Is it safe to travel to Tibet? 5 Safety Tips from Locals
One of the many things people ask about Tibet is whether it is a safe place to travel. The only answer is: YES. Tibet is as a safe a place to travel as other popular tourist destinations in the mainland of China, with no security issues for tourists. However, you should be cautious about the high altitude and changeable plateau climate when visiting Tibet.
Here, we will answer the most concerned questions about whether Tibet travel is safe, and provide you with the most practical safety tips from our local travel experts.
Tourist Concern #1: Is Tibet safe for solo female travelers?
Tourist Concern #2: Is Tibet safe for senior travelers?
Tourist Concern #3: Is it safe to travel to Tibet with kids?
Tourist Concern #4: Is it safe to take a flight to Tibet?
Tourist Concern #5: Is it safe to take a train to Tibet?
Tourist Concern #6: Is a self-drive road tour safe in Tibet?
Tourist Concern #7: Is drinking water safe in Tibet?
Tourist Concern #8: Is there any risk of being attacked by wild animals in Tibet?
Tourist Concern #9: Are Local Tibetans Friendly to International Tourists?
Tourist Concern #10: Any cultural or religious taboos to be aware of when traveling to Tibet?
Local Advice #1: Ensure you are healthy before visiting Tibet
Local Advice #2: Don’t get too nervous about altitude sickness in Tibet
Local Advice #3: Pack for Warmth and UV Protection
Local Advice #4: Stay hydrated during your Tibet Travel
Local Advice #5: Travel to Tibet with a reliable local travel agency
Tourist Concern #1: Is Tibet safe for solo female travelers?
Tibet is absolutely a safe travel destination for solo female travelers. You don’t need to worry about security issues and any sexual crimes in this Buddhist region.
Since all foreign tourists need to visit Tibet with a local guide and a driver, even if you travel alone, you will be accompanied by a local tour guide, so daytime sightseeing is quite safe for single women travelers.
Travelling Tibet is very safe for solo female.
Nightlife is also colorful for female travelers in Tibet. You can also take a leisure walk along Barkhor Street or enjoy a stunning night view of the Potala Palace from the square. Just avoid walking down dark alleys at night in areas you are not familiar with, or head off for a drink with a guy you bump into on the street.
Notice: For solo travelers to Tibet, no matter men or women, it is highly recommended to join our Tibet small group tour. Not only does this option help reduce your Tibet tour costs, but it also provides an opportunity to share travel experiences with fellow tourists from around the world.
Tourist Concern #2: Is Tibet safe for senior travelers?
For senior tourists traveling to Tibet, the top concern is about Altitude Sickness. Elderly tourists suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and other cardiovascular diseases are not recommended to travel to Tibet, as the high altitude, over 4,000 meters on average, will lead to blood pressure fluctuations and heavy cardiovascular or cerebrovascular complications.
Additionally, Tibet tours often involve significant walking and hiking. For example, a visit the to world-renowned Potala Palace requires climbing over 300 steps, as there are no elevators available.
If you are in good health and have consulted a professional doctor about whether you are able to visit such a high-altitude plateau, then you can start planning your Tibet tour.
According to our experience, we have successfully arranged the Mount Kailash tour for a German client at the age of 82. Many tourists over 70 have experienced unforgettable journeys in Tibet with us.
As long as your physical condition can adapt to high-altitude activities, it is safe and feasible to visit Tibet no matter what your age.
Our senior client had a wonderful trip to Mount Kailash with us.
Tourist Concern #3: Is it safe to travel to Tibet with kids?
It is safe for kids to travel to Tibet unless they can express their feelings right to you. Because children also suffer from high altitude sickness when traveling to Tibet from low altitude areas, you need to make sure that your kids can express their feelings to you clearly when they feel unwell.
Besides, it’s essential to prepare sun protection for your children during your Tibet travel. The intense UV rays on the Tibet Plateau can be harmful to children’s tender skin, so make sure to pack adequate sun protection.
A family trip to Everest Base Camp in Tibet with kids.
Food safety in Tibet is also something to consider while planning to visit Tibet with kids. The local Tibetan food is mainly based on yak meat, with many dairy products. And the dishes offered in local restaurants always have a heavy taste. For children with sensitive stomachs, this is also one of the factors to consider whether to go.
Visiting Lhasa and its surroundings is always the safest option for families with kids, for its lower altitude (compared with further destinations in south and west Tibet) and better living conditions.
Tourist Concern #4: Is it safe to take a flight to Tibet?
With the growth of Tibet tourism and the development of high technology, there is an increasing number of flight routes available to the Tibet Autonomous Region. Currently, flying to Tibet is the most common and safest means of reaching the region.
