Frequently Asked Questions about Tibet Travel

Yes, you need to obtain a Chinese Visa first so that you can apply for the Tibet Travel Permit.

The Chinese visa should be applied for by yourself through a Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Once you receive the visa, please scan it and email us copies of your Chinese Visa and your passport, for the Tibet Travel Permit application.

Thanks to China's latest visa-free policy, travelers from over 50 countries can now enjoy visa-free travel in China for up to 30 days. If you plan to visit Tibet with a passport from one of these countries, you only need to provide a copy of your passport (no Chinese Visa is required) for the application of your Tibet Travel Permit.

Yes, it is.

The Tibet Autonomous Region of China is one of the safest tourist destinations in Asia. With a low crime rate and the simplicity and kindness of the locals, which is influenced by their devout belief in Tibetan Buddhism, this is a welcoming destination where even female travelers can visit Tibet alone and feel comfortable and secure.

The only thing you need to be concerned about is the high altitude of Tibet. With an average altitude over 4,000 meters above sea level, you may get a headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, or loss of appetite upon arrival in Tibet.

But don’t worry about it too much. Generally, after one or two days staying in Lhasa, your body will adapt to the high altitude and the discomfort will be relieved.

Altitude sickness is a normal physiological reaction to rapidly ascending from a low altitude to a high altitude. Generally, it will be released naturally after a period of acclimatization.

So, don’t be overly nervous before your trip to Tibet. Keeping a positive attitude will help your body better adjust to the altitude change.

No matter whether you get to Tibet by train or flight, it’s recommended to rest well in your hotel and avoid rushing into sightseeing on your first day in Lhasa. Giving your body enough time to rest and adjust to Lhasa’s 3,650m altitude after a long flight or train ride will help ensure a smoother start to your journey in Tibet.

During your days in Tibet, drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated can also help alleviate discomfort caused by altitude sickness. It is also suggested to avoid strenuous movements and alcohol to help prevent altitude sickness in Tibet.

Our tourist vehicles are all equipped with oxygen cylinders, and you can also buy bottled oxygen in Tibet to relieve the symptoms of altitude sickness if needed. However, don’t rely on it too much. Your body needs time to acclimate to the high altitude.

Altitude sickness affects each person differently. If you continue to experience discomfort after using oxygen, let your tour guide know right away. Our experienced local Tibetan tour guides are experienced and always ready to help.

Sorry, you can’t travel independently in Tibet.

To get the Tibet Travel Permit, you need to book a Tibet tour with a local travel agency, which include a tour guide, the local vehicle with a driver, and other essential tourist services.

If you prefer more flexibility and privacy for your Tibet tour, it is recommend to customize a private Tibet tour with a dedicated tour guide and driver. It is ideal for a personalized one-one-one travel experience in Tibet.

The best time to visit Tibet is from April to June and September to October. During these months, the weather in Tibet is pleasant with less rainfall, offering the clearest views of snow-capped mountain peaks in Tibet. If Mt.Everest is your goal for visiting Tibet, it is highly suggested to visit Everest Base Camp in one of these months.

Winter is also a good season in Tibet, as it is not as cold as you think in Lhasa and the surrounding areas. It is also possible to visit Everest Base Camp in winter. As the off-season of Tibet tourism, winter is also the best time for a budget tour in Tibet. You can enjoy great discounts on hotels and flights to Tibet. Moreover, some of the famous attractions, such as the Potala Palace, Everest Base Camp, Namtso Lake, and Yamdrok Lake, are free of admission during the winter months.

The summer months, including July and August, are the peak tourism season in Tibet due to the summer holidays. It is the best time to travel from Lhasa to Namtso Lake and experience the vibrant grassland of northern Tibet . However, as the monsoon season in Tibet, it is not an ideal time to visit Everest Base Camp or trek in Tibet. The rainfall leads to heavy clouds and fogs in the mountains, reducing visibility and making it difficult to fully appreciate the majesty of Mount Everest and other mountains in Tibet.

Nowadays, it is convenient to get to Tibet by flight, train, or overland from the mainland of China. There are also international flights to Tibet from Nepal and Singapore, making it easier for overseas tourists to travel to Tibet.

The domestic flights to Tibet from most major cities, including Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, and so on. Among them, Chengdu offers the most frequently direct flights to Tibet, wither over 20 flights per day.

The international flights to Tibet only available from Kathmandu (Nepal) and Singapore. Since all these flights are not daily, it is essential to check the flight schedule in advance while planning your trip to Tibet.

Taking a Tibet train is another popular way to get to Tibet. Onboard the oxygen-equipped train to Tibet, you will explore the stunning landscapes along the legendary Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the world’s highest railway. Since trains to Tibet depart from only seven cities in the mainland of China, usually just once daily, Tibet train tickets are limited. It is suggested to book your Tibet train ticket in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. If you book a Tibet train tour with us, we guarantee the Xining to Lhasa train ticket for you.

