Environment and Climate

The Tibetan plateau has global ecological significance, not only as the earth’s highest ecosystem and one of its last remaining great wildernesses but also as the source of Asia’s greatest rivers. Furthermore, it is thought that the high plateau affects global jet streams and even influences the Indian monsoon. The Dalai Lama would like to see Tibet turned into a ‘zone of peace’ and perhaps even the world’s largest national park.

The Tibetan Buddhist view of the environment has long stressed the intricate and interconnected relationship between the natural world and human beings, a viewpoint closely linked to the concept of death and rebirth. Buddhist practice in general stands for moderation and against over consumption, and forbids hunting, fishing and the taking of animal life. Tibet’s nomads, in particular, live in a fine balance with their harsh environment.

Tibet has similar seasons to China, though with lower temperatures due to the higher altitudes. Winters (November to March) are cold (the average temperature in January is 2.C) but there isn’t all that much snow. Summers (May to September) have warm days with strong sunshine and cool nights. At higher elevations (ie above 4000m) even summer days can be chilly. During spring and autumn you need to be prepared for four seasons in one day, including the possibility of snowfall.

There are some regional variations; northern and western Tibet are generally higher and colder. The monsoon affects parts of Tibet (Particularly eastern Tibet) from mid-July to half of September (July and August bring half of Tibet’s annual rainfall).

Chinese border crossing have gone from being severely traumatic to exceedingly easy for travelers. You are unlikely to be even checked when flying in or out of the country.

You can legally bring in or take out only Y6000 in Chinese currency and must declare any cash amount exceeding USD 5000 or its equivalent. You are allowed to import a maximum of 72 rolls of film. It’s also officially forbidden to bring more than 20 pieces of underwear into the PRC (we kid you not).

It is illegal to import printed material, film, tapes etc ‘detrimental to China’s politics, economy, culture and ethics’. This is a particularly sensitive subject in Tibet, but even here it is highly unusual to have Chinese customs officials grilling travelers about their reading matter. Maps and political books printed in Dharamsala, India, could cause a problem.

It is currently illegal to bring into China pictures, books, videos or speeches of or by the Dalai Lama. Moreover, you may be placeing the recipient of these in danger of a fine or jail sentence from the Chinese authorities. Images of the Tibetan national flag are even ‘more’ illegal.

Be very circumspect if you are asked to take any packages, letters or photos out of Tibet for anyone else, including monks. If caught, you’ll most likely be detained, interrogated and then probably expelled.

Anything make in China before 1949 is considered an antique and needs a certificate to take it out of the country. If it was made before 1795, it cannot legally be taken out of the country.