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Unlock Tibet: 30 Must-know Tibet Travel FAQs for First-Timers to Tibet

If you are reading this, you are probably planning your upcoming Tibet tours and gathering valuable Tibet travel tips to navigate potential pitfalls, ensuring a smooth and enriching Tibet tour experience.

Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. With 30+ years of successful Tibet tour organizing experience, we, Tibet Vista, a local Tibet travel agency with offices in Kathmandu, Thimphu, and Chengdu, offer you the most authoritative and frequently asked questions about Tibet travel for international tourists.

So, with the following insider Tibet travel tips in mind, you can secure a safe, seamless, and pleasant journey in Tibet.

Content

1. Can I Travel Independently in Tibet?

2. What Is the Tibet Travel Permit and How to Apply for Tibet Travel Permit and Secure It?

3. Is It Safe to Travel to Tibet as Foreign Nationals?

4. When Is the Best Time to Travel to Tibet?

5. When Is Tibet Closed to Foreign Travelers?

6. How to Get to Tibet: the Best Travel Routes Unveiled.

7. What Should I Pack for Traveling to Tibet? Travel Light Is Possible in Tibet.

8. What Are the Altitudes of Tibet?

9. What Is Altitude Sickness?

10. What to Should I Do to Prevent Altitude Sickness?

11. How to Minimize Altitude Sickness During the Trip?

12. Are There Age Limits for Travelling to Tibet?

13. What Are the Other Permits Needed If I Travel Outside of Lhasa?

14. How About People Traveling from HK, Macau and Taiwan to Tibet?

15. Can I Fly into Tibet? Unlock the Best Gateway Cities to Lhasa by Flight.

16. Which Tibet Train Should I Take? Ideally from Chengdu or Xining to Lhasa.

17. Can I Buy Train Cickets on My Own? Yep! But Not Recommened, Here Is Why.

18. How Long in Advance Should I Book Tibet Train Tickets?

19. When Can I Have My Tibet Train Tickets?

20. Can I Avoid Altitude Sickness by Taking the Tibet Train to Lhasa?

21. What Are the Top Tibet Overland Tours Recommended from Tibet Travel Gurus?

22. What Travel Documents Will I Have to Keep to/in Tibet?

23. Is It Easy to Get Motion sickness When Travelling in Tibet

24. Who Will Be Our Guides? Are They Tibetans? Do They Speak English?

25. What Currencies Are Used in Tibet? Can I Use Credit Card and ATM Machines?

26. What Are the Tibetan Cuisines Available for Foodies in Tibet?

27. Any Great Himalayan Flavors for Veggies in Tibet?

28. Decode the Accommodation Options in Tibet

29. Should I Tip to People Offering Services to Me in Tibet?

30. What Are the Taboos to Avoid When Travelling in Tibet?

1. Can I Travel Independently in Tibet?

No, you can’t. All international visitors are required to visit Tibet through a pre-arranged tour with a licensed local Tibet travel agency like Tibet Vista.

Apart from the Chinese Visa (L Visa, tourist visa for most global tourists), you need to get the Tibet Travel Permit through the Tibet travel agency you are traveling with to board the flight and train to enter Tibet from other gateway cities in mainland China.

In addition, throughout your stay in Tibet, you need to travel on a guided tour, with a prebooked tour vehicle, etc.

2. What Is the Tibet Travel Permit and How to Apply for Tibet Travel Permit and Secure It?

Tibet Travel Permit, also known as Tibet Permit or China Tibet Visa, is a crucial travel document issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau for international tourists to take a flight or Tibet train to visit Lhasa, Tibet.

Get Tibet Travel Permit for international touristsAppy for Tibet Travel Permit to enter Tibet.

You can’t apply for a Tibet Travel Permit yourself from the Tibet Tourism Bureau. Instead, you need to sign up for a pre-booked Tibet tour with a local Tibet travel agency like us, which will apply for a Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf.  Please enjoy the free inquiry now.

3. Is It Safe to Travel to Tibet as Foreign Nationals?

Yes. It is totally safe. The local Tibetan people are among the most friendly and hospitable people in the world. The record of criminals is low here since they believe in Buddhism. And roads in Tibet are mostly well paved and are generally safe to travel by overland, biking or trekking, though some China-Nepal border regions at certain times like summer (monsoon season) can be in poor situation.

