tibet travel tibet vista

Tibet Vista: A Journey into the Serene Land of Mystical Beauty

Welcome to Tibet Vista , a land where stunning landscapes, vibrant traditions, and spiritual serenity come together in perfect harmony. Join us on an enchanting journey as we invite you to explore the wonders of this extraordinary destination that captures the hearts of travelers seeking a transformative and one-of-a-kind experience. Get ready to embark on an adventure like no other!

Unveiling the Mystical Beauty of Tibet Vista

Join us on an incredible journey as we unveil the mystical beauty of Tibet Vista. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing landscapes, from the majestic Himalayas to the awe-inspiring Tibetan Plateau. Discover the significance of these natural wonders and how they have shaped the region's rich cultural tapestry. Prepare to be captivated by the ethereal allure of Tibet Vista!

Experiencing Spiritual Enlightenment in Tibet Vista

Embark on a soul-stirring adventure through the spiritual heart of Tibet Vista, where you can experience profound enlightenment. Uncover the powerful influence of Tibetan Buddhism as you delve into ancient monasteries like the renowned Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Immerse yourself in a transcendent journey of self-discovery, where spiritual seekers and curious travelers can find solace and inspiration. Prepare to be moved by the transformative essence of Tibet Vista!

Tibetan Traditions and Cultural Heritage

Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions and cultural heritage of Tibet Vista. Experience the richness of traditional Tibetan cuisine, the splendor of colorful festivals, the intricate beauty of thangka paintings, and the unique art of butter sculptures. Discover the warm hospitality of the Tibetan people and gain valuable insight into their way of life. Get ready to embrace the captivating tapestry of Tibetan traditions and cultural heritage!

Trekking and Adventure in Tibet Vista

Get ready to unleash your inner adventurer and embark on thrilling trekking expeditions through the rugged terrains of Tibet Vista. Discover hidden trails, pristine lakes, and remote villages as you immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of this region. Experience the pure joy of camping amidst breathtaking vistas and create memories that will last a lifetime. It's time to embark on an exhilarating journey of exploration and embrace the captivating adventures that await you in Tibet Vista!

Preserving Tibet Vista: Responsible Tourism and Conservation

Let's delve into the significance of responsible tourism in preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Tibet Vista. Understand the importance of sustainable travel practices, support local initiatives, and actively contribute to conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding this unique destination for future generations. Together, we can make a positive impact and ensure the long-lasting preservation of Tibet Vista's beauty and cultural legacy.

Conclusion of Tibet Vista: A Journey into the Serene Land of Mystical Beauty

As we conclude our journey, Tibet Vista calls out to you with its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and profound spiritual essence. Whether you yearn for a spiritual awakening, a thrilling adventure, or a deep dive into its vibrant culture, this extraordinary destination promises a transformative experience that is truly unparalleled. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey that will leave an indelible mark, fostering a profound appreciation for the mystical beauty of Tibet Vista.

Design Your Tibet Travel Experience

Receive a personalized itinerary from a top-rated local tour operator in Tibet.

About Tibet Travel & Tours

Tibet Travel & Tours is a local travel agency in Tibet that offers unique and authentic experiences to travelers from all around the world. As a leading tour operator in Tibet, we provide high-quality Tibet Travel services that are tailored to our clients' needs and preferences.

Our team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals strives to ensure that our clients have a hassle-free and memorable trip in Tibet . We specialize in various types of tours, including cultural tours, trekking and hiking tours, and adventure tours.

Our commitment to providing exceptional service has earned us a reputation as one of the best local travel agencies in Tibet . Contact us today to plan your unforgettable trip to Tibet.

Explore Tibet with a local Tibetan Travel Agency

If you're looking to explore Tibet, starting your journey with a reputable Tibetan travel agency in Tibet is crucial. Tibet Travel & Tours is a great choice to begin your adventure with their extensive knowledge of the region and commitment to responsible tourism.

Their Tibet tour packages cater to a range of interests and budgets, making it easy to plan a trip that suits your needs. Before embarking on your tibet tour , it's essential to have the right Tibet travel information and necessary documents, including a Tibet travel permit .

The Tibet Travel Planner provided by i-Tibet travel is an excellent resource to plan your trip, including tips on what to pack, where to stay, and what to see.

For beginners, the " About Tibet " guide provided by i-Tibet travel offers a comprehensive overview of the region's history, culture, and top attractions. So, start your Tibet travel plan here with i-Tibet travel and discover the magic of Tibet for yourself.

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Tibet Vista - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Tibet Vista

• See all photos

6 Days Central Tibet Culture Small Group Tour

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour

4-Day Tibet Tour With Everest Base Camp from Lhasa

10 Days Tibet Everest Base Camp and Namtso Small Group Tour

4 Days Lhasa Impression Small Group Tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Tibet Vista - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

Life Kinetic Travel Research

Review: Tibet Vista Tour Company

While I will sometimes take a day tour or a tour to see a particular sight, I am not a fan of multi-day tours.  However, it is the only way to visit Tibet.  Based on Trip Advisor reviews, we used Tibet Vista .

They were very responsive and helpful before the trip.  I was able to make adjustments to our plan (after I messed up our plane tickets).

