China Tibet

China: on the roof of the world in the province of Central Tibet
Which traveler desiring to encounter other cultures has not pondered the map of the Rising Empire. The vast China, suddenly projected into the 21st century, has still 55 ethnic minorities. To witness all of their traditions before their irreversible forward projection, follow us to the heart of the traditional China and its outstanding landscape ... we will lead you to the Tar Province  (Tibetan Autonomous Region) and Central Tibet, where some of the Tibetan minority (one of the oldest recognized in China) live. In the "Land of Snow", an original civilization has developed over the centuries, with an amazing cultural wealth built around religious power and large monasteries.  Potala, an emblematic Lhasa palace, Norbulingka, Kumbum, etc.. Come discover these wonders of Buddhist architecture, nestled in the palm of the fascinating Himalayan landscapes, made up of highlands interspersed with chains of snow and lakes of turquoise water. A journey into a world of different atmospheres and lights, one voyage not to be missed...

• Travel of the beaten track: forerunners since 2000 and always innovative, thanks to our partnership with renowned expert guides from China, accustomed to organizing exploratory treks.
• An efficient organization adapted to the specificities of each province crossed, thanks to our extensive networking and great contacts in the country.
• Privileged encounters with the Chinese people, enhanced by our guides who are sensitive to the culture of the ethnic groups that we will meet along our way.

A continental mountain climate which is characterized by sharp fluctuations in temperature between day and night, on the one hand, and between winter and summer on the other. The winter is very cold.
- From March to June, and more particularly from September to November are the best months to go to Tibet, traditionally beautiful, sunny. Typical summer temperatures in the day, beautiful light, unobstructed summit views.
- July and August: tourist season. The monsoon passes over the Himalayas and brings with it, highly variable weather: rainy passages, followed by beautiful clearings, nothing to hinder a trek.

 

Central Tibet Province

Population	Approximately 2 million Tibetans, and 2 million Chinese
Surface	1 467 188 square miles
Capital	TAR Province Capital (Tibetan Independent Province)     Lhassa (11,660 feet high)
Main cities	Tsethang, Purang, Chengdu, Derge
Summits	Everest
Official language	Chinese
Currency	Yuan Renmimbi (CNY
Religions	Buddhism
Political Status	Absolute Monarchy
Time shift	http://www.worldtimezone.com/utc/utc+0600.html

 

Nepal
The currency is the Nepalese rupee (NPR).
We advise you to carry American dollars in small increments that you can exchange at your arrival in the airport, or in the big hotels. There are ATM machines in Katmandu.

China
The currency is the Yuan Renmimbi (CNY).
You should bring dollars that you can exchange in the banks, in the cities.
Payments by credit card will be accepted at all major stores. It is also possible to withdraw money (exchange currencies, ATM's) from branch offices of the Bank of China. However, in small towns and hamlets, it is very difficult to get change.

As an organizer for worldwide trips, Mountain World Travel is concerned for our guest's safety and security. We always keep ourselves up to date with current travel warnings and always consider the government safety advisories, while organizing and preparing our different trips.
Please double check on the official government website regarding each country's warnings.
Nepal Us Government Travel Advice
Tibet Us Government Travel Advice

All of our trips to Central Tibet are organized departing from Kathmandu, in cooperation with our Nepalese friends, excellent ambassadors of the Buddhist culture, unlike the Chinese tourist agencies operating in Tibet. Logistics are well established, however, the relationship between the Nepali guides and the Tibetan guides (often pro-Chinese) is sometimes difficult, however, this will not affect the quality of your trip.

The traditional language is Tibetan, with a large number of dialects, developed in the regions of Central Tibet. Since the Chinese invasion of 1950, Chinese became the official language.
Learning some key words will enable you to gain the respect of your interlocutors, and to make for a more pleasant exchange with the Chinese. Therefore do not hesitate to make the effort to use the following expressions:

Hello: (ni hao in Chinese) / tashi delek (Tibetan) / obdé (Khampa)
Goodbye: zai jian / ka lee shu / demo
How much does it cost? : Duo shao qian / ray ray the gong
Thanks: xié xié / jay you chay
I am looking for: zhao wo / chig mig your gi yo
Where is: zai nali / ka bah
Hotel: fandian / dru khang

You can ask your guide to teach you some other common words; your voyage will only be richer by your attempting to speak the local language!
And then smile, it is often the best means of having good contacts!

