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Pioneer of Tibet Tourism for Overseas Travelers since 1984!
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions about Booking a Tibet Tour
Booking a Tibet tour requires an early arrangement, and do not wait for a last-minute discount, as you need enough time for the permit application and tour arrangement.
As the largest local travel agency, we support a variety of payment methods and accept upfront deposits of 30% to 50%.
If you are ready for your Tibet tour plan and looking forward to a smooth and effective tour booking with a reliable travel agency, here are the things to know before making your booking.
1. How to find a reliable local travel agency for a Tibet tour?
2. How far in advance should I book my trip to Tibet?
3. What is included in your Tibet tour package?
4. Are there any discounts for early booking or group tours in Tibet?
5. What payment methods do you accept?
6. How much deposit is required to confirm the booking?
7. Is it possible to book a Tibet train ticket by myself?
8. How to book a flight to Tibet?
9. Can I customize the itinerary or make changes after paying for my Tibet tour?
10. What is your cancellation and refund policy after booking a Tibet tour?
1. How to find a reliable local travel agency for a Tibet tour?
Nowadays, you can easily find numerous travel agencies offering Tibet tours online.
First, you can filter by browsing their official websites. Generally, the websites of large companies are more organized and well-designed, with clear product displays and service descriptions.
You can send an online inquiry to companies you are interested in and communicate with their travel consultants. This is not only the way to compare the tour quotes, but also helpful to select a more professional and easy-to-communicate travel agency to serve your journey to Tibet.
In addition, checking Tibet tour reviews from past customers can give you a more objective perspective. You can browse reviews on Tripadvisor, Trustpilot, or Facebook.
As the pioneer of Tibet tourism for overseas travelers since 1984, we at Tibet Vista is the best-known local travel agency in Tibet, receiving over 8,000 worldwide travelers annually. With over 60 passionate Tibetan tour guides, who are divers in backgrounds, experiences, and languages, your travel across the Roof of the World will be truly unforgettable.
Headquartered in Lhasa, with local offices in Chengdu and Kathmandu, we can also arrange the long journey from Tibet to the mainland of China and surrounding Himalayan destinations, such as Nepal, Bhutan, and India.
Experience an unforgettable journey to Tibet with Tibet Vista.
Join our best-selling Everest Base Camp tour and experience the best from the Holy City to the Top of the World.
2. How far in advance should I book my trip to Tibet?
Traveling to Tibet is not a type of journey for last-minute booking, as you need to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit and some other local travel documents in advance.
It is suggested to book your Tibet tour at least 21 days in advance, which includes the process of your Tibet Travel Permit (7 to 9 working days) and the delivery of the permit to your address in the mainland of China (3 to 5 days).
If you plan to visit Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, you’ll need more time to apply for other travel documents besides the Tibet Travel Permit, such as the Military Permit. Generally speaking, booking a Mount Kailash tour at least a month in advance will ensure a smooth trip.
If you don’t have a Chinese Visa yet, make sure to leave enough time to obtain your Chinese Visa, as a copy of both your passport and Chinese Visa is required when applying for the Tibet Travel Permit.
A sample of Tibet Travel Permit.3. What is included in your Tibet tour package?
In general, we guarantee the Tibet Travel Permit for all customers who book a Tibet tour with us. It is free, but an extra payment may be required for an urgent application.
The local tour guide service is also included in your Tibet tour package. If you join a small group in Tibet, you’ll share the guide with group members; while taking a private tour, you’ll be responsible for the cost of your tour guide.
The drivers and your tourist vehicle are also involved in the price you pay for the tour. Since the transfer cost within Tibet accounts for almost 30% of the total cost of a Tibet tour, if you are traveling to Tibet on a budget, it is highly recommended to take a small group tour, as you can share the large cost with others.
The accommodation included in a Tibet tour package is generally a 3-star standard hotel with twin sharing. You can upgrade your hotels in Tibet with an extra fee. If you join a group tour and don’t want to share a room with others, you should pay for the single room supplement, which is not included in the package price.
Meals and attractions listed in the itinerary are always included in the package. You can refer to the detailed service guide on the specific tour page, or ask your travel consultant for a detailed list.
