What do you need to know when you come to Tibet for the first time? Here are some tips for the first-timers.

1.) Where can I go for the hot springs in Tibet?

A: There are many hot springs in Tibet, the relatively famous ones being Yangbajain hot spring, the Rudog hot spring, and the Dezhong hot spring. Yangbajain is more than 90 kilometers away from Lhasa, which is about four to five hours of driving.

The Rudog hot springs are in Maizhokunggar County, and can be reached by taking a bus from Lhasa to Nyingchi. The Dezhong hotspring, also in Maizhokunggar County, have become a popular place for common people and are inexpensive.

2.) How much are tickets to go into the Potala Palace? Are they easy to buy?

A: Every year from the beginning of May or June to the end of October is peak season, and ticket prices to the Potala Palace are 200 yuan. From the beginning of November to the end of April or May the price is adjusted down to 100 yuan.

During off season you can directly purchase the ticket and go to the Potala Palace on the same day. However, during peak season it is relatively difficult to buy a ticket, and as such you'll need to purchase your entrance pass a day in advance.

3.) Can I take pictures in the Potala Palace or other temples?

A: You can take pictures of the Potala Palace from the outside but not from the interior. For other temples usually it's also prohibited to take pictures; however, if you really want to take pictures, you can ask the attendants who work at the temples to inquire if it's permissible or if there are any associated fees.

4.) What do I need to know when I go to a Tibetan temple?

A: When you enter a Tibetan temple, be sure to remove your hat, sunglasses, and abstain from smoking. Don't rub the Buddha statues, browse through the scriptures and ring the bell. Do not casually handle the Buddhist relics or amulets. When you enter the monasteries, walk around clockwise, not counter-clockwise (Bon temples are the opposite).

5.) What is the best season to go to Namjagbarwa? Where is the best observation point?

A: Namjagbarwa is surrounded by clouds in all four seasons of the year. Legend has it that those who actually manage to catch sight of it will have good fortune.

During spring time, the weather is sunny and clear, the clouds are high, the breeze refreshing, and the probability that you'll be able to see Namjagbarwa is the highest during this time.

The best observation point is located at the Sejila mountain pass. Zhihai Village and Dalin Village, the other two observation points, are relatively far away.