How to Plan a Trip to Tibet

Not sure how to plan a trip to Tibet? We share everything you need to know before visiting this enchanting country; from when to go to the best things to see and do.

Planning a trip to Tibet can seem daunting. There’s the distance, in both geography and culture, and the harsh climate and terrain to get ready for. Make planning easier with this simple guide on how to plan a trip to Tibet.

Millions of people travel there every year for unforgettable experiences in one of the most unique regions on the planet. From how to get there to the best places to visit in Tibet, let us show how to have the trip of a lifetime.

How to Plan a Trip to Tibet

Best Time to Visit Tibet

For most travelers, spring and autumn are the best times to visit Tibet. By April, the long winter has passed. Warm weather and blooming plants and flowers arrive to mark the start of trekking season. Expect comfortable double-digit temperatures and clear blue skies almost every day during the season.

Visibility is excellent for seeing the incredible natural landscapes. Spring is outside of the peak tourist season, so you can have a quiet and peaceful holiday. May is a particularly vibrant time, with Tibetan festivals like the Saga Dawa Festival held during the month.

Autumn, from September to October, is similarly a good time for travel in Tibet. The season gets the same mild weather, with comfortable daytime highs. Day after day of unbroken blue skies are excellent conditions for photography. The landscapes are lush after the summer rains, making places like Nyingchi and Lhasa even more picturesque. 

Except for China’s National Day holiday in the first week of October, autumn crowds are small. Traveling outside of the peak season is best for people seeking an authentic experience. Spring and autumn strike the best balance between warm weather and less busy tourist attractions.

Summer is the warmest time of year. Temperatures in some areas like Lhasa reach peaks in the low 20s. The downside is that it’s the peak travel season. There is a surge of domestic tourists over the summer holidays. It can be tough to find train tickets, accommodations, and tours. Prices are also at their highest at this time.

If you do go in summer, the weather is pleasantly warm. Monsoon rains, while not heavy, can bring fog and mist that obscure visibility. Take advantage of summer weather to visit Tibet’s high-altitude lakes, like Namtso Lake and Yamdrok Lake.

It’s no surprise that winter is definitely cold in Tibet. Still, it has some special attractions for travelers comfortable with the weather. The cold, dry air is piercingly clear. Views of Mount Everest’s peak are at their best. The snow-covered winter landscapes are a magical sight, and tourist destinations, even in Lhasa, will be completely uncrowded.

Obtain a Tibet Travel Permit

The Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) is an essential document for all international travelers to Tibet. Don’t worry, though. As long as you start early enough, it’s easy to get. 

The TTP is actually applied for on your behalf by a local Tibet travel agency. Travel regulations require tourists to pre-book a guided tour that includes accommodations, a guide, and a driver. Book your trip, and then the travel agency will tell you what information is needed. They will apply for your TTP through the Tibet Travel Bureau. It usually takes 14-15 business days to process. Starting at least a month in advance is recommended.

The TTP covers travel to Lhasa and the surrounding area. Additional permits are needed to visit remote or sensitive regions, including Everest Base Camp and Mount Kailash. These permits include the Alien’s Travel Permit and Military Permit. Your tour operator will also handle these on your behalf, and they can be applied for after your arrival in Tibet.

How to get to Tibet

Flying is the first choice for getting to Tibet for many people. Lhasa is remote, and flying gets you there quickly. Many major cities in China have non-stop flights to Lhasa. Daily flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi’an, and others only take a couple hours to arrive. These cities also have many international flight connections, making them excellent gateways to Tibet.

Kathmandu is the only international city that has a direct flight to Tibet. Himalayan Airlines flies the route three times a week. The flight passes directly over Mount Everest for an amazing birds-eye view of the peak.

Flying is convenient but introduces a greater risk of altitude sickness. The sudden arrival at 3650 meters in Lhasa can be difficult to adapt to. If you decide to fly, plan to spend a few days there touring the iconic sites of the city while you acclimatize.

Trains are the scenic choice for getting to Tibet. The famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the highest railway in the world. The 20-22 hour segment includes stunning scenery. See snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and alpine lakes just outside the window. Trains to Lhasa depart from several gateway cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi’an, and Xining. Xining is the closest and actual start of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

Tibet trains have soft and hard sleeper berths for comfortable travel on the long trip. They are also equipped with distributed oxygen systems to help passengers adjust to the increasing altitude.

Overland travel by car is another way to get to Tibet. The most popular route is an adventurous drive from Chengdu through eastern Tibet. The trip covers 2412 km and usually takes 7 days. It passes through incredible sites like Lulang Forest and Midui Glacier.

