Great News: Tibet Travel Without Chinese Visa for German Passport Holders
According to the latest policy, tourists with German passports can travel to China without a visa within 15 days. In this case, you can simply apply for the Tibet Travel Permit without Chinese visa required until Dec. 31st, 2025.
No German passport? No worries! We can still guarantee you the Tibet Travel Permit.
Just share your travel plans with us, and we'll handle the rest for you.
Popular Tibet Small Group Tours in 2024/2025
Here are the most popular Tibet small group tour packages chosen by thousands of tourists for their 2024 and 2025 trips to Tibet, especially for 15-day visa-free travel. Our packages include everything from Tibet permit application to local tour arrangements.
How to Travel to Tibet from Germany
Since there is no direct flight from Germany to Tibet, the present ways to travel from Germany to Tibet is from Nepal or the mainland of China. Each has its benefits. You can choose the best way according to your travel plan.
- Frankfurt to Tibet
via Chinese Mainland - Munich to Tibet
via Chinese Mainland - Berlin to Tibet
via Chinese Mainland - Germany to Tibet
via Kathmandu, Nepal
Firstly from Frankfurt to main cities of China | Secondly Travel to Tibet by Flight | Or Travel to Tibet by Train |
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Frankfurt to Beijing Distance: 7,849km Duration: 9.5 to 11 Hours Frequency: 3 to 4 per day |
Beijing to Lhasa, Tibet Distance: 2,625km Duration: 4.5 Hours Frequency: 4 flights per day |
Beijing to Lhasa, Tibet Distance: 3,757km Duration: App 40 Hours Frequency: One Schedule per day |
Frankfurt to Shanghai Distance: 8,880km Duration: 11 to 12.5 Hours Frequency: 4 per day |
Shanghai to Lhasa, Tibet Distance: 3,100km Duration: 4.5 Hours Frequency: 3 stopover flights per day |
Shanghai to Lhasa, Tibet Distance: 4,373km Duration: App 44.5 Hours Frequency: One Schedule per day |
Frankfurt to Chengdu Distance: 7,883km Duration: 10 Hours Frequency: 2 every other day |
Chengdu to Lhasa, Tibet Distance: 1,311km Duration: 2.5 Hours Frequency: 26 flights per day |
Chengdu to Lhasa, Tibet Distance: 3,070km Duration: App 34.5 Hours Frequency: One Schedule every other day |
Frankfurt to Guangzhou Distance: 9,038km Duration: 11.5 Hours Frequency: 2 per week |
Guangzhou to Lhasa, Tibet Distance: 2,900km Duration: 4.5 to 5.5 Hours Frequency: 3 stopover flights per day |
Guangzhou to Lhasa, Tibet Distance: 4,980km Duration: App 53 Hours Frequency: One Schedule per day |
Frankfurt to Hong Kong Distance: 9,171km Duration: 11.5 to 12.5 Hours Frequency: 3 per day |
Hong Kong to Lhasa, Tibet Distance: 2,423km Duration: over 6 Hours Frequency: over 20 connecting flights per day |
Hong Kong to Lhasa, Tibet No direct train to Tibet. Suggested to get to Guangzhou/Chengdu/Xining for the train to Tibet |
Frankfurt to Shenzhen Distance: 9,136km Duration: 12 Hours Frequency: 3 per week |
Shenzhen to Lhasa, Tibet Distance: 2,401km Duration: over 5 Hours Frequency: 2 connecting/stopover flights per day |
Shenzhen to Lhasa, Tibet No direct train to Tibet. Suggested to get to Guangzhou/Chengdu/Xining for the train to Tibet |
Firstly from Munich to main cities of China | Secondly Travel to Tibet by Flight | Or Travel to Tibet by Train |
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Munich to Beijing Distance: 7,777km Duration: 9.5 to 10 Hours Frequency: 2 per day |
Beijing to Lhasa, Tibet Distance: 2,625km Duration: 4.5 Hours Frequency: 4 flights per day |
Beijing to Lhasa, Tibet Distance: 3,757km Duration: App 40 Hours Frequency: One Schedule per day |
Munich to Shanghai Distance: 8,798km Duration: 11.5 Hours Frequency: 2 per day |
Shanghai to Lhasa, Tibet Distance: 3,100km Duration: 4.5 Hours Frequency: 3 stopover flights per day |
Shanghai to Lhasa, Tibet Distance: 4,373km Duration: App 44.5 Hours Frequency: One Schedule per day |
Firstly from Berlin to main cities of China | Secondly Travel to Tibet by Flight | Or Travel to Tibet by Train |
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Berlin to Beijing Distance: 4,609km Duration: 9 Hours Frequency: 4 per week |
Beijing to Lhasa, Tibet Distance: 2,625km Duration: 4.5 Hours Frequency: 4 flights per day |
Beijing to Lhasa, Tibet Distance: 3,757km Duration: App 40 Hours Frequency: One Schedule per day |
Firstly from Germany to Kathmandu | Secondly Travel to Tibet by Flight | Or Travel to Tibet by Overland |
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Frankfurt to Kathmandu Distance: 6,200km Duration: over 13 Hours with 1 or 2 layovers Frequency: over 60 connecting flights per day |
Kathmandu to Lhasa, Tibet Distance: 607.6km Duration: 3.5 Hours Frequency: 1 direct flight on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. |
