Hi,

I was originally planning to visit Tibet this summer, possibly in early May. Since then, protests have broken out and the Chinese have clamped down significantly. At the moment, tourists cannot visit Tibet, although I'm being told that this is likely to be lifted by the end of April.

Does anyone have thoughts about visiting Tibet this summer prior to the Olympics? I don't think safety is an issue and I think generally both the Tibetans and Chinese want Western tourists to visit.

But I have a few concerns:

1) Whether or not I will even be allowed to visit.

2) If travel restrictions are lifted, I could still be under pretty strict general restrictions while there that would make it difficult to enjoy or learn anything.

What do you all think? Is anyone planning to try and go this summer, or has anyone changed their plans?

Even without recent events, I'd skip Tibet this summer. With the Olympics dog and pony show, the government is going to be checking all foreign visitors and probably won't allow anyone outside of Lhasa. I'm just hoping things return to normal after August--I really want to get to Tibet before I move away from China.

Thanks for the response. I'd really like to return later, but I don't think I'll be able to return to China after this for a couple of years. Frankly, I wish I could have gone to China a few years ago -- before all this Olympics stuff.

Given this, might it be worth the trip to Tibet even if I am only allowed to visit Lhasa? Obviously Lhasa is not very "authentic" Tibet in many ways anymore, and with all the eyes watching I doubt I would really get a chance to meet and talk with anyone there. However, I imagine the scenery, monasteries, and other sights around Lhasa are still beautiful.

Check with your Chinese Embassy. The rules for visas changed on 28 Mar so things are quite different to even a month ago.

Why not postpone thew trip for a while and let things settle first.

chinamonty,

I've already received the visa -- but I don't see what has changed?

bellestar,

I'd really like to, but I don't really have that leeway. I suppose I could change my destination and not visit China at all, but that still means that I wouldn't get back to China for several years, if not longer.

Do you really think it's not worth visiting at the moment?

The situation does not appear to be improving so I would think they will restrict the people who are allowed to enter Tibet to very very few regardless of whether you already have a visa. They can for instance decide to invlidate all current visas. I have been told that all visas that are 'valid' beyond 01 Aug will expire on 01 Aug but I am not sure this is true.

China is still a great place to visit. There are plenty of areas with cultural diversity. Places like Chengdu in Sichuan Xi'an where there are other things than the Terracottas.

Thanks for the message Chinamonty.

I think for the moment I'm still going to try to plan to visit Tibet, but come up with some alternative destinations. China is such a large country it's hard to pick where to go, but I'm sure I'll come up with some interesting alternatives.

Just to confuse you further.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/

The situation is going to change daily on this i think so you just have to play it by ear.

G'day mate,

Just got a confirmation from my local agent in Tibet..Tibet toursim it will be open for tour groups and FIT.

Fun trip

Even if you only get to go to Lhasa, it is worth it. There is so much to see just within a 2 hour radius. It is very "authentic" as it is the center of all that is Tibetan.

Have fun!

PC

G'day,

Once again not very good news for travel to Tibet,as Tibet tourism board has announced to close Tibet for tourist.
they are planing to take a Olympic Torch to Everest mountain.

hope things get better soon as the local economy suffer allot.

Most of the news show that "Tibet Toursim will be reopening at May 1st for both Chinese and foreign traveler," but till now we haven't get the exactly notice from the "Tibet Toursim Bureau." We're not sure whether we can help you arragement the Tibet Entry Permit at May 1st or not. Please focus with Tibet travel new with: www.nimatour.com.

i'd be willing to bet that tibet will remain closed to tourist until after the olympics and maybe beyond...this situation is continuing to grow weary...i am supposed to personally meet the dalai lama in dharmasala, india in June and I hope those plans remain on course...