With an average altitude of 4,500 meters, Tibet is always mistakenly considered unbearably cold and off the list of winter destinations. However, travelers who have actually been there believe it to be the best winter destination in Asia as it is not as cold as many people imagine. The average daytime temperature in major cities and towns in Tibet is around 10°C to 18°C in winter, which is 3-5°C higher than in Beijing. The only thing you should notice is that the roads to some of the mountainous areas of Tibet might be blocked by heavy snow.

So, where can we go in Tibet during the winter? What are the best destinations for a winter tour in Tibet?

Here, we will share the top 3 winter destinations in Tibet, which are usually reachable and are the most attractive in Tibet winter tours.

Top 1: Lhasa, the City of Sunshine with Tranquil Beauty in Winter

Sitting on the north bank of the Lhasa River, Lhasa is the political, economic, cultural, and religious center of Tibet. With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, it has been dubbed "the City of Sunshine".

Winter Weather and Climate in Lhasa

The average temperature in Lhasa during winter is around -10°C at night and 10°C during the day. It warms up in the daytime as the sunlight intensifies, making it pleasant for sightseeing. Although it gets very cold at night, you can still sleep comfortably in many hotels equipped with excellent heating facilities.

The majestic Potala Palace looks stunning in the snow.

What to Experience for Visiting Lhasa in Winter

In winter, the holy city of Lhasa is at its most authentic when Tibetans in other regions of the Tibet Autonomous Region take advantage of this slack farming season to make their pilgrimage trip to Lhasa. Monasteries, temples, and streets are teeming with traditionally dressed Tibetan pilgrims. With fewer tourists but more Tibetans, you can experience more authentic Tibetan culture and atmosphere in the old town of Lhasa.

Never miss the iconic Potala Palace. With an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level, the Potala Palace sits on the top of the Red Hill in the center of Lhasa City. The White and the Red Palaces look more solemn and majestic under the winter sun. If you are lucky to meet snow in Lhasa, you will enjoy a more breathtaking snowy view of the Potala Palace.

Fully explore top monasteries without the crowds of the high season. As the spiritual center of Tibet, Jokhang Temple is always one of the top sights to see when visiting Lhasa. Praised as the top Gelugpa Monasteries in Tibet, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery are both on every Lhasa tour itinerary, where you can get a deeper understanding of the daily lives of Tibetan monks. Normally busy and filled with tourists in the summer and shoulder seasons, they are much more accessible in the winter months, and you can take your time looking around without having to rush because of the limited visiting times.

Enjoy a cup of Tibetan butter tea at a traditional Tibetan Tea House. There’s no better way to enjoy a leisurely afternoon than by visiting a local tea house and experiencing it like the locals do. You will savor traditional Tibetan butter tea, sample local snacks, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of Tibetan culture. It’s a perfect way to experience the local life of Tibet.

Visit Lhasa in winter to experience a unique tranquility and atmosphere.

How to Plan a Lhasa Tour in Winter

A classic Lhasa city tour takes 4 days in general, with the first day to accumulate to the high altitude upon arrival and the last day for departure. Usually, you can spend two days exploring the most essential parts of Lhasa, like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery.

Of course, you can spend more days to explore off-the-beaten-path sites in and around Lhasa. For example, you could dedicate an extra day to Norbulingka, enjoy a leisurely city walk, hike around Ganden Monastery, or meditate in the ancient cave at Drak Yerpa Monastery. In general, 4 to 6 days is enough to enjoy a winter tour in Lhasa.

Insider Tips:
It’s important to acclimate to the high altitude of the Tibetan Plateau upon your arrival in Lhasa. Since Lhasa is situated at 3,650 meters above sea level, it’s advisable not to schedule any sightseeing on your first day there. No matter whether you get to Lhasa by flight or by train, taking a good rest in your hotel is essential for accumulating to the high altitude.

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Top 2: Yamdrok Lake with Lakeside Charms in Central Tibet

100 kilometers southwest of Lhasa lies a large body of water known as Yamdrok Lake. This widespread lake is one of the three holiest lakes in Tibet. Sitting on the high-altitude plateau of Tibet, Yamdrok Lake is nestled between the flanks of the mountains of the Himalayas, on the road from Lhasa to Gyantse, it is the largest inland lake in the northern Himalayas, and is supplied with melting ice from the spring thaws, which give it a very low saline level.

Visit Yamdrok Lake in winter to enjoy the stunning view of this holy lake, blanketed in pure white snow.

Winter Weather and Climate at Yamdrok Lake

In winter, the Yamdrok Lake is often frozen, giving it an even more beautiful appearance with its white gown, and the snow and ice do not thaw until April. The temperature range at Yamdrok Lake in winter is roughly between -10°C and 5°C. Specifically, the average temperature from November to December is between -5°C and 10°C, while from January to February, it ranges from -10°C to 5°C.

