Zhangmu Town Travel Tips

Located in Nyalam County on the Nepal-China border, Zhangmu, about 776 km (482 mi.) away from the capital of Tibet Lhasa, (also as Dram in Tibetan Language or Zham in Nepali) is a customs town and port of entry acrossing the Bhote Koshi River from the Nepalese Town of Kodari with an altitude of  2,300 meters above sea level. Zhangmu has mild and humid subtropical climate, which is a rarity for Tibet, which is supposedly owed to nearby Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. Visitors come mainly for climbing up the lofty mountain, appreciating the heavenly sights, or pilgrimage at its holiness. However, for the particular location, Zhangmu Town itself can form an interesting array of scenery for the visitors.

1. Useful Numbers

  • Fire: 119
  • Police: 110
  • Area code: 0893
  • Ambulance: 120
  • Weather Broadcast: 121 
  • Consumer Complaint: 12315
  • Local Phone Number Inquiries: 114
  • Long-distance Phone Number Inquiries: 113

Read More: Useful Numbers for Travelers in Tibet

2. Best Time to Visit Zhangmu

May to October is the best time to visit Zhangmu because in this period, Zhangmu is warm and green with high oxygen content. From November to next April, the weather in Zhangmu is cold and dry. Many scenic spots may not open  for visiting.

3. Time Difference

Beijing time is used in Lhasa. However, according to the time zone, the time of Lhasa is two hours later than Beijing. If calculated by longitude, the time of Lhasa is 100 minutes later than Beijing. So the time difference is also two hours late in Zhangmu.

4. Altitude Sickness

Due to the high altitude, many tourist may feel sick and dizzy when they first come to Tibet. It’s recommended to take medicines to pretend from the altitude reaction before starting your trip. And the local drugstores in Lhasa sell medicines against altitude sickness. And please delay your trip to Tibet if you have a cold.

5. No-no Behavior

  • Please don’t hang flags in republic place.
  • Located in the border area, you must behave ourselves well.
  • When entering monasteries, please don’t show your arms and legs and wear hats and sunglasses.
  • Ask for permission before taking photos for Tibetan people.
  • Don’t touch Tibetan’s head and shoulder.
  • Don’t watch celestial burial without permission.

6. Dressing Tips

Normal summer clothes is available in summer but it's recommended to wear shirts and pants in the evening. In spring and autumn, warm clothings is needed, such as jackets.

7. Tibet Travel Permit

Because of the special position of Tibet, foreign tourists should get Tibet Travel Permit before they go there. And Tibet Travel Permit is only issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. In order to facilitate the complicated application process, working with a Chinese travel agency is recommended.