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TOP 6 Tibet Small Group Tours

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour

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8 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Driving Across Himalaya Overland Adventure Tour

Kathmandu - Gyirong Border - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

From USD1169 p.p

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TOP 6 China Tibet Group Tour Packages

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Tibet Travel Permit

For planning your Tibet trip, you will first need a Tibet Travel Permit. Just tell us your travel plan, and we will help you to get it in an easy way.

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About Tibettour.org

The story of Tibettour.org began with the alliance of a bunch of like-minded Tibetan travel experts. With great passion for life and adventure, we began to engage in Tibet tour business via providing pro consultancy and customized Tibet tour service in early years.

Aiming to take global tourists to experience the elemental beauty of Tibet, with the modest budget, Tibettour.org has grown into one of the leading Tibet tour operators over the past 10 years. Our one-stop service features 100% Tibet Travel Permit application, easy flight and Tibet train ticket booking, professional arrangement of Tibet tour, China Tibet tour and Nepal Tibet tour etc.

With a professional team of more than 150 staff spread in Lhasa, Kathmandu and Chengdu, from consultancy to actual booking and travelling in Tibet, mainland China and Nepal, tourists can enjoy a hassle-free service. By putting tourists' experience and comfort in the first place, we ensure you a safe and pleasing trip. So, why not join us, for an uplifting spiritual journey on the roof of the world.

Tibet tours are now available for tourists worldwide, thanks to the resumption of the Chinese Tourist Visa. It is the perfect time to restart your long-awaited journey to Tibet.

We can help you to arrange a worry-free Tibet tour. Just book your trip with us now to enjoy the best local price!

Most Popular & Budget Tibet Group Tours

We handpick the top 6 traveler-choice itineraries and ingeniously make them into the best Tibet group tours for worldwide travelers. With tourist-friendly service and quality guarantee, you will enjoy authentic Tibetan experience in the most popular destinations of Tibet, with affordable and reasonable budget.

Tour Route: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Dinggye - Sakya - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from: US$949

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - E.B.C - Lake Manasarovar - Kailash Trek - Saga - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from: US$2069

Tour Route: Kathmandu - Gyirong Border - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from: US$1169

Tour Route: Lhasa - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong Border - Kathmandu

Price from: US$989

Tour Route: Lhasa

Price from: US$509

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Shigatse - Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Damxung - Lhasa

Price from: US$1299

Exclusive Group Tours in China Tibet Nepal

If a single trip to Tibet cannot satisfy you, we also provide long tours across China, Tibet and Nepal. The exciting adventure, intriguing cultural exploration and flexible means of travel will make it easier for you to choose the proper tour.

Tour Route: Chengdu - Qinghai Tibet Railway - Lhasa - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Lhasa - Chengdu

Price from: US$1790

Tour Route: Beijing - Lhasa - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from: US$1995

Tour Route: Kathmandu - Lhasa - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu - Bhutan

Price from: US$3150

Tour Route: Beijing - Xi’an - Xining - Lhasa - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu

Price from: US$2790

Tour Route: Beijing - Lhasa - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu - Paro - Thimphu - Paro

Price from: US$3390

Tour Route: Beijing - Xi’an - Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Lhasa - Chongqing - Yangtse River - Shanghai

Price from: US$3568

Tibet Tours by More Theme and Experience

Keen to engage in a particular activity such as highland trekking, cycling or family tour, photography journey, etc.? We also offer the thrilling thematic tours in Tibet and Nepal for you. Of these diverse travel themes and activities, you got to find the right one for yourself.

Closely gaze at the world’s highest mountain at EBC

Follow the best religious kora in Tibet

Ride on the miraculous railway from China to Tibet

Soak up the vibes of Buddhism

Trace the hidden scenery among mountains and valleys

Discover different beauty of Tibet during low season

Our tours are fully customizable and available 365 days a year! Just tell us your rough travel idea, and one of our seasoned Tibetan tour experts will reach back to you and work with you to customize your Tibet tour, with a favorable quotation and exciting itinerary FOR FREE.