Acclimate to the High Altitude

The high elevation of the Tibetan Plateau presents some risks for travelers. Tibet has an average elevation of 4380 meters. Transferring between cities and popular sites can involve traveling over high-altitude mountain passes exceeding 5000 meters.

Altitude sickness happens when the body struggles with the low oxygen content in the air. It’s important to be aware of early symptoms so you can act before it gets serious. If you start to feel dizzy or nauseous or experience headaches and shortness of breath, tell your guide immediately. Good tour guides are trained in how to help visitors at risk.

The best advice to avoid serious symptoms is to acclimatize slowly. Lhasa is a lower area, at 3650 meters. Spend a few days there before traveling to higher areas like Everest Base Camp.

Stay hydrated and take it easy, especially in the beginning. Drinking plenty of fluids will help your body adapt. Overexertion can make mild symptoms turn more serious.

Talk with your doctor before traveling. Learn more about what to look out for, and get advice on what medication you can prepare. Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a common choice for helping to prevent altitude sickness.

Book a Guided Tour

Guided tours are a must in Tibet, but also a good idea. Independent travel isn’t allowed. Tourists must book a guided tour in order to get a Tibet Travel Permit. Tibet is also a challenging region. Weather and terrain can be dangerous to inexperienced people. The expert advice of a guide ensures you can travel safely. Guides can also help you learn about the local culture and history.

Choose a tour company with a long track record of successful tours. Reviews on sites like Trip Advisor can be a good guide. The best travel agencies will offer one-stop tour services for everything from permits to accommodations and transportation. 

Pack Wisely for High Altitude and Changing Weather

The tough part about packing for Tibet is how much the weather fluctuates. People say you can experience all four seasons in a single day. You need to ensure that you are comfortable at all times and protected from the elements.

Pack layered clothing. Having a thermal base layers, sweaters, warm jacket, and waterproof outer shell lets you adapt to changing temperatures. The sun and wind are very strong at high altitudes. Bring a high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Lip balm and moisturizer will help keep your skin from getting too dry.

Plan Your Itinerary Based on Interests

The best Tibet tours have a little bit of everything from culture and history to nature and adventure. There are countless monasteries and temples to visit, each with a unique history. Western Tibet has the ruins of the ancient Guge Kingdom, and every destination has its own legends and history.

It’s practically impossible to avoid seeing nature and wildlife in Tibet. Just traveling between the two largest cities, Lhasa and Shigatse, passes by natural wonders like Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier.  

Go deeper into nature on trekking adventures like the route from Ganden to Samye. Pristine nature reserves are home to diverse wildlife.

n places like the Changtang Plateau and Namtso Lake, antelopes, yaks, and birds fill the landscape with natural life.

Spiritual travelers can join pilgrims on kora routes and be immersed in Tibetan Buddhism. The Barkhor Kora in Lhasa is the most classic route and convenient for visitors. Lasting 3-4 days, the Mount Kailash Kora is among the most challenging, with profound spiritual rewards.

Understand Cultural Etiquette and Customs

Tradition is important to Tibetan people, and their traditions dictate their customs and etiquette. Respecting local customs will help you have better interactions with local people.

• Remember that Tibetan culture is modest. Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when visiting monasteries or spiritual sites. Be quiet and respectful at all times.

• Tibetan people are very happy to share their culture with visitors but always ask for permission before taking people’s photographs.

• Listen to your guide when visiting historic and religious sites. Don’t touch anything without asking first.

• When in doubt, follow the lead of locals. Watch what people are doing and use that as a guide. You’ll see local people walking in a clockwise direction around religious sites for example, you should do the same.

Prepare for Physical and Mental Challenges

People as old as 82 have safely finished the challenging Mount Kailash Kora, so Tibet can be enjoyed by almost anyone. Still, you should prepare for the mental and physical demands of the climate, altitude, and terrain.  

Consult your doctor before traveling to make sure you’re in good health. Your doctor can recommend an exercise plan to help you get ready. Simple treks at sea level become more difficult at above 4000 meters, and you’ll want to be ready.

Any experience in a new culture requires patience. Infrastructure varies, and transportation can be slow in remote areas. Language barriers and cultural differences may require extra effort when communicating with locals. By approaching your trip with an open mind and a sense of adventure, you’ll be better equipped to handle any challenges that arise.

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It might seem like a lot of things to think about, but each step in preparing is part of having the best experience possible in Tibet. Start by deciding the kind of experience you’re looking for to help plan where, when, and how to go. Then, look for a reputable travel agency to work with you to realize that goal.