One thing worth mentioning is that be cautious around Tibetan mastiffs in nomadic areas or remote villages, as these powerful dogs, bred to protect livestock from wolves, can be aggressive.

Traveling with us, you are free from this worry since all our drivers are experienced and have driven through every corner of Tibet.

4. When Is the Best Time to Travel to Tibet?

The best time to travel to Tibet is from April to early June and September to November. 

Summertime from late June to August is the monsoon season while winter can see many roads inaccessible.

After all, Tibet is suitable for traveling all year round. And we will always try to customize tours all year round based on your requests.

best time to visit tibetChoose the best time to visit Tibet.

5. When Is Tibet Closed to Foreign Travelers?

Generally speaking, Tibet is closed to foreigners every year from mid-February till the end of March due to heavy snow and several important events. Nevertheless, tourism policies are subject to change. In 2024, you can apply for Tibet Travel Permit for Tibet travel from mid-March and we can secure your Tibet travel permit for you.

As a responsible and well-established local Tibet travel agency, we have a 7*24-reply system and diverse Tibet tours, esp. the featured and budget-friendly small group Tibet tours with fixed departures each month for you. Just drop us a message, and our friendly travel consultants will help you plan a once-in-a-lifetime journey in Tibet.

6. How to Get to Tibet: the Best Travel Routes Unveiled.

Wherever you are, for most travelers, traveling to Tibet involves two legs: take an international flight to the gateway cities (like Kathmandu, Chengdu, Xining, Chongqing, Xi’an, etc.) to Tibet and then switch to a flight or Tibet train bound for Lhasa.

A recommended travel route is flying to Chengdu and taking a domestic flight or boarding the Chengdu-to-Lhasa train to experience the world’s highest railway to Tibet. With time permitted, you can e njoy a panda tour at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Alternatively, you can fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa for a birds-eye view of Mt. Everest or enjoy the 8-day Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour via EBC. Whatever travel routes you’ve chosen, we’ve got you covered!

Tibet train across the Qinghai LakeThe Tibet train journey then takes you across the Qinghai Lake.

7. What Should I Pack for Traveling to Tibet? Travel Light Is Possible in Tibet.

With everything readily accessible in Lhasa city, most travelers on small group tours to Gyantse, Shigatse, EBC, Mt. Kailash, etc., can lighten their load and leave the heavy daypack behind.

For first-timers to Tibet, the following items are recommended to bring with you:

*Travel documents: passport, Tibet Travel Permit, any other reservation confirmations, etc.
*Layers of Clothing: Bring clothing suitable for layering, including thermal wear, fleece jackets, and waterproof outer layers. Temperatures can vary greatly, so being able to adjust your clothing is essential.
*Sun Protection: Pack sunscreen with a high SPF, sunglasses with UV protection, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from the strong sunlight at high altitudes.
*Sturdy Footwear: Comfortable, sturdy shoes or boots with good traction are crucial for walking on uneven terrain and exploring the Tibetan plateau.
*Medications: Carry any necessary medications, including antibiotics, cold relief, and Diamox to ease altitude sickness symptoms, diarrhea, stomach issues, etc. We suggest you consult with a healthcare professional before your trip.
*Thermos Water Bottle to keep water warm and stay hydrated on the Tibetan plateau.
*Personal items: SPF lip balm to prevent chapped lips at high elevations, beanie to warp your head at chilling mount passes, etc. Learn the ultimate packing list for Tibet travel.

8. What Are the Altitudes of Tibet?

The average altitude of Tibet is above 4000m. In Lhasa, the altitude is 3656m. But if you go to other parts of Tibet, the altitude varies from as low as 2000m something in eastern Tibet like Nyingchi; the highest region in Ngari prefecture, western Tibet, averages an altitude of above 4500m.

Popular tour destinations like EBC (5200m), Lake Namtso (4718m), and Mt.Kailash (4600m) are some of the highest places for traveling in Tibet, let alone some of the lofty mountain passes. However, our well-trained Tibet guide and expertly designed itineraries and scientific management can ensure travel safety for our clients.