Most-Read Tibet Travel Articles

Check the most read articles about planning your lifetime trip to Tibet. Get inspired by the ideas and tips of our Tibet travel experts and gurus to enjoy a pleasant Tibet tour.

Latest Tibet Travel Advice Articles

Click the latest Tibet travel advice and get to know loads of useful tips to plan your Tibet tour.

Jun 28,2024

Jun 27,2024

Jun 26,2024

Most Useful Tibet Travel Tips

• What to Pack for a Tibet Tour
• Tibet Money & Credit Card
• Useful Words & Numbers
• Top 20 Attractions to Visit in Tibet: The First 12 are Must-sees
• Where to Stay in Tibet: Recommended Accommodations in Lhasa, EBC, Mount Kailash etc
• Tibetan Food: What to Eat and Drink while Touring Tibet?
• Do's and Don'ts in Tibet：Tips on How to Tour Tibet in Good Manners

Most Useful Tibet Travel Guides

• Flights to Tibet
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• Tibet Weather
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• How to Get to Tibet from Other Countries
• How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Tibet? Less Than You Think

Most Useful Tibet Travel Advice

• Best Time to Visit Everest Base Camp in Tibet
• Mount Kailash Weather: Best Time to Visit Mount Kailash
• How to Take a Tibet Tour as a Foreigner: The Ultimate Guide
• How Many Days Do I Need to Tour Tibet? 7 Days, 10 Days or Longer?
• How to Enjoy a Budget Tibet Tour: 7 Insider Tips to Reduce Your Cost

More about Tibet Tour

• Tibet Overland Tour
• Tibet Train Schedule and Timetable: 2024 Updates
• Travel Tibet from Nepal: Chinese Group Visa & Tibet Travel Permit are the Musts (Ultimate Guide)
• Aliens' Travel Permit
• Must I Join an Organized Tour to Visit Tibet? Here is the Truth

Why Choose Tibettour.org?

Travelling with an expert guide matters a lots, esp. in places like Tibet. With overflowing passion, spontaneous humor and deep care, not only can he ensure your safety on Tibetan Plateau, but also usher you into the essence of profound Tibetan culture and history. Just tell us your rough idea of Tibet tour; we will work with you to materialize it.

Excellent Reviews of Our Service on TripAdvisor:

Good experience with Tibet Vista, Special PASANG

“I had a wonderful trip in Tibet. Actually I'm curious to know about Tibet's culture, Buddhism...and I'm lucky because Pasang is my tour guide. He has good knowledge to answer all our queries. He also is a conscientious guide…” Read more

-Reviewed by Dori C

Memorable trip to EBC with excellent tour guide and driver

“Just returned from a memorable trip to everest base camp! Would like to praise Travel Vista for running the entire journey so seamlessly. Their itinerary covers most of the key monasteries and beautiful landscapes en route to EBC. Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Yamtso lake…” Read more

-Reviewed by Jun Yong Charle...C

Budget Tibet Group Tours

• > 4 Days Lhasa Tour
• > 5 Days Lhasa & Ganden Monastery Tour
• > 6 Days Central Tibet Tour
• > 8 Days Everest Base Camp Tour
• > 15 Days Mount Kailash Tour

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Office Address : Room 8102 (first floor) of Lhasa Gang Gyan hotel, Beijing East Road, Chengguan district, Lhasa.

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Tibet Vista

About tibet vista.

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.

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Tibet Small Group Tours

40 tibet small group tours with 63 reviews.

