Requirements to Visit Tibet

Tibet has become more popular in the last few years probably due to the new train that goes there or the publicity it has received. Please be aware that a special permit is needed to visit Tibet and your Chinese Visa does not cover it. The permit can be obtained while in China but it is better to apply before you leave your country. Your tour operator can apply for you in advance as part of your tour. A clear copy of your passport photo page is required along with information as to your employment. You may be denied in some cases if you are a journalist or employed by what the government feels is a sensitive position. Tibet is at 10,000 feet above sea level and most people feel the altitude since you feel it instantly after getting off a pressurized plane. A local remedy in Lhasa is a mixture of brown sugar and ginger made into a tea with hot water. Upon arrival you normally will rest for several hours to adjust to the altitude. If you are taking the train, the train is pressurized as well. For more information on Travel in and to Tibet contact us at interlak@eskimo.com and visit our web site at www.interlakechinatours.com
21 YEARS EXPERIENCE OF Customized personal Tours to China and Tibet.

Travel in China New Requirements

I have travelled throughout China for 21 years and have been a tour operator on the internet for 18 years. I have seen many changes in China of course and there are several you should know about before going to China so you can plan your trip for these changes. Luggage limits are one suitcase per person with a limit on the weight of 44 lbs. If you are overweight you have a choice of removing some of the items to make weight or pay an extra fee. You will have to step out of line and go to the fee paying desk before returning to the line. Best is to make sure you are not over weight of course. Carry on luggage is also limited officially to 11 lbs and about the size of a large brief case. In most airports there is a scale outside the check-in areas as well as a frame to check to see if your carry on luggage meets the size requirement. Enforcement varies with airports. Going into sensitive areas the enforcement is rigid. In 2010 with the Shanghai Expo running from June through the end of October, the enforcement will probably be very strict. For other travel requirements or changes in China, contact us at interlak@eskimo.com We do custom private tours to China and Tibet as a Tour Operator to China only

Exchanging Your Money in China

Exchanging money in China is much different than most of the world. The exchange rate these days is about 6.85 yuan to the U.S. $1.00. Hotels in major cities exchange money right at the front desk often for a very slight fee as a service to their guests. Only major banks exchange money as many banks do not. Believe it or not Travelers checks get the best rate rather than cash. American Express T/C are most widely accepted however Visa T/C often do not get accepted for some reason. There are Cash Machines available but fees are assessed of course and then you do not get an exchange receipt from them. When you go to exchange your Yuan back into $'s you must present the receipts you received at the bank or hotel otherwise they will not exchange your Yuan and you will have to spend it. Few places accept credit cards including most restaurants. Credit cards can be used in hotels, department stores and most factory stores only; otherwise you must use cash in yuan. U.S. dollars will not be accepted in most areas. If you are going into rural areas or small cities and villages be sure to have sufficient local money as you may not be able to exchange U.S. $ or even traveler's checks. If you are on a tour just about everything will be prepaid and you will need little cash. For more information and latest exchange rate contact us at interlak@eskimo.com

Hiking & Climbing at Mt. Hua

As a Tour Operator to China only, people often ask me about walking, hiking and climbing in China. Chinese people hardly ever go hiking as we know it but do go for walks and some might call it hiking or climbing as well. One of those areas is Mt. Hua outside of Xian about 2 hours by car. It is one of the four famous mountains in China but easy to get to and a great thrill to hike, walk or climb whatever you want to call it. My wife and I were there this year. You take a cable car up onto the mountain and from there either hike or walk up stairs built into the face of the cliffs and peaks to little tea houses, restaurants and picnic areas all along the peaks. For those who want a real thrill adventure, google Huashan and see the trail on the other side of the tallest peak leading to the very high Tea House. I have travelled through China over 50 times for the past 21 years seeing everything there is to see and do in order to plan trips for my clients to their interests. You might check out my web site at www.interlakechinatours.com and have me plan a tour to china just for you. The 2010 web site will be up shortly.

Jiuzhaigou National Park

The most beautiful National Park in China has to be Juizhaigou in north Sichuan Province. I was there 12 years ago when it took 12 hours by car over rough narrow roads and only a hand full of hotels were there. We just returned from there a few weeks ago and were surprised at there being a full service airport with many flights per day from Chengdu to this fabulous remote National Park. Blue Turquoise ponds and streams with many fantastic waterfalls all with wooden walk ways through out the very large park. The Eco friendly green buses carry you through out the park with many stops to get on or off the bus or you can walk on wooden stairs and walk ways. This area only was open to the outside world in 1975 and allows only 5000 people per day into the park. Many first class hotels and facilities are now available including a 5 star Sheraton Hotel close to the entrance of the park. It is the most pristine park I have ever been in and the whole day I did not see one scrap of paper anywhere. Tours to China is my business and we can fit a park visit into any itinerary for private individual tours or Custom Group tours to your interests and needs. Check our 2010 web site for more information or contact us directly at email: interlak@eskimo.com

Hiking & Camping in Zhara Valley

Zhara Valley is closed to the public. It is an ecological project conducted by the government and run by the Juizhaigou National Park rangers. The valley discovered in 1975 has 22 Tibetan families living there who still practice the ancient religion of Benpo from the 2nd. century B.C. Some of the people have never been out of the valley. They no longer are farmers and now share in the proceeds from the main park as compensation for allowing the land to go back to forest land. Only 15 people are allowed per day into this 30 some mile long valley. Pandas use to be in the valley until all the bamboo was gone so they are hoping the Pandas will return in time. There are two small camp grounds in the valley and open to hiking and camping to prearranged groups as small as two people. A 2 day and 4 day hike and camp itinerary is available which includes a full day pass to the main park. For more information see our 2010 web site at www.interlakechinatours.com which will be up by Nov. 15th. You may contact me direct at interlak@eskimo.com for more information and pricing. Tours to China is our business for the past 20 years. We also have great hiking and camping to the 4 Sister Mountain Area of Sichuan province.