Kathmandu to lhasa,Tibet Distance: 1,300km Duration: 8 days overland tour via Gyirong |
Munich to Kathmandu Distance: 6,300km Duration: over 12 Hours Frequency: over 40 connecting flights per day |
Kathmandu to Lhasa, Tibet Distance: 607.6km Duration: 3.5 Hours Frequency: 1 direct flight on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. |
Kathmandu to lhasa,Tibet Distance: 1,300km Duration: 8 days overland tour via Gyirong |
Berlin to Kathmandu Distance: 6,200km Duration: over11.5 Hours Frequency: over 30 connecting flights per day |
Kathmandu to Lhasa, Tibet Distance: 607.6km Duration: 3.5 Hours Frequency: 1 direct flight on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. |
Kathmandu to lhasa,Tibet Distance: 1,300km Duration: 8 days overland tour via Gyirong |
- Transfer in Kathmandu
- Transfer in Shanghai
- Transfer in Chengdu
- Transfer in Hong Kong
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Get to Tibet from Germany via Kathmandu (85% Choice)
Kathmandu, the only international city offers flights and overland route to Tibet, is another popular gateway for tourists start their Tibet tour from Germany.
Though there is no direct flight from Germany to Nepal, it is convenient to take connecting flights to Kathmandu via Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, and Delhi. The flight duration from Germany to Kathmandu ranges from about 10 to 14 hours or more, depending on the airline and the route you choose.
From Kathmandu to Tibet by Flight
Currently, there is only one direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, which departs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The Kathmandu to Lhasa flight normally takes 1.5 hours, and has added advantage of allowing you a bird’s-eye view of the summit of Mount Everest as the plane flies over the Himalayas.
Please make sure you get a Chinese Group Visa and the Tibet Travel Permit before boarding the flight to Tibet.
From Kathmandu to Tibet by the Epic Overland Journey
Traveling overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa is an epic adventure that takes you across the best of the Himalayas. Following the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway, you will cross the wide expanse of the Everest region, through arid steppes, across vast green prairies, over high mountain passes, and alongside some of the most holy lakes in the region.
The classic overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa takes 8 days. Starting from Kathmandu, you will cross the border at Gyirong, and driving eastwards to Everest Base Camp in Tibet. At 5,000 meters above sea level, you will enjoy a close view of the world’s highest peak. Then, you will follow the G318 highway to Lhasa via Shigatse and the Holy Lake Yamdrok.
Recommended Nepal Tibet Tours for Travelers from Germany
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Travel Route: Frankfurt/Munich - Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu - By Flight - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Gyirong - Kathmandu
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14 Days Germany to Tibet Tour with Epic Overland Experience from Kathmandu to Lhasa
Travel Route: Frankfurt/Munich - Kathmandu - Nagarkot - Pokhara - Kathmandu - Gyirong - Everest Base Camp - Tingri - Shigatse - Gyantse - Lhasa
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15 Days Germany to Mount Kailash Tour via Nepal
Travel Route: Frankfurt/Munich - Kathmandu - Nagarkhot - Pokhara - Kathmandu - Gyirong - Saga - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Mt.Kailash Trek - Darchen - Saga - Gyirong - Kathmandu
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16 Days Tour three Himalaya Kingdoms by Overland: Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan
Travel Route: Kathmandu - Chitwan - Kathmandu - Lhasa - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu - Paro - Thimphu - Paro
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8 Days Driving Across Himalaya Overland Adventure from Kathmandu to Lhasa
Travel Route: Kathmandu - Gyirong - Everest Base Camp - Tingri - Shigatse - Gyantse - Lhasa
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10 Days Kailash Pilgrimage Tour from Kathmandu, via Gyirong Port
Travel Route: Kathmandu – Gyirong – Saga – Mt.Kailash – Lake Manasarovar – Darchen – Saga – Gyirong – Kathmandu
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Get to Tibet from Germany via Shanghai (Best Gateway to Get a Glimpse of Modern China)
Shanghai, the most dynamic metropolis of China, is a popular gateway for international tourists coming to China.