In-depth Cultural Sightseeing Christmas & New Year +1

Budget Tibet Overland Tour Fix Departure

"The trip by its nature is challenging but we could not have wished for a more organised company." gillian, traveled in March 2024

Active Christmas & New Year +1

Forbidden Lhasa and Everest Base Camp - 9 Days

"This was the trip of a lifetime, you indeed feel you are at the top on the world in these beautiful mountain valleys surrounded by unforgettable peaks." Anne, traveled in September 2019

In-depth Cultural Jeep & 4WD Christmas & New Year +1

08 days Tour from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and drive to Kathmandu via Kerung

"I have toured twice with this company and most important the guides are always concerned about your well being." paulhickey, traveled in September 2016

Overland Truck Family

7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour

"We had a great time meeting new friends. He was courteous and always making sure we were comfortable." Karen, traveled in April 2018

Explorer Family Christmas & New Year +1

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour: marvel at Mt.Everest real close

"I enjoyed my time so much I will definitely tell all my relatives and friends to go. And really, Pasang, excellent!" Fernanda, traveled in November 2019

In-depth Cultural Family Sightseeing Christmas & New Year +2

4 Days Lhasa City Essential Group Tour

"The rich Buddhist atmosphere in Lhasa deeply shocked me, and I had a deeper understanding of Tibetan Buddhism." GloriaBLL, traveled in July 2019

Hiking & Trekking Family

15 Days Mt.everest & Mt Kailash Kora Pilgrimage Group Tour

"We are very pleased with our Tibet tour, and will contact Great Tibet Tour for my next China tour in 2022." BeataAA, traveled in September 2019

In-depth Cultural Active Explorer +1

Tibet: Beijing to Kathmandu Overland

"The train ride was a highlight, getting to talk to locals and share stories and snacks was a truly incredible experience." Stephanie, traveled in August 2015

Tibet Tour Fixed Depature

Active Local Living Explorer In-depth Cultural +2

Tibet Mandala Tour

Tibet Overland Tour Combined Everest Base Camp Adventure

Classic Tibet 8 Days: Lhasa, Gyangtse, Shigatse, Sakya, Everest Base Camp

In-depth Cultural

5-Day Classic Lhasa Tour: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung, Sera Monastery, Norbulinka, Yamdrok Lake

08 days Kathmandu - Everest Base Camp - Lhasa- Overland Tour in Tibet

In-depth Cultural Family Christmas & New Year +1

Tibet Lhasa Tour with Everest Base Camp

Reviews of small group tours to tibet.

Best trip ever! Potala palace Is a jewel!

everything about this tour was more than we could have hoped for. From the moment we were met at Kathmandu airport by Mr. Rana we were completely taken care of. Our permit for Tibet was ready the three days later needed by the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu. We were transferred for our flight to Lhasa and met at hotel in KTM upon our overland return from Tibet. The tour of TIbet with driver and guide followed faithfully our itinerary, the highlight of course being an unobstructed sunrise of the north face of Everest. Our guide was very solicitous of us all the way, always being sure the altitude was OK for us. Both he and the driver were always on time, we travelled many kms. But not tiring. This was the trip of a lifetime, you indeed feel you are at the top on the world in these beautiful mountain valleys surrounded by unforgettable peaks. Unless you want to include Mount Kailish, this 9 day trip was the perfect amount of time, Staying in Lhasa for three nights helped the acclimatization to the altitude, although Everest Base Camp is a bit of a stretch. But the alternative to staying at a hotel two hours away outweighed the discomfort (we did not take diamox and were OK). Overland to Kathmandu from Tibetan border was an experience, but not to be missed. If I was to decide to do this over again, this would be the itinerary, and Adventure Himalayan Travels out of Kathmandu would be the agent. To start in Lhasa and end in KTM is much the best direction, you need to have a week to acclimatize to 5200 m. At Everest, plus the view is better from the north side. This tour rates 100% for organization, facilitation, and the kindness of the people of Kathmandu and Tibet

I have toured twice with this company in 2010 and 2016 and most important the guides are always concerned about your well being and health. I was never left alone and this is important when dealing with issues such as high altitude and felt comfortable with the guides. I have recommended this tour company to friends

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8 days in tibet: a tibet vista tour review.