9. What Is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness is a pretty common symptom when people travel at high elevations on the Tibetan Plateau. It is mainly associated with low atmospheric pressure. The occurrence of altitude sickness has to do with individuals’ susceptibility to altitude change.

When travelers travel above the altitude of 3000m with low pressure and low oxygen. Symptoms like headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, fatigue, breathing difficulty, etc. may occur. But, don’t panic. Normally, with great rest in a couple of days, most people will acclimatize to the Tibetan plateau.

10. What to Should I Do to Prevent Altitude Sickness?

To minimize the symptoms, the key is to avoid quick ascent. Taking the Tibet train to Lhasa is a great way to prevent acute mountain sickness as long as you have enough time to enter Tibet. For newly-arrived tourists in Lhasa, do not rush to visit attractions in downtown Lhasa and have a good rest in your hotel. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and do not exert yourself doing things like jumping or running. Most importantly, follow your guide’s guidance.

Besides, you’re suggested to do some special preparation like exercising a bit or taking some medicine before coming. However, always remember to ask your doctor for professional advice and prescription.

The rule of thumb is to have enough acclimatization before ascending to a higher place. “travel high and sleep low” also works. No worries! Our expertly crafted Tibet tours have taken altitude gain into consideration and portable oxygen bottles and a considerate local Tibetan guide will ensure you a safe travel in Tibet.

11. How to Minimize Altitude Sickness During the Trip?

Here are some basic tips:

1) Sleep well. A nice sleep would minimize your first reaction to altitude. Luckily, the hotels we arrange are carefully selected to ensure you a nice sleep.
2)Drink enough water but don’t eat too full or drink too much alcohol which may aggravate your altitude sickness.
3) Try not to shower when it’s cold. Whether at chilling night time or when the weather just turns colder, try not to shower to prevent catching a cold, which will lead to an uncomfortable journey and some severe result in the end if it’s not taken seriously.
4) Don’t exert yourself too much. Try to just relax and enjoy some easy moment before and after you get onboard.
5) Last but not least, if you have severe illness or disease, always inquire your doctor for professional advice and bring some medicines told by your doctor.

In general, just follow your guide’s advice. All our guides are local Tibetan guides who are experienced in dealing with altitude sickness. - For more information about altitude sickness and other related issues.

12. Are There Age Limits for Travelling to Tibet?

Age can be a factor in Tibet travel, primarily due to the high altitude and rugged terrain of the region. However, is there no official age limit for Tibet travel.

 Mr Gerhard in EBCSturdy German gentlemen Mr. Gerhard who made it to EBC and even Mt. Kailash kora in Tibet at the age of 82.

Here are some successful travel stories of our guests:

The oldest to make it to Mt. Kailash - an 82-year-old man, Gerhard
The oldest to make to EBC: - an 84-year-old woman, Anne Gentry
The youngest to make it to Mt. Kailash - an 11-year-old boy, Flurin Johan
The youngest to make it to EBC - a 6-year-old boy, Pablo

13. What Are the Other Permits Needed If I Travel Outside of Lhasa?

Depending on where you go in Tibet, three other permits may be needed: the Alien Travel Permit, the Military Permit and the Tibet Public Security Permit/Foreign Affair Permit. However, there is no need to worry. All these permits will be properly handled your Tibetan guide in Tibet.

A Sample of Alien's Travel Permit A Sample of Alien's Travel Permit

14. How About People Traveling from HK, Macau and Taiwan to Tibet?

Overseas Chinese and Taiwanese also need to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit. Hong Kong and Macao residents need a Home Return Certificate instead of the TTP.

15. Can I Fly into Tibet? Unlock the Best Gateway Cities to Lhasa by Flight.

Definitely, yes! Then non-stop flights to Lhasa involve gateway cities like Kathmandu, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, and Shangri-La City. Explore all the airlines and filghts to Tibet.

Connecting flights to Lhasa include flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming, etc.