Every day, there are scheduled direct flights from Frankfurt and Munich to Shanghai. It is easy to get to Tibet from Shanghai either by flight or by train.
Please note that there are two airports in Shanghai: Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Please ensure you check your arrival and departure airport carefully.
From Shanghai to Tibet by Flight
Flights from Shanghai depart several times a day, although there is currently no direct flight to Lhasa. The Shanghai to Lhasa flights always stop at Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, or Kunming, and take from around 8 hours to as much as 26 hours for the multiple-stop flights.
From Shanghai to Tibet by Train
Train Z164 is the only train departing from Shanghai to Lhasa. It takes around 44.5 hours to reach Lhasa, as distance of around 4,373 kilometers. This is the second longest train journey to Tibet. You need to spend two nights on board and arrive in Lhasa on the third day.
Recommended Tibet Tours for Travelers from Germany via Shanghai
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19 Days Frankfurt Shanghai Yichang Chongqing Chengdu Lhasa Xian Beijing Tour
Travel Route: Frankfurt - By flight - Shanghai - By flight - Yichang - By cruise - Chongqing - By train - Chengdu - By train - Lhasa - By flight - Xian - By train - Beijing
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26 Days Munich Shanghai Lhasa Xian Dunhuang Kashgar Beijing Tour
Travel Route: Munich - By flight - Shanghai - By flight - Lhasa - Shigatse - Gyantse - EBC - Shigatse - Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Lhasa - By flight - Xian - By flight - Dunhuang - By train - Turpan - Urumqi - By flight - Kashgar - By flight - Beijing
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Travel Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa
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Travel Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa
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10 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake Small Group Tour
Travel Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Shigatse - Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Damxung - Lhasa
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Get to Tibet from Germany via Chengdu (Most Convenient Gateway to Tibet)
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and the most important transfer hub in southeast China, is one of the most popular gateway to Tibet with the most frequent direct flights to Tibet. Also, there are two high way routes with the most scenic landscapes to Lhasa. The train Z322 from Chengdu to Lhasa via the Qinghai-Tibet Railway makes it possible to experience the world’s highest railway to Tibet from Chengdu.
The direct flights from Frankfurt to Chengdu makes it convenient to get to this inland city of China from Germany within 10 hours. There are also many connecting flights to Chengdu to Germany with one or two stops within 20 to 35 hours.
From Chengdu to Tibet by Flight
Both Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport offer direct flights to Tibet. With nearly 30 daily non-stop flights to Lhasa taking about 2 hours 15 minutes on average, it’s the busiest air route to Tibet. It is also one of the best way to fly to Tibet with the short travel time. Additionally, Chengdu provides non-stop flights to Nyingchi and Shigatse offering you multiple travel options to Tibet.
From Chengdu to Tibet by Train
The Chengdu to Lhasa train journey covers a distance of 3,070 kilometers and takes around 34.5 hours. The train Z322 departs every other day from Chengdu and arrive in Lhasa Railway Station on the third day. You will spend two nights onboard, enjoying the diverse landscapes from the Chengdu Plain to the Tibetan Plateau.
From Chengdu to Tibet by Overland
Traveling from Chengdu to Tibet overland via the Sichuan-Tibet highway is renowned for its scenic beauty. Starting in Chengdu and heading west on the G318 National Highway, you'll traverse the western Sichuan Plateau, cross the Hengduan Mountains, enter Tibet through Nyingchi in the east, and finally reach the sacred city of Lhasa.
During the journey, you'll transition from plains to plateaus, passing through diverse Tibetan-inhabited areas and encountering varying landscapes and local cultures. Apart from the well-known southern route (G318) to Lhasa, there's also a challenging northern route (G317) via Mt. Siguniangshan, Chamdo, and Ngaqu, offering rich cultural experiences.