We were in Nepal over a holiday and also had limited time in Kathmandu to work with the company for our Tibet Visa.  I was also very nervous about handing over my passport while traveling and not having it with me around Nepal.  The company followed through on everything they said.  A representative met us at our hotel on a Sunday morning during a holiday to collect our paperwork.  The company kept in touch with me while in country during the visa process.  Our passports and visa were ready to pick up when and where agreed.

Payment was not a big thing.  Obviously we paid for our trip but only had to pay a deposit up front.  We paid for the visas once in Nepal and didn’t pay the balance of our trip until we were in Tibet.  This always makes me feel better.

We were picked up in Tibet at the airport as promised and taken to our hotel.

Our tour groups were small.

We had a different tour guide every day. This led to last minute changes in schedules that did not reflect our agreed to itinerary, the guide often not knowing who did what the day before or who was with who, and a repeat of information.  Two of our three guides were often on their cell phones and did not provide particularly good tours.

When the schedules were changed, none of the guides provided that information in advance so the group could make the appropriate changes.  As an example, one day we didn’t have lunch and we walked to the first several sights but were not told this until after we had left for the day.

The tour days were very short, about 9 am to 3 or 4 pm, without any advice or guidance on other things to do or go (even when asked).

Our hotel was a large industrial tour hotel.  It was so chilly I slept in my sleeping bag and the breakfast was the worst I have ever had – EVER.

Overall assessment: Our travel documents were in order, we got in and out of Tibet and we were able to see Potala Palace – which were the most important things.   Everything before we arrived in Tibet was outstanding.  Once in Tibet the organization and guides were mediocre at best. I won’t be using them again for Bhutan which also requires a tour.

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Published by lifekinetictravel

I am an Air Force Logistician who loves to travel. I was born a planner I love the research of planning a trip! View all posts by lifekinetictravel

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Tibet Vista

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8-Day Himalayan Trek to ...

If you are not used to the high altitude, then this is one of the best tours to see the entire Lhasa. The main tourist sites ...

6 Days Heritage tour around ...

This classic 6-day tour offers you a chance to explore central Tibet and takes you to the three biggest old cities: Lhasa, ...

6-Day Religious Tour of Lhasa ...

Visit the holy Namtso Lake, and see historic monasteries like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkor street, Drepung and Sera ...

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About Company!

We are one of the top 10 online Tibet Tour Operators in China! We offer many choices of Tibet tours leading you to explore the special beautiful scenery in the snow land and the ancient Tibetan civilization.We have more than 10 years experience on organizing Tibet tour for travellers from abroad.We not only offer Tibet Group Tours and tailor-made private tours at best deals, but also offer the train tickets booking services for who dreams go to Tibet by train.

TourHQ ID: CN53131

Private Tours Operator in: Chengdu

Other Guiding City: Lhasa, Rongcheng (Yunnan), Shangri La, Dali, Xining, Beijing, Shanghai

Languages spoken by our guides: English

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Tibet Vista

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6 Days Central Tibet Culture Small Group Tour

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour

4-Day Tibet Tour With Everest Base Camp from Lhasa

10 Days Tibet Everest Base Camp and Namtso Small Group Tour

4 Days Lhasa Impression Small Group Tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

TIBET VISTA (Lhasa) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Travel Tibet Like A Pro: Essential Tibet Travel Guide

A dream to travel Tibet can often be deemed elusive, as the region ebbs and flows based on its political situation.

It is not uncommon for it to just shut down to travelers for several months or years with no advanced notice. For us, we hadn’t given much thought to a visit prior to entering China.

We didn’t know a lot about the region or its history aside from the few things we had heard in the news over the years.

It wasn’t until we started planning out our days in China that we realized traveling to Tibet was essential to our travels. The region was open and foreigners were allowed to visit.

As our excitement built, we came across a number of hurdles that made us realize our visit wouldn’t be easy and that we would be required to book with a tour agency.

This made the decision process hard for us because visiting with a tour agency would put us well over our budget. In the end, though, we realized that missing it wasn’t an option, how often are you in China with an opportunity to visit Tibet?

Don’t leave home without:   Lonely Planet Tibet (Travel Guide).

We signed up for the longest tour time we could, 8 days, and a full-on adventure that would take us to and through Tibet to Mount Everest and back.

Tibet blew our minds. It was jaw-droppingly beautiful and sacred. We have the ultimate respect for its land and people, truth be told, we would love to pay a return visit to some of the regions that we missed.

The Chinese presence in the Autonomous Region was strong, but the people went about their lives as if they weren’t even there.

I can’t even begin to understand everything that goes on behind the occupation of China, nor do I have an opinion on the political situation. I can speak only from my own experience of the short time I spent in Tibet.

Our experience was amazing, lovely, eye-opening, unique and memorable. If we ever get another opportunity to visit Tibet again, we will not even hesitate. It was that good.

So let’s take a look at the details from spending 8 days in Tibet and be sure to check out our photos and other posts from our visit at the bottom of this post.

Table of Contents

The Roof of the World is often thought of as a mysterious and inaccessible destination but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to travel Tibet if you do your research and plan far enough in advance.

Housing the highest mountain on our planet at 8848 meters above sea level, Tibet is a wondrous adventure that requires a lot of planning.

Most people choose to commence their journey from Chengdu, China making their first stop in Tibet the city of Lhasa. They then drive the route to Everest Base Camp, seeing different sights along the way.

