.
There's little difference in fares to these airports though fares can fluctuate by the day
(Monday and Tuesday flights are generally cheaper than Friday and Saturday flights).
There are now direct flights from Běijīng and Shànghǎi to Lhasa so it is no longer neces-
sary to first fly into Chéngdū.
TO/FROM KATHMANDU
Generally speaking, fares to/from Kathmandu are not all that cheap as there is a limited
number of carriers operating out of the Nepali capital. The national carrier, Nepal Airlines, is
to be avoided if possible. Depending on where you are coming from, it may be cheaper to
