Tibet Tour

Our Trip Style	Tibetan Expeditions operate tours, escorted by an experienced English-speaking local guide, to many areas of the Tibetan Plateau, Bhutan, China & Mongolia. Larger groups may also be accompanied by a western tour leader on request Many of our itineraries operate in remote areas - particularly in Tibet and Mongolia. These are by nature 'expeditions' not conventional holidays; conditions are harsher, events less predictable, infrastructure less developed and the lifestyles very different to those you are familiar with. The standards of accommodation and communications are often not up to Western levels. However good our organization is, we are at the mercy of the unexpected, and while most of the time things go smoothly, this cannot be guaranteed. Remember in many areas - particularly in Monglia and western Tibet infrastructure is poor to non-existant. If you are not prepared for this you should not travel with us. The unpredictable, however often leads to unexpected encounters and the best experiences. In China the infrastructure for tourism is far more developed - hotels are of higher standard, trains and flights generally operate to schedule, communications are easier, restaurant and food variety much greater. All of our itineraries may be privately booked for groups of any size or tailored to your specific time constraints and interests. Please ask for a quote based on the number of travelers in your group and your season of travel.
Groups	Fixed Departures - Minimum 3-5/ Maximum 10-11 We restrict the size of our groups to minimize the impact on the local environment and communities and to maximize your local interaction as well as interaction within the group. Private Departures - any size.
Accommodation & Camping	Tibet: In main towns and cities in Tibet accommodation is of a good standard - clean, comfortable twin share rooms, clean shared/private facilities and hot showers. Generally speaking, outside these main towns, accommodation is fairly basic in Tibet. Plumbing, hot water and electricity are erratic, there will be many days without showers, although a basin and hot water is available for basic essential washing. In many places toilets are of the pit variety - bring your own toilet paper and don't look down. Tiger Balm has proven popular with those with sensitive noses. Occassionally it will be 3-4 people to a room (we try to give couples their own room where possible, but please keep an open mind about sharing). In some places single/twin occupancy of a room is possible by paying for the unused beds in a room. Mongolia: In main towns and cities in Mongolia accommodation is of a good standard - clean, comfortable twin share rooms, clean shared/private facilities and hot showers. Gers (Russian Yurt) are the traditional felt tents of nomadic herders. Each ger is furnished with a wood stove and beautifully painted furniture such as beds, a table and stools. Gers are based on twin occupancy. Each ger camp has its restaurant, western style toilet and hot water showers. Most visitors find their stay in gers, which provide an authentic taste of Mongolian culture and adventure, their most enjoyable experience in Mongolia. Bhutan: Hotel accommodation throughout Bhutan is generally of a good tourist standard - clean, comfortable twin share rooms, clean shared/private facilities and hot showers. In some remote areas showers and private toilets are unavailable. China: Hotel accommodation throughout China is generally of a good tourist standard - clean, comfortable twin share rooms, clean shared/private facilities and hot showers. Camping: On camping itineraries all camping & cooking equipment is supplied except your sleeping bag & inflatable mattress. This includes 2-man tents, dining tent, toilet tent and cook tent.
Group Leaders & Guides	In Tibet all our guides are licensed by the Tibetan Tourist Bureau. We employ a core of particular guides whom we know well, who are experienced and knowledgeable and speak good English. Large groups in Tibet may also be accompanied by a western tour leader who has been working in Tibet for a minimum of 2 years. Tours in Bhutan are accompanied by a Bhutanese guide liscenced by the Bhutan Tourism Authority. In China, experienced, liscenced local guides will meet you in each town/city and accompany you for all sightseeing and included meals/activities. Your leader or guide's role is to facilitate the smooth, safe running of your trip, solve problems that may occur, organise back-up plans should the need arise and provide you with an appreciation and understanding of the Himalayan world. Your leader or guide will meet you at Lhasa/Paro/Ulaan Bataar airport on arrival and accompany you throughout the trip. If you have any concerns or problems on the trip, this is the person to speak to.
Transport & Drivers	Most of our travel is by private transport. Within the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) and Mongolia overland transport is by private 4WD vehicle. Most trips will use minibus for airport transfers and city sightseeing. Our drivers are extremely experienced, both as drivers and mechanics. They speak varying amounts of English, but all will be delighted to point out the best photo spots etc. Make the effort to get to know them and you will have a lot of fun. In Bhutan all transport is by private vehicle - car or mini bus/van depending on your group size. In China we use a mis of public (train / boat) and private (car / mini van/bus) transport.
Itinerary	In some cases you are traveling to remote areas, many of which are still subject to strict permit control, over rough roads. While we are able to follow the published itineraries most of the time, be aware that changes are occassionally unavoidable. Where delay or a change of itinerary is unavoidable the leader/guide will decide on the best alternative and will do everything possible to minimise its effects, but we cannot be held responsible for the results of delays or changes outside our control.
Food	In Lhasa there are restaurants of every description and budget. There are also a variety of options in main towns (eg. Shigatse, Gyantse). Outside the main towns food is often fairly basic. While there is no shortage of food, variety is often lacking. On camping tours all meals are included whilst camping. Our cooks do a great job, but please remember the menus are subject to the remoteness of the region just as we are and the variety of fresh produce available is limited. All meals are included in Bhutan and in Mongolia when outside Ulaan Bataar. In China there are restaurants of every style and budget - your guides will make recommendations.
Communication	In Tibet Internet facilities are available in Lhasa, Shigatse, Saga and Zhangmu. Most towns have land and mobile phone connections - most mobile phones with international roaming will work in Tibet, although US phones must be triband. In Bhutan & Mongolia internet facilities and IDD phones are available in most towns. In China Internet and phone communications are readily available everywhere.
The Physical Reality & Culture Shock	In Mongolia and Tibet (particularly Kailash and Eastern Tibet tours) the remote type of travel that you experience can be physically demanding and the effect that this will have on you, both physically and mentally should not be underestimated. The roads are rough; sometimes they seem little more than yak paths. Some driving days are long, 7+ hours. Breakdowns can occur. You are expected to help load/unload your own bags from the landcruisers/jeeps or other transport and to/from your room. In some areas the terrain is very mountainous and you may be affected by altitude. These trips take you into areas well away from the usual tourist trail and into a world very, very different to that you know. Often access to washing water is limited, no showers for several days, pit toilets, simple food and little spoken or written English. Opportunities to 'get away' from the group are limited; patience, tolerance and humor will be required by all. All this can and does take its toll on people and should not be underestimated - the rewards however are incredible. Whilst travel in the central regions of Tibet & Mongolia may be harsher than you are accustomed, it is no where near as taxing - comforts such as better standards of accommodation, reliable electricity, hot showers and international communications are more readily available. In Bhutan and China accommodation and facilities are generally of good tourist standard.