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Tibet Tour Review: 8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour

Tibet was one of those destinations that Nick and I had been dreaming about for years.

While we prefer to travel independently, we knew that it would not be possible in the Tibet Autonomous Region, which is the main reason why we had postponed our Tibet trip for so long.

Chinese government restrictions make it impossible for foreigners to travel to Tibet without a permit. And the only way to get a Tibet permit is by joining a Tibet tour.

These restrictions have been in place for more than 10 years, and there's no indication that they're likely to change. After years of waiting, we finally decided it was time to bite the bullet and book a Tibet tour.

Since private Tibet tours were well beyond our budget, I started searching for a reputable company that offered small group tours.

The name " Tibet Vista ” kept popping up. A veteran in Tibet travel, the company has been around since 1984 and has garnered an impressive stack of reviews over the years. 

Tibet Tour Options from 4 to 15 Days

Yamdrok Lake, one of four holy lakes in Tibet

Tibet Vista offers various Tibet overland tour options, including tours starting in Lhasa and finishing in Kathmandu.

Since we'd already been to Nepal, we didn't consider that one. We did, however, consider the 10-day trip that included Namtso Lake, one of four holy lakes in Tibet. 

I also briefly entertained the idea of joining the 15-day tour that involved trekking around Mt. Kailash, the holiest mountain in Tibet.

While I’m sure that it would have been an amazing experience, in the end, our limited travel budget was the deciding factor. 

Even though Tibet Vista's tours are priced very competitively compared with other companies, Tibet group tours were always going to cost much more than what we usually spend when traveling independently.

So, we chose the 8 days Tibet tour that included Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and Everest Base Camp. 

Our reasoning behind our choice was that Lhasa and Mount Everest were the two unique destinations that we knew we could only experience on a tour. Other Tibetan cultural experiences, such as monastery visits, we could arrange on our own in the Tibetan areas of neighboring Chinese provinces.

In fact, we had already done just that at the Labrang Monastery in Gansu Province , and it was one of the best things we’ve done in the five times we’ve traveled around China together.

Our Tibet tour would be fairly short, then, but hopefully still very memorable.

The price was actually quite reasonable, especially considering everything that was included. Namely, the various permits required, the expensive entrance fees (up to 200 yuan for the Potala Palace alone), and accommodation in much nicer hotels than what we normally stay in.

Food in Tibet

Phodrang Vegetarian Restaurant in Lhasa

Breakfast was also included on most days, but lunch and dinner were not. As vegan travelers , this actually worked out well for us. It meant that we could order whatever we wanted, and in some cases even choose where we wanted to eat.

Finding vegan food during our Tibet tour was never a problem. At most meals, we ate vegan Chinese dishes , which were widely available in Tibet.

Traditional Tibetan cuisine, on the other hand, is unfortunately not that vegan-friendly. This is no surprise in a country with a harsh climate that’s more suitable for herding yaks than raising crops.

Nevertheless, just as we had enjoyed plenty of vegan traditional dishes in Mongolia , we also managed to uncover some vegan dishes in Tibetan cuisine.

I do plan to write an article about vegan food in Tibet at some point, but for now take a look at this article about vegan food in Bhutan . There's lots of crossover between the two, so many of the dishes described in that post are also available in Tibet.

And as much as I love talking about food, what I really want to tell you about in this post is what we did and saw on our 8-day tour of Tibet.

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa via the Qinghai Tibet Railway

A pilgrim on Barkhor Street in Tibet Lhasa

We arrived in Lhasa by train, and a Tibet Vista representative picked us up at the train station and took us to our hotel. 

We were pretty exhausted, because the only train tickets we’d managed to get were for hard seats. These are fine for short journeys, but pretty rough on a 21-hour, overnight train ride. Moral of the story: book your China Tibet train tickets well in advance! They sell out quickly.

While as foreign tourists we had to be with a guide to visit the Potala Palace and other sights with ticketed entrance fees, we were allowed to wander around the city of Lhasa on our own.