Tibet is not open year-round and even during their regular seasons, chances for trips are limited and dependent on conditions. Typically, travel to Tibet is closed February and March for the Tibet New Year and its high season is usually May to October.

Additionally, there are usually group minimums that must be met so check with local agencies to see the current laws in place for trekking visits. It is also not uncommon for Tibet to be randomly shut down to outside tourists without any warning.

Don’t leave home without:   Lonely Planet Tibet (Travel Guide) .

How to Access Tibet

There are two main ways to enter Tibet: through Nepal or through various cities across mainland China. Acquiring the necessary visas and permits to travel to Tibet from either side must be done locally and can take some time, so please plan accordingly.

Both require visas and permits so let’s take a look at what you’ll need. We waited to make plans for traveling to Tibet until we had obtained our Chinese Visa and were already in China.

This worked for us because we were planning to be in China for 6 weeks. When we first landed in China, travel to Tibet was closed and it was August. 1 week later, it was open and we began the process for planning a trip there.

Luck was on our side and we managed to find a reputable company with spaces available, obtain the necessary permits we needed, find plane tickets and actually travel on the trip we planned without it being closed.

We will say though, Tibet remained open for just a short period of time when we were there and we learned later it closed again about a week after we had left.

Travel Tibet through Nepal

As Tibet’s closest neighbor, Nepal is the nearest entry point for internationals and Nepali people to enter Tibet. You can only currently enter via plane.

A train is currently being constructed to connect Kathmandu and Lhasa but has not yet been completed, and the overland journey which typically takes between 3-5 days is currently unavailable due to a devastating earthquake that destroyed part of the China-Nepal highway which is still being renovated.

That leaves you with flying. There are about 8 flights per week from Nepal’s Kathmandu to Tibet’s Lhasa (where trips to Everest usually begin) run by Air China and Sichuan Airlines. But the great advantage of flying from Nepal to Tibet is the view.

If skies are clear, you can see a fabulous bird’s eye view of the Himalayan range and the summit of Mt. Everest from the plane.

Chinese Tourist Visa- Since you are entering Tibet from Nepal, and Tibet is currently occupied by China, you must have a Chinese Tourist Visa in your passport prior to making the trip to Tibet from Nepal. It is not necessary to apply for a Chinese visa in your home country because you need to apply for a visa through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Whether you’ve already got a Chinese visa in your country or not, you must get a new one in Kathmandu, which is regulated in an official memo between China and Nepal. Once you get a Chinese visa in Nepal, your visa obtained before becomes invalid automatically. So be sure to plan in time to obtain the visa upon arrival in Kathmandu.

Tibet Travel Permit – For any travel to Tibet you will first need a Tibet Entry Visa which must be obtained with the help of a local travel agency. Your agency will confirm you’re itinerary and then mail copies of your passport to the Tibet Tourism Bureau. It typically takes 5-7 business days to get the visa invitation letter from the Bureau but this step can be done before you arrive. After this step, you will need to physically be in Nepal (at least 2 business days in advance) to leave your passport with your agency, pay for the visa application and get the visa put in your passport.

If your goal is Mount Everest Base Camp, then additional permits are also required. Read about our experience at Everest Base Camp in Tibet .

Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS Card) – In order to trek to Everest from the Nepal side, it is mandatory to obtain a TIMS card. Two passport-sized photos, a filled out a form and a fee of $10-$20 is required depending on your travel arrangements. It’s easiest to obtain in Kathmandu or through your travel agency.

Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit – Mount Everest is found inside the Sagarmatha National Park, so you will need to acquire the park entry permit. This can be obtained at the Tourist Service Center, Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, or at the Monjo entry point. It is approximately $34 dollars for foreigners (or free for children under 10) no matter where you get it.

Gaurishankar Conservation Area Entry Permit – If you’re going to Everest base camp through Jiri, you will also need this permit to cross the Gaurishankar Conservation Area. It is about $20 and easily obtained on the way to the base camp.

Check with your travel agency for any additional permits needed for specific activities on your tour. If you are actually climbing Mount Everest (which can costs $30,000-$60,000), you will additionally need a climbing permit which is fixed at $11,000 per climber from Nepal.

Something that is important to note- the fees listed above only pertain to the Nepal side of Everest. There are separate permits, fees, and rules that apply to visit Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side, as well as climbing the North face.

Entering Tibet Through China

All travel to Tibet from China must be planned at least 20 days in advance and most booking must be done locally, which means you cannot acquire Tibetan visas prior to your entire trip.

We suggest planning some time in China prior to Tibet, this way you can land in China and start the Tibet paperwork process while enjoying iconic places like the Great Wall of China.

You will need to book with a registered tour company from China that specializes in travel to Tibet. Travelers must enter with a group – you cannot enter Tibet as an individual.

It usually takes 2-3 days to confirm hotel bookings, and approximately 10 days for the Tibet Tourism Bureau to issue an entry permit.

Check out: The Great Beijing to Lhasa Train Ride

There are two ways to travel to Tibet from China: flying or taking the train. Flying in and out is obviously the quickest way to travel but we suggest flying in and taking the Qinghai-Tibet Railway out.

Taking the train in is often a long journey and could tire you for the rest of the trip which you don’t want to be amplified by the altitude, plus tickets are often very hard to come by as we found out when we were unable to get train tickets for this route and had to fly both in and out of Tibet for our visit.

