Frequently Asked Questions

 

Travel-related questions

• How do I apply for a visa to enter China?

• What immunization should I get?

• What are some of the tips from past travelers?

• For other travel-related questions, please also check Crooked Trails FAQ page.

Questions specific to the Kawa Karpo Pilgrimage Trek

• What level of fitness will I need for this trek?

• Will we be in Tibet?

• What sort of weather are we likely to have?

• What will our lodging be like?

How do I apply for a Visa to enter China?

You will first need a US passport, which can take up to six weeks to receive. There are many businesses that offer Visa-application services for China.  A few are listed below. The application is usually straightforward, but it's a good idea to apply for the Visa as soon as you decide to make the trip, certainly no later than one month before departure.

http://www.passportvisaexpress.com

http://www.chinesevisaexpress.com

http://www.travisa.com

 

What immunization should I get?

China requires no immunizations to enter the country.  However, for travelers heading towards the remote destinations in Yunnan Province, there are several immunizations you should consider.  These include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus.  Malaria is not typically a concern for travelers in the high plateaus of Northern Yunnan Province. 

 

We suggest you to consult with a travel doctor regarding this issue.

 

What are some of the tips from past travelers?

 

We have gathered some travel tips from our former clients.  Here they are:

• Pack light.  Most people brought more than what they needed.  If you are traveling with a friend, consider sharing some gears. 

• Take some time to get familiar with Mandarin.  Even just a few words will help you adjust to your surrounding much faster and ease you into some other channels of communication more smoothly.

• Learn some "money" sense.  Familiarize yourself with the RMB currency and the exchange rate before the trip.  You will thank yourself later. Here is a site that shows what the bills look like: http://www.chinatoday.com/fin/mon/  To get the updated exchange rate: http://www.xe.com/ucc/

• Food is one of the best parts of the trip and it is nothing like American-Chinese food.

What level of fitness will I need for this trek?

Since we will spend five days above 10,000 ft, we do recommend that you are active and in good health.  For example, you should be accustomed to moderate exercises such as power-walking, hiking, running or backpacking.  The most strenuous part of the trek involves a hike from 9000 to 12,000 ft.  You may have a choice of riding a horse for this segment of trek. The healthier you are, the more you will enjoy the physical aspect of the trip which enhances the overall experience.  Please advise us if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.  In the most remote villages we will travel to, it could take up to two or three days to get to a modern medical facility.

　

Will we be in Tibet?

Mount Kawa Karpo is situated in Northwest Yunnan Province, about 60 mile east of Tibet's border. Even though the villages around Kawa Karpo are predominantly inhabited by Kham, one Tibetan ethnic group, we will not actually enter Tibet.  Tibetan people reside in many Chinese provinces bordering Tibet. 

 

What sort of weather are we likely to have?

The time we choose for this trek is the prime time to visit Mount Kawa Karpo.  This is usually the driest time of the year.  When we were in the area last year, we enjoyed fine weather for the entire trek.  However, mountain weather conditions can change rapidly.  It is wise to be prepared for foul weather. (You will be provided with a "what-to-pack" list for the trip.) The temperature can reach as high as 70 F during the day and drop to as low as freezing level at night.

　

What will our lodging be like?

In large cities such as Beijing and Lijiang, we will stay in hotels or inns equipped with hot showers and other modern amenities.  On the trekking trip, we will spend nights in hostels run by local villagers with limited amenities and no access to showers.  Expect rustic to primitive at all times.