Lhasa Warnings Or Dangers

U might not want to leave when your holiday ended! ;-)

Michael from our group was actually contemplating studying here. It's not expensive but can be a rough experience since most local hostels don't have hot water facility! That may also be why most Tibetans don't shower regularly ;-) But, boy, the natural landscapes here are so tempting & magnificent!

This photo was taken at 5000 meters! For some it means altitude sickness & be well prepared, ie. bring along medication (one can easily get this at the hotel) or portable oxygen tank (about RMB25 each).

According to my guide, the base camp for Mt. Everest is at 5200 meters. So, I guess I will survive should I decide to visit one fine day :)

The best way to not have any trouble with the Chinese authority is to arrive in Lhassa from Chengdu, and to buy your permit in this city. Then, after your are in Lhassa, nobody will ask you anything. The error we made was to get our permit through an agency. Then, the authorities wanted us to give them the everyday steps of our trip.
The point is that they can check that you respect this schedule! If not, they can ask you to leave earlier...
They did, and it was hard to stay there the length we wanted. but above all it was a waste of time.

Foreign travellers are strictly required to submit a 'Permit' to travel to Tibet in 2001. That means to hire a car as well as a tourist guide for your trip. You can still design your own itinerary, by only paying more than Chinese travellers. Don't try to slip, unless you look exactly as a Chinese and you do speak some Chinese. It's seriously checked anywhere there and once if you were found, you'd be ordered to leave Tibet immediately.

Tibet is a safe place for tourists, but no more for Tibetans; the real danger is the Chinese policy. China is encouraging the large-scale settlement of Chinese into Tibet, which is overwhelming the Tibetan population in many areas and totally changing geographical and architectural features. Tibetan villages and countryside have been spoiled by new roads and big buildings in Chinese style. Moreover, the large number of Chinese settlers and the need to feed them and the military personnel, has led to the extension of farmland onto steep and marginal terrain, given way to an 'ecocide' of appalling proportions. Nowadays, agriculture for Chinese settlers has become the greatest threat to Tibet's grasslands, leading to extensive desertification.

Altitude sickness: Whichever way you enter Tibet, you will face altitude sickness in the first few days. Then, it will be time to go home! You will probably develop low symptoms like headaches and nausea. If you feel any symptom don’t panic, but try to get to a lower altitude if they become really worrying. Drinking a lot (water) help against altitude sickness. However, Tibet tour is not recommended for people with heart conditions.

Don't try to see the 'sky bury' (or 'bird bury') ceremony, that prohibit in Tibet.
Of course, don't try to hiding in somewhere around the bury place to see it secretly. If they found you, it will make them very angry and maybe cause personal danger to you.

Be wary of anyone asking or pleading with you for a picture of the Dalai Lama - also mentioned in 'Cultural Tips'. They are (most likely) working for the Chinese government and want to nab a tourist breaking the 'Anti Dalia Lama Law'. Be careful...