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Tashi Delek! I’m Drola Joy
Warm greetings from Tibet! I’m Joy, I have been working as a senior tour guide for 12 years, sharing my passion for this extraordinary land with travelers from around the world.
My love for guiding goes hand in hand with my enthusiasm for photography, as I enjoy capturing the beauty of Tibet’s unique scenery and traditions to preserve those unforgettable moments.
Fascinated by Tibet’s awe-inspiring landscapes and vibrant culture, I developed a deep connection to this land and its people. Guiding has allowed me to combine my love for serving others with my desire to share the stories, history, and beauty of Tibet. I look forward to helping you explore and create your own incredible memories in this magical place.
My Bio
My Expertise Region: Every corner of Tibet - central and around Lhasa, Everest region, Mt. Kailash region, northern Tibetan grassland, eastern Tibetan canyons, etc.
My Experience: 12 years guiding & servicing our beloved guests.
My Language: English, Mandarin, Tibetan.
My Specialties: Passionate about sharing Tibet’s beauty, with expertise in its history, architecture, and Buddhism. With a love for hiking and photography, I guide unforgettable adventures and help guests create lasting memories.
My Tour Service: Tibet small group tours, private guided tours.
Tell Me Your Tibet Travel Plan
Tour Reviews & Cherished Travel Moments with Drola Joy
Browse through how our guests review Drola Joy’s guide service on TripAdvisor and share the joy and excitement of our guests when traveling with Drola Joy in holy Tibet through the photo gallery.
My Most Recommended Tibet Small Group Tours
With a profound knowledge of Tibet’s sacred peaks, holy lakes, and Buddhist monasteries, I specialize in guiding small group tours that offer immersive Tibetan experiences. From popular Lhasa to Everest Base Camp, and from the holy Mt. Kailash kora to overland tours to Kathmandu and off-the-beaten-path treks, I’m your go-to guide for exploring Tibet. Check out my top 8 small group tours with fixed departures, and join me for an uplifting adventure in Tibet!
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Ranked No.1 Tibet TripClassic Everest TripTour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa
“ We planned this trip with four moments to experience the amazing Mt. Everest, all in one journey. ”
2025 Available Dates & Price: -
Tibet-Nepal OverlandMost Classic Trip
Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu
“ Travel through the magical Himalayas and experience the beauty of Mt. Everest from four different angles. ”
2025 Available Dates & Price: -
Mt.Everest+Namtso LakeAll Highlights Covered
10 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake Small Group Tour
Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Shigatse - Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Damxung - Lhasa
“ Combine the best scenery of Tibet in one go with a rich cultural experience as visiting local villages, teahouses, and monasteries. ”
2025 Available Dates & Price: -
Classic Nepal to Tibet Trip
8 Days Driving Across Himalaya Overland Adventure from Kathmandu to Lhasa
Tour Route: Kathmandu - Gyirong - Everest Base Camp - Tingri - Shigatse - Gyantse - Lhasa
“ We provide quality service and wonderful experiences through the Himalayas from Kathmandu and Lhasa. ”
2025 Available Dates & Price: -
10 Days Best Everest Trekking Small Group Tour from Tingri to Everest Base Camp
Tour Route: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Shigatse - Old Tingri - Lungjiang - Lamna-la - Chaya Pass - Everest Base Camp - Tingri - Shigatse - Lhasa
“ Follow the classic trekking trail on the northern side of Mount Everest to reach Everest Base Camp in Tibet and enjoy popular sightseeing from Lhasa to Shigatse. ”
2025 Available Dates & Price: -
Ultimate Tibet Pilgrimage TrekTrek to Worship the Holiest Mountain in Tibet
Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa
“ This is the trip for any of Kailash tourists; the ultimate overland trip of Tibet with 3-day trek & chance to admire Mt.Everest. ”
2025 Available Dates & Price: -
17 Days Kailash Manasarovar Full Moon Tour & Guge Kingdom Exploration
Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Saga - Darchen - Zanda - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa
“ Extend the classic Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to include the Ruins of Guge Kingdom for a rich cultural experience and breathtaking landscapes throughout the Tibet Plateau. ”
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TibetVista's Exclusive Trip
Tour Route: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Lhasa
“ It’s a leisurely journey to downtown Lhasa with a short ride to turquoise Yamdrok Lake, best for family visits to Tibet. ”
2025 Available Dates & Price:
Explore Tibet with Drola Joy
Thank you for your interest in touring Tibet with me! To reserve your tour, please leave your contact information and travel plan below. Once you've submitted your inquiry, I will reach out to you within 24 hours to confirm the details of your travel plan, offer helpful solutions, and finalize arrangements for your Tibet tour. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me!
Most Asked Questions about Guided Tours in Tibet
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What is the best time of year do I recommend you to visit?
You might be wondering about the best time to visit Tibet, and honestly, there’s no bad time! However, I find that my clients have the best experiences in spring and autumn. By April and May, the weather warms up, making it perfect for trekking and outdoor exploration. You can expect sunny days and clear skies, which means fantastic visibility for all the stunning views.
September and October offer similar weather—warm and clear. After the summer rains, the landscapes are lush and vibrant, especially in places like the vast grasslands of Saga and the beautiful forests of Nyingchi.
