Tibet Weather

Tibet has held the imagination of Western spiritual seekers, adventurers and curious travellers for hundreds of years.As Tibet is located in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and it is well known for the ‘rooftop of the world’, many travellers are concerned about the bad Tibet weather before they go. Due to Tibet is as large as double size of France, the climate in different regions of Tibet are total different . Generally speaking, the Tibet weather is not as harsh as many people imagine it to be. Most of the area of Tibet including Everest Base Camp are suitable for travel from April to the begginning of November. If you only would like to visit Lhasa city, you even can go there anytime of the year. The best time for travel Tibet is Augest and September.

If you really worry about the weather in Tibet, Sun radiation in Tibet is the most important weather factor you should prevent from. The sunlight in Lhasa is so intense that the city is named Sunlight City.Sunscreen ( UV lotion) with a high sun protection factor( SPF>30) , good quality sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are good means of protection. The thin air in Tibet can neither block off nor retain heat so that the temperature extremes can be met in daytime and the same night respectively in Tibet.However, it is not impossible to visit the holy snow land. May, June and September are the high tour seasons in east Tibet.Most annual rainfall comes in the rainy season that starts from June to September. Usually it rains at night in Lhasa, Shigatse and Chamdo area.The rainfall may block roads and make travel difficult but the scenery at the time will be the best.

Below we list the specific weather condition in most of the popular tour regions for your reference:

1.Lhasa-Shigatse-Lhatse-Tingri-Nyalan:
Along the Friendship highway is basically in good conditions year around. But from December to February, the thawed road could make some trouble.

2.Mt. Everest Area:
Early May and early October are the best time to visit Mt. Everest. Due to the clear weather, you have great chance to see Mt. Everest’s true face (if you are lucky). From December to February, you’d better not to go to this area because it is too cold to visit.

3.Ali (Mt.Kailash):
Even without climate restrictions, this area is already inhospitable. Big rain and snow could make the journey worse. However, for those determined tourists, the appropriate time is May, June, July, September and October.

4.Eastern Tibet:
Don’t go to this area in July or August (the rainy season) because the rain could ruin the road, and make terrible landslides. In winter, the road could be frozen.

5.Northern Tibet:
With the average altitude of 4,500m, this area offers very limited time for tourists. Summer (July to August) is the prime time to enjoy the great plain in northern Tibet.

Average Temperature in Lhasa of a year

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Max	‘C	6.8	9.2	12	13.7	19.7	22.5	21.7	20.7	19.6	16.4	11.6	7.7
	‘F	54	59.9	64.9	70.9	77	82	81	77.9	75	70.9	61.9	57
Min	‘C	-10.2	-6.9	-3.2	0.9	5.1	9.2	9.9	9.4	7.6	1.4	-5	-9.1
	‘F	6	11.1	17.1	24.1	31.1	39.9	43	41.9	39	23	15.1	8.06

Average Temperature in different regions of Tibet

Place	Yearly ['C / 'F]	January ['C / 'F]	February ['C / 'F]
Lhasa	7.5 / 45.5	-2.2 / 28.04	15.1 / 59.18
Nagqu	-1.9 / 28.58	-13.9 / 7	8.9 / 48.02
Qamdo	7.6 / 45.68	-2.5 / 27.5	16.3 / 61.34
Damshung	1.3 / 34.34	-9.9 / 14.18	10.8 / 51.44
Pome	8.5 / 47.3	-0.2 / 31.64	16.5 / 61.7
Amdo	-3.0 / 26.6	-15 / 5	7.9 / 46.22
Nyingchi	8.6 / 47.48	-0.2 / 31.64	15.6 / 60.08
Tsedang	8.3 / 46.94	-0.7 / 30.74	15.5 / 59.9
Xigatse	6.3 / 43.34	-3.8 / 25.16	14.2 / 57.56
Gyangtse	4.7 / 40.46	-5.1 / 22.82	12.8 / 55.04
Tingri	0.7 / 33.26	-11.3 / 11.66	10.9 / 51.62
Zayui	-11.8 / 10.76	-4.0 / 24.8	18.6 / 65.48

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Author: Amoytrip---Free China Travel Guide--Tibet Weather
Free Inquiry: ryan@amoytrip.com

