VISA:
All tourist visiting Tibet requires valid China visa & a special Alien Travel Permit which they can obtain only by joining tours organized by recognized travel agencies. Those who arrive in Kathmandu with a Chinese visa issued by Chinese Consulates outside of Kathmandu will find it useless for entry into Tibet.

Visa regulations change often. Presently as per official regulation a minimum 5 pax group is required for travel into Tibet. However, it is sometimes possible to organize private tours for less than 5 pax.

Diplomatic passport holders must get clearance from Beijing for travel into Tibet which often takes long time. It is advisable to travel on non-diplomatic passports, if you have one.

We require at least 7 days notice to process your Tibet visa via Lhasa & at least 4 days in Kathmandu for the Chinese Embassy to handle your passport. Visa can also be issued in less than 3 days upon payment of visa rush fees. Normal group visa fee is USD 26 & visa rush fee is another USD 17. Individual visa fee is USD 33 & rush fee is another USD 33.
60 days Nepal visa is readily available at the Tribhuvan International Airport or any other land entry points on payment of USD 30 visa fee. Those travelling to Tibet & Bhutan or Sikkim & transiting through Nepal must obtain multiple entry visa available on payment of USD 50.

KTM-LHASA FLIGHT :

CSWA( China Southwest Airlines) is the only airline currently operating flights between Kathmandu & Lhasa sector. The flight is operated by Boeing 757 aircraft. Beginning from the winter of 2000 CSWA has commenced flights during the winter season as well, thus operating flights all year-round. Here is guideline of year-round flight frequencies:
April - November - Tuesday & Saturday
June - October - Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
December - March - Saturday

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Those with chronic health problems should consult a doctor before making travel plans. Most people visiting Tibet rarely suffer more than mild discomfort before getting acclimatized. Suggested remedial measures:
(a) Take plenty of rest
(b) Refrain from physically exhausting activities
(c) Drink plenty of water
(d) Do not expose yourself to direct strong winds particularly your head when atop a pass
(e) Take diamox against altitude sickness

INSURANCE

All travellers' visiting Tibet are strongly recommended to provide for their own trip insurance at home that adequately covers for medical, emergency rescue expenses, trip cancellations or any other eventual mishaps.

All of our staffs on field trips are adequately insured by the company that covers for medical assistance, accidents or deaths.

CLOTHINGS & ACCESSORIES

Warm clothing is required throughout but more specifically from October to April. In general dressing in layers is recommended. Few change of clothes such as shirt, sweater, jacket & cotton inner linings with tops & bottoms, comfortable walking shoes, pair of pants should suffix. During the month of October to April more heavy woollen or down clothing & boots will be required.

Other recommended accessories - water bottle, water purification tabs, chapstick, suntan lotion, utility knife, flash light, battery operated shavers, dusk mask or bandana, medicine for common colds, headache, fever, stomach disorders & diamox for altitude sickness.

BOOKING & PAYMENT

We require a 10% trip deposit for confirmation of all bookings. Those booking directly with us from abroad may make this trip deposit with credit card by filling out `Credit Card Authorization Form' which will be sent on request. Please add 3% for all payment with credit card. The balance payment must be paid in full before trip departure.

Payment may also be telex transferred into our following bank account:
ACCOUNT NAME: Potala Cultural Tours
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 0417122001
CITI BANK NA Delhi India.
SWIFT CODE: CITIINBXAIBD

CANCELLATION POLICY

Notice of cancellation must be made in person by those booking locally & for those booking from overseas cancellation notice must be sent in writing & refunds will be made as follows:

15 days before departure - No charges
Less than 15 days - USD 100
No shows - No refunds

N.B: As per CSWA regulation there is 35% cancellation charge if air ticket is once issued & cancelled for whatsoever reason. Please note this cancellation charge is strictly enforced by CSWA.

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION OFFERS IN KATHMANDU:

We have special offers on most hotels in Kathmandu for our clients visiting Tibet .
(a) Hotel Shangrila (4 star) - USD 75 per room including breakfast
(b) Hotel Tibet/Manang (3 star) - USD 40 per room including breakfast
(c) Nirvana Garden Hotel (2 star) - USD 30 per room including breakfast
(d) Int'l Guest House (2 star) - USD 25 per room including breakfast

We provide complimentary airport pick up transfer for booking hotels through us.