If you still want to see the beautiful mountain scenery and save a bit of money, you can more easily take the train on your way out.

• Chinese VISA – If entering Tibet through China, a valid Chinese VISA will be required. You can apply for this VISA through your local Chinese embassy in your home country.
• Travel Tibet Permit – Similar to the process of entering via Nepal, a TTB (Tibet Tourism Bureau permit) is required no matter where you enter from. The entry VISA is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and must be applied through a Tibetan travel agency. The application documents will depend on what kind of Chinese VISA you have and cost will vary depending on your departure city. It will take about 7 days to process but travel agencies typically need at least 20 days for the entire process. You will need to present a valid entry permit for both train and air travel to Tibet.
• If your goal is Mount Everest, then additional permits are also required.
• Frontier Pass – The Frontier Pass is required if you are entering Tibet through the Zhangmu border. This permit is required for visiting Mt. Everest, Mt. Everest Base Camp, Mt. Kailash, and for travel to Nepal via the Zhangmu Border.
• Alien Travel Permit – The Alien’s Travel Permit is necessary if you want to visit “unopened” areas of Tibet which include Everest base camp. It is issued by the Public Security Bureau and you can apply for this permit after entering Tibet (expect it to take about 1-2 hours and cost about $10).
• Military Permit – This one will only be necessary if you are traveling to military sensitive areas of Tibet which include Ngari, Nyingchi, and Nagqu. It is issued by the Military office in Lhasa and you will need your passport and Tibet permit to get it. It typically takes 1-2 days to acquire and costs about $15.

If you’re planning to climb Mount Everest, you will need a Mountaineering License issued by Tibet Mountaineering Association (TMA) and a professional climbing coordinator.

Travel Tibet Independently

As much as you might want to book a ticket to Lhasa and go it on your own, you just cannot do this. Travel to Tibet is highly regulated and it is actually illegal for foreigners to use public transportation outside of Lhasa.

Sure, you could hitchhike, but the road that leads from Lhasa to Everest is highly regulated with military guard stations every few hours.

We were stopped at every single one to have our documents examined so I don’t see hitchhiking to be a viable option around this.

The good news is that not very many people are visiting Tibet, so the groups are quite small when it comes to booking on a tour and everyone you will be with has an adventurous spirit. You are, after all, traveling to a very remote place in the world.

The agencies that specialize in travel to Tibet will arrange your trip in a seamless way and besides organizing some documents and meeting a couple of deadlines, it will be very easy for you.

Our recommended Tibet travel agency: Tibet Vista

General Information About Tibet Travel

You should know before going to Tibet that facility standards are not the same for public restrooms or even hotels as they are in other parts of China. Not all facilities will have heating or hot water even in the frigid winters.

Sanitation is also not high on Tibetan priority lists so if you are a germaphobe, definitely take sanitary wipes, hand sanitizer, maybe some travel rolls of toilet paper, and definitely something that can cover your nose and mouth while using the restroom.

Most Tibetan bathrooms are literally just a hole in the ground that has never (and I mean NEVER) been cleaned out so the stench can be quite overwhelming.

Make sure you are in great health prior to your travels.  A visit to Tibet is no easy feat and because of its high elevation, you need to be in great health to even enter.

Staying Healthy

Drink plenty of water, keep warm, and in general try to stay healthy because even a cold can feel like an awful bout of the flu with the pressure of high altitude.

Eat conservatively and safely while there; do not eat anything that you know will upset your stomach or anything you’ve never tried before; you do not want food poisoning on this trip and those who get a cold are advised not to enter Tibet at all.

AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)

While we are not doctors, we advise that you see a travel doctor and bring a prescription for altitude sickness when you travel to Tibet. The first city you arrive in is Lhasa and the elevation is no walk in the park at 3,800 meters.

While you probably won’t experience too many AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) symptoms here, you will be out of breath and should not shower or lower your body temperature for the first few days after arrival.

Traveling overland to Mount Everest requires traveling on roads that cross several mountain passes at over 5,000 meters. It is inevitable that you will experience some form of AMS so it’s good to be prepared.

If you stay the night at Everest Base Camp and Rongbuk Monastery, you will be spending the night at 5,000 meters and it’s rough.

What Did We Spend? Setting a Tibet Travel Budget

We spent an average of $297USD per day for 2 people while traveling in Tibet. I know what you are thinking, WOW! I know that because we are too. Deciding to visit Tibet was a huge splurge for us but I can say without a doubt it is worth every single penny.

I am sure there are ways that Tibet could be more affordable, but due to the many restrictions imposed on foreign visitors to this region, your options are severely limited.

During the time of our visit, tourists can only visit Tibet when booked on a tour with a reputable travel agency.

Transportation: We had 2 options for getting to Tibet from mainland China, taking a 48-hour train ride or flying. We had originally chosen to take the train, but when it came time to make travel arrangements, there were no beds available.

Leaving our only option as flying. This was our most expensive flying leg to date. Round trip tickets from Chengdu to Lhasa were $970USD for both of us . This figure is included in the average.

Accommodation: For the most part, the accommodation was decent. This was included with the tour we booked, so we enjoyed private rooms with bathrooms at hotels that included large breakfasts. The exception is when we stayed at the Rongbuk ‘guesthouse’ at Everest Basecamp, which is very rustic and not much more than a building you camp in.

