Sits at an average elevation of around 4,800 meters, Tibet has vast plains, sacred lakes, lush valleys, and the highest mountains on the planet, there really is nowhere like Tibet for your best trekking experience. For trekking, you come to the right place - all you need is the right time.

Drawing on over 30 years of experience in tourism, we recommend the best times for trekking in Tibet: from May to October. However, other period has its own distinctive charm, and we’ve also outlined the top three trekking routes, along with their ideal trekking periods, plus helpful tips for each. Read on to explore trekking in Tibet at its best.

Overall, the Best Time for Trekking in Tibet is from May to October

May to October sees the best temperatures in Tibet, ranging from 5°C to 27°C, with only certain high-altitude areas like Nagchu, Ngari, and Everest Base Camp (EBC) may experience nighttime temperatures below zero occasionally, offering a balance of mild warmth during the day and coolness at night.
- Check the detailed information about the best time for a lifetime Mt.Kailash trekking tour.

Additionally, the days are notably long on the plateau during this period, providing ample time for trekking. For example, in May, the sun rises around 7:00 AM and sets at approximately 9:00 PM, giving you about 14 hours of daylight. Such extended sunshine not only enhances visibility but also creates a pleasant environment for outdoor activities.

Plus, the high-altitude forests come alive with lush greenery at this time, adding to the beauty of the terrain. These thriving ecosystems invite exploration and offer a more comfortable trekking experience, thanks to improved oxygen levels to alleviate the altitude sickness in Tibet compared to the harsher winter months.

While this period overlaps with Tibet’s rainy season, which runs from late June to early September, rainfall has minimal impact on trekking. Rains typically occur in the late afternoons or evenings, leaving the days clear and sunny. Rarely does it rain continuously throughout the day, ensuring your trekking plans remain mostly unaffected. 

Trekking to Mount Everest and enjoying its stunning views is one of Tibet’s most iconic trekking routes.

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

Price from USD1780 p.p

April is Slightly Cold for Trekking in Tibet

April in Tibet marks the transition from winter to spring, with an average temperature of around 8°C. While the weather begins to warm, the region remains slightly chilly for trekking. Daytime temperatures in lower-altitude areas range between 5°C and 15°C, but higher-altitude locations are colder, particularly in areas like Namtso, Yamdrok Lake, and Everest Base Camp.

The cold weather in April also means many high-altitude trails may still be covered in snow or ice. While the scenery during this time is breathtaking, trekking during this period require extra caution and proper gear, making trekking more demanding.

However, for experienced trekkers equipped for cold weather, April can still be rewarding. The landscapes are stunning, with fewer tourists on the trails, offering a peaceful and undisturbed trekking experience. Despite the cold, daytime trekking can be enjoyable with proper layering and preparation, especially in sunlit areas where temperatures feel warmer.

Explore the unique natural wonders and extraordinary ethnic group in the eastern slope of Mount Everest in Tibet in one go.

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

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Gama Valley Trek - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD2890 p.p

Tibet Winter (Nov-March): Some Trekking Routes Closed, While Others Stunning

Winter in Tibet ranges from mild to extremely cold, with daytime highs reaching around 10°C and nighttime temperatures dropping as low as -20°C. However, conditions vary by location. In the eastern regions, such as Nyingchi and Lhoka, the weather is comparatively milder, though nighttime temperatures still dip well below freezing.

In the far west and north of Tibet, temperatures rarely rise above freezing, even during the day. The weather can be extreme, with heavy snow covering many of the high mountains and passes. During winter, the trekking routes around Mt. Kailash and Namtso are closed due to the heavy snowfall, ensuring safety for travelers.

However, in the area around Lhasa, it is not so cold, and there are some great treks that can be done in the winter months. The best trekking route for winter trekkers is the Lhasa Outskirts trek, a one-day trek from Pabonka Palace, on a cliffside around 15 kilometers to the west of the city center, to the Pubjoi Monastery, which lies to the north of Lhasa.

The trek leads you through stunning countryside and offers visits to remarkable sites: Tashi Choling Hermitage, the meditation cave of kings; Tagden Ritro, a remote cliff-top hermitage with a natural spring and views of Lhasa; Sera Utse Hermitage, linked to the famous Sera Monastery; and Raka Drak Hermitage, three caves once used by Gelug School founder Je Tsongkhapa.

Trekking in winter in Tibet adds an extra layer of excitement.

The Most Classic Tibet Trek Routes: Best Time to Trek Each One

Among the many routes in Tibet, four stand out as classics:
#1: The Kailash Kora trek, which offers a blend of pilgrimage and adventure;
#2: The trek from Old Tingri to EBC, featuring breathtaking landscapes and a close-up view of Mt. Everest;
#3: Gama valley trekking, presenting you the best of Eastern slope of Mt.Everest;
#4: The trek from Ganden to Samye, which combines trekking with Buddhist relics.
Each offers a different length and distinctive charm.

While May to October is ideal for trekking Mt. Kailash, the Saga Dawa Festival (11 June 2025) offers an unparalleled experience. This significant Tibetan festival honors Buddha's life events with various activities at Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar, including the installation of a new prayer pillar. You'll also join thousands of devoted locals on the kora, a truly unique experience.

The ideal time for trekking from old Tingri to Mt. Everest is from April to May and September to October.During these months, the weather is warm and mostly dry, creating perfect conditions for the journey. Clear skies and minimal rainfall provide breathtaking views of Mt. Everest and its majestic surroundings, enhancing the trekking experience.

The best times for trekking through the Gama Valley are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when visibility is optimal and offering magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. Also, there is less mist in the forested areas. May to June is especially enchanting, as vibrant flowers bloom, turning the green forests into vibrant colors and infusing the air with enchanting fragrances.

This cultural trekking from Ganden to Samye is ideal year-round, perfect for those with limited time who still want to combine trekking with Tibetan culture in one trip. Even in winter, the trail remains relatively mild. With fewer tourists and clear skies during this season, you’ll have ample space and time to fully appreciate Tibet’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Trekking during the Saga Festival not only lets you enjoy the Kora around Mount Kailash but also offers the chance to experience the ultimate pilgrimage.

16 Days Kailash and Manasarovar Small Group Tour: Touching Mount Kailash with Spiritual Saga Dawa Festival Experience

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Saga - Darchen - Kailash Trek - Darchen - Saga - Gyirong - Tingri - Lhasa

Price from USD2299 p.p

More Insider Tips for the Best Time to Trek in Tibet

1. Align your trek with local festivals like Saga Dawa (in May or June) to experience vibrant cultural celebrations while enjoying pleasant weather.

2. For Trekking in during the summer, please prepare the waterproof jacket in advance since there might be slight rain during this period.

3. With elevations often surpassing 4,000 meters, altitude sickness is a potential risk in Tibet. Spend a few days acclimating in Lhasa or a lower-altitude area before starting your trek.

4. Essential Clothing and Gear need to be prepared. Tibet's temperatures can vary greatly between day and night, so pack layered clothing to stay prepared for sudden shifts in weather.

Conclusion

Tibet has some of the beats trekking routes in the world, and the best high altitude treks on the planet, from the stunning Everest Base Camp trek and the rough and rugged Kailash Kora trek to the beauty of the Lhasa Outskirts Trek, with its amazing views and spiritual locations.

While May to October are the best times to trek in Tibet, with milder weather and clear skies, there is nothing to stop you trekking in winter too, and we have all you can hope for in amazing trekking experiences for your best Tibet trekking holiday.