Lhasa, also known as “the roof of the world” is an extraordinary but hard-to-reach place with breathtaking views, ancient temples, Buddhist culture, hospitable locals and so much more. That’s why it’s all the more rewarding when you receive that hard-to-obtain travel permit to turn a travel dream into reality.  

• Permits: 
When it comes to travel permits, Tibet is more complicated than elsewhere in China. There are two documents required for foreign tourists who want to travel in Tibet. One is the Chinese Visa, which you can apply for at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your place of residence. The other is the Alien's Travel Permit, issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau:

3 Luobulinka Lu, Lhasa
Tel: 0891-683 5472, 6834315
Website: http://www.xzta.gov.cn/

All foreigners visiting Tibet must do so as part of a group, so the Alien's Travel Permit is only issued to tour groups traveling with a Chinese tour operator. Your travel agency will represent you in the application process. A Tibet permit usually costs around 200 RMB.

For travel in Tibet outside Lhasa, two more documents may be required. One is a Travel Permit, for travel to closed areas of Tibet, which may be obtained after arrival in Tibet. The other is a Military Permit, which you have to obtain if you are planning to travel in some areas of military significance. Your guide or travel agency can help with application procedures for these documents.

• Altitude: 
Lack of oxygen at high altitudes – usually defined as elevations above 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) – affects most people to some extent. Since most places in Tibet are higher than this level, acute mountain sickness (AMS), also called altitude sickness, is the biggest health risk to tourists in Tibet.

Most visitors to Lhasa who do not venture to higher altitudes will experience one or more mild altitude symptoms. These include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite and disturbed sleep. The symptoms will usually gradually decrease in severity during acclimatization, and should not interfere with mild activity.

But individual responses to altitude vary widely: more severe symptoms can arise, and should not be ignored. All travelers to higher altitude locations outside Lhasa should be vigilant at all times.

Severe symptoms include breathlessness, a dry, persistent cough (possibly with pink discharge), severe headache, lack of co-ordination and balance, confusion, irrational behavior, vomiting, drowsiness and unconsciousness. If these symptoms arise, descend to a lower altitude immediately: AMS can have severe health consequences, and is fatal in some cases.

In Lhasa, canned oxygen is on sale in many locations. Those suffering mild symptoms may wish to try this remedy. If you are traveling at higher altitude and are experiencing acute symptoms, do not use canned oxygen as a substitute for descending to a lower elevation. 

The following methods may be helpful in preventing or managing mild symptoms:
1. When you first arrive in Tibet, do not over-eat, and try to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.
2. Drink plenty of water. Dehydration occurs more quickly at high altitude, and can exacerbate altitude symptoms. 
3. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Smoking cuts lung function, and alcohol causes dehydration.
4. Avoid sedatives.
5. Avoid excessive exertion on your first day or two at altitude.

• When to visit: 
The air in Lhasa is thin and the temperature is comparatively low. The temperature can fluctuate widely during the day, and plunge sharply at night. Between March and October, the climate is mild and humid: this is the best season to travel in Tibet.

• What to bring:
Many hotels in Tibet have no central heating: bring plenty of warm clothes, even in the warmer months. Sunhats, sunglasses and suntan lotion are necessities.

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