Typically, an overland trip from Chengdu to Lhasa spans 7 to 10 days, depending on the chosen route and stopovers.
Recommended Tibet Tours for Travelers from Germany via Chengdu
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20 Days Frankfurt Chengdu Lhasa Everest Kailash Shanghai Tour by Flight
Travel Route: Frankfurt - By flight - Chengdu - By flight - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Saga - Darchen - Lake Manasarover - Mt.Kailash- Darchen - Saga - Sakya - Shigatse - Lhasa - By flight - Shanghai
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11 Days Chengdu to Tibet Everest Base Camp Group Tour by Train and back to Chengdu by Flight
Travel Route: Chengdu - Xining - Qinghai Tibet Railway - Lhasa - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa - Chengdu
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Travel Route: Chengdu - Xinduqiao - Litang - Batang - Zogang - Ranwu - Nyingchi - Lhasa
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10 Days Ultimate Chengdu to Lhasa Overland Tour via Litang, Ranwu Lake, and Basum Tso Lake
Travel Route: Chengdu - Yajiang - Litang - Mangkang - Baxoi - Bome - Nyingchi - Lhasa
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12 Days Chengdu to Lhasa Self Drive Road Trip via the Most Scenic G318 National Highway
Travel Route: Chengdu - Danba - Xinduqiao - Litang - Daocheng Yading - Mangkang - Zogong - Baxoi - Rawu Lake - Bomi - Nyingchi - Lhasa
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Get to Tibet from Germany via Hong Kong (Popular Gateway to Asia)
Hong Kong is a gateway to explore Asia’s dynamic blend of traditional and modernity. It is convenient to fly directly from Frankfurt to Hong Kong within 12 hours. From Hong Kong, you can easily get to the gateway cities in the mainland of China, such as Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Beijing.
From Hong Kong to Lhasa by Flight
Without a direct flight to Lhasa, there are several options for connecting you to the holy city. Flights to Chengdu from Hong Kong and then travel to Lhasa are very popular. With easy access to Lhasa, Chengdu itself also worth a visit for the lovely giant pandas and delicious Sichuan cuisine. Of course, you can choose other gateways that provide direct flights to Lhasa, such as Chongqing, Beijing, Xi’an, etc.
From Hong Kong to Tibet by Train
The closest train station to Hong Kong offering direct train to Lhasa is Guangzhou Railway Station. It is convenient to get a high-speed train directly to Guangzhou from Kowloon Station in Hong Kong, and then get the train from there to Lhasa. However, the Guangzhou to Lhasa train is the longest journey to Tibet, taking approximately 54 hours. If you prefer a shorter railway journey, it is recommended to travel to Xining first, where you can catch the shortest train to Lhasa in about 23 hours.
Recommended Tibet Tours for Travelers from Germany via Hong Kong
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16 Days Frankfurt Hong Kong Chengdu Lhasa Everest Shanghai Tour by Train
Travel Route: Frankfurt - By flight - Hong Kong - By flight - Chengdu - By train - Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Shigatse - Lhasa - By flight - Shanghai
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16 Days Munich Hong Kong Guilin Chengdu Lhasa Xian Beijing Tour
Travel Route: Munich - By flight - Hong Kong - By flight - Guilin - Yangshuo - By flight - Chengdu - By flight - Lhasa - By flight - Xian - By train - Beijing
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Travel Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa
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Travel Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa
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10 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake Small Group Tour
Travel Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Shigatse - Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Damxung - Lhasa
Why Choose Tibet Vista for Your Tibet Tours from Germanys?
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Local Offices in Lhasa, Chengdu, and Kathmandu
Headed in Lhasa, we have local offices in Chengdu and Kathmandu, ensure you a smooth travel to Tibet from the mainland of China and Nepal.
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Various Tibet Small Group Tours to Choose from
We offer types of small group tours in Tibet covering the most essentials of Tibet for different travel lengths, interests, and preferences.
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Flexible & Hassle-free Travel to Tibet
We take care of everything from Tibet Permit application to local tour arrangements, ensuring your journey in Tibet is stress-free and fulfilling.
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English/German-Speaking Local Tour Guides
Our Tibet tour guides all speak English, and we can arrange a German-speaking tour guide for you (need to apply in advance).
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Trekking/Cycling... More Ways to Explore Tibet
We offer extraordinary experiences beyond typical tours to immerse you in Tibet's stunning scenery and vibrant culture.
Let’s Plan Your Tibet Tour from Germany!