Don’t miss out on winter, either! It has its own charm, with fewer tourists and breathtaking snow-covered landscapes. While it’s colder, the clear blue skies and peaceful surroundings can make for a magical experience.
Another great thing about spring and autumn is that they’re not as crowded as summer, which is peak season. During the summer, many domestic travelers flock to Tibet, leading to higher prices and busier attractions. In spring and autumn, you can enjoy a quieter experience at monasteries and other famous sites, making your visit even more special!
If you have any questions about timing your trip, feel free to ask!
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How do you adapt to the altitude, and what precautions should you take?
Adapting to the altitude is an important part of your trip to Tibet, and most people experience mild to no symptoms of altitude sickness. However, it’s still wise to take some precautions. When you first arrive, I recommend spending a few days in Lhasa. At 3,650 meters, it’s high but lower than many other places in Tibet, making it a great spot for your body to adjust. Take it easy and enjoy the local attractions during this time.
As you venture into higher-altitude areas, remember to ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and don’t push yourself too hard. This is where traveling with a reliable tour company and guide becomes really important. We carefully plan itineraries to minimize risks, and experienced guides are trained to recognize early symptoms of altitude sickness and know how to respond.
Your comfort and safety are our top priorities, so don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions!
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Are there any cultural customs you should be aware of?
When visiting Tibet, it’s good to be aware of some cultural customs. Tibet is a deeply spiritual place, with Buddhism playing a significant role in daily life. When you visit monasteries and religious sites, please dress modestly—make sure your knees and shoulders are covered, and remember to remove your hat. Inside, speak softly and avoid touching anything, as these spaces are sacred.
In everyday interactions, you'll find that people are very friendly, but it's polite to ask before taking photos. Tibet has a rich and complex history, so it's best to steer clear of political discussions.
Also, avoid touching anyone on the head, as it’s considered disrespectful. Keep your interactions polite and friendly, and be patient with any language barriers or cultural differences. We locals are generally understanding and appreciate your efforts to respect their customs!
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What type of accommodation can you expect during the tour?
You might be wondering about the types of accommodation you can expect during your tour. In larger cities like Lhasa and Shigatse, you'll have plenty of options! You can choose from luxury 5-star resorts, comfortable 3-4-star hotels, cozy guesthouses, and even hostels, depending on your budget and preferences.
In more remote areas, like Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash, options are limited. Here, you'll typically stay in monastery guesthouses. While these places offer basic amenities, they are clean and warm, with dormitory rooms that usually have 5-8 beds. Bathrooms are shared or located outside, but you’ll always have access to hot water for washing up.
No matter where you stay, I’ll help ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience!
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What Tibetan Dishes Do I Recommend You to Try?
If you're wondering what Tibetan food to try, I highly recommend visiting our local Tibetan restaurants! You’ll find everything from cozy sweet teahouses to places that offer traditional Tibetan shows along with your meal.
Be sure to try dishes like momos (steamed dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and don’t miss our sweet tea — it’s a local favorite! Each bite and sip tells a story of our culture and heritage. Dining in these restaurants not only fills your stomach but also gives you a taste of our vibrant traditions. Enjoy your culinary adventure in Tibet!
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Should you join in a small group tour or a private trip?
You might be wondering whether to join a small group tour or opt for a private trip. Both have their benefits!
Small group tours are a budget-friendly way to explore Tibet alongside other travelers who share your interests. It’s great to connect with fellow adventurers while sharing transportation costs across our vast landscapes. Plus, the communal style of Tibetan dining is perfect for small groups, making meals a fun and social experience!
On the other hand, private trips offer more flexibility. While they can be a bit pricier, you have the freedom to spend more time in places you love and adjust your itinerary as you go. This way, you can create a truly personalized experience that suits your interests.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your travel style and what you hope to get out of your journey in Tibet!
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Is Tibet safe to travel nowadays?
As a local guide in Tibet, I can assure you that crime is virtually nonexistent here, thanks to our strong cultural values and the effective security measures in China. Visitors can feel at ease, as serious crimes against tourists are extremely rare, and petty issues like pickpocketing are almost unheard of.
While exploring our beautiful region, it's important to be mindful of altitude sickness, which can occur as you adjust to the high elevation. I always recommend taking it slow during your first days in Lhasa to acclimate. If you start feeling dizzy or nauseous, please let me know right away—I’m here to help!
Choosing a reputable tour operator is crucial for navigating Tibet's unique climate challenges. With my local knowledge, I’ll ensure we take safe routes and I can provide you with tailored advice on what to pack for your journey. Let’s make your Tibetan adventure unforgettable!
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Do I need to tip you and the driver?
Tipping in Tibet isn’t mandatory, but if you feel you had a great experience, it’s always appreciated! As your local guide, I’m committed to ensuring you have a safe, enjoyable, and enriching journey. Guides and drivers play a vital role in making your trip special, as we share our knowledge of the local culture, history, and stunning landscapes.
It brings me joy to connect you with our traditions and stories, and I want to make sure your time here is truly unforgettable. Your gratitude through tipping helps recognize our hard work and dedication. Thank you for considering this; it means a lot to us and helps support our local community!
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