Traveling to Tibet by overland is the most thrilling way to go. The Kathmandu to Lhasa overland journey via the Gyirong border is the most popular land route to enter Tibet. It is also an epic journey to travel across the Himalayas.

Another popular overland route to Tibet is from Chengdu to Lhasa via the southern route of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. As a part of of the famous G318 National Highway, the highway from Chengdu to Lhasa is praised as the most beautiful overland route to Tibet. You’ll experience the landscapes changes from Chengdu Plain to mountain valleys and the Plateau view along the way.

For more flexibility and convenience, most tourists choose to get to the mainland of China first, and then take a flight to Lhasa. It is also a great chance to take a China Tibet tour together.

No matter which way you choose to get to Tibet, we can arrange you a smooth journey with carefully-designed itinerary, guaranteed Tibet Travel Permit, and train/flight ticket booking services. Feel free to share your travel ideas with us.

Visiting the Everest Base Camp in Tibet is the top thing to do for over 85% of tourists coming to Tibet. Located at around 5,000 meters above sea level, the northern Everest Base Camp is the highest place that ordinary tourists can reach without any trekking or climbing. You will witness the top of the world up close. And en route, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the highest peaks of the Himalaya at Gawula Pass.

Exploring Lhasa, the holy city on the Roof of the World, is also a must for all trips to Tibet. A Lhasa city tour, usually at the beginning of a trip to Tibet, offers the first glimpse of Tibet. You will visit the iconic landmarks, such as the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple. The visit to the ancient Sera Monastery provides a rare chance to witness the special monks' debates. If you are short on time, you can spend 4 to 5 days visiting Lhasa and its surroundings.

Regarded as the center of the world by four religions, Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar are the lifelong yearning of many pilgrims. Many pilgrimage tourists come to Tibet for the Kailash Kora and the visit to Lake Manasarovar. Also, even for non-pilgrimage travelers, the 3-day trek around Mount Kailash is one of the best trekking trails in Tibet.

Besides the majestic mountain ranges, Tibet also boasts numerous plateau lakes that are worth a visit. These vast sea-like lakes on the Tibetan Plateau offer magical and captivating scenery. Among them, the most famous holy lakes in Tibet, like Namtso Lake and Yamdrok Lake, are popular destinations for nature lovers and photographers.

Beyond its natural beauty, Tibet's unique religious culture captivates tourists around the world. When traveling in Tibet, don't miss visiting Tibetan monasteries and experiencing the real life of Tibetan monks. If you want to experience meditation in a local monastery, feel free to let us know in advance, and we can arrange it.

Of course, Tibet is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether cycling, motorcycling, or self-driving, the adventure tour in Tibet not only allows you to experience the unique natural scenery of the Himalayas and the Roof of the World, but also takes you to delve into local villages and experience authentic Tibetan life.

Whatever your aspirations for Tibet, just share your travel ideas with us. Our travel consultants will recommend the most suitable destinations and Tibet itineraries based on your preferences.

Generally, 5 to 8 days is the most popular travel length for a trip to Tibet. To better acclimatize to the high altitude, the first day of your Tibet tour is typically reserved for having a good rest in your hotel, with no sightseeing arranged.

For a short trip in Lhasa and its surroundings, like the holy Lake Namtso, Yamdrok Lake, or Shigatse, 4 to 6 days are enough. If you plan to take an Everest Base Camp tour from Lhasa, it generally takes 8 days, with one night stay at the base camp.

The epic overland journey from Lhasa to Kathmandu along the Friendship Highway takes 7 days, while the journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa takes 8 days.

The classic Mount Kailash tour from Lhasa takes 15 days with a visit to Everest Base Camp, while the journey from Kathmandu to Mount Kailash, without a visit to any other destinations in Tibet, takes only 10 days. If you plan to go further to the Ngari area in western Tibet, you need to arrange more days.

All of our Tibet tours can be tailored to your preferences. If your travel time is fixed and you need a customized itinerary according to your schedule, just contact us for professional Tibet tour arrangements.

The general budget for a Tibet tour is approximately USD120 to USD200 per person per day. The exact cost of your Tibet tour varies depending on factors such as hotel standard, tour length, travel season, and so on.

For the same itinerary, a small group in Tibet is often more cost-effective than a private tour, as the costs of the tour guide and transportation can be shared among group members.

The highest tour costs are typically during July, August, and the Golden Week of the National Day Holiday in the first week of October. In contrast, the winter season, from November to February, is the off-season for Tibet tourism, which makes a winter tour in Tibet the cheapest for the year.