Tibet is a dream destination to most travelers who are attracted by the spiritual atmosphere, beautiful Himalayan mountains, and ancient Buddhist culture. The Tibet which is called the Roof of the World is at mean altitude of over 4,000 meters and is an experience unmatched by any other Asian destination. The spirituality, mystic, and beauty of the natural are felt in every part of Tibet starting with the Potala Palace in Lhasa to the sacred Mount Kailash. But, most of the travelers do not know how they can legally go to Tibet particularly because it is a restricted region in China. This is done with particular documentation of a genuine China Visa and other Tibet Travel Permits.
Assuming that you are going to Tibet using a China Visa, it is only prudent to know the visa permit requirements step by step, travel regulations, and cultural etiquettes that characterize this fascinating tourist destination. The China visa application process in Dubai or any other country is more or less the same. This step-by-step guide will include all details about entering Tibet on the legal basis, obtaining the necessary permits, discovering its spectacular sights, and experiencing the abundance of the Tibetian cultural legacy. At the culmination of this guide, you will be fully equipped in terms of knowledge to make your journey to Tibet an easy and memorable experience, all through the assistance of Gokite Travel, a reliable travel agent to ensure that you can set foot in China with a hassle-free visa.
1. Learning the Politics and Traveling Policies of Tibet.
Tibet is an independent area of China and it is a sensitive geographical and political area and hence, independent tourism is not permitted. The foreign travelers are not able to walk into Tibet using a regular China Visa. Rather, they also have to purchase a Tibet Travel Permit that is granted at the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB). Chinese government would also demand that any other citizen of the country who is not a Chinese citizen must visit Tibet in a structured tour using an authorized travel agency.
This might have the effect of seeming limiting although it guarantees the preservation of the delicate culture and environment of the region. The regulation also ensures that traveling is easier because agencies such as Gokite Travel do all the logistics, such as visa applications, Tibet permits, accommodation, and guided tours.
Therefore, answering the question Can I Visit Tibet with China Visa, the answer is yes, but with other travel arrangements that are acquired via licensed agents. The first step is to get your China Visa, then the Tibet Travel Permit and depending on your schedule again, maybe a permit to go to certain specific areas.
2. The Guide to visiting Tibet with a China Visa.
Step 1: Apply for a China Visa
You should first obtain a good China Visa because Tibet is under the administrative jurisdiction of China. Tibet permits cannot be applied without a China Visa. The process includes:
It is done by filling out the China Visa application online.
Presenting a valid passport which has a minimum of six months validity.
Taking new passport-size photographs.
Adding information of your schedule and hotel reservations in China (in Tibet).
In case you are located in the UAE, you can apply your visa to visit China comfortably in Dubai using the services of the official travel agencies like the Gokite Travel who will see that your visa processing will be done efficiently and properly.
Step 2: Reserve a Tibet Tour with an Approved Agency.
There is no you can go to Tibet alone. The Tibet Travel Permit will have to be arranged through an established agency, which will need to be booked in advance as a guided group tour or a personal tour. In the event of booking through agencies such as Gokite Travel or their Chinese counterparts, you will submit copies of passport and China Visas and they will do the permit application.
Step 3: Take the Tibet Travel Permit.
It is the most important document to your trip to Tibet. The Tibet Travel Permit will enable you to fly or make a train to the Tibetan capital of Lhasa. This permit is applied by the agency on behalf of you, and normally, it is processed in 10-15 days. You will be required to present the initial permit to fly or take trains to Tibet.
Step 4:Extra Permits (Where Necessary)
Additional permits may be necessary depending on where you are planning to visit in Tibet:
Alien Travel Permit (PSB Permit): This is required to enter such places as Shigatse, Gyantse and the Everest Base Camp.
Military Permit: This is required in areas that are more remote such as Mount Kailash or Nyingchi.
Border Permit: This is provided to tourists coming near border areas of Nepal or India.
All these documents will be done on your behalf by your agency.
3. China Visas to Tibet.
China Visas are categorized into many types but in most cases, the Tourist Visa (L Visa) is adequate in terms of most tourists traveling to Tibet. However, other types include:
Business Visa (M Visa) - To make business trips.
Student Visa (X Visa) -study programs in China.
Work Visa (Z Visa) - To work in china.
In case you plan to visit Tibet to do tourism, you are supposed to apply to the L Visa which gives you permission to have a China Visa and legally visit Tibet. When completing the visa application do not state Tibet as your destination as this can slow the visa processing or rather complicate it. Alternatively, enumerate other cities such as Beijing or Chengdu, out of which your tour of Tibet will commence.
4. Entry Points to Tibet
Two major routes can be used to access Tibet in mainland China:
By Air:
Direct flights between big cities of China such as Beijing, Chengdu, Xiang or Chongqing and Lhasa Gonggar Airport are available. The sceneries on the flight are breathtaking, as they show snow-capped Himalayan mountains on a clear day.
By Train:
The QinghaiTibet Railway is among the highest train line across the globe and it is a scenic drive between cities like Xining or Chengdu into Lhasa. The journey by train occupies approximately 20-40 hours in which it cuts through mountain ranges and grasslands that are dramatic.