One thing to mention is that if you take a flight to Lhasa Tibet, you need to have more time for acclimatization to the Tibetan Plateau due to the abrupt ascent. So, don’t engage in strenuous activities like jumping and running shortly after you land at Lhasa Lhasa Gonggar International Airport.

fly to tibetChoose the best airlines and fly to Tibet.

16. Which Tibet Train Should I Take? Ideally from Chengdu or Xining to Lhasa.

Right now there are Tibet trains from major gateway cities across China like Xining, Chengdu, Lanzhou, Xi’an, Chongqing, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc.

To experience the best highlights of the Tibet train, the Xining-Lhasa train is one of your go-to choices because the best view of the Tibet train starts from Golmud to the Lhasa section. Yet, the shortage of train tickets in high season esp, especially during summer travel season can be a huge challenge.

Xining to Lhasa Railway MapXining to Lhasa Railway Map

With that said, which Tibet train works best for you depends on your travel time and personal interests, please refer to Tibet train information, tell us your needs and we will do our best to help you secure a Tibet train ticket for Lhasa and arrange the Tibet train tours.

17. Can I Buy Train Cickets on My Own? Yep! But Not Recommened, Here Is Why.

Yes, you can. But it’s very difficult for foreigners.

Firstly, English is not available for online booking, booking through phone calls, or booking at train stations.

Secondly, tickets are on sale 30-60 days and can be sold out in a short time, especially in peak time. Thirdly, train schedules change once in a while.

To save your hassle, we provide an online booking system and provide the most up-to-date information about Tibet train tickets. Plus, we have multiple channels to ensure tickets for our guests

18. How Long in Advance Should I Book Tibet Train Tickets?

3 months in advance is what we recommend. As mentioned above, train tickets are on sale 30 to 60 days. You book the tickets on our online system and we will book them as soon as it opens for sale.

19. When Can I Have My Tibet Train Tickets?

Normally around 3 to 5 days after we get the tickets. We will send it to your address in China via express. Or in some extreme cases, our staff will give it to you in person at the train station or airport.

20. Can I Avoid Altitude Sickness by Taking the Tibet Train to Lhasa?

Not really. The train is specially designed and pressurized to prevent passengers from altitude sickness, and there are two oxygen systems provided on the train. However, tourists may still have trouble sleeping and feel exhausted after arriving in Lhasa. So, for the well-being of our guests, most of our Tibet tours are designed with the first few days in Lhasa for acclimatization.

21. What Are the Top Tibet Overland Tours Recommended from Tibet Travel Gurus?

You can take an overland tour from inland China like our Sichuan-Tiber overland tour via G318. You can also book the 8-day Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour across the majestic Himalayas. Either way, we can help you get the travel documents needed and arrange the local Tibetan guide, border transfer, tour vehicles, and hotels.

22. What Travel Documents Will I Have to Keep to/in Tibet?

If you travel to Tibet by overland from inland Chinese cities, you have to show your Chinese visa and Tibet Travel Permit.

If you enter Tibet from Kathmandu. You will have to show your China Group Visa and a photocopy of your Tibet Travel Permit.

Chinese Tourist VisaA sample of Chinese Group Visa.

Throughout your stay in Tibet, your Tibet Travel Permit and other travel documents will be kept in the hands of your guide for checking at different checkpoints across Tibet.

23. Is It Easy to Get Motion sickness When Travelling in Tibet

The roads can be very windy so prepare some motion sickness medicine or sit near the front of the vehicle, as this can help reduce motion sickness by minimizing the feeling of movement. You can also open windows for small fresh air or take frequent breaks and stretch your legs to alleviate motion sickness.

24. Who Will Be Our Guides? Are They Tibetans? Do They Speak English?

All our guides are local Tibetan guides who have over 15 years - some even over 20 years - experience. They all speak good English and understand their own culture profoundly. View the celebrated local Tibet guides in our company.

25. What Currencies Are Used in Tibet? Can I Use Credit Card and ATM Machines?

ATMs are available in Lhasa, and Shigatse, two of the biggest cities in Tibet. Credit cards can be used in Lhasa. Otherwise, bring Chinese Yuan or RMB with you, esp in remote areas in western Tibet.