Our local travel guide will greet you at Lhasa Gonggar Airport.
One thing you need to pay attention to is that upon your arrival in Lhasa, the altitude raises suddenly to 3,650 meters above sea level. Keep your moving slowly to prevent your body from adapting to the sudden increase in altitude and causing altitude sickness.
Notice: During the flight journey to Tibet, you will fly over various snow-capped mountains to the Tibet Plateau. If you have a window seat, don’t miss the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains from above.
Tourist Concern #5: Is it safe to take a train to Tibet?
Taking the Tibet train to Lhasa from the mainland of China is as safe as taking a bus downtown. All trains to Tibet are specially designed to run through the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. There are oxygen supply systems on board, so you don’t need to worry about getting altitude sickness onboard.
For those who care about privacy on board, it is suggested to book the soft sleeper cabins with lockable doors. And with a few precautions of your own, such as keeping valuables on your person and locking bags and cases, you can be sure that it is safe to travel by train to Tibet.
Additionally, there are doctors and police onboard, securing the safety of all passengers onboard.
Taking the Tibet train to Lhasa is a popular way for many international friends.
Tourist Concern #6: Is a self-drive road tour safe in Tibet?
The great news is that foreign tourists now can self-drive in Tibet. For those who are not familiar with driving Chinese vehicles, self-driving in Tibet requires some caution. However, the well-conditioned roads in Tibet make driving more safe and enjoyable.
The road condition from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp is very good.
Roads in Tibet have greatly improved over the last few decades, and the vast Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway, which stretches from Lhasa to the Sino-Nepal Border is a prime example of that. Moreover, the entire length of the route to Mount Everest is paved, and there are many new roads have been built in Tibet, offering you a better driving experience than before.
Furthermore, our tour guide accompanying you will also provide professional co-pilot driving service. When you feel tired or unfamiliar with the road conditions, your guide can drive for you.
Tourist Concern #7: Is drinking water safe in Tibet?
It is not safe to drink tap water directly in Tibet. Boiling water in Tibet is the most reliable method. Bottled water is widely available in urban areas and is a convenient option, but it’s important to check that the seals are intact to ensure it hasn't been tampered with. By taking these precautions, you can ensure safe hydration during your travels in Tibet.
Tourist Concern #8: Is there any risk of being attacked by wild animals in Tibet?
No, there is no risk of being attacked by wild animals in Tibet. While there are a huge number of wild animals roaming the plains and prairies of Tibet, none of them are inclined to attack people in groups in a vehicle, and the likelihood of getting attacked when trekking is just as slim.
The main thing to watch out for in Tibet is the wild yaks. It is common to see yaks during a road trip in Tibet, especially when driving through the grassland. It is important to maintain a safe distance from yaks, whether they are raised by locals or are wild. While they typically graze peacefully by the roadside, sudden approaches by vehicles or strangers can startle them, potentially leading to an attack.
It is safe to take photos with yaks that locals Tibetans raise for taking photos at Namtso Lake and Yamdrok Lake.
Tourist Concern #9: Are Local Tibetans Friendly to International Tourists?
Tibetans are some of the friendliest people in the world, and it is generally believed that has a lot to do with the Buddhist religion that they all devout practice. Buddhism teaches kindness and friendship with others, and with Tibetan Buddhism teaching the ‘Middle Way’, it is normal to greet strangers with friendship and kindness, rather than just pass by.
Most local Tibetans can’t speak English, but they always try their best to show their welcome to tourists from all over the world.
Our clients are very happy to make friends with local Tibetan children.
Tourist Concern #10: Any cultural or religious taboos to be aware of when traveling to Tibet?
Tibet is a devoutly religious region, and there are certain things to remember in order to prevent any upsets with locals.
While visiting religious sites, behave respectfully and don’t make big noises. When entering a monastery or a temple, you should remove hats or other headgear, and arms and legs should be covered. It is disrespectful to enter any shrine or temple with shorts or a short skirt on, or when wearing skimpy tops, so make sure you cover up.
While doing in the kora in Tibet, it’s best to follow the clockwise direction. When you see the pilgrims doing prostrations along the way, do not walk in front of them.
It is important to ask for permission if you want to take photos with the locals or inside a monastery hall.
Don’t touch the head of kids and monks as it is a taboo in Tibet.
Local Advice #1: Ensure you are healthy before visiting Tibet
While planning a trip to Tibet, you need to ensure you are in good health and able to adapt to visiting Tibet at an altitude of around 4,000 meters or more. If you have cardiovascular disease or respiratory disease, it is not recommended to travel to Tibet. In addition, patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. also need to consult professional doctors for advice on whether they can complete plateau travel.
