Tibetan woman inside her home showing a computer in the background.
I am heading back to Mount Kailash and the western Tibetan Plateau to finish my next book documenting the rapid lifestyle and environmental changes occurring on the plateau. Arranging for support and logistics for a trip into the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) presents its own set of challenges. First of all in addition to a Chinese Visa, permits are required just to get into the TAR. Once there depending on where you want to travel you will need a handful of permits to travel to your desired destinations. In addition the permits it is necessary to find a government approved guide and driver and a properly approved vehicle. A simple internet search will reveal several agencies that can put a package together providing you with the necessary permits, car, driver and guide. I have had great experiences with both FIT in Lhasa and Tibet Connections in Xining. This time I will be using Tibet Connections.
Finding a good guide is always hit or miss for me. When I have arranged for a guide that I haven’t worked with before I always take him/her out for a day of taking portraits before heading out on a several week trip. I’m mainly looking for someone that’s good with people. They don’t have to speak perfect English but I’m watching how they interact with their own people. This process will begin for me next week when I arrive in Lhasa. I’ll try to keep up my blog posts to let you know how things are going as I begin my month long trip.
Losang
I have enjoyed reading of your travels and adventures across Greater Tibet that you have taken this year. From talking to your guide in Amdo and Kham (Tashi Dhondrup, aka “Vincent”), it sounds like you had a great time. I hope your time in Ngari goes well, as I am sure it will.
I have been doing a lot of traveling myself this year (even more than normal). Earlier this year I traveled over 2000kms across just Yushu prefecture. In June, I did a 1600kms loop from Xining to Songpan via Hongyuan, Zoige, Xiahe and Langmusi. I most recently completed a 5000kms journey from Xining to Shangri-La via nearly every county in Garnze prefecture in Western Sichuan. In October, I will be doing a 3000kms roundtrip journey through southern Tibet and the Himalaya.
If you are ever in the area again, please let me know. I usually have a seat open in my 4WD. Take care….Losang
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Phil Borges
Thank you for getting in touch Losang!
Phil Borges
Hi Losang. Good to hear from you. I just got back from a trip out to Kailash and back on the northern route. I understand you were living in Yushu during the earthquake. I hope you are your family are fine. I will definitely get in touch if I am back in Eastern Tibet.
anantasila
Tibet is very interesting. I used to see the documentary. The more enchanting. If there is a chance one day wash. I would travel just once.