So, all in all, the best way is to exchange enough cash in one-go in Lhasa. - Read more money and banking tips in Tibet.

26. What Are the Tibetan Cuisines Available for Foodies in Tibet?

All around Tibet, Tibetan and Chinese (mainly Sichuanese) food are readily available, even in remote areas like EBC and Kailash. Typical Tibetan food is tsampa, noodles, momos, yak beef, etc. Popular Chinese food is like twice-cooked pork belly, fish-fragrant lean pork slices and Kung Pao Chicken, with rice the staple.

Tibetan food cultureTibetan food culture is very rich, and there are many choices available.

In Lhasa, there are more choices besides the two cuisines. Nepali, Indian and western food can also be easily found. - Find out more about food and restaurants in Tibet.

27. Any Great Himalayan Flavors for Veggies in Tibet?

No problem. Tibet is vegetarian-friendly. While traditional Tibetan cuisine includes meat dishes like yak meat and momos (dumplings) filled with meat, there are still plenty of vegetarian options available in Tibet. Some typical vegetarian dishes you can expect to find in Tibet include:

*Tsampa: A staple Tibetan food made from roasted barley flour, often mixed with water or butter tea to form a dough-like consistency.
*Thukpa: A hearty noodle soup made with vegetables and sometimes tofu or paneer (Indian cottage cheese).
*Tofu Stir-fry: Stir-fried tofu with vegetables and Tibetan spices.
*Saag: A spinach or mustard green-based dish cooked with spices and sometimes paneer.
*Dal Bhat: A lentil curry served with rice, often accompanied by vegetable side dishes.
*Steamed Vegetables: Fresh vegetables steamed and served with Tibetan sauces or dips.
*Breads: Tibetan bread (bhaklep) or Indian bread (roti) made without animal products.

28. Decode the Accommodation Options in Tibet

In Lhasa, you have extensive options for accommodations to cater to different pockets and interests, ranging from basic guesthouses to Tibetan-style hotels, and 5-star hotels.

Outside of Lhasa, the accommodation would be not that too many to choose from. However, in bigger cities like Gyantse and Shigatse, there are still starred hotels. But in areas like EBC and Kailash, you have only tent guesthouses, makeshift tents or monastery guesthouses to choose from.

For all our tours and guests, we choose restaurants with the best hygiene and hotels with the best equipment and service, to make our guests feel as comfortable as possible.

lhasa regis hotel in lhasaStay in luxury Lhasa Regis hotel.

29. Should I Tip to People Offering Services to Me in Tibet?

Tipping is not mandatory in Tibet. However, if your guide and driver did a good job and you really enjoyed the trip, we recommend you tip at a certain amount from 30 to 100 RMB. In hotels and restaurants, if you really like their service or food, you can also choose to pay a bit to show your gratitude.

30. What Are the Taboos to Avoid When Travelling in Tibet?

1) Do ask for permission first before taking photos of anyone.
2) Do walk clockwise in or outside of religious facilities, like temples, monasteries, pagodas, and mani stones.
3) Do not touch Buddhist statues, sutras or ritual offerings, or take pictures of them inside temples or monasteries.
4) Do not rotate the prayer wheel anti-clockwise.
5) Do not step on the threshold of any tent, house, temple or monastery.
6) Do not touch the head of anyone.
7) Do not wear hats or caps when you enter a chapel.
8) Do wear decent clothes during your visit to a monastery, chapel, and other holy places!
9) Do not wear any clothes and shoes that have Buddha's pictures and prayer flags on them.

Find more detailed info about Tibet etiquette and taboos.

Master Catherine Jigme

About the Author - Master Catherine Jigme

With exceptional passion and outstanding leadership, Mrs. Catherine has dedicated herself to Tibet inbound tourism and China tour for 15 years. As one of the handful females who see great potential of Chinese inbound tourism, Catherine has made great contribution to promoting Tibet tourism and enhancing the employment of Tibetans and prosperity of local Tibetan community.

Over the years, she travelled overseas with Tibet Tourism Bureau many times to promote Tibet tourism. Currently, Catherine works as the marketing director of Tibet Vista, an opinion leader behind the whole team of Tibet Vista.

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