I left Chengdu around 4AM and headed to the airport. I was ecstatic although I was quite sleepy at the same time. The reason for my excitement was the connecting flight to Kathmandu. I had a one hour layover in Lhasa, Tibet.
Tibet has always been part of my dream destination list. I tried to look for a cheap way to go there when I was still in Chengdu last August 2009, but the cheapest I found was around $200 including the Tibetan Permit. I think it’s already cheap because most Tibet tours that I saw online were more than a thousand bucks.
Some facts about Tibet from Wikipedia
“Tibet is a plateau region in Asia and disputed territory, north of the Himalayas. It is home to the indigenous Tibetan people, and to some other ethnic groups such as Monpas and Lhobas, and is now also inhabited by considerable numbers of Han Chinese people. Tibet is the highest region on earth, with an average elevation of 4,900 metres (16,000 ft). It is sometimes referred to as the roof of the world.”
One thing that did not appeal to me was the itinerary. I’m not sure if I have to follow that or what. I was never fond of booking a tour with any travel agencies and following their itineraries. I love having my own freedom of going when I want to. I’ve read though in some forums that it’s just for formality, no one really follows it.
As soon as we arrived in Lhasa, we were welcomed with smiling airport staff. Even the Immigration officers were happy compared to other airports were you’ll find a lot of grumpy Immigration officers. I wasn’t sure if it has to do with the altitude of the airport (LOL) maybe it’s the altitude sickness that makes them happy.
I was still sleepy and I headed straight to the smoking area to kill some time. I was amazed with the view of the smoking area. This is so far, the most breathtaking view that I’ve seen while in a smoking area. I saw the mountains and some clouds that were just hovering over the airport. It’s like you could almost touch them. And no, I don’t think I was hallucinating because of the altitude.
After an hour of waiting, it was boarding time at last. I only spent an hour inside Tibet. I’ll make sure that I won’t miss this controversial land on my next trip.
And by the way, when you take the Chengdu to Kathmandu (via Lhasa flight), there’s a big chance that you’ll also see Mt. Everest (if it’s not too cloudy).
OMG, you went through the world's highest airport! Tibet is on my wishlist.
@Dennis: yeah it was so exciting kahit na connecting flight lang sya, hehe gusto ko rin maka tour ng tibet… pag iipunan ko muna saka gusto ko rin makadaan sa Karakoram Highway sa Pakistan…
sigh!!! i hope umulan ng pera!!! hahaha
wow I want to visit Tibet too… oh I know its not going to be this year coz I have a lot of things to prioritize. too bad
@ outoftown: maybe you could go to Tibet 2011 if you're busy this year:-) goodluck! i'll look forward to your post about Tibet in the future… happy new year too!
As of 2008, all foreigners wishing to travel in Tibet must do so with an approved agency. You can choose to go in a group (which would lower your cost) or by yourself. In either case, you MUST hire a guide. However, you are free to walk about Lhasa without your guide at your side, but certain sites are off-limits without a guide. To travel outside of Lhasa, you must be accompanied by a guide and use the services of an approved driver.
I backpacked through Tibet twice, once before 2008 and once after 2008. The present situation certainly has put a damper on a few things. If you decide to go, I suggest a Tibetan-owned agency by the name of Snow Lion Tours. Ask for a guide named Woeser Phel. I used Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree forum to find three other backpackers to share the costs.
For anyone desiring to see Mt. Everest, the best time to visit is between mid-October to late-November. The skies are frequently clear, and few tourists (both Chinese and non-Chinese) are around. Also, I highly recommend that one begins the journey in Lhasa and not in Kathmandu. The altitude gain may be too much to endure.
Thanks for the big tip Jody…
Flip, better bring your hardrive of photos when we meet up. Tibet looks aweeeesome!!!