Part 1: How to Get to Tibet
1. Traveling to Tibet is not as difficult as you might think, a train ticket is all you need.
A week-long journey through the vast expanse, with breathtakingly open and expansive views greeting you. There are several railway options to Tibet, such as the Z21 from Beijing to Lhasa, the Z164 from Shanghai to Lhasa, and the Z322 from Chengdu to Lhasa.
2. If you choose to fly, direct flights are available from cities like Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan, Zhengzhou, and Xining. During the peak season, airfares are generally above 1,000 yuan. However, flying into Tibet can make it harder to acclimate to the high altitude and is more likely to cause altitude sickness.
3. For those who prefer to drive, first-time visitors to Tibet can choose to enter via the Sichuan route and exit via the Qinghai route. The Sichuan-Tibet South Line, also known as National Highway 318, takes about 10 days by car; the Qinghai-Tibet Highway takes around two days.
Part 2: Preparations Before Departure
1. The best travel seasons are from mid-April to mid-May and from September to just before National Day. In July, the oxygen content is relatively higher. Of course, traveling in the off-season will offer different scenery, although the conditions may be harsher and more challenging.
2. It is highly recommended to obtain a border pass from your local police station before departing. Alternatively, you can apply for a border pass at the Lhasa Border Defense Corps during working days upon arrival in Lhasa. Without this pass, you won’t be able to visit border towns, and you might even miss out on seeing Mount Qomolangma (Mount Everest).
3. Bring long-sleeved clothing, as there is a significant temperature difference between day and night in Lhasa. It’s hot during the day but cool in the morning and evening. When going out, wear a hat and apply sunscreen, as the ultraviolet rays are very strong here. Additionally, it is not advisable to wear contact lenses in Tibet.
4. Start taking and carry anti-altitude sickness medications in advance, such as Rhodiola rosea (it is recommended to start taking it at least 10 days before the trip, or even half a month). Altitude sickness is indeed a common issue, especially when the train passes through the Tanggula Mountain Pass.
5. Allocate ample time for your journey. A week is simply not enough to truly experience Tibet. At least two weeks are recommended. As long as your physical condition permits, visit places like Yamdrok Lake to feel its purity, Lamaling Lake to see your past lives, Namtso Lake to witness the horizon meeting the water, and explore the border regions and Nagqu.
Part 3: Tips for the Journey
1. Make sure to eat well for every meal, adopting the principle of eating small meals frequently. Also, consume plenty of fruits and always carry snacks with you. Since Tibet is so vast, you will spend a lot of time on the road, so having extra snacks is essential, as you never know when the next meal will be.
2. The road conditions in Tibet are not ideal, often requiring hundreds of kilometers of travel to reach a single attraction. If a place only allows for an hour of exploration, it might not be worth the trip. Tibet has plenty of destinations that can keep you engaged for five hours or more without getting bored.
3. Hiring a local guide is highly advisable when necessary. It costs only about 100 to 200 yuan, but it can save you from taking many detours and wasting a lot of time. By the time you finally get close to your destination, it might already be too late, forcing you to turn back.
4. Weather is crucial. The same scenery can look completely different on a sunny day versus a cloudy one. For attractions that require clear skies, such as Mount Nanjiabawa and Namtso Lake, it is better to skip them if the weather is overcast.
5. If you plan to visit places above 3,000 meters in altitude, it is essential to spend two or three days acclimatizing at around 2,000 meters. Drink plenty of water, avoid staying up late, and refrain from eating spicy foods. Walking in high altitudes can be more exhausting than running on flatlands, and you may find yourself out of breath after just a few steps. If you experience altitude sickness, remember to use oxygen immediately!
6. Safety reminder: Tibet is a sensitive area, and there are restricted zones that you must not enter to avoid unnecessary trouble. Some places require a border pass, so make sure to obtain it in a timely manner.
7. The biggest expense in Tibet is transportation. Traveling to various scenic spots involves long distances. Many first-time visitors to Tibet are unsure about renting a car in Lhasa. Most people choose to rent a car through a travel agency, which can be quite expensive. A more cost-effective option is to find fellow travelers to share the rental costs through an AA system, thereby reducing your budget.
8. In terms of local customs, avoid dressing too flamboyantly. Opt for light, comfortable, and practical clothing and gear. When visiting temples, it is forbidden to wear shorts or skirts. Do not step over ritual instruments or fire basins; prayer wheels and drums should not be turned in the reverse direction.