Road Condition and Driving Distance in Tibet

How is the road condition in Tibet? Should I need a Land Cruiser while in Tibet? Should I need a yak to reach Everest Base Camp? These are the common questions that travelers are interested in before they arrive in Tibet. Travelers always think that Tibet is a rural area and the mountain road is narrow, rugged and sometimes dangerous. In fact, the road condition in most of the sites in Tibet are not as terrible as they imagine it. With the development of Tibet, you will find that asphalt road reach most of the attractions.like Yamdrok Lake, Namtso Lake.From Gonggar airport to Lhasa is expressway which was opened in July 2011.Common vehicles could run on most of the roads safely, for instance, Lhasa to Tsedang, to Nakchu. Only to those far away from Lhasa will need land cruiser for the smooth passing. Check the road codition in different parts of Tibet, and see what kind of vehicles you really need.

1. Lhasa–Gonggar Airport
Distance:65km single way
Elevation:Lahsa-3600m; Gonggar airport-3650m
Road condition:Asphalt Road

2.Nyingchi–Nyingchi Milin Airport
Distance:60km single way
Elevation:Nyingchi(Bayi Town)-2900m; Milin airport-2950m
Road condition:Asphalt Road

3.Lhasa–Lhasa Railway Station
Distance:20km single way
Elevation:Lahsa-3600m; Railway Station-3600m
Road condition:Asphalt Road

4. Lhasa–Yangbajing–Namtso Lake
Distance:250km single way
Elevation:Yangbajing-4300m; Namtso Lake-4718m;
Road condition:Asphalt Road

5.Lhasa–Yamdrok Yamtso
Distance:110km single way
Elevation:Yamdrok Lake-4488m; Ganbala Mountain-4750m;
Road condition:Asphalt Road

6.Lhasa–Gandan Monastery
Distance:57km single way
Elevation:Gandan Monastery–3800m
Road condition:Asphalt Road,Sand and stone Road

7.Lhasa–Gyangze–Shigatse
Distance:387km single way
Elevation:Gyangze–3977m; Shigatse–3860m
Road condition:Asphalt Road

8.Lhasa–Samye Monastery
Distance:300km single way
Elevation:Samye Monastery–3556m
Road condition:Asphalt Road,Sand and stone Road

9.Lhasa–Everest Base Camp
Distance:748km single way
Elevation:Dingri–4300m; Rongbuk Monastery–5100m; E.B.C–5200m
Road condition:Asphalt Road,Bumpy mountain road

10.Lhasa–Zhangmu
Distance:1186km single way
Elevation:Dingri–4300m; Rongbuk Monastery–5100m; E.B.C–5200m; Nielamu–3800m
Road condition:Asphalt Road,Bumpy mountain road, Sand&stone road

Highway between Lhasa and Gonggar airport

Road condition around Yamdrok lake

Mountain road to E.B.C

Road to Namtso Lake

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Author: Amoytrip---Free China Travel Guide--Road Condition and Driving Distance in Tibet
Free Inquiry: ryan@amoytrip.com

我没有见了

小朋友学说话就跟大人学外语一样，经常出现很多笑话。每次若思躲起来就会说”我没有见了”。现在还好了，以前回到家就跟蜡笔小新一样”你回来了”。现在有教她认颜色，颜色概念总是弄不清楚。她反问我们这是什么颜色时，总是说”这是什么绿色？”看到我的脚上有毛，就说这是”头发”。

------------------------------------------------ Original from:杜岚虾米 我没有见了

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Tibet

High Altitude Sikckness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness(AMS) , is one of the issues that travelers concern about very much when they plan to visit Tibet. As Tibet is a land with average elevation above 4,000m, most area where visitors can travel and trek is more than 3000m, altitude sickness, or actute mountain sickness(AMS) is easy to occurs. The altitude sickness symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite and disturbed sleep. So before you travelto Tibet, a thorough physical examination is advisable.

1.Who should not visit Tibet
Altitude sickness is considered as the biggest health risk for travelling to Tibet. People with serious heart deseases should not visit Tibet. Those with less serious heart problems or high or low blood pressure need to consult a doctor before starting Tibet trip.

2. How to avoid high altitude sickness
Though elevation sickness can be very serious, only a small group of travelers really suffer from altitude illness. Here are some tips to acclimatize altitude sickness and avoid acute mountain sickness in Tibet

–Keep healthy,both physical and psychological condition.Avoid cathcing cold before visiting Tibet.