Day 1 of our tour itinerary was left free, which meant we could use it to explore and tour Lhasa by ourselves. Unfortunately, I was too tired to do much after our train ride, but Nick went out on his own and got some great photos of the Potala Palace from a viewpoint up on a hill.

Day 2: Lhasa

Prayer wheels at Drepung Monastery in Lhasa.

In the morning, we met our tour guide Tashi and the other members of our group. I was surprised to find that the majority of the 12 tour participants were overseas Chinese.

Some were ethnic Chinese born in Malaysia and Indonesia, while others were former citizens of mainland China who had immigrated to other countries. 

Rounding out the group was a Romanian , an Australian a Canadian and the two of us. Together we made up an interesting and diverse group, and everyone got along well.

Drepung Monastery

The first major sight we visited in Lhasa was the Drepung Monastery. It’s one of the six largest monasteries of the Gelugpa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, also known as the Yellow Hat Sect.

Nick and I had visited other Tibetan Buddhist monasteries before, including the Labrang Monastery in Gansu Province, which is one of the other big six. However, this was the first time we’d had a guide to explain what we were seeing, and it made a world of difference!

We learned all about the symbolism used throughout the monastery, such as the meaning behind the three main colors that Tibetan monasteries are always painted in: red, white and yellow.

These represent compassion, wisdom and energy, and it’s believed that if you have these three things you can accomplish anything.

The statues in the temples also seemed to come to life as we learned about the people they represented. For example, there was Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Tibet in the eighth century.

And Tsongkhapa, who founded the Yellow Hat sect in 1409. Tsongkhapa, we learned, is considered to be the greatest philosopher of Tibetan Buddhism.

We kept seeing images of these same people throughout our time in Tibet, and it was great to have a bit of background info to help make sense of it all.

In addition to the usual temple buildings, inside the grounds of the Drepung Monastery there is also a palace. The Gaden Podrang Palace served as the Dalai Lama's residence until the Potala Palace was built, and it was a small taster of what we would see the next day.

Drepung Monastery Restaurant

Our group ate lunch at the Drepung Monastery restaurant, which serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals in a cafeteria-style setup. The food is simple, and very cheap at just 15 yuan for a plate of three veggie dishes.

Our fellow diners were mostly monks and Tibetan lay people, and the people-watching was just as interesting as the fantastic views of the monastery from the outside patio.

Sera Monastery

Buildings in the typical red and white Tibetan style at Sera Monastery

The other main sight we visited on day 2 was the Sera Monastery. While the temples and other buildings were similar to what we had seen at Drepung, there were three features of this monastery visit that made it special.

One was the display of sand mandalas, which I had never seen in real life before. The detail was extraordinary! 

Second, we got to see monks debating with each other as part of their training, and third, we visited a printing house where the books of sutras (scriptures) are printed. 

Monks debating

Both of these aspects of Tibetan monasteries I was already familiar with. And while the printing house was not as interesting as the one I had visited at Labrang, the debating was actually much livelier and more photogenic than any I had seen before. It was definitely one of the highlights of the day.

Day 3: Lhasa

Jokhang Temple, the holiest place in Tibet

Jokhang Temple

The Jokhang Temple is the most important holy site in all of Tibet, and witnessing the religious fervor there was fascinating and inspiring.

Our group happened to visit on a Sunday, which is the one day of the week when the temple is closed to local worshippers and is open only for tourists. 

This meant that it was much less crowded, and we were able to take our time exploring the inside of the temple. Only the other hand, we did miss out on some of the religious atmosphere, but we still saw plenty of faithful outside the temple praying, doing full-body prostrations, and worshipping in other ways.

Barkhor Street

One of my favorite experiences in Lhasa was walking along Barkhor Street, which is a circular street where Tibetans perform the kora (circumambulation) around the Jokhang Temple. This area is always pulsating with life, and here you’ll see plenty of pilgrims who have come from all over Tibet to worship at the temple.