Both directions demand you present your Tibet Travel Permit prior to boarding.
5. The Cultural Spirit of Tibet.
The culture of Tibet is based heavily on Buddhism and it is present in all spheres of everyday life of this country. Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery, are all examples of monasteries that act as a religious hub as well as an architectural marvel. The Potala Palace which was the home of the Dalai Lama can be considered as the emblem of the Tibetan identity.
The pilgrims all over the Himalayas are observed doing something known as kora in an act of devotion; this is circumambulation. The Tibetan New Year is Losar which is celebrated with music, dancing and offering of gifts to the gods and it is one of the most lively experiences of Tibetese culture to the visitors.
Arriving in Tibet on a China Visa, one will find that he is surrounded by centuries-old traditions, the calls of hundreds of monks filling the air and monasteries, and the locals spinning their prayer wheels, smiling at strangers. It is the place where spirituality and simplicity are in perfect balance.
6. Top Places to Visit in Tibet
Lhasa – The Spiritual Heart
Lhasa is the place where most of the travelers start their journey and home to the potala palace and the Barkhor Street. There is a perfect blend of the traditional Tibetan culture and modern development in the city.
Mount Everest (Tibet Side) Base Camp.
The most convenient views of the highest mountain of the world can be seen at the northern base camp in Tibet. On fine days, Mount Everest looks gloriously on a blue sky.
Namtso Lake
Namtso is a saltwater lake in the world that is known as the Heavenly Lake. Its snowy mountains and turquoise waters are an ideal choice to photographers and people of spiritual inclination.
Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash is the centre of the universe that is sacred to Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. The pilgrims who visit Makka circle the mountain 52 km (kora) as a spiritual earnest endeavor.
Shigatse
The second-largest city of Tibet that hosts the Tashilhunpo Monastery provides the insight into the life in the monastery and the Tibetan art.
7. Domestic Manners and Touring Hints.
Speaking of visiting Tibet, it is best to learn about the local practices:
Always make clockwise antecession around places of worship.
Do not touch people on their head it is sacred.
Permission to take photographs, particularly in monasteries.
Wear and defer to religion.
Do not discuss political sensitive matters.
Since Tibet is a highly elevated area then one should properly acclimate before sightseeing. Consume lots of water, no alcohol, and rest the first two days.
8. The Hidden Beauty of Tibet
In addition to the popular attractions in Tibet, the secret beauty of this country is also its isolated villages, their colorful festivals, and unspoiled land. The nomadic herders of the Changtang Plateau, the crystal-clear Yamdrok Lake and the surreal silence of the Ganden Monastery trail all provide insightful vistas into a life that has still been highly attached to both nature and spiritualism.
Any traveler who visits the place with a China Visa not only gets to experience beautiful scenery; they get a feeling of inner peace. The isolation and the peacefulness of Tibet make it one of the remaining frontiers of the contemporary world that is not touched.
9. The Benefits of using Gokite Travel to apply your China Visa in Dubai.
Among the residents and citizens of the UAE intending to do some exploring around Tibet, one of the simplest and surest options would be to apply to a China visa in Dubai by using Gokite Travel. Gokite Travel is an organization that deals with smooth visa application and traveling services to China and other foreign locations. Their experts ensure:
Proper preparation of documents.
Timely booking of appointments.
Consistent follow-up on the embassy officials.
Tibet assistance allows once the China Visa has been obtained.
In the case of Gokite Travel, the customers are provided with hassle-free experience during their travel in the country, and thus, they can concentrate more in their next adventure, and not on the paperwork.
10. Itinerary Planning to Tibet.
An itinerary of Tibet is a planned journey to cover all the major highlights without interfering with the sensitivity of this region environmentally and culturally. Here’s a sample 7-day plan:
Day 1-2: Lhasa- arrive and sightseeing of Potala palace and Jokhang Temple.
Day 3: Visit Drepung and Sera Monasteries, become acclimatized.
Day 4- 5: Travel to Shigatse, and explore Tashilhunpo Monastery and local markets.
Day 6: Namtso Lake: A magnificent view.
Day 7: Back to Lhasa and leave.
The agencies such as Gokite Travel can easily tailor such itineraries and arrange all the permits and logistics.
Conclusion
Going to Tibet on a China Visa is like going on a trip that does not involve traveling at all, it is an adventure of religion, culture and nature in its purest simplicity. Tibet is a place that sticks with you well after you have left it with its sacred monasteries of Lhasa all the way to the serene lakes and the high Himalayas. Nevertheless, it is important to know the entry procedures and permit system to make sure that your trip is not problematic.
Whether you are planning it either in UAE or any other country in the world, you can still do your visa application to China visa from Dubai and through Gokite Travel so as to get a professional and reliable service which makes the process of visa and permit application easy. Tibet is among the most fascinating places that the world can ever go to and by planning well and guidance, your trip will be a life time experience. This is why you should get your bags packed, your China Visa ready and get ready to see the secret beauty of Tibet a place where heaven meets earth.
