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Travel Notes on Tibet
I keep a daily travel log and write a newsletter. That information is much more detailed. I made this page to collect some essential notes of problems, or variance to pay attention to in Tibet.
My Travel Log or Blog for Tibet starts as of February 5 of 2004 in log and newsletter for information on Tibet.
Andy HoboTraveler.com
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TOUR NOTES: To enter Tibet from the Nepal border you must be with a tour so here are special notes on the tour operators.
- All appear to be selling the same trip, so price seems to be the issue and not the services.
- An upgrade to the better class accommodations and services is not really needed unless you absolutely must have a private toilet, as the value is marginally better.
- Do not assume that the guide will be of any value, this is more a tour of convenience to allow you to enter Tibet, and not so much a real informative tour.
- The tour is mostly monasteries so if you wish to see anything other than Buddhist Monasteries you must push the issue.
REAL Tibet
- No foreigners will be around.
- They will be glad to see you.
- Nothing in English
WHY PEOPLE VISIT Tibet?
- Buddhism
- Fanatics about saving or freeing Tibet from an occupation of over 50 years. I guess in my opinion they should accept reality and especially because the normal Tibetan person seems very happy.
- See the back side of Mount Everest.
- Mountain culture is unique.
DO NOT VISIT TIBET IF?
- You want people in Hotels or guides to speak English well.
THESE THINGS ARE GUARANTEED TO HAPPEN
NEED TO BRING
You may wish to also bring the stuff that you can buy immediately. If you are on a tourist trip you should bring both the need and what you can buy immediately.TIBET ENTRY
- Altitude medicine.
- Motion sickness pills.
- Sleeping Bag - Especially in winter as they do not heat or sometimes provide enough blankets.
- Toilet Paper
BUY IMMEDIATELY
- Toilet Paper
THIS NEEDS TO HAPPEN OR IS A BIG PROBLEMS IN TIBET
VISA OR STAMP:
TIBET ENTRY: 20-25 day Visa and a tour company will arrange as it is necessary to enter Tibet with a tour and you cannot enter without.
TOILETS AND SHOWERS:
5th DAY IN TIBET: I received my first proper shower that was in the Hotel. Have the guide either tell you where there is a paid public facility or if you wish to take a sponge bath in the room you must demand that they brink at least 4 Tea Thermos for you wash basin. Normally the room will have a wash basin or large plastic or steel bowl.
ENTERTAINMENT
- Discos
- Fully westernized restaurants in Lhasa.
- They sell alcohol and beer.
- Markets
TRANSPORTATION:
TIBET ENTRY: Toyota Land Rover or 4-wheel Drive vehicle. The road from Kathmandu to Lhasa is extremely bumpy and you may get motion or car sick very easily.
ANNOYANCES:
Some normal dial up and some high speed broadband.
I so far have not been able to connect my computer in an Internet Cafe.
- You must ask for a heater for your room, and often there is no heat.
- You can negotiate the price a little.
- Our hotel Bankal Shol in Lhasa done are laundry for free or include in the price.
Yuan - February 19, 2004 - 8 Yuan equals 1 Dollar.
The will show you a calculator with the price, or you can ask, or point at the calculator for the price.
Prices are on a lot of products sold.
220 - Good or adequate.
Water is pretty good.
You can refill you bottles from the thermos provided daily by most Hotels. Be sure and fill the night before so the water cools during the night.
SAFETY:
Altitude sickness is a danger when entering from Nepal.
COMMUNICATION:
Telephone call centers are available to help you and you pay after the call.
Internet is in most bigger cities.
COMPANIONS OR TRAVEL MATES
The cost of room does not increase with the number of people, so it a little cheaper to travel as a couple.
CULTURE:
LUGGAGE
GEAR:
BUSINESS
GOSSIP
SOCIAL PROBLEMS:
SEASONS:
TRASH AND RUBBISH DISPOSAL
This is a clean country for the most part, and if you come from India you will need to be very careful where you put your trash, although this is not always true for the locals.
FOOD:
TERMS OR DEFINITIONS:
FOOTNOTES:
1. From Encyclopedia Britannica - I have made BOLD some key words.
