THE PHYSICAL REALITY
In Tibet (particularly Kailash and Eastern Tibet tours) the remote type of travel that you experience can be physically demanding and the effect that this will have on you, both physically and mentally should not be underestimated. The roads are rough; sometimes they seem little more than yak paths. Some driving days are long, 7+ hours. Breakdowns can occur. You are expected to help load/unload your own bags from the landcruisers/jeeps or other transport and to/from your room. In some areas the terrain is very mountainous and you may be affected by altitude.

Some of these trips take you into areas well away from the usual tourist trail and into a world very, very different to that you know.
Often access to washing water is limited, no showers for several days, pit toilets, simple food and little spoken or written English. Opportunities to 'get away' from the group are limited; patience, tolerance and humor will be required by all.
All this can and does take its toll on people and should not be underestimated - the rewards however are incredible.

Whilst travel in the central regions of Tibet may be harsher than you are accustomed, it is no where near as taxing - comforts such as better standards of accommodation, reliable electricity, hot showers and international communications are more readily available.

ACCOMMODATION & TRANSPORT
In main towns and cities in Tibet accommodation is of a good standard - clean, comfortable twin share rooms, clean shared/private facilities and hot showers.

Generally speaking, outside these main towns, accommodation is fairly basic in Tibet. Plumbing, hot water and electricity are erratic, there will be many days without showers, although a basin and hot water is available for basic essential washing. In many (most) places toilets are of the pit variety - bring your own toilet paper and don't look down. Tiger Balm has proven popular with those with sensitive noses.
Occassionally it will be 3-4 people to a room (we try to give couples their own room where possible, but please keep an open mind about sharing). In some places single/twin occupancy of a room is possible by paying for the unused beds in a room.
This basic level of accommodation applies to Rombuk (Everest Base Camp), Lao Tingri, Samye and western Tibet & Mount Kailash (west of Sakya).

Most of our travel is by private transport.
Within the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) overland transport is by private landcruiser. Most trips will use minibus for airport transfers and Lhasa sightseeing.
Our drivers are extremely experienced, both as drivers and mechanics. They speak varying amounts of English, but all will be delighted to point out the best photo spots etc. Make the effort to get to know them and you will have a lot of fun.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Tibet is a unique and fragile land that should be visited with a high level of consciousness for the impact of those traveling through it. We encourage all travelers to be aware of the responsibilities of traveling in Tibet; to understand social and political concerns; to respect cultural differences; cause as little impact as possible and to make a positive contribution. The following guidelines are designed to assist you in gaining a better understanding of these responsibilities and to help make your trip a positive experience for you, your traveling companions and the local people you come into contact with.

Respect: This is the basis of every great travel experience, and its lack the cause of the bad ones. Showing respect for everyone around you, traveling companions and locals alike is essential. This applies to behavior, attitudes, religious beliefs, actions, concepts of personal space and cultural differences - many of which you may find alien or unpleasant.
Please ask people before taking their photograph and respect their refusal.

In Tibet we expect this respect to extend to ethnic Chinese living in Tibet. Whatever your personal views on the political situation, remember that bus drivers and restaurant owners are not responsible for government policy, either today or 50 years ago. Be aware that many of the Chinese you will meet have been born in Tibet and it is their home - in many cases either they or their families have been sent or exiled here or moved for economic reasons much the same as Siberia or the American West were populated.

Religion: Tibetan Buddhism is absolutely central and essential to the lives of all Tibetans. There is little ceremony surrounding visits to Buddhist temples and they are generally open and welcoming places. Smaller places may be locked but often a caretaker will be around & can let you in. Basically show respect and watch how local devotees behave. You might see other tourists behaving inappropriately, but there is no reason for us to follow them. Tibetan offerings include incense, prayer flags, butter, kataks, repetitious mantras & the spinning of prayer wheels to invoke the gods.

* Don’t take photos inside monastery buildings - outside is OK unless there are signs prohibiting it; many monasteries charge a fee to take photos inside. Views on the appropriateness of this vary. If you decide to take photos please pay the advertised fee.
* There is no need to remove your shoes, but please do not cover your head inside buildings.
* Don’t turn your back on the Buddha.
* Only walk clockwise around the halls in temples.
* Always keep your voice low in and around the temple.
* Do not touch the monks.
* Always dress in long trousers and shirts covering the shoulders.

Appearance: It is inappropriate in Tibet, especially in monasteries, for women to wear skimpy string tops. Not wearing a bra or wearing tight, body-hugging attire is also not acceptable. Men should always wear shirts and long pants (shorts below knee length are OK).

Environment: Tibet is a relatively pristine and unpolluted environment that should be preserved. There are problems though which need to be addressed - particularly litter and waste around the cities and towns. We can not change this, but can set an example, try not to add to the problem and help locals develop awareness that will benefit the future of the environment.
Photography: Many Tibetans won’t mind having their photo taken, but some in rural areas are not happy to be photographed, particularly older generations. Please respect their right to not be photographed. Never take photos inside monastery buildings unless you have paid for it, or of/near Police and Military structures/personnel.

Begging, Gifts and Donations: The practice of begging will only increase if it is encouraged and children and poor people may see it as an easier option than working. Never give money or sweets to children – they do not all have access to dental care and poor parents may see it as more beneficial for children to collect money than attend school. There are a large number of pilgrims around the Barkhor in Lhasa, many begging for money to assist them in their pilgrimage. In these cases you should only give very small amounts that locals would give – no more than a few jiao.
If you have brought pens or school supplies you can donate them collectively to a small rural school so teachers can sort out the neediest children to receive them. Asian Footsteps supports a small school at Samye by purchasing school supplies in Lhasa and delivering them to the head teacher. Other worthwhile projects are a privately run orphanage in Lhasa and a vocational training center teaching blind children from all over Tibet Braille and giving them a chance to make a living for themselves. By visiting these and making donations you are assisting not only the child, but a whole family.

Politics and Human Rights: These subjects are well documented and covered by a large number of publications and websites. While we encourage all of our travelers to be as fully aware of these issues as possible before traveling to Tibet, we cannot permit any political activity by our clients while inside Tibet.
Remember that political issues may have affected your guides and drivers personally, please be sensitive - if they avoid discussion of personal political or spiritual beliefs please respect their privacy and do not push the issue. Questions of a sensitive nature should not be directed at local guides or other Tibetans in monasteries or public areas. Political discussions can lead the local into a lot of trouble if they are overheard. Similarly distributing photographs of the Dalai Lama or Tibetan flag is illegal and can lead to serious consequences for a local found receiving or in possession of such items and may result in the detention and possible deportation for a foreigner. Please always be conscious of these problems when talking about these subjects with your local guide for their own protection.