Activities:   We did a lot of activities that included touring the monasteries, exploring Lhasa and Shigatse, overland traveling through the countryside and visiting Everest Basecamp. All of this was included in the tour price.

Food: The food is not great in Tibet. We did manage to have a couple of okay meals, but you had to be really careful. One of our friends on the tour ate a chicken curry at a local restaurant in Lhasa the day before we started our 2-day overland trip to Everest and was stricken with nasty food poisoning.

We basically ate rice and only rice, with the exception of sampling a few local dishes when they were presented to us. These dishes were quite good but we are both thankful we stuck with the rice and maintained our gut health.

Not all of the meals were included in the tour price, so we did spend an additional $159USD total on food during our visit.

Our Travels in Tibet

What we loved.

Tibet is hands down one of the most amazing places we have ever been to. From the moment you step off the plane until the moment you leave, you will be consumed with stunning scenery and intense culture.

Every time you leave your hotel room, it is there, waiting for you to discover it.

• Adventure: Tibet is the quintessential adventure destination. When we first started looking at Tibet we weren’t sure we wanted to visit Everest from that side. We had our hearts set on the Nepal trek, but seriously our over landing to base camp in Tibet has been one of the grandest adventures in our 13 years of World travel.
• The people are incredible:  They are so beautiful and genuine in their everyday interactions with you. Despite their country’s turbulent history, these people are passionate about their way of life and their faith. It shows in the smiles that greet you around every corner, the dedication of the work they do and the children that play in the streets with their friends.
• Eating out was insanely affordable:  You could walk into just about any restaurant and have a meal for a couple of bucks. We didn’t get too adventurous on the food for fear of getting sick and we needed our absolute health to combat the altitude of our trip and the 4 days we spent over landing between Lhasa, Everest and back.

What We Didn’t Love

LACK OF SANITATION

The trip was hygienically challenged on an overwhelming level at times. Besides the hotels we stayed at in Lhasa and Shigatse, every single bathroom was a literal hole in the ground.

Said holes had never been cleaned out and there are no words to describe the smell that would accompany every visit to the bathroom.

This was worst outside of the cities, which is to be expected, but when you add the shortness of breath from the altitude to the need of using our Buffs to avoid passing out, the experience was draining.

Many times the stench was so strong the Buff face cover did little to combat the stench and let me tell you, holding your breath at 5,000m is not the best idea. Can you imagine passing out in one of those ‘bathrooms’?!

MILITARY CHECKPOINTS

Traveling overland is a task in Tibet when you have to stop at military checkpoints pretty much every couple of hours.

Each time our driver and guide would spend 20 minutes or more in the checkpoints being questioned and having their documents checked.

We had to provide copies of our permits to each stop, which our guide took care of, and provide our passports most of the time as well.

LACK OF FOOD CHOICES

This was our personal choice, there were plenty of food choices, but due to the lack of sanitary conditions, we chose to play it safe. On our second day there, we went out on a limb and all ordered curry at a local restaurant.

One of the people in our group got severely ill from this meal and by some stroke of luck, neither David nor I became sick. After that day, we chose to play it safe and pretty much only eat rice.

It was a rather bland week, but our digestive health remained in check and we didn’t get sick.

PAYING FOR PHOTOS AT MONASTERIES

This was sort of a racket. Admission to the monasteries was included with the tour we booked, but if you wanted to take photos you had to pay extra fees out of your pocket.

Normally this doesn’t bother us, we’re happy to pay for the chance at taking photos, but in Tibet, it has turned into a lucrative side business.

Not only do you have to pay, but they charge PER ROOM and the prices are quite steep considering the number of rooms you walk through in each monastery.

Given the number of monasteries and rooms, you could easily dole out $100USD or more on just camera fees on your day of touring.

Adding insult to injury were the groups of monks standing around while counting their bursting fists of cash right in front of everyone.

Our Tibet Highlights

Favorite Beach: The shore of Yamdrok Lake

Like our photos? Check out our Ultimate Travel Photography Gear List

Favorite City: Lhasa

Favorite Activity: Overlanding through Tibet and Camping at Everest Base Camp

Favorite Meal: Thinly sliced yak cooked with vegetables and served with white rice. I didn’t take a photo! But here’s a pic of a Yak.

Top Tours We Recommend to Tibet

Discover amazing tours through Tibet visiting places like Lhasa and Gyantse. Most travelers enjoy exploring our Tibet trips in April, making it the most popular time of the year.

If you’re interested in reading more about our time in Tibet, check out our other Tibet articles including great photography of the people and landscapes.

We made all of our arrangements for travel to Tibet after we landed in Beijing and in order to maximize our time and money spent, booked a tour that was 8 days in duration.

At the time, this was the longest available tour that involved travel to Mount Everest.

I can’t say enough good things about Tibet Vista , the company that arranged our travel to Tibet. They have taken the lead in setting the standard for Tibet travel and we highly recommend them.

They are based in Chengdu and their website is a wealth of information for all the regions that you can visit while in Tibet. If you book with them, tell them we sent you.