If you are planning to travel to Tibet from Germany, yet have no ideas of how to sort out the details, no worries! We would like to hear your tour plan and offer free professional consultancy and viable solutions. Please feel free to contact us.
Germany to Tibet Travel FAQs & Travel Tips
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1. How to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit from Germany?
As with most travelers to Tibet, tourists from Germany are required to book their Tibet tours through registered Tibet tour operators. With a booked Tibet tour, you can obtain the Tibet Travel Permit, which is needed to get into Tibet and travel around the region.
To our clients, once you book your Tibet trip with us, the permit will be applied for using photocopies of your passport and Chinese Visa. It takes 8 to 9 working days to get the permit issued. Once we get your Tibet Permit, we will deliver it to your hotel in China, so you can take the permit to board your flight or train to Tibet.
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2. Do I need a Chinese Visa to visit Tibet?
According to the latest policy, tourists holding German passports can enjoy a 15-day visa-free stay in China. In this case, if you plan to visit Tibet within 15 days, you do not need to obtain a Chinese Visa beforehand. Instead, you simply apply for the Tibet permit using your German passport.
However, if your intended stay in China, including Tibet, exceeds 15 days, you must first obtain a Chinese visa from the Chinese embassy or consulate in Germany. After obtaining the Chinese visa, you then need to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit to visit Tibet.
If you travel from Germany to Tibet with a passport that is not eligible for visa-free entry into China, you still need to apply for a Chinese Visa in advance regardless of your travel duration.
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3. What are the best entry points into Tibet from Germany?
Beijing is the most popular gateway for tourists visiting Tibet from Germany, because of the convenient international flights from Germany to Beijing and the easy access to Lhasa from Beijing. Once upon arrival in Beijing, you can either take a flight or a train to Tibet.
Additionally, other major cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu also serve as excellent entry points to Tibet, offering both train and flight connections. Chengdu, in particular, boasts the most direct flights to Tibet, not only to Lhasa but also to Nyingchi and Shigatse. Therefore, starting your journey from Chengdu provides the most convenient transfer to Tibet.
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4. How to get to Tibet from Germany?
For German tourists, there are a number of ways to travel to cities in the mainland of China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. You can arrive at one of these cities from Germany first, and then travel to Tibet either by flight or by train.
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is also a popular gateway for German tourists entering Tibet with the only international flights to Tibet. The overland journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa is another popular way to travel to Tibet.
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5. When is the best time to visit Tibet from Germany?
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to travel to Tibet, specifically, April, May, September, and October are the most ideal. During these months, the weather is pleasant with less rainfall. It’s perfect time to visit Mount Everest with clear views of the mountain peak and the stunning views of the Himalayan ranges.
Summer is the peak season for Tibetan tourism, attracting both domestic tourists and international travelers. During this time, the cost of a Tibet tour is typically at its highest. However, the monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, which can lead to thick clouds and fog in the mountainous areas. This weather may obscure the clear views of the mountain peaks.
Winter in Tibet is generally not too cold for visiting, and most destinations remain accessible during these months. However, if you plan to visit Mount Kailash or Namtso Lake, it's advisable to avoid winter as the roads to these destinations may be closed due to heavy snow. For other popular destinations like Everest Base Camp, Lhasa, and Shigatse, winter offers a peaceful atmosphere and the lowest prices of the year.
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6. How to prevent altitude sickness when traveling to Tibet from Germany?
The altitude difference between Germany and Tibet is significant. The average elevation of Germany is relatively low, with most areas ranging from sea level to about 1,000 meters above sea level. In contrast, Tibet is known as the ‘Roof of the World’, with an average altitude ranging from 3,000 to over 4,500 meters above sea level. This vast difference in altitude requires you to take precautions against altitude sickness when visiting Tibet from Germany.
Upon arrival in Lhasa, at 3,650 meters above sea level, it’s advisable to spend the first day acclimatizing at your hotel. Moving slowly and avoiding strenuous activities allows your body to adjust gradually to the reduced oxygen levels at high altitudes. Additionally, keeping warm and avoiding getting a cold is important during your Tibet tour.
Our carefully designed Tibet tour itineraries take you gradually from lower to higher altitudes to Tibet, allowing sufficient time for adaptation at each stage of your journey. If you feel any uncomfortable during your trip in Tibet, please tell your tour guide immediately. Our experienced guides will be there to help you.
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