Due to the high elevation, unique Buddhist culture and traditions, and alpine climate, traveling in Tibet is like no other. So, after discussing with our local travel experts, we have rounded up a list of the 7 worst mistakes travelers make while traveling in Tibet. Hopefully, you can learn from these mistakes and have a seamless journey in Tibet.

Mistake 1: Overexert Yourself Shortly after Arriving in Lhasa

First and foremost, one of the frequent mistakes travelers make is shortly after they land in Lhasa by flight or train, and mistakenly believe that they are exempt from the effect of sudden altitude rise.

So, they start cheering, running, jumping, and exploring Lhasa City instantly, which later leads to acute altitude sickness.

The truth is that with an increase in altitude, our human body needs time to develop physiological mechanisms to cope with the decreased oxygen, which occurs during the first 24 hours at altitude. Meanwhile, people vary in symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, fast heart rate, shortness of breath, etc.

So, even if you feel no immediate side effects of the altitude rise shortly after you arrive in Lhasa. Don’t overexert yourself or do strenuous activities. Sleeping or resting in your hotel is the best option to give time for your body to get acclimatized to the altitude. Learn more to prevent altitude sickness in Tibet.

4 Days Lhasa Impression Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa

Price from USD509 p.p

Mistake 2: Packing Inadequately for Harsh Weather in Tibet

Some first-timers to Tibet underestimate the changing weather and unique alpine climate on the Tibetan plateau. They only wear thin layers, rudimental clothes, and jeans or shorts to Tibet, ending up catching a cold and getting sick.

In fact, averaging 4,000m above sea level, Tibet is notorious for its thin and crisp air, huge day and night temperature shifts, intense UV light, unstable weather patterns, etc. It’s pretty common to experience four seasons in a single day.

So, you need to pack adequately for extreme weather even in summer, esp your itinerary involves high mountain passes and remote regions with high elevations, such as the Lhasa to EBC tour, Mt.Kailash tour or sightseeing at Namtso Lake.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD949 p.p

Here is our recommended packing list from head to toe for traveling in Tibet. Remember to dress in layers. So you can add or lose clothes to fit the weather change.
● Beanie, wide-brimmed hat.
● Down jacket, water/windproof fleece jacket, thermal underwear.
● Fast-drying base layer.
● Warm, breathable, and comfy pants and long shirts.
● Warm absorbent socks.
● Sturdy hiking boots or trekking shoes.
● Sunscreen (SPF 50), moisturizer, lip balm, toiletries, personal medications for cold relief, antibiotics, diarrhea, mountain sickness, etc.
● Thermal bottles.

Of course, if you want to trek in Tibet, you will certainly need more substantial mountaineering clothing.

15 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2069 p.p

Mistake 3: I Can Visit Anywhere I Wish in Tibet with a Tibet Travel Permit

Well, if you think I have a Tibet Travel Permit, so I can travel anywhere I want in Tibet. Think again! The Tibet Travel Permit only allows you to legally board the train or flight to Lhasa and visit Lhasa and around.

A sample of Tibet Travel Permit.

If you want to visit Everest Base Camp in Shigatse, Samye Monastery in Shannan, or Mount Kailash in Ngari and other sensitive border regions, in addition to the Tibet Travel Permit, you also need an Alien’s Travel Permit, Military Area Entry Permit, and Foreign Affairs Permit, all of which will be handled by your local guide before your visit.

6 Day Lhasa to Tsedang Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Tsedang - Lhasa

Price from USD760 p.p

Mistake 4: Fear that I Have No Privacy and Spare Time in a Guided Tibet Tour

Another common misconception many overseas travelers have is that they fear that in a guided Tibet tour, the guide will follow them 24/7 throughout their stay in Tibet. So, they won’t have privacy and spare time to explore Tibet.

Well, the reality is that though international tourists can only visit Tibet via a pre-booked guided tour in Tibet, you do have privacy and partial freedom here.

For example, you are free to roam over the local street for dining and shopping after a day tour. Of course, if you want to go too far away from your hotel, you’d better inform your guide for safety concerns, esp. in remote and high-altitude regions with wildlife.

Travelers have great fun exploring Lhasa Street.

Mistake 5: Worry that the Traditional and Authentic Tibetan Experience Are Gone

For those who worry that the authenticity and old traditions of Tibet are gone due to the booming tourism and growingly modernized Tibet. So, they can’t enjoy the authentic Tibetan experience in Tibet.

Well, the truth is the opposite. The deeply rooted Tibetan traditions and cultures have remained intact and grown strongly, though Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet, has become more modern, esp. in terms of infrastructure and improved living standards.

As you roam over Barkhor Street, you can still see devoted pilgrims prostrating and circling along Jokhang Temple in the same way they did centuries ago, locals burning juniper branches as offerings to Buddhist deities and other Buddhist practices, such as meditation, hanging prayer flags, walking the kora around holy mountains and lakes, and displaying Thangka during festivals, etc.

Seeing is believing. Our local guide will bring you to Buddhist sites, and share intriguing stories behind the murals, inviting you to travel as a local and immersing yourself in the fervent Buddhist vibes in Tibet, esp. during Tibetan festivals.

Join locals to celebrate the Shoton Festival in Drepung Monastery.

Mistake 6: Not Carry Enough Cash

Though ATMs and credit cards in Lhasa, and Shigatse, two of the biggest cities in Tibet are available, you do need to exchange enough cash (Rénmínbì, or yuán) before flying to Lhasa if you wish to dine in local restaurants or buy water, food, and souvenirs like turquoise bracket and handicrafts in remote regions like Everest or Mountain Kailash regions. Otherwise, it can be a problem.

Remember to exchange enough cash for your visit to Tibet.

Mistake 7: Not Follow Local Customs and Temple Etiquette

As a Buddhist destination, overseas travelers often make these mistakes due to the lack of knowledge about local Tibetan customs and temple etiquette.

Mistakes to be avoided in Tibet:
● Circle the Tibetan monastery/temple or Barkhor Street in an anticlockwise matter, which should be in a clockwise manner.
● Take photos or record videos inside the Tibetan monasteries and temples.
● Female travelers wear skimpy costumes when visiting Buddhist sites.
● Take photos of locals without permission.
● Touch the Tibetan kid’s head.
● Swim in holy lakes in Tibet.

The rule of thumb is that if you want to do something but are not sure for certain, the safest option is to look for advice from your guide.

Our guests are watching the monk debate in Sera Monastery in Lhasa.

Conclusion

So, here are some of the frequent blunders overseas travelers make when traveling in Tibet. Hopefully, you find this article helpful. If you have more questions about Tibet travel, don’t hesitate to email us for free inquiry and expert travel solutions. Cheers!