More on Tibet & Central Asia:

• 16 Unforgettable Things to Do in Tibet
• Sacred Yamdrok Lake of Tibet In Photos
• Everest Base Camp Tibet: How to Visit Qomolangma
• 50 Pictures of Tibet That Will Inspire You to Make the Trip
• Kyrgyzstan Trekking: Chon Kyzyl Suu to Jeti Oguz
• Kok Boru in Kyrgyzstan – An Intimate Look At Dead Goat Polo
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Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

7 thoughts on “Travel Tibet Like A Pro: Essential Tibet Travel Guide”

Nice post about traveling to Tibet

Hi! Do we get to keep the Tibet Travel permit once our tour in Tibet is finished? I want to keep it as a souvenir

We did not get to keep ours. The paperwork was handled by and in the possession of the tour operator for the duration of our stay. We didn’t ask for it, nor was it given to us when our trip finished.

You can take pictures of the permits or ask your guide for copies. I got the colour copies of my permit from my guide. They are great memories of the trip.

Have always wanted to travel to Tibet, such a wonderful place. Thanks for the read.

Great advice. I read some travelogues on Tibet, but never found these kind of useful post never before. I am impressed with your experiences in the destination.

Awesome photos, once again.

Have a nice day !

Thank you for your input! Tibet is a beautiful place to visit.

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Tibet 2024 Guide & Tips

Your Guide to Travelling to Tibet

What do you imagine when someone mentions Tibet?

Well, we know how the “Roof of the World” looks like in popular imagination. Seclusion. Peaceful yaks. Chanting monks in vermillion and saffron robes. A place that captures your senses. And then leaves you with new discoveries about you and the world itself. In fact, Tibet is much more than that. Yes, you’ll encounter everything found in pictures and videos online. But there are things no smartphone can capture.

An example of how Tibetan civilization honors the gods through temples.

Tibetan masks with various colors hanging on a door in lhasa.

Tibet is unique in its geography, culture, and biology. The history spans thousands of years back to the Neolithic. Throughout the vast times, Tibetans created a stunning civilization . You can’t find Tibet anywhere else on our planet. It’s there and waiting for you. If you have an adventurous spirit, then this is your next destination. Planning a trip consumes time. And some places need more effort than others. Tibet isn’t suitable for a spontaneous, book-a-day-before type of vacation.

• Where is the "Roof of the World"?
• Why visit Tibet?
• What's the best time to go there?
• How to get there?
• Where to stay?
• What are the best tours?
• Where to go and what to see?
• How to get the travel permit?
• How to pack?

In the following paragraphs, you’ll learn all you need to know about Tibet travel.

Just read on further:

Where is Tibet? – The “Roof of The World”

Tibet is a remote region on a plateau north of the Himalayan Mountains. The Tibet Autonomous Region stands in the westernmost part of China. The countries of Bhutan, India, Myanmar, and Nepal are in the South.

Did you know the average altitude is 4300 meters above sea level? For many of us, it’s the highest place we’ll ever visit in our lives.

Tibet and its plateau formed as a result of powerful geological forces. The Indian Subcontinent pushes into Asia. Currently, this creates the Himalayan Mountain Range. The range grows centimeter by centimeter every year.

Why is Tibet worth visiting?

You’ll have a kaleidoscope of memories. The beautiful and haunting monk chants in the monasteries. That hustle and bustle of the Barkhor Street Market. Even just the idea that you step into a truly iconic region in the world.

The curiosity to see the land and its symbols might pull you here. But the locals’ open and warm hearts and their gracious smiles leave impressions for a lifetime. As a fascinating destination, Tibet is one the must-visit list of many travelers.

What is the best time to visit Tibet?

People mostly visit Tibet from March to May and September to October. The days tend to be warmer and sunny. There might be light showers in the afternoon, but generally, there’s not much rainfall.

Lhasa is a great destination all year round. Autumn means beautiful scenery of an endless color variety. Winter helps you avoid the influx of Chinese tourists seen by other seasons. And it doesn’t get as cold as you might imagine.

Springtime is another great time to visit Lhasa. The awakening of nature provides a captivating backdrop for your stay. What about the summertime? Lhasa allows you to escape the hot weather. It’s true that there’s more precipitation, though. Luckily, the rainfall often arrives at night.

But some of the Tibetan highlights do have distinct favorable times to visit. Hiking Mt. Kailash is best from May to July and September to October. Schedule Everest Base Camp trek between May and June. Visiting Ranwu Lake works best from April to May and September to October.

Have any questions about the best visiting times for any other Tibetan sights? Feel free to message us now!

How to get to Tibet?

You may fly into Lhasa from anywhere in the world. Nowadays, even the most distant places aren’t more than three connections away. Any of the major Chinese cities do fine as your last stop before Tibet. Since Tibet is in China, you must pass through customs at any of the major hubs.

Are you already in China? Or have a bit more time? Taking a train from mainland China to Tibet is a special experience. The train from Beijing or Chengdu to Tibet moves on the highest train tracks in the world. This train route crosses through the Qinghai grasslands. The region contains plenty of wildlife.

Accommodation in Tibet

You’ll find a wide range of accommodation options in Lhasa. Depending on your budget, you can opt for a simple guesthouse or more upscale hotels. Keep in mind that the accommodation comfort level outside the major cities is basic. That said, in cities like Lhasa and Shigatse, you could expect the best hotels to easily reach four stars.