Our group stopped for lunch at Tibetan Family Kitchen, a popular place on Barkhor Street just in front of the Jokhang Temple. Nick and I happened to see a vegetarian restaurant right next to it called Phodrang, so we popped in there instead and enjoyed some traditional Tibetan noodle soup ( thukpa ).

We joined the group afterward on the rooftop terrace at Tibetan Family Kitchen and enjoyed the views. The menu there also looked like it had plenty of options, with a whole vegetarian section.

Potala Palace

The magnificent Potala Palace

Seeing the Potala Palace for the first time is a moment I’ll never forget. I had seen photos of it before, but it’s hard to comprehend how massive it is until it’s looming over you.

Based on what I’d heard from other travelers, I had low expectations for the inside of the palace. I thought that it would be mostly empty rooms, but that was not the case at all.

While the sections that are painted white on the outside are the secular rooms of the palace and are mostly closed to tourists, the religious sections, which are painted red, are quite spectacular on the inside.

In amongst the lavishly decorated rooms, we saw the tombs of several of the previous Dalai Lamas, and also the cave where the king, Songtsen Gampo, is said to have created the Tibetan language in the 7th century AD.

There are tight restrictions on the number of people allowed into the Potala Palace each day, which meant that it didn’t feel too crowded.

Day 4: Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse

The stunning Karolha Glacier in Tibet

It was a long day of driving to get from Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse, but we made several interesting stops along the way. We left Lhasa at 8 am in the rain.

The weather soon cleared, though, and we enjoyed some beautiful views during our overland tour, stopping at several lookout points.

However, I was sad and upset to see yaks, baby goats and Tibetan mastiff dogs being exploited for entertainment at several of these lookouts. They were dressed up in ridiculous costumes and forced to pose with tourists for photos.

If you visit Tibet, please do not give money to people who exploit animals in this way. Once tourists stop paying for it, the cruelty will end.

Kanbala Pass 

At 4,790 meters above sea level, the Gampala Pass offered the most spectacular scenery we had seen thus far, with gorgeous views looking down on the turquoise Yamdrok Lake. 

This is one of four holy lakes in Tibet. So, even though we didn’t choose the 10-day tour that included Namtso Lake, we still got to see another one of Tibet’s holy lakes.

We ate lunch at a restaurant in Nakartse that had several Chinese veggie dishes on the menu. Nick chose chow mein, while I had tofu and vegetable soup.

Karolha Glacier

The impressive views at the Kanbala Pass were soon trumped by the Karolha Glacier. It was here where we saw the most jaw-dropping mountain scenery of the whole trip.

And yes, sadly, that includes the time we spent at “Everest Base Camp”, but I’ll get to that later. There are a couple of platforms you can walk out on for closer views of the glacier, allowing you to get pretty close to the mountain.

Barley Mill

A traditional barley mill where tsampa is made

This stop at a cottage industry barley mill was an unexpected highlight. Highland barley ( tsampa ) is the main crop grown in Tibet and the region’s staple food, along with yak butter and yak meat.

At this small, artisanal mill, we got to see how they grind the barley to make a coarse flour. The most common meal in Tibet is this barley flour mixed with tea. If just a little tea is added, it becomes a paste, or if more tea is added it can be drunk like a soup.

The miller also sold bags of puffed, roasted barley, which several of us bought. It was a little bit like popcorn and made a nice snack.

We arrived in Shigatse that evening and stayed at a very nice hotel. It was quite a step up from the hostel rooms we’re used to!

Everyone did their own thing for dinner, and Nick and I found a restaurant nearby with very friendly staff who made us some braised potatoes and spicy tofu.

Day 5: Shigatse to “Everest Base Camp”

The obligatory photo just to prove we were there. Except we weren't.

Gyatsola Pass

This was another day with quite a bit of driving, although again there were a couple of mountain passes with views that broke up the journey. The highest was Gyatsola Pass, at 5248 meters.

