Thank you for choosing Tibet Tour Experts. We are committed to providing safe, enjoyable, and well‑organized journeys across Tibet and beyond. Please take a moment to read the following Terms & Conditions, which explain how bookings, payments, cancellations, and travel arrangements are handled. Our goal is to present these terms clearly and respectfully.

1. Booking & Confirmation

A booking becomes effective once:

• Your deposit payment is successfully received; and
• You confirm the tour program and accept these Terms & Conditions (by email or signature).

We will then begin arranging your services accordingly.

2. Understanding Local Travel Conditions

Tibet is a unique high‑altitude destination with developing infrastructure. Accommodation, transportation, dining, medical services, and general facilities may be simpler compared with major cities in China or your home country. By booking, you acknowledge and accept these local conditions.

3. Communication During Your Trip

We recommend downloading WeChat, the most commonly used communication app in China. For group tours, we may create a WeChat group with your consultant, local operator, guide, and fellow travelers for convenient communication.

4. Visa‑Free Travel Notice

If you are from a visa‑free country for China, please note that your stay in Tibet counts toward your visa‑free duration. Tibet Tour Experts is not responsible for issues caused by overstaying.

5. Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel, please notify us by email. Refunds are calculated from the date we receive your written cancellation. Fees charged by airlines, hotels, or railway companies will be deducted.

Cancellation Fees:

• 90+ days before departure: Full refund, minus any third-party cancellation fees
• 89-30 days before departure: 20% of tour price + any third-party cancellation fees
• 29–5 days before departure: 50% of tour price + any third-party cancellation fees
• Within 5 days / No‑show / during travelling: 100% of tour price + any third-party cancellation fees

If train tickets to/from Lhasa have already been issued, the fare becomes non‑refundable.

Bhutan Tours

If your tour includes Bhutan, different government‑regulated cancellation fees apply. We will list these clearly in your confirmation.

Visa‑Related Cancellations

You will receive a full refund (minus any airline or railway fees) if:

• You cannot obtain a Chinese Visa and cancel 30+ days before departure; or
• Your Tibet Travel Permit application is rejected by local authorities.

6. Changes to the Itinerary

6.1 Changes Due to Unforeseen or Uncontrollable Circumstances

Despite careful planning, certain external circumstances beyond the control of Tibet Tour Experts may require adjustments to the itinerary. These circumstances may include—but are not limited to—severe weather, road blockages, natural events, sudden local regulations, political restrictions, or temporary closures of sites.

In such situations:

• We will inform you as soon as reasonably possible, and our team will arrange the most suitable alternative plan based on safety and local conditions.
• If the alternative arrangement involves additional expenses (such as extra transportation, accommodation changes, or rerouting), these costs are the responsibility of the client, as they arise from external factors beyond our control.
• If certain services become unavailable and no alternative is possible, refunds will be issued for unused services, excluding costs charged by third-party providers (airlines, train companies, hotels, etc.).

6.2 Changes Requested by the Client

You may request itinerary modifications before or during your trip. Price differences may apply, and we will re‑quote accordingly.

6.3 Early Completion of the Trip

Tour prices are based on planned days and mileage. If:

• You complete the itinerary early, or
• The tour cannot be completed due to force majeure,

Tibet Tour Experts is considered to have fulfilled the service obligation. Extensions or additional services can be arranged for an extra fee.

7. Airport & Train Station Transfers (Lhasa)

Lhasa Gonggar Airport is located 70 km from the city center. Free group transfers are available at fixed times, which you can check with your tour consultant for the updated information. If your schedule does not align with the fixed times, private transfer can be arranged (from USD 60 per vehicle).

Train station pick‑up and drop‑off are free for group tours on the arrival and departure dates.

For private tours, the pick-up and drop-off service will be arranged according to your flight / train schedule.

8. Travel Documents & Tibet Travel Permit

Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months when applying for the Tibet Travel Permit.

Entering Tibet from Mainland China

Please send us clear scanned copies of your passport and Chinese visa at least 30 days before departure. Additional documents may be required if you work, study, or reside in China.

Entering Tibet from Nepal

Travelers entering from Kathmandu will need a Group Tourist Visa issued by the Chinese Embassy in Nepal. This replaces any existing Chinese visa. You must arrive in Kathmandu at least 3 working days before departure.

9. Tibet Train Tickets

Train tickets to Tibet are in high demand, especially from June to October and during public holidays. Tickets are usually issued 1–9 days before departure in peak season.

In some cases, flexibility may be required (e.g., changing to an earlier/later date or accepting a connecting train). Please inform us at booking if you cannot accept such flexibility.

Soft sleeper tickets are limited and cannot always be guaranteed. If unavailable, the railway may offer second‑class sleeper tickets instead.

Once issued, train tickets cannot be changed or cancelled without presenting the original passport in China.

10. Travel Insurance & Health Considerations

Insurance

We strongly recommend that all clients purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical care, trip cancellation, and emergency evacuation. Local accident insurance in China is included, but its coverage is limited.

High‑Altitude Travel

Tibet’s altitude ranges from 3,600 m to above 5,000 m. Some travelers may experience altitude‑related discomfort. Please consult your doctor before traveling if you have:

• Heart conditions
• Hypertension
• Respiratory illnesses
• Recent major surgery
• Severe anemia

Emergency Medical Costs

If emergency transport, hospital care, or early departure is required due to altitude sickness or other medical issues, related expenses are the client’s responsibility.

11. Safety Information

Traveling in Tibet involves long driving distances, limited local facilities, and changing weather. Please note:

• Accommodation and food can be basic in remote areas.
• Mountain roads require slow driving; occasional delays are possible.
• Follow guide instructions, especially in high‑altitude or restricted zones.
• Personal medication and essential items should be prepared in advance.

12. Local Activity Restrictions

Due to regional regulations, foreign travelers must be accompanied by a licensed Tibetan guide for most sightseeing activities.

If you wish to explore on your own or extend your stay beyond the booked itinerary, please inform us in advance so we can assist. Using another company’s services while traveling under our permit is not permitted by local policy.

13. What to Pack

A general packing checklist may include:

• Warm layers (temperatures vary widely)
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Personal medication & first‑aid items
• Reusable water bottle

Packing needs may differ by season and altitude.

14. Payment Methods

We accept the following payment options:

Option 1 – Bank Wire Transfer
(All bank charges paid by the client)

Option 2 – PayPal / Alipay, accepting Visa/MasterCard

Option 3 – WeChat Pay
(CNY only)

Option 4 – Credit Card / Cash Payment on Arrival

Deposit

A deposit of 20–50% is required to confirm your booking. For tours booked within 15 days of departure, full payment is required.

Final Payment

Final payment is due 30 days before departure, unless otherwise agreed. Payments upon arrival must be completed within two days.

Thank you for taking the time to read these Terms & Conditions. Our team at Tibet Tour Experts looks forward to making your journey safe, smooth, and unforgettable.

If you have any questions, we are always here to assist you!