–Do not drink any alcohol and not take other depressant drugs including, barbiturates, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills on the first two days while you are in Tibet. Drink more water or drinks and bring enough fruits, snacks with high caloric content, like chocolate.

–Try not to take shower on the first two days to aovid catching a cold.

–Be peaceful and have a good rest on the first two days.Don’t be so exciting on your arrival in Tibet. Do not run, jump or do some
strenuous exercise on the first two days.

–Do not use oxygen often in Lhasa while your symptoms of altitude sickness is not serious. Or the oxygen treatment does not work at a higher altitude if they take too much at a lower altitude.

–Once you have the symptoms of altitude sickness, Don’t go higher with symptoms of altitude sickness and report to your tour guide immediately.

–Mild altitude sickness symptoms can be treated with proper medication. If medication and oxygen do not relieve the symptoms, go to hospital or evacuate immediately to a safe altitude.

–If you go to Tibet for trekking, do physical exercise, running, swimming, long distance walking are needed.

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Author: Amoytrip---Free China Travel Guide--How to Avoid Altitude Sickness in Tibet
Free Inquiry: ryan@amoytrip.com

Tibet Join-in Tour--8 Days Classical Tibet tour

Day 1 – Arrival at Lhasa(3700m)
Upon your arrival at Gonggar airport, our guide will meet you and transfer to Lhasa with 1 1/2hrs drive, On the way, you’ll get greeted by Nie Tang Budda – a Budda image engraved in the mountain face.The rest time you are at leisure for acclimatization or visit local bazaar on own.

Day2 – Lhasa (B/L)
Visit:Potala Palace, Sera Monastery
After breakfast, guided sightseeing with the Lhasa’s cardinal landmark-Potala Palace. This massive 13-storeyed building used to be the highest building prior to the early period of last century, used to be the former winter abode for the Dalai Lamas. It looks incredibly magnificent from a distance and could be viewed from various places around the town. As the nation’s supreme relic, the palace dates back to 7th century A.D. In the afternoon, visit of Sera Monastery, which was founded in 1419 by Sakya Yeshe, a disciple of Tsongkhapa. The “Buddhism Scriptures Debating” in Sera is very famous.

Day3 – Lhasa (B/L)
Visit: Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Norbulingkha
After breakfast, guided sightseeing of the most revered religious structure in Tibet-Jokhang Temple. Jokhang, the most sacred temple in Tibet, refers to “Buddha’s House” in Tibetan language because the main statue enshrined is said to be made by Buddha Sakyamuni himself in his lifetime. Jokhang Temple is the convergence of Tibet’s Spiritual and secular life, like Mecca for the Muslims, here you can meet all the tribes from Tibetan plateau. The surrounding market is called Barkhor, one of the most important religious paths, which also assembles people for shopping. In the afternoon, visit of Norbulingkha, the summer palace of the Dalailama.

Day 4 – Lhasa-Tsedang -Samye 165km (B/L)
Visit: Samye Monastery, Yumbulakhang Palace
We will drive along the Tsangpo river to visit the fantastic Samye monastery, believed to be Tibet’s first monastery, built between 775 and 779. The original building is no longer intact due to destruction caused by wars and natural disasters, but the monastery has been rebuilt each time and still remains the symbol of Tibet’s national identity. Its main building is a three-story tower with an interior influenced by Tibetan, Han and Indian styles. In the afternoon visit of Yumbulakhang palace- the first building of Tibet as the palace for the first Tibetan king.

Day5 – Tsedang -Yamdroktso-Gyantse(3900m). 340km, 7hrs (B/L)
Visit: Yangdrok Lake, Perkhor Chode Monastery
After breakfast, leave for Gyanste, after about 3 1/2 hours’ driving, climbing over the snow pass of Kambala(4790m), have a overlooking the Yangdrok lake at top of the KambabaLa pass, the view of the lake and the snowpeak afar are marvelous and impressive. After down from the mountain, we continue our drive along the lakeside, stop for after about 90km, in the late afternoon, arriving in Gyangtse, visit Perkhor Chode monastery in the sunset time.

Day6 – Gyantse-Shigatse(3800m). 90km, 1/2hrs (B/L)
Visit:Tashilhunpo Monastery, Outdoor Market
After breakfast, we leave the small town of Gyantse to Shigatse, the second large city in Tibet and the capital of Tsang, lying 354 km west of Lhasa at an altitude of 3,810 m/12,570 ft, visit to the impressive Tashilhunpo Monastery, home of Tibet’s Panchen Lama, a sprawling complex with a gigantic Maitreya (Future Buddha) statue. Various temples contain ornate reliquary chortens. Visit Shigatse’s outdoor market for some real treasures.