There were lots of colorful prayer flags here waving in the breeze. At this point, it started to get a bit chilly, and I was glad I’d brought an extra layer or two of clothing.

Lunch was in Tingri at a Sichuan restaurant called The Taste of Love (爱的味道). Prices were a bit higher than usual, but the food was excellent!

Nick and I ordered stir-fried eggplant (干煸茄子), hot and sour cucumber (酸辣黄瓜), and a tofu casserole dish (砂锅豆腐). The latter normally comes with meat, so ask for it without if you’re veggie.

For the last 20 kilometers of the journey to Everest, all tourists have to switch to an eco-friendly bus. This bus took us to the Rongbu Monastery guesthouse, where we would spend the night.

“Everest Base Camp”

At the start of the trip, Tashi had informed us that, as from 2019, tourists are no longer allowed to visit the actual Everest Base Camp where climbers begin their ascent of the mountain. Apparently this is because tourists and climbers were leaving too much trash on the mountain .

The furthest tourists can go is now to a viewpoint near the Rongbu Monastery, some 8 kilometers away from base camp.

This was disappointing news, but we were still hopeful that we would have good views of Mount Everest. Unfortunately, that was not the case.

Even though the weather had been sunny on our drive up, the area around Mount Everest was completely clouded over when we arrived, and we couldn’t even tell that there was a mountain there at all.

A local Tibetan later told us that such weather is quite common in the autumn (our trip was in September) and that the best chance for good views is in May.

But honestly, even if the weather had been perfectly clear, I think we still would have been disappointed with the views. Mount Everest was so far away, and everything around us was just barren rocky mountains. It certainly wasn’t the snowy wonderland we’d imagined.

The domestic Chinese tourists didn’t seem to mind, though. They still posed for selfies in front of the large stone carved with the words “base camp” to prove that they’d been there. I’m guessing the government must have relocated the stone from the real base camp for just this purpose.

It seems that everyone, including all the tour companies and even the national park officials, has started referring to this lookout point as “Everest Base Camp”, even though that’s clearly not what it is.

Keep this in mind when booking any tour of Tibet that includes “Everest Base Camp”. If you really want close-up views of Everest, you won’t get them from the Tibet side, so maybe consider trekking to Everest Base Camp on the Nepal side instead.

Rongbu Monastery Guesthouse

The guesthouse has an attached teahouse that does a roaring trade in hot lemon tea and also serves basic meals. Prices are about double what you’d pay in Lhasa, but the stir-fried vegetable dish we ordered was pretty good.

Most other tour groups slept in tents that night, but Tashi managed to secure rooms for our group inside the Rongbu Monastery Guesthouse. Sex-segregated dorm rooms are the only option, so Nick and I were separated for the night.

The accommodations here are definitely basic, so be prepared for smelly long-drop toilets. We all stayed very warm, though, as each bed had an electric mattress cover and plenty of blankets. I was actually too warm and had to turn off my electric cover in the middle of the night!

Most of us had a fitful night’s sleep, due to the altitude. Tashi brought along plenty of oxygen cans, but even so, one member of our group fell quite ill in the night and had to go down the mountain early. We rejoined her a few hours later, and she was feeling much better.

If possible, try to spend some time acclimatizing before your arrival in Tibet. Since Nick and I had already been at altitude the previous week in Gansu Province, luckily we didn’t feel the effects very much during our Tibet trip.

Day 6: “Everest Base Camp” to Shigatse

Candles at Rongbu Monastery, the highest monastery in the world

We woke up for sunrise in the hopes that the weather had improved, but visibility was even worse than the day before. It actually snowed a bit, which at least gave a nice white dusting to the otherwise barren mountains around us. We never got to see Mount Everest, though.

Rongbu Monastery

The highlight of day 6 was definitely the visit to the Rongbu Monastery. It’s the highest monastery in the world, and, unusually, both monks and nuns live here and pray and worship together.