Over the centuries, Tibet has developed a unique civilization, a surprising cultural wealth, built around religious power and large monasteries. Tibetan Buddhism has a particular form, sometimes called "Lamaism." The population, for the most part, consisted of farmers and herders. The clergy, often large in number, held an important place and a small aristocracy occupied administrative positions. This peaceful world, which still existed in the middle of the Middle Ages, was confronted with a harsh reality, when in 1950, Mao Tse Tung decided to launch his troops in an effort to conquer the Roof of the World. After a guerrilla war that lasted more than ten years, China has captured the entire territory and began the slow work of sinisation and acculturation, especially with massive transfers of populations. The Dalai Lama, former temporal and spiritual leader of Tibet, is currently living in exile in Dharamsala, in northern India. One still has the opportunity, on many occasions, to admire the Buddhist fervor of the Tibetan people. Today two cultures and civilizations coexist, more or less.  Tibetans still try every day to preserve their traditions.
Here are some tips to best respect the traditions, culture and religion of Tibet:
- During visits, have your head uncovered and remove your shoes.
- During prayers, stay very discreet.
- Obey photographing bans when indicated (monasteries and military installations in general). Some sites permit photographing, after a fee.
- During monastery visits, a small donation to a deity is much appreciated.
- Do not leave your chopsticks in the rice in Tibet and do not refuse a cup of tea.
- Do not throw anything in the fire which is used to prepare the meal.

As part of our responsible approach to tourism, Mountain World Travel is involved in several waste management programs throughout the world, including Manijiago, a village in eastern Tibet.
In central Tibet, we support the actions of the Clean Kailash Association.  In 2007-2008, its members intend to clean and maintain the village of Darchen, the starting pilgrimage point around Mount Kailash and the countryside of Lake Manasarovar. Ultimate goal: to clean the 56 miles of the pilgrimage journey by involving local people in the collection of waste (including batteries) and the creation of a small waste collection center. The association also distributes an educational cartoon book written by two Tibetan painters from Lhasa.

Is there silverware in China ?
If you want to eat with silverware, we advise you to bring your own. In all restaurants, meals are only served with chopsticks.
Chopsticks are always provided new, so there is no issue regarding germs.

Can I bring back all of the souvenirs that I want?
Do not buy souvenirs and other objects from cultural and traditional heritage, including religious texts (mantras) on parchment.  It is prohibited for any antique, more than 100 years old, to leave the country. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to ask your guide. Tibet is subject to strict control over the export of its finest pieces of heritage. You will find some prayer mills, cotton drapes, traditional Lhasa clothing, etc.... The large shopping center in Lhasa is now found around the Jokhang, on the circular path called Barkhor.

Is there a tradition of bargaining in China?
In principle, the prices listed in stores are not up for discussion. By contrast, at free markets or for major purchases, the Chinese are open to bargaining, which they practice with a smile and good spirits.  However, this is not always the case with the Tibetans, who generally stick by their non-negotiable marked prices. In general, divide the proposed price by two and let the seller have the last word (concept of losing face). These negotiations could take some time, from a few minutes to several hours or even several days.

Electrical Plugs
US electrical devices are not compatible with Chinese electrical plugs.
We recommend that you carry an adapter, because the plugs are 220 volts.  

Seventy-five percent of Central Tibet territory, consisting of the Himalayan Mountains and the Tsango (Brahmapoutre) valley, is over 13,000 feet above sea level. These areas offer immense typical natural surroundings. As land farming is localized (livestock on the plateaus, crops in the valleys), the impact of human presence on the landscape remains low.

We are counting on you to leave these natural areas as clean as possible:
- Remember to pick up your trash throughout your walk and to take the time to leave your own camps clean. Sort and bring the most polluting waste back to your home country (batteries, etc...) Regroup your waste together and burn it.
- Prefer to treat the water using tablets (type Micropur) rather than buying many plastic bottles of water that will only increase the amount of waste.
- Wash your laundry away from water sources that serve as drinking water for people or for animals (horses, yaks, etc...).