Trekking in Tibet

Trekking in Tibet is a perfect way to explore Tibet and a wonderful experience of a lifetime that you can't get anywhere else on earth. By trekking Tibet, you can enjoy the unique scenery in secret places of Tibet and have a full insight of Tibetan culture.

There are four main types of treks in Tibet: Pilgrimage Treks, such as the Mt. Kailash kora, which are deeply spiritual journeys; Everest Treks that provide panoramic views of Mount Everest from all sides; Off-the-beaten Treks, where you can discover hidden villages and ancient paths; and Scenic Treks around tranquil lakes like Namtso and Yamdrok.

For trekker lovers, it is a great challenge to trek at over 4000 meters above sea level in average. A Tibet trekking tour requires good fitness condition, well preparation and strong perseverance. Besides, Tibet trekking is not feasible from December to March as the temperature goes very low and also the days becomes much shorter. Generally from April to October is the best season for opting a Tibet trek tour.

While trekking in Tibet is known for its challenges, we have carefully selected 11 treks that are suitable for most travelers. Among these, the Mt. Kailash trek is particularly renowned and is included as part of our 15-day Lhasa to Mt. Kailash tour, with over 500 travelers having completed it safely this year.

At Tibet Vista, we provide you with professional trekking support including expedition cooker, well prepared meals, porters and yaks carrying luggage, high-quality trekking equipment, trained trekking tour guides. Most importantly, we highly suggest you read the trekking advice and have a good preparation for your hiking in Tibet.

If you're unsure which trek is right for you, feel free to contact our experts who can help you find the perfect trek that matches your interests, at no cost to you.

Top 11 Tibet Trek Routes Ranked by Popularity

Ultimate Tibet Pilgrimage Trek

Trek to Worship the Holiest Mountain in Tibet

15 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour: A pilgrim’s final fantasy and the greatest overland trip in Tibet.

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Saga - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Lake Manasarovar - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa
Off-the-beaten Trek in Everest Region

Explore Enchanting Gama Valley in Eastern Slope of Mt. Everest

15 Days Gama Valley Trekking in the Eastern Slope of Mt. Everest

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Gama Valley Trek - Shigatse - Lhasa
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
Legendary Pilgrim Routes

Explore First Gelugpa and First Nyingma Monastery

9 Days Ganden to Samye Trek

Tour Route: Lhasa - Ganden Monastery - Trek to Samye Monastery - Lhasa
Best Trek to Explore Tibetan Nomads

Discover the Pristine Beauty of Namtso Lake

12 Days Trekking from Nyenchen Tanglha to Holy Lake-Namtso

Tour Route: Lhasa - Ganden Monastery - Damxung - Trekking - Namtso Lake - Yangpachen - Lhasa
Perfect Trek of Culture & Wilderness

Explore Alpine Tundra, Hot Springs, Glaciated Valley

9 Days Tsurphu to Yangpachen Trek

Tour Route: Lhasa - Tsurphu Monastery - 4 Days' Trekking - Yangpachen - Lhasa
Short and Leisurely Trek in Tibet

Trek through Ancient Trade Route

8 Days Shalu to Nartang Trek (Best Countryside Hiking Trail)

Tour Route: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Gyantse - Trekking for 2 days - Shigatse - Lhasa
Senic Treks & Overland Tours Combined

In-depth 360° Trek around Holy Yamdrok Lake

12-Day Yamdrok Lake Circular Trekking Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Dongla Village - Gamalin Prairie - Nyimalung Village - Duoque Village - Dalong Town - Dongba Village - Guoba Village - Lhasa
Short Day Trek on the Outskirts of Lhasa

Short Trek to Locally-visited Ancient Buddhist Sites

5 Days Lhasa Outskirts Trekking Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa
Buddhist Meditation & Scenic Trek

Uncover Famous Buddhist Retreat & Monastery around Lhasa

5 Days Lhasa Tour and Pilgrimage Trekking Path

Tour Route: Lhasa
Pro-level Trek in Tibet Everest Region

Ultimate Everest Trek for Experienced Trekkers

15 Days Challenge to Everest Advance Base Camp Trek [6500M]

Tour Route: Lhasa - Shigatse - EBC -Base Camp1-Interim Camp -Base Camp2- ABC

Most Asked Questions about Tibet Trekking Tour

1. When is the best time for Tibet trekking?

The best time to trek in Tibet is in spring and autumn, which is from April to May and September to October. During these times there is little rain to interrupt your trekking tour in Tibet and it is not too hot to walk in the wilderness of Tibet.

