Expert: Jay - 1/17/2008

Question
Hi! We are planning to go to china, but unfortunately it is during the Chinese New Year and we are experiencing great difficulties booking the tickets, do you know how we go about to do that? I'm in New Zealand and my friend is in Sweden. I have a Chinese friend to whose family in Hong Kong we can send tickets if it is necessary.

We would like to go from Hong Kong-Shanghai-Beijing-Lhasa-Katmandu-India

Is it possible to get a permit to enter Tibet in Bejing or do we have to go to Chengdu?
Do you know how to get to Katmandu from Lhasa?

Cheeeeeers
jess

Answer
Hello Jess,
You have picked a difficult time to travel.  The whole country is on holidays at the same time.  Buying train tickets at this time of year is very hard.  The local travel agents in HK can try and get them for you but the prices will be higher than usual.  Honestly your best bet would be flying and it is not too much more expensive than a soft sleeper train.  If you have a credit card have a look at www.lastminute.com.hk.  I know hotels were not part of your question but if you have not booked accommodation the also have a look at www.elong.net.  It has saved me many dollars.

You can get the permit for Lhasa in Beijing.  A few years back it could only be done in Chengdu but now it can be done in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou as well.

Lhasa to Kathmandu - There are two ways.  The first is to hire a driver in a 4x4 to take you to the border where you then have to find another driver on the other side to take you the rest of the way.  The other way is to fly out of Lhasa into Kathmandu.  It is the only international flight I'm aware of out of Lhasa.

I hope this helps and I hope you have a great trip,


Jay