Rates Note:

Dress is very informal, but Tibetan culture dictate a degree of modesty in the cut of the clothing worn. Please bring long trousers along as normally it is not considered as respectful to wear shorts in Tibetan communities.

For packing it is better use sea-bags or normal Rucksacks with waterproof (if not water proof it is advisable to pack things in a big plastic bags on the inside of your sack). Normally we put 3 Rucksacks on a Packing horseback during the trial. The guest should keep a small bag with them where they can put their cameras and personal belongings (such as passport, money). We will provide some saddlebags where they can store mineral water (but they are limited so we cannot promise ever rider gets their own!).

For Laundry: Services are available at the hotels but you will need to bring two or three changes of clothing for the camping portion of the trip.  While in Tibet we will have weather in the 60's and 70's during the day, but nights will be cold. 

For Money: The tour is covered food / lodging and transport from arrival to departure in Chengdu – so you will need no money for these parts. However it is very individual on what else you choose to spend on and we would suggest to have some cash - they recommend about 500 EUR / 350 US. Guests can withdraw money from an ATM in Chengdu, but there is a limit to 3000 CNY per day (about 300 EUR). One can also use credit cards to cash withdraw in the bank in Chengdu or exchange traveler checks there (however the bank gives very poor rates and they charge bank fees). So it is advisable to bring cash with you and exchange it on the street where we can get better rates and no bank fees – in this case the handlers like to buy Euro and USD.

Electricity: Except our camping nights, we will have access to electricity to recharge our batteries, etc. However please be sure you have a universal adaptor! One should bring enough chips/memory cards or films for cameras from Europe.

Telephone: One can bring his or her own mobile phone. And most of the time it will have signals but be aware that there is international roaming costs when you make calls or receive calls while you are in China/Tibet.  There will be one Chinese Mobile Nr. where one can call the guests in case of emergency.

Internet: In Chengdu and some towns we will be able to check emails in a public internet café. However during the riding we will not able to have access to Internet.

Useful items:
Small binoculars, travel alarm clock, sun screen, earplugs, journal and pen, pocket knife (put in checked luggage, not allowed as carry‑on), lightweight snacks like granola bars, fruit bark, jerky, trail mix, nuts, tea bags (if you can't start the day without), vitamins, water purification tablets.

Passport

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart. Passport must be valid for at least six months for a single or double entry within three months of the date of visa issue; at least nine months for multiple entries within six months.

Those wishing to visit Tibet are strongly advised to join a travel group. Individual travelers need an Alien's Travel Permit issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (see Contact Addresses). Applicants will need to show their Chinese Visa also.

Passport Note

(a) China does not recognize dual nationality.
(b) HIV-positive travelers are not permitted to enter the country.

Visas

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
(a) 1. nationals of the UK travelling to Hong Kong only for stays of up to 180 days.
(b) 2. all nationals referred to in the chart above travelling only to Macao for stays of up to 90 days (except nationals of the USA for stays up to 30 days; and nationals of the UK for stays up to six months).  
(a) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting plane to another country within 24 hours who hold valid onward documentation and do not leave the airport.
(b) some passengers (not including nationals of the USA or UK) who transit through Pudong or Hongqiao airports only, with all necessary documentation, within 48 hours.

Visa Note

Journalists now need to apply for accreditation from the press department of the Chinese embassy before applying for a visa.

Business travelers are required to provide proof of a hotel booking in China and an official invitation from the Chinese Foreign Ministry when applying for a visa.

Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist/Business/Transit UK nationals: £30 (single-entry); £45 (double-entry); £60 (multiple-entry; six months); £90 (multiple-entry; 12 months and two to five years). Group (at least five people): £24 per person. US nationals: £65 (single-, double- and multiple-entry). Group (at least five people): £55 per person. Visa charges for other nationals vary; check with embassy for further information.

Validity

Tourist, Business and Group visas are normally valid for three months from the date of issue (single- and double-entry). Multiple-entry visas are normally valid for six months, 12 months or two to five years. The validity of Business visas varies. Transit visas are generally valid for up to seven days.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses. Group visas will usually be obtained by the tour operator or travel agent.

Working Days Required

Four. Two weeks for Group visas. Applications should be made one month in advance. The express service (£15 fee) requires one day. Same-day service visas, which must be submitted before 11am, are available for a cost of £20. Visas, however, cannot be issued on the same day unless the same-day airline ticket or itinerary is presented.