A wilderness adventure to Tibet is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that most people will never experience. If you are one of those who want to brave the heights of this Himalayan Far East location, some planning is necessary.
Firstly, the tourist visa that got you into China in the first place will not be enough to get you into Tibet. Due to the political differences between mainland China and this mountain nation, you will need to apply for a separate visa.
You would also be well advised to prepare for a high-altitude trip. Everything in Tibet is above 4k meters (12,000 feet), which means you will probably want some high-altitude medication. Also be warned that first-class health care is pretty much non-existent in this part of the world, so precautions will need to be taken. This is not a trip for the weak-of-heart. This is an adventure Far East holiday.
You can fly in to Lhasa, Tibet’s only airport. From Lhasa you can strike out to the Jokhang Temple, the various monasteries around Lhasa, drive to Gyantse, or even visit the North Face base camp of Mount Everest.
Hotel accommodation is, well … you are in the middle of nowhere. Luxury is pretty much out of the question, but for a unique and cultural experience, this is quite possibly one of the most original you will get in the entire world. Careful planning is required for a trip to Tibet, because getting around is going to be dependent upon a translator and a lot of forethought. But the beauty of this region makes it absolutely worth seeing.