• > How are the accommodations during the trip through Nepal and Tibet?
• > How is the transportation in Tibet?
• > Nepal and Tibet are situated at a very high altitude. Does the altitude cause any inconvenience?
• > Do we see Mt. Everest?
• > Is it possible to extend this tour?
• > I will be joining a Dutch (International) group. Will I have problems with language?
• > Is it okay politically to visit Tibet?
• > Do I need a visa for this trip?
• > How should I fill out the visa form?
• > With which airline do we travel from Lhasa to Kathmandu?
• > What is the electric currency in India?
• > Can I phone or e-mail home during the trip?
• > Will I be on my own to find places to eat?
• > Will I be on my own to find activities?

How are the accommodations during the trip through Nepal and Tibet?

In the larger cities such as Kathmandu, Lhasa, Tsetang and Gyantse we will stay in good hotels with private bathrooms. Since the tourism in Tibet is still in its infant stages, we stay the night small and simple boarding houses. Bathrooms are shared during the overnight in Nyalam, Tinggri and the monastery in Samye. For this trip, it is sensible to bring your own towel, as these are not always provided. Also a bag of toiletries can be useful.
Click on the following link to view photos of some of our accommodations: http://www.djoserusa.com/hotels

How is the transportation in Tibet?

In Nepal as well as Tibet we travel with our own bus, with comfortable seats. Traveling with our own transportation has a distinct advantage in that that we can regularly stop any place that you want along the way, for instance to see a beautiful view or for a visit at a monastery or other sight. When the weather conditions necessitate, we travel a part of the route with jeeps for no extra charge.
Click on the following link to view photos of typical transportation: http://www.djoserusa.com/transportation

Nepal and Tibet are situated at a very high altitude. Does the altitude cause any inconvenience?

When traveling to Tibet it is possible that the high altitude can cause you some inconvenience. The symptoms that sometimes arise are shortness of breath, headache and nausea. Most people experience some light complaints, after a few days you get used to the altitude and the symptoms disappear. It is important to take it easy upon arrival and to drink a lot of water during your stay in Tibet. The percentage of people who experience actual altitude sickness is really quite small. If you have asthma or heart problems it is recommended that you notify your primary care physician about your visit to Tibet.

Do we see Mt. Everest?

In Nepal the more adventurous travelers can go whitewater rafting or can take a hike up to the village of Nagarkot on the outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley, from where the view extends all the way to Mount Everest. However, sometimes our view can be obstructed by the cloud cover. In Tibet, you will have an opportunity to go on a short ride in a small plane which circles the peak of Everest.

Is it possible to extend this tour?

When you book your trip you can request a layover. The layover cost is $150 for the flight deviation. If you would like an extension you can request an extension when you book for $100 per extension (for flight deviation). Djoser will book these flights subject to availability. Please let us know when you book how many nights and where you wish to extend or layover. Neither hotels nor airport transfers are provided for layovers and extensions.

I will be joining a Dutch (International) group. Will I have problems with language?

It is possible that you could one of only four North American travelers on this trip, made up of Dutch travelers from Djoser, Netherlands. Almost all travelers from the Netherlands have a wonderful command of English and are willing to socialize. Many fellow travelers are willing to help with translations. The Dutch tour leader (who is a trip coordinator, not a lecturer) will address the group, first in Dutch. He/she will then repeat the important information to you in English. There is a breakfast meeting with the group and tour leader each day, which is a good time to review materials and to go over plans for the day. At some stops we may also have the assistance of a local country guide will address the group in English.

The overwhelming majority of people who book these trips enjoy the international blend but frankly, it is not for everyone. It is inevitable that there will be times when your fellow travelers are speaking Dutch. If you have a travel partner, it is much easier to blend in to conversation, or at least to have a buffer for an English conversation. A flexible and easy-going nature are essential when joining an international group. Single travelers may feel a little isolated at such times, particularly at the beginning of the trip. But as the group gets to know each other, socializing gets easier. Before booking, you can check with us to see if another North American traveler has booked. Singles who adapt well on these trips are typically experienced travelers, more independent type travelers or those who are comfortable with English being the second language on the trip.

Is it okay politically to visit Tibet?

The Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader in exile, encourages people to travel to Tibet and assures them of their safety. Hopefully travelers can observe for themselves what the situation is like and they can then share their experiences with others and make the public more aware of the situation in Tibet. We recommend that you do not bring any pictures of the Dalai Lama. The Chinese government forbids all pictures of the spiritual leader. Handing out pictures can cause problems for people to whom the pictures are given.

Do I need a visa for this trip?

For China you need a visa which you can apply for at the Chinese Embassy. Visas cannot be issued through the mail and therefore must be procured in person at the embassy or by using a visa service company. For the visit to Tibet we need special permission from the Chinese authorities. After you book your tour you will receive more specific information about the required visa and information about It’s Easy, or recommended visa service provider. They offer discounts for Djoser customers. (www.itseasypassport.com).

How should I fill out the visa form?

We will provide instructions and a copy of the visa form for you when you register for one of these trips, complete with contact names in China, address of lodging and itinerary.

With which airline do we travel from Lhasa to Kathmandu?

A local Chinese airline will fly us to Kathmandu. They mainly use trustworthy Boeings. Going over the Himalayas is an unforgettable experience as you fly over the tops of some of the most enormous mountains in the world. The chances are high that you can even catch a look at Mt. Everest.

What is the electric currency in India?

The currency is 220 Volts so it is recommended that you bring a converter.

Can I phone or e-mail home during the trip?

In the larger cities you find call centers where you can make your international calls and almost everywhere you find internet café’s. India has a large network for cell phones. However service very much depends on your local cell phone provider, so check with them before you depart.

Will I be on my own to find places to eat?

No. The group will usually have breakfast together at the hotels. The guide will suggest safe places to eat for other meals. You are free to join the guide and other group members at meals or you can explore on your own. He/she will give you safe recommendations. You will only pay for the meals that you eat so you have ultimate flexibility.

Will I be on my own to find activities?

The same applies as for meals. The guide will discuss suggested plans for the day with the group, first thing in the morning. Group members can either join the guide and other travelers for an activity, or they can explore on their own. Again, the guide will give fun suggestions for places to go on your own. Unless otherwise noted in the program, you will pay for your own entry fees for museums or sites, as you go. So you only pay for the things that you choose to do.