Information About Tibet

General Information About Tibet

Money
The Chinese currency is known as-RMB. The basic unit of this currency is called ‘Yuan’, which is substituted by Chinese word ‘kuai’. The Bank of China has their branches in Zhangmu, Shigatse and Lhasa. You can only use your credit card in the Lhasa Branch of the Bank of China. Getting telegraphic transfers to Tibet takes five weeks in average.

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Clothes & Accessories
In the summer months, unless you are not planning to go on a high altitude trekking, a couple of inner T-shirts and a good sweater will work enough. Thermal underwear, a down jacket and even a balaclava for ear protection are essential during other months of year. A light sleeping bag would be an advantage. Good walking boots and thick shocks, hat, raincoat will be useful. Sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, lips guard, toiletries etc are other needs.

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Health
There is no need to be overly worried about altitude sickness or other risks to health. Some travelers who fly or go overland to Lhasa are likely to experience some symptoms of altitude sickness but in most cases, they are mild and recedes after a couple of days of rest in Lhasa. However, all visitors to Tibet should have knowledge about Altitude Sickness, its cause, prevention and remedies.

Other health hazards are like sunburn, cold, motion sickness, giardiasis, diarrhoea, dysentery etc. Your travel insurance should be valid in China and cover all expenses incurred due to health hazards.

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Season To Travel
You can travel to Tibet throughout the year but mid July through to the end of September is the best period.

Climate :
The temperature varies sharply from the south grassland to north plateau. The south is warm and rainy. Most rain falls during May to September. It is warm from June to August. The coldest months are from December to February and crossing over the passes becomes almost impossible. Below given is a table of average temperature, rainfall and sunshine hours in Tibet.

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Accommodation
Tibet travelers are not supposed to expect luxury, more choice and options. Tibetan urban centers like Lhasa, Gyantse, Xhigatse and Tsedang have choices and better condition hotels but in the rest of the destinations, maybe you have to throw in yourself into a truck stop or inns with a row of rooms each containing four or five beds. Hot water is provided in jugs or thermoses with washing basin. Do not expect running water and electricity in such places.