What to Experience for Visiting Yamdrok Lake in winter

During the one-day Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake round trip, you will get a panoramic view of this turquoise lake from different platforms. Driving along the road beside Yamdrok Lake, you can get a close look at this holy lake. Also, you will have a chance to explore the isolated monastery, the Rutok Monastery, on the island of Yamdrok Lake, and have a talk with the lonely monk who lives in the monastery by himself. For lunch, you can visit a local village family and have a homemade lunch to experience the family life of the locals.

How to Plan a Yamdrok Lake Tour in Winter

Yamdrok Lake is conveniently located on the route from Lhasa to Gyantse, making it a popular stop for travelers heading to Shigatse or on their way to Everest Base Camp. If you have enough time for a 6 to 8-day trip to Shigatse or Everest, you'll definitely have the opportunity to visit Yamdrok Lake along the way. Alternatively, if you prefer to focus on Lhasa and its nearby attractions, you can opt for a 5-day Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake tour.

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Top 3: Everest Base Camp, the Highest Point Available to Visit Year-Round

With a peak at 8,844 meters above sea level, Mt. Everest is renowned as the highest mountain on earth and “the Third Pole of the World”. Many people travel to Tibet primarily to visit Everest Base Camp. Interestingly, the base camp is accessible year-round, including during the winter months.

Winter Weather and Climate at Everest Base Camp

Typically, temperatures at Everest Base Camp range from -22°C to -5°C from November to February. The weather is mostly sunny, though snow can also occur, and low temperatures are often accompanied by strong winds. While it's essential to keep warm, it’s equally important to stay hydrated in the dry conditions during your daytime visit.

At night, temperatures of the Everest Base Camp can plummet to around -15°C and with wind speeds of over 14 kilometers per hour, it can feel significantly colder.

The Everest Base Camp tour is a popular winter excursion in Tibet.

What to Experience for Visiting Tibet Everest Base Camp in winter

Everest in winter offers a more peaceful and majestic view with clear skies and pure white snow-capped mountains. As the sun gets lower and the sky becomes clear, it casts beautiful shadows and illuminates almost everything in sight. Therefore, you can take amazing photos of the peak and its surrounding mountains of over 8,000 meters above sea level, even if they are not professional photographers. https://www.tibettravel.org/winter-tour/everest-winter.html

Only 8 kilometers away from the base camp is the Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world at 4,980 meters above sea level. Belonging to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, it is the only monastery that houses both monks and nuns, and affords some of the most spectacular views of Everest, especially on clear winter days. The monastery is simple and has a sense of untouched beauty that sets it apart from other temples in Tibet.

How to Plan an Everest Base Camp Tour in Winter

The most popular Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour takes 8 days. You can also visit the Everest Base Camp on the way from Lhasa to Kathmandu or vice versa within 8 days.

While arranging your trip to Everest Base Camp in winter, please notice that Rongbuk Monastery is the only place with accommodation available in winter. You can stay in a guesthouse there, or transfer to a local village at the mountain foot for an overnight stay in a local guesthouse. All tent hotels at Everest Base Camp will be closed from Late October to next April.

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How to Visit the Top 3 Destinations in One Trip? 7 to 8 Days via the Friendship Highway

The top 3 winter destinations in Tibet are all situated along the popular Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway. It is easy to visit them together during an epic Tibet Nepal overland tour. Alternatively, you can take a popular 8-day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour to explore all these winter destinations in one go.

Thanks to good road conditions, this route is accessible in winter, with almost no snow blocking the way. As the most popular travel route in Tibet, it becomes more peaceful during the winter months, free from the crowds at the viewing platforms typical of peak season. With fewer cars and tourists along the way, you can better appreciate the stunning landscapes on this route.

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More Insider Tips for Tibet Winter Tours

Visiting Tibet in winter can be an amazing experience, with fewer tourists and stunning landscapes of the holy land. Here are some more travel tips to help you make the most of your Tibet winter tour.

Dress warm and layer your clothing to manage varying temperatures in winter Tibet. The daytime temperatures in Lhasa and its surroundings are around 10°C, while it is not too cold under the winter sunshine. But when the sun goes down, it is below zero, usually with a minimum of -10°C at night. So it is wise to bring thermal base layers, a warm-down jacket, gloves, a hat, and insulated footwear when you visit Tibet in winter.

Stay Hydrated is always important no matter when you visit Tibet. Bring a thermos bottle and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as the dry winter air can lead to dehydration.

Proper sun protection is essential when traveling to Tibet. The ultraviolet rays in Tibet are strong in winter, so you need to apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses to reduce eye irritation and avoid learning blindness.

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Conclusion

Tibet is surprisingly a wonderful destination for a winter trip. With daytime temperatures around 10°C, it's pleasant to bask in the sunshine on the Roof of the World while immersing yourself in the rich atmosphere of Tibetan culture.

Although some high-altitude areas are closed during winter, there are three top destinations you shall not miss for your Tibet winter tour. Connected by the popular Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway, Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake, and Everest Base Camp offer an incredible journey through stunning landscapes, showcasing the beauty of the Himalayas. Spending about a week exploring these top destinations in Tibet can be a great choice for a winter holiday, especially at lower prices with great winter discounts.