Tibet Travel Guide
Tibet officially reopens to foreign travelers. The local Tourism Bureau has started to accept applications for Tibet permits since March 15th, 2023!
To most people, Tibet is mysterious and magnificent. It offers breathtaking views of the highest mountains in the world, holy monasteries, and spectacular turquoise lake, and attracts people from both home and abroad. Every visitor will get an unforgettable experience when visiting there as Tibet is absolutely the most unique spiritual place in the world.
Tibet is called the Roof of the World. It is the highest and the most beautiful plateau on earth. You will go across huge plains dotted with yaks, see glittering holy lakes, visit several fabulous monasteries and count colorful prayer flags on Mt. Everest Base Camp. Although in Tibet you have many obstacles to overcome, you will still feel the peace, and the scenery will still conquer you. This is what Tibet attracts people the most.
Best Time to Visit Tibet
Usually, the best time to travel in Tibet is from May to October every year. And travelers should avoid 2 Chinese golden weeks - May Day (May.1st to7th) and Chinese National Day (Oct.1st to 7th) which are full of Chinese travelers.
Top Things to Do in Tibet
Mainly travel areas in Tibet consist of Lhasa, Shigatse, Chamdo, Lhokha (Shannan), Nyingchi, Nagri ) and Nagqu. Here China Travel recommends some popular must-visit destinations for your unique Tibet travel. You can check out this page for the full Top Places to Visit in Tibet.
How to Get to Tibet
Of course, the fastest and most comfortable way to Tibet is to fly in and fly out. But if you want to see beautiful scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet railway and experience the train journey, China Travel suggests you visit Tibet by air and leave Tibet by train. Because train tickets for Tibet are extremely difficult to buy.
And a lot of cities have flights to Tibet including Kathmandu in Nepal and major cities in China: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi'an, Xining, Chengdu, Kunming, and Shangri-La in Yunnan Province. You need your Tibet Entry Permit to board the plane so don't forget to bring your permit. And the flights to Tibet are difficult to get a discount.
What to Pack for a Tibet Tour
Good health is one of the most important things on your journey in Tibet because illness makes altitude sickness worse. Preparing enough clothes and suitable medicines are necessary for the journey. There is a big temperature difference between day and night, so warm clothes in summer are still needed. Comfortable walking shoes are needed when you climb to monasteries.
Lip scream, sunblock, sunglasses, and hats are useful to protect you from being hurt by ultraviolet rays. You can also prepare some altitude sickness medicine, motion sickness medicine, and anti-diarrhea medicine for the journey. Of course, a good camera is the best way to record your unforgettable journey in Tibet.
How to Get a Tibet Travel Permit
Foreign travelers need a Tibet Travel Permit issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau during a journey in Tibet. You can take part in a group tour or a private tour in Tibet since April 2013. Unfortunately, the Filipinos and Japanese are not allowed to travel to Tibet at this moment. And travelers can only apply for the permit through a legal travel agency in China. You have to apply for it at least 15 days in advance. Besides, travelers need to book tours with a Chinese travel agency in advance and have to be accompanied by a licensed tour guide in the whole journey in Tibet. >> more details about Tibet Travel Permit
We can deal with your Tibet Travel Permit the moment you book a Tibetan tour with China Travel. Just contact us and our travel experts will tailor-make a Tibet tour for you.
How to Travel to Tibet from Nepal
You can visit Tibet from Nepal by about an hour flight or a 5-6 hours drive to Zhangmu port from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. But you need a Chinese visa and the Tibet Travel Permit before your journey. Travelers can get the permit by booking a Tibetan tour with a legal Chinese travel agency. China Travel can help you to obtain the permit once you book a tour with us. And documents for your visa are your passport, a copy of the Tibet Travel Permit, and a letter of invitation from the Chinese travel company which offers your tour. Once you get the visa, you can visit Tibet from Kathmandu.