If you come to Tibet in the wrong season, then you will not be able to complete your trekking route due to adverse weather conditions. So, weather conditions on the plateau are very important for trekkers.
2. How fit do I need to be to trek in Tibet?

Having a good physical condition can help you make your Tibet trekking successful while enjoying it to the max. Meanwhile, fitness is not really a major issue to be able to trek in Tibet; the hardest part is the altitude. If the level of your fitness allows you to travel to mountain tails, you are good to go for Tibet trekking tour.
3. How to avoid altitude sickness while trekking in Tibet?

One of the most common problems trekkers face is altitude sickness. Altitude sickness can be complicated as everyone has a different response to high altitude based on our genetics. While this might be a problem, there is a very simple way to over it: “Ascend slowly”. Most people get altitude sickness by going to high, too fast.

Moreover, you need to follow the saying “precaution is better than cure”. Although altitude sickness is very common in people trekking in Tibet, you need to take it seriously and avoid severe sickness. That is why you might want to consult a doctor before getting on board.

Tibet is beautiful and people crave to trek and explore this heavenly place on earth. However, your health needs to be your priority. Altitude sickness can be fought over with precautions and medication, but you might have to cancel your Tibet trekking plans if you have on of the following symptoms:
* Tuberculosis, pneumonia, serious tracheitis, bronchitis or something relating to it
* Serious heart attack or high blood pressure
* Serious cold
4. What to eat and where to stay during Tibet trek?

Most Tibet trek routes have small local restaurants providing delectable authentic Tibetan dishes. As you start getting higher, there will be simple eateries and teahouses providing instant Tibetan food packages.

If you are not a big fan of Tibetan food, you might want to bring your own instant packaged foods, and energy bars. Besides, you can hire porters and yaks to carry your tents, food and other trekking gears. Our local Tibtan guide are also good at making scrumptious local Tibetan or Chinese food during the trek in remote areas.

Most Tibet trekking routes provide options for living in monastery guesthouses. This is the time to forget about the lavish hotel lifestyles and enjoy the local Tibetan way of living. The guesthouses are very basic but most of them are ideally clean. Another option for sleeping is camping overnight in the tents of your own. You will find a lot of camping spots which are open and free to use. Make sure you have a warm sleeping bag with you as it gets chillier at night!
5. What to pack for trekking in Tibet?

Packing good equipment while trekking in Tibet is not only important for comfort but equally important for survival. Regardless of the time, you are traveling, you need to pack warm clothes. Even though you are traveling during summer or spring, the temperature goes down as the altitude goes up.

To keep yourself warm, be sure to pack 4-5 layers of clothing and a very warm sleeping bag. You can pack some long sleeve t-shirts that will keep you warm and it is also to take-off during the day when sun is out. The real hack would be to pack plenty of thin layered clothes which will help you keeping warmth.

Moreover, waterproof materials are considered to be the best. Packing thick woolen socks can be very vital as it can save you from blisters. Similarly, packing some hats can not only protect you from cold but also the UV rays during long days under the sun. Make sure your backpack is not gigantic and is comfortable to carry as you will be carrying it over rough terrain for a long distance.

It is also a good idea to pack a pair of trekking poles as it can help you keep your balance while walking in rough trails. It is very important to hydrate yourself while trekking. Bring a good water bottle easy to carry while walking and pack some energy bars you can snack on to keep your energy up.

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If you are planning to enjoy a Tibet trekking tour, yet have no ideas of how to sort it out the details, no worries! We would like to hear your tour plan and offer free professional consultancy and viable solutions. Please feel free to contact us.