Tibet is a vast country - five times the size of Nepal and probably ten times as large as Bhutan - and even with its current high political profile it is still seen as a mysterious entity by the West. It is the high-altitude Land of Snows, the mystical inspiration for James Hilton's bestselling novel Shangri-La, and the possessor of some of the bleakest and most magnificent scenery on the planet. Its towns and cities have suffered from the leaden hand of Communism, with bombastic architecture and insensitive road systems. Underlying everything is a profound religious sensibility; Buddhism arrived in the 7th century, merging with the indigenous religion, Bön, evidence of which can still be seen. From a visitors' point of view, Tibet is not only very large but very high; Lhasa, the capital, is 3,650 metres above sea level and the bulk of the country is above 5,000 metres, rising to 6,000 in the south - the highest plateau in the world. Tourists are drawn by the picturesque culture and dramatic landscapes. Lhasa is home to the forbidding white-and-ochre Palace and Jokhang Temple, the religious centre of the country, and is ringed with temples, monasteries and nunneries. In the south is MountEverest - on the Nepali border - whose north face can be seen from Rongphu Monastery. The views are marvellous and it is possible to divert to Everest Base Camp.
There are no direct flights from the UK to Tibet and the trips we organise always originate in Kathmandu. You may fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa and, if you prefer, drive back on the Friendship Highway - a journey of about a week.
Because of its elevation, Tibet's climate is extreme; even in summer (May to September), at night or in shadow it can be very cold, and the sun is intense. Winters (November to March) are severe - January averages minus 2ºC - but largely dry and snow-free. Eastern Tibet has a monsoon season from around July to October, with high rainfall. Spring and autumn weather varies wildly, often during a single day, so be prepared.
Ampersand will arrange the required visa. A scanned copy of your passport will be sent to Nepal before your trip. On arrival in Kathmandu it will take one working day to process after which you can proceed to Tibet.
For information on vaccinations and health requirements, we suggest you contact your GP or a travel clinic such as Fit For Travel at least 2 months prior to departure for advice and to arrange immunisations. Recommended vaccinations for travel to Tibet are polio, tetanus, typhoid, meningitis and hepatitis A. We would also recommend you take anti-malarial tablets, but please consult your doctor for his/her advice.
Lhasa: 13 hours not direct flight to Kathmandu, followed by 1 hour connecting flight (no daily flight)
Tibet is 8 hours ahead of GMT