Enjoy a hassle-free journey to Everest Base Camp with us!4. Are there any discounts for early booking or group tours in Tibet?
You can enjoy a 5% discount if you book a Tibet small group tour with us three months or more in advance. Early booking not only allows you more time to plan and arrange your trip, especially during peak season, but also lets you take advantage of this special offer.
Don’t wait for the last-minute deal, as it usually doesn’t work for Tibet tours. Booking your Tibet tour in advance ensures availability, smoother planning, and often better rates.
Book early and unlock the best of Tibet’s nature and culture.
5. What payment methods do you accept?
For your Tibet tour booking, we accept credit cards, PayPal, wire transfer, Wechat Pay and AliPay. You can choose the payment method that best suits your needs.
Please note that some payment methods, such as PayPal, charge a service fee, which you will need to pay. Your personal travel consultant will provide necessary payment details before making your tour payment.
6. How much deposit is required to confirm the booking?
Generally, we charge a deposit of 30% to 50% of your tour price. If you need us to book your flight or train tickets to Tibet, this amount must be paid in full in advance. The exact deposit amount will be specified in your contract, so please take note.
The remaining balance can be paid online before departure or in person at our offices in Chengdu or Kathmandu. You can also pay the balance at our Lhasa office upon arrival.
7. Is it possible to book a Tibet train ticket by myself?
Yes, you can book the train to Tibet by yourself. But it is not recommended for a Tibet train tour during peak seasons.
From July to August and late September to early October, which is the largest national holiday in China, it is difficult for individual tourists to book a train to Tibet.
To ensure a smooth train journey to Tibet, we guarantee Xining to Lhasa train tickets for you if you book your Tibet tour with us. Just book a Tibet train tour with us for a hassle-free travel along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.
Book your Tibet train tour Tibet Vista.8. How to book a flight to Tibet?
Nowadays, it is convenient to book a flight to Tibet through airline websites or travel agencies. You need to provide your passport, Chinese Visa, and the Tibet Travel Permit, as airlines will verify them at check-in.
Because flights to Tibet fill quickly, especially during peak season, it is recommended to make an early booking for a better rate.
View of snow-capped mountains from the Chengdu to Lhasa flight.9. Can I customize the itinerary or make changes after paying for my Tibet tour?
Generally, your Tibet itinerary cannot be changed at will after the contract is signed.
If you just want to take some optional activities during your days in Tibet, such as visiting a local park after the scheduled tour, you can contact us in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate you. However, any associated costs will be at your own expense.
Except in force majeure situations, such as bad weather, serious altitude sickness, or other situations that prevent reaching the destination, our confirmed itineraries are not subject to changes.
Also, please carefully select your entry city to Tibet, as it will be listed on your Tibet Travel Permit. If you finally depart from another city that does not match the one on the permit, you can not board the train/flight to Tibet.
Please note that we are not responsible for any additional costs or losses incurred due to re-application for the Tibet Travel Permit.
Experience the epic overland journey from Lhasa to Kathmandu with us now!
10. What is your cancellation and refund policy after booking a Tibet tour?
If you need to cancel your Tibet tour for personal reasons, please inform us by email. A cancellation fee will be applied according to the number of days before the scheduled departure.
If the tour cancellation results from the failure to obtain a Chinese Visa, we will provide a full refund of the tour cost.
However, any costs already incurred, such as hotel cancellation fees, airline penalties, and train ticket refund charges, are non-refundable.
For detailed tour cancellation and refund policies, please refer to Terms and Conditions of Tibet Vista.
Book your trip to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar with confidence.
Conclusion
Nowadays, it is convenient to book a Tibet tour with a local travel agency online. Just notice how far in advance to make the reservation and tips for booking a train/flight to Tibet before you go.
The booking methods and cancellation policies may differ from travel agencies. Feel free to ask for detailed information before making the final reservation.
If you need help planning or booking a trip to Tibet, contact us anytime. We're ready to arrange the best itinerary for you and ensure a hassle-free travel experience tailored to your needs.
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