If you want to do some intense outdoor activities, like trek in Tibet, you also need to evaluate whether your body can bear the exercise at the plateau before setting off.
Prepare well for trekking in Tibet.
Local Advice #2: Don’t get too nervous about altitude sickness in Tibet
Altitude sickness is a common issue for visiting all destinations with high altitudes, including Tibet. What matters is more about how to deal with altitude sickness than the fear of it. So, don’t be too nervous about the altitude sickness in Tibet.
With plenty of rest, refraining from smoking, alcohol, and coffee (both of which dehydrate the body), strenuous exercise, and drinking plenty of water, you can get through this height hangover easily and have no problems when traveling in Tibet.
If serious symptoms occur, let your guide know and move to a lower altitude place immediately.
Local Advice #3: Pack for Warmth and UV Protection
The climate on the Tibetan Plateau is unpredictable, with large temperature differences between day and night. Since the air is thin in the Tibet Plateau and ultraviolet rays are strong, staying warm and protecting yourself from the sun are very important.
No matter when to visit Tibet, even in summer, please bring a windproof jacket that is easy to put on and take off. If you are traveling to Tibet in winter, please bring a down jacket or other cold-weather clothing.
In addition, you should also bring sun protection products, such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen for your trip to Tibet.
It is essential to wearing warm coats and sunglasses when visiting Tibet, especially to Everest Base Camp.
Local Advice #4: Stay hydrated during your Tibet Travel
At an average altitude of over 4,500 meters, the air in Tibet is thinner and drier, which easily increases the risk of dehydration. It is important to stay hydrated, which can release the symptoms of altitude sickness in Tibet.
During your days in Tibet, it is essential to drink plenty of water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. It is also wise to carry a reusable bottle and refill it whenever possible.
By staying vigilant about your hydration, you can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of Tibet while minimizing the health risks associated with high-altitude travel.
It's recommended to bring an eco-friendly water bottle for drinking water during your Tibet tour.
Local Advice #5: Travel to Tibet with a reliable local travel agency
Whether you join a small group tour or take a private tour in Tibet, it is important to book your trip with a reliable local travel agency. A professional and qualified tour guide and local driver will accompany you throughout your stay, ensuring a more pleasant journey.
With over 30 years of experience in Tibet inbound tourism experiences, we, at Tibet Vista, offer a variety of Tibet tours to suit different interests. Our professional tour guides, experienced local drivers, and licensed travel vehicles ensure the safety and enjoyment of your travels in Tibet.
Conclusion
Generally, it is safe to travel to Tibet, as long as you do remember that this is a completely different land and culture, and you will need to respect the local lifestyle and beliefs. Whether you travel alone or with family, you don’t need to worry about the security in Tibet. Just learning to prevent high altitude sickness will mitigate most risks. By following our safety tips above, you will have a safe and enjoyable trip in Tibet.
Video about is it safe to travel Tibet

Kungga Dundruk, often respectfully referred to as “Manager Kunga”, is the most revered and legendary Tibetan guide in our team.
Currently working as a customer service manager in Lhasa, Kunga used to study business overseas and got his Bachelor of Business in Nepal and India before moving back to his homeland. With pure passion for life and unlimited love for Tibet, Kunga started his guide career as early as 1997.
As a legendary Tibetan guide with 22 years of guide experience, Kunga was awarded the Gold Medalist of China’s Best Tour Guide in 2019, marking the pinnacle of his career. Today, Kunga loves sharing his wealth of Tibetan knowledge through travel articles and stands ready to offer prompt support whenever our guests need help in Lhasa.
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Tourist Concern #1: Is Tibet safe for solo female travelers?
Tourist Concern #2: Is Tibet safe for senior travelers?
Tourist Concern #3: Is it safe to travel to Tibet with kids?
Tourist Concern #4: Is it safe to take a flight to Tibet?
Tourist Concern #5: Is it safe to take a train to Tibet?
Tourist Concern #6: Is a self-drive road tour safe in Tibet?
Tourist Concern #7: Is drinking water safe in Tibet?
Tourist Concern #8: Is there any risk of being attacked by wild animals in Tibet?
Tourist Concern #9: Are Local Tibetans Friendly to International Tourists?
Tourist Concern #10: Any cultural or religious taboos to be aware of when traveling to Tibet?
Local Advice #1: Ensure you are healthy before visiting Tibet
Local Advice #2: Don’t get too nervous about altitude sickness in Tibet
Local Advice #3: Pack for Warmth and UV Protection
Local Advice #4: Stay hydrated during your Tibet Travel
Local Advice #5: Travel to Tibet with a reliable local travel agency