Guesthouses

This is a distinct type of accommodation that’s usually family-owned. Everyone in the household contributes to keeping the place running. Often, these guesthouses are called teahouses as well.

So, what could you expect from the experience? Guesthouses typically have multiple beds in one room. There is a public bathroom outside. Some hotels in big cities, like Lhasa and Shigatse, have both standard Western-style rooms and multi-bed guesthouse style provided for the clients.

In Rongbuk Monastery guesthouse, you are able to pick between single beds, one double bed, or multiple beds in one room. Another aspect concerns remote areas. When you trek 2-3 days around Mount Kailash, for example, the guesthouse is a movable plank house. It’s better to take your sleeping bag for hygiene and keeping yourself warm. In most guesthouses, you are able to order some basic food items. For example, some places cook fried rice, chowmein noodles, or Tibetan soup.

Are you planning to do some trekking? Expect plenty of nights spent in a tent. In many cases, the tents are large dome tents for backpacking. But when you do Everest Base Camp, you’ll probably get accustomed to wall tents. Generally, these wall tents have wooden frames. Compared to the dome tents, these structures have more space.

The porters set up the main tent as well. Usually, you’ll enjoy your meals in the main tent. And in the Everest Base Camp, you’ll encounter teashops and snack places set up in this type of tents.

What are the best tours in Tibet?

You can experience Tibet by participating in a variety of tours. In reality, there’s not a single best Tibet tour.

It’s all individual. The best option for you is to check what Tibet Group Tours are available.

What’s that one place you couldn’t leave Tibet without seeing it first? Maybe you have a bucket list of Tibetan sights. Check which tours come closest to reaching your dream trip.

But, for starters, you should decide whether you want to partake in a group or private tour. Private tours allow for a more intimate and tailored experience in the region. But they come with an expensive price tag. Group tours allow cutting costs without skipping any important sights.

Small group tours provide the perfect balance. You won’t be in a group so big that you’ll not even learn all the peoples’ names. But you’ll neither pay the steep fees of a private tour.

Best Tibet Group Tours

The next step is to pick the destination(s) and duration of your Tibet tour. There are many options to choose from.

8 Day Everest Base Camp Tour

5 day lhasa and yamdrok lake tour.

Some travelers even book more than one tour and spend some time in Lhasa between the tours.

Trekking Tour: 15-Day Mt. Kailash

Trekking is very popular in Tibet . The terrain provides plenty of challenges while the surrounding scenery rewards the strenuous activity. There are less hikers in Tibet compared to the neighbouring Nepal. And that’s just great because you’ll have more personal space to admire the dramatic landscapes.

Things to do and places to see

Don’t trust anyone who says they have the complete list of things to do in Tibet. There’s too many to count. And some of the moments and experiences aren’t something you could plan ahead. It’s just the magic that happens when you travel.

But in the following list, you’ll find some of the best things to do in Tibet in our opinion. Check out our blog for further information on the particular sights, activities, and things to do in Tibet.

Some of the best things to do in Tibet include…

Stunning lakes in Tibet

Yes, there are numerous lakes to be visited in Tibet. You could even say that lakes are as sacred to the locals as monasteries and temples. When you walk along the shores of one of these lakes, you’ll know exactly what we mean.

Consider visiting Yamdrok Yumtso. This lake is a stop along the popular drive from Lhasa to Gyantse. The trip allows you to eventually reach Everest Base Camp. There are many wonderful monasteries on the way as well.

The other lake highlights include Namtso in central Tibet and Peiku Tso. The former proves to be spectacular when you are lucky enough to have white peaks in the background. But the latter gets a water reflection of mighty Mt. Shishapangma standing at a dizzying height of 8,013 meters.

The timeless classic: Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp (EBC North). This is the legendary destination in Tibet. You could pair EBC with a visit to the Rongbuk Monastery.

We recommend doing an overnight stay. You’ll get up close and personal with the world’s tallest mountain. A beautiful experience of a lifetime to be savored!

Unforgettable Jokhang Temple

Monasteries all over Tibet

There are visitors who come to Tibet only for the monasteries. Many stunning buildings await, but there are a few must-visit ones out there as well. Three Great Temples are made up of three monasteries: Ganden, Drepung, and Sera. Visit at least one of these!

And then there’s Rongbuk Monastery. Rongbuk is a very special place because it’s the highest monastery in the world. The place is made up of a working monastery, and then an older one maintained by a solitary Lama. Rongbuk is located near the Everest Base Camp.

Getting the Tibet Travel Permit

You need a special permit to visit Tibet. In most cases, a tour company can process all the permits for you. Still, let’s take a look at some useful tips concerning Tibet permits.

Tibet Permit Tip #1: Getting the permit

Taking a plane to Tibet? Hopping on a train? The particular mode of transport doesn’t matter. You need a Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) permit. You can only get this by using a guide along with a travel company for the duration of your trip.

Also, you need private transport for trips outside of Lhasa. Travel in Tibet without the supervision of a licensed guide isn’t possible.

Tibet Permit Tip #2: Extra permits

Tibet permit tip #3: timing for the permit.

Timing is crucial when you plan your itinerary. Keep in mind that your tour company needs 14 days at minimum to arrange the permits and post you the TTB permit. Important reminder: you still require the permit if your flights are only within China.

