Tibet reopens for travellers

(07 July 2008)

Troubled Tibet has reopened for tourism this month, but travellers planning trips should be aware that not all has returned to normal in the province.

The Chinese authorities, who have to grant visiting permission to all tourists, began processing applications again on 25th June, but tour operators warned that not all major sites will be open.

Important monasteries like Drepung and Sera will remain closed to the public, and access to other sites will be restricted.

However, places like the Potala Place, Jokhang Temple and Norbulinka- the former summer palace of the Dalai Lama- are fully open, and some operators are booking tours for August.