Tibet Family Tours

A lovely family of three had a wonderful time during their Tibet tour

Many people think that when they have kids, their days of adventuring are over. But that is really not the case. Anyone can go on an adventure vacation with kids, as long as they are prepared. And a holiday tour in Tibet is an ideal location to open up the child’s mind to the wonders of our world.

Photo of the father and our guide Kuntsering at Lake Yamdrok

While we do not recommend taking a very small child to the high elevations of Tibet, we have experienced children as young as four or five on one of our tours with their families, and have seen them enjoy the amazing experience that is Tibet, even at that young age.

Many Tibet visitors choose trekking during their tours

Doctors recommend that children less than four years old are not taken to the high altitudes of Tibet. And for trekking, we would suggest waiting until your child is at least 12-13 years old. Trekking is a very strenuous activity, especially in the high altitudes over 4,000 meters, and a young child’s body does not normally have the stamina to trek for miles in a low-oxygen environment.

Tashi Lhunpo Monastery

This family visited the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, the home of the Panchen Lama. It was founded by the first Dalai Lama in 1447, and is a historically and culturally important part of Tibet. Located on the southern slope of Nyiseri Mountain, to the west of Shigatse, it is the largest monastery in the Gelug Sect and one of the four Great Monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism.

Family photo in front of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery

Traveling with kids is a way to open them up to the world around them, and expose them to new languages and cultures that they would not have the chance to see at home. The exposure to these new experiences can help to broaden the child’s mind, and make them a better-rounded person as they get older.

Samye Monastery

Pay a visit to Samye Monastery

Samye Monastery is the first Tibetan monastery and its first University. Founded by the Tibetan King Trisong Detsen in the 8th century, it consisted originally of 108 buildings, of which only a handful survive today. The monastery is built to show the layout of the Buddhist universe in a 3D mandala, with the main temple or use as its center. The monastery has its own guest houses and hotels, where you can stay overnight, and there is even a restaurant and small souvenir shop.

Took a photo with Samye Monastery

Visits to ancient monasteries and sites are an excellent way to help children learn more about the world around them, and its history. Kids learn quickly, and they take in all the things they see and relish these experiences. A tour in Tibet will not only open up their minds, but it will give them a better understanding of how other cultures work and interact in the real world.

Local Food Stop with Kuntsering

Taste local food with guide Kuntsering

Food is very different in Tibet from what people are used to in the west. Tsampa, local dough made from barley flour, is eaten with every meal and taken as a snack when traveling as well. However, many things have similarities to western food.

Enjoy a leisure time with local people after lunch

Tibetans eat many vegetables, including potatoes, cabbage and carrots, and meat is often on the menu. While yak meat may be a strange taste to kids, it is an experience for them to tell their friends back home. In addition, there is the option of mutton and other foods that may not taste as strange.

The First Palace of Tibet

Visit the Yungbulakang Palace

Yungbulakang Palace, in the Yarlung Valley, is believed to be the first building in Tibet, and the palace of the first Tibetan King, Nyatri Tsenpo, who is said to have descended from the sky to rule over the Tibetan people around 200 BC. Yungbulakang has suffered some damage over the years, but has since been fully restored. The castle hold enshrined statues of the Thiesung Sangjie Buddha, King Nyatri Tsenpo, Songtsen Gampo, and many other Tubo kings.

Photo of the guide and the kid at the rooftop of Yungbulakang Palace

Tibetan houses are often small, with small alleys separating them, instead of wide streets. The streets and alleys are well paved with cobblestones, and white is the predominant color here.

Passing through a narrow alley in the Yungbulakang Palace

The best time to bring kids to Tibet is in the spring and fall months, when it is less crowded with tourists, and when the weather is comfortable. Winter can be too cold for children, and even for some adults, and the summer months, while not cold, can be quite hot at times. Moreover, the sun in Tibet is a lot stronger than down at sea level, where everyone goes to the beach. These stronger rays can burn a child’s delicate skin more easily, so sun block and hats are a must if you come in summer.

It’s funny to ride a Tibetan horse

For spending time in the region around Lhasa, 5-7 days is an ideal time to spend here, but for more adventurous trips such as Mt. Everest, a longer trip would be required, of at least 9-10 days. Despite the ideas of many people, Everest is over 800 kilometers from Lhasa, and it takes at least two days to get there.

So if you’re ready to a Lifetime Tour to Tibet, our dedicated and professional teams are expecting you in Tibet! Please feel free to reach us, sharing your great ideas. We would like to offer the most useful Tibet tour advice, For Free!