Tibet Permit Tip #4: Extra permit for Kathmandu, Nepal

You could travel overland from Kathmandu (Nepal) as well. Doing this requires an extra permit. You might find that continuing your journey into China could become difficult after obtaining the extra permit.

What to prepare for Tibet?

Let’s take a quick look at the essential things you need to have for your Tibet trip. You’ll find a longer list of packing suggestions in our blog.

Travel documents

Sort out all your travel documents beforehand. You need to have Chinese Entry Visa. Additionally, you have to get a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP). Only a registered tour operator can help you with the latter.

Proper clothing for Tibet exploration

This is a very important aspect to consider when packing for your Tibet tour. The temperature can make a huge drop in the nighttime. When staying in simple guesthouses or tents, it’s better to prepare accordingly.

Clothing should be layered. Think of an onion when packing your clothes! Even outside the winter, weather can sometimes vary a lot during a single day. Also, the temperatures and the general atmosphere changes when you gain or lose altitude.

Electronics and adaptors

Take an adaptor because you may encounter three different types of plugs in Tibet. Take your camera or a smartphone with a good camera. There are plenty of amazing shots to be taken in this region.

Personal hygiene

Take all the personal hygiene products with you. These include shower gel, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. Definitely take a hand sanitizer gel. This comes handy in places where you don’t have any chance to wash your hands. Also, it’s smart to have some extra toilet paper and wet wipes with you while traveling in Tibet.

The bottom line of travelling to Tibet

Travelling to the “roof of the world” is an incredible experience. You want to plan ahead because it’s not a book-and-go destination. Visitors need an official permit along with a local guide.

In this guide, we outlined all the basics you need to know when planning a trip to Tibet.

Became excited? Tibet is just a click away.

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*Select your preferred tour from the list and we’ll get back to you with the available departure dates!

• Tibet Tours 2020
• Tibet Small Group Tour
• Tibet Train Tour
• China & Tibet Tour
• Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour
• Kathmandu to Lhasa Tour
• Everest Base Camp Tour
• Mount Kailash Tour
• Tibet Cultural Tour
• Tibet Hiking Tour
• Tibet Cycling Tour
• Tibet Festival Tour
• 4-Day Lhasa Group Tour
• 6-Day Lhasa & Namtso
• 8-Day EBC Group Tour
• 7-Day Lhasa to Kathmandu
• 15-Day Kailash Tour
• More Tibet Small Group Tours
• Tibet Train
• Beijing to Lhasa Train
• Xining to Lhasa Train
• Chengdu to Lhasa Train
• Chongqing to Lhasa Train
• Shanghai to Lhasa Train
• Xi'an to Lhasa Train
• Lhasa to Shigatse Train
• Tibet Train Schedule and Fare
• Tibet Train Travel FAQs
• Oxygen Supply
• Soft Sleeper
• Safe Train Travel
• Book Tickets Online
• Tibet Railway E-book
• Qinghai Tibet Railway
• Railway Scenery Guide
• Railway Construction
• Tibet Travel Permit
• How to Get Tibet Travel Permit
• Tibet Visa for Indian Passport
• Tibet Visa from Nepal
• Tibet Permit Without Tour
• Permit to Visit Mount Everest
• Chinese Embassy in Nepal
• Visit Sichuan Tibetan Area
• Visit Qinghai Tibetan Area
• Age-limit on Tibet Permit
• How to Get Tibet Permit in China
• Apply for Tibet Permit Online
• China Tibet Tour
• Beijing Tibet Tour
• Shanghai Tibet Tour
• Chengdu Tibet Tour
• Hong Kong to Tibet Tour
• Yunnan to Tibet Tour
• Xian to Tibet Tour
• Chongqing to Tibet Tour
• Guangzhou to Tibet Tour
• Tibet Nepal Tour
• 7-Day Kathmandu to Lhasa
• 15-Day Beijing Lhasa Kathmandu
• Bhutan Tour and Treks
• Tibet Nepal Bhutan Tour
• Nepal Tours and Travel
• Lhasa to Kathmandu Tours
• Kathmandu to Lhasa Tours
• EBC Trek in Nepal
• Travel Guide
• Top Attractions
• Travel to Tibet FAQ
• Trekking in Tibet
• Cycling in Tibet
• Tibetan Festivals
• How to Get to Tibet
• Travel Tips
• Lhasa Travel Guide
• Shigatse Travel Guide
• Lhokha Travel Guide
• Ngari Travel Guide
• Nagchu Travel Guide
• Nyingchi Travel Guide
• Chamdo Travel Guide
• Everest Travel Guide
• Kailash Travel Guide
• Tibet Weather
• Hotels in Tibet
• Flights to Tibet
• Travel Overland to Tibet
• Travel Advice
• Best Travel Time to Tibet
• How to Plan a Everest Trip
• How to Keep Heathy in Tibet
• Tibet Trekking Advice
• Money and Bank in Tibet
• Etiquette and Taboos in Tibet
• Usful Travel Tips
• Shopping Tips
• Tibetan Food and Restaurants
• How to Travel in Tibet
• Our Promise
• Meet Our Team
• Tibet Vista in Press
• Responsible Travel
• Our Clients' Video Reviews
• How to Book
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Tibet Travel News
• Tibet Vista Reviews
• Get Tour Quote

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• Travel Blog

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