Day7 – Shigatse-Lhasa.280km, 3/4hrs (B/L)
Visit: Yarlung Zsangpo River
This day is an easy journey, driving along the Yarlung Zsangpo River back to Lhasa. On the way stop at a small village side the road to visit the Tibetan handmade incense mill and workshop.

Day8 – Depart Lhasa (B)
After breakfast check out from the hotel and transfer to airport for onward flight.

Price

Basic package Minimum 2 persons
Deluxe		Standard
Share twin	S/S	Share twin	S/S
USD1140	USD405	USD980	USD245

Valid Time: March to November,2012 Operation: Every Tuesday, Saturday
 

View larger map

Service Inclusion:
-Accommodation in sharing twin room at specified hotels with daily breakfast;
-All lunch as mentioned in the program;
-Sightseeing tour with local English-speaking guide;
-All entrance fees + sightseeing as mentioned in the program
-The transportation is in a car (02-04pax), mini coach (05-10pax), coach (15 & above) depending on the number of participant.
-Tibet travel permit

Service Exclusion:
-International flights
-Chinese visa fee
-Departure flight from Lhasa and airport tax;
-All dinners, other meals, drinks and personal expenses;
-Tips to the guide and driver;
-Any program other than mentioned in our program.

Remark:
All prices shown are based on the current exchange rate and maybe subject to fluctuation with the prevailing rate.

Extension Service:
1.Private airport transfer: USD85/car with guide
2.Extra night 4 star hotel deluxe room: USD168 per single / twin /room with breakfast
3.Extra night at 3 star hotel: USD77/room with breakfast
4.One day private tour to Ganden Monastery : USD70/person ( Min. 2persons)
5.One day private tour to Namtso lake: USD159/person (Min.2person)

After the trip has commenced, we are unable to refund any amount for unused services due to your early departure, late arrival, or missed days on tours.

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Author: Amoytrip---Free China Travel Guide--Tibet Join-in Tour--8 Days Classical Tibet tour
Free Inquiry: ryan@amoytrip.com

How to Book China Train Tickets Online

Traveling in China by train is one of the most economical and safety way.Due to some reasons,booking China train ticket used to be a tough job, especially during the Chinese Spring Festival eve.  This has gone since official China train ticket booking website was launched in the late of 2011.People are able to book most of the China train ticket online, such as the train between Beijing, Shanghai, Beijing,Xian etc. Not only China citizen can book the China train ticket online directly, but foreigners providing passport information can book the train ticket online as well.The advantage of booking train ticket online is that it allows you to buy the tickets 12 Days in advance of your departure date which is longer that buying from train ticket agent which is only 10 days before the departure date. That is why people, especial the young people prefer to buy train ticket online.However,as there is not English version Train ticket booking website, few foreigners book the ticke t online by themselves. After reading this article,I believe you will be able to book China train tickets online by yourselves. Just follow this instruction step by step.
1.First, register you account on official China train ticket booking website: http://www.12306.cn

• install CA
• click “Buy Ticket”
• register
• agree the policy

2. Fill out your personal information

After you submit your information,check your email.you will receive an “activate account” email from 12306. then activate your account by clicking the link.

3. Return to the homepage, click “Buy Ticket”again, login your account, you will see “Book Ticket”as below ,then Search for the train you like

4.Search result(take beijng–shanghai for example),then book

5.Show ticket price and fill in your personal information and submit

6.Check the ticket information and confirm

7.Make the Payment online

Currently, they only surpport China Bank’s card, like ICBC, CMB, BOC. If anyone have problem of making the payment, please feel free to contact me, I am pleased to help you for the payment.

After you make the payment successfully, you will receive an email about your train ticket’s information. you will find an e-ticket number in the email, such E7879xxxx. Keep this number.

8.Get your train ticket at ticket agent or railway station

You can get the ticket the day your departure from railway station ticket office. For guarantee, I suggest you get the ticket from the train ticket agent nearby in advance. 5RMB per ticket will be charged if taking ticket from ticket agent.

 

 

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Author: Amoytrip---Free China Travel Guide--How to Book China Train Tickets Online
Free Inquiry: ryan@amoytrip.com