Another unusual thing about this monastery is that visitors are allowed to take photos everywhere. All the other monasteries we visited in Tibet either outright prohibited photos inside the temples or charged very hefty photography fees.

Tashi said the reason this monastery allowed photography was that not many tourists go there. If it becomes more popular, they will probably rethink their policy.

In any case, we were the only tourists there that morning, which made it a very peaceful experience. I really appreciated the fact that Tashi brought us there when all the other groups seemed to skip it.

The rest of the day was spent in the van on an uneventful ride back to Shigatse. There, we stayed at the same hotel where we had been two nights before. Nick and I returned to the same restaurant for dinner, where our friendly waiter was very happy to see us.

Day 7: Shigatse to Lhasa

This Tibetan woman invited us into her home and served us tea, barley beer and snacks.

Tashilunpo Monastery

In the morning, we visited one last monastery in Shigatse. Like Drepung and Sera in Lhasa, the Tashilunpo Monastery is also one of the six main monasteries of the Yellow Hat sect.

What makes it really special is that it’s the home monastery of the Panchen Lama, the second most important Tibetan religious figure after the Dalai Lama. Here, we saw reliquary chapels with the remains of previous Panchen Lamas, as well as the world’s largest gilded bronze Maitreya Buddha statue.

The best part for me, though, was watching monks practice their dancing skills! Tashilunpo Monastery is known for its performances of a traditional tantric dance called Cham. 

We stumbled onto the monks’ practice session in a side courtyard, and it was quite a sight to see them turning pirouettes in their flowing red robes.

Tibetan Family Visit

Shortly before Lhasa, we stopped in a village where a local couple generously invited us into their home. Not only did they serve us drinks and snacks, but the woman even sang to us while we drank!

It was fascinating to get a glimpse inside their home, which was beautifully decorated, almost like a temple. Many of the snacks they served us were vegan, so I was really excited to be able to try some local dishes!

We had tsampa mixed with tea, roasted barley, potatoes that they had grown in their own garden, and a crunchy fried bread called kapse .

The woman was happy to answer our questions, and this peek into her daily life was a very special experience.

Day 8: Lhasa

Pilgrims circumabulating the Jokhang Temple on Barkhor Street

Nick and I purposely booked a late afternoon train on the last day of the tour, so that we would have some more time to explore Lhasa on our own. And by this time, I had recovered from our 21-hour hard seat train ride and actually had the energy for exploration.

We mostly just walked around the old city and soaked up the atmosphere. After a couple of laps around Barkhor Street, we tried our best to get lost in some of the narrow alleyways of Lhasa’s Old Town. 

Inevitably, though, we always ended up back on Barkhor. Not that that’s a bad thing! Barkhor is one of the most fascinating streets I’ve ever walked down, and I tried as hard as I could to savor the experience, knowing that this would probably be my only chance to visit Tibet.

How to Choose the Right Tibet Tour for You

Prayer flags at a mountain pass lookout

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a tour of Tibet:

How large is the group size?

Is the guide a local Tibetan?

How well does the guide speak English?

Will you have time to explore Lhasa on your own?

Are there any hidden costs? Some companies charge extra for the various permits, which can add up quickly.

Overall, I was very happy with the tour we chose with Tibet Vista. The group was a manageable size, our guide was passionate and well-spoken and had plenty of local knowledge to share, and it was clear which costs were included, namely everything except for meals. 

Even though we spent more than we normally do when traveling independently, the tour represented good value for what we got in return and was definitely worth it. 

Our one disappointment was that the tour did not go all the way to Everest Base Camp, but this is the case for all tours now under the new regulations. 

This may change in the future; I found one source that said the government is planning to build a new tourist camp about a mile from the old one. It’s worth seeking out the latest info if good views of Everest are important to you. 

The photos on the Tibet Vista website should give you a good idea of the kind of views you can expect from Rongbu Monastery on a clear day.

Save this post for later on Pinterest!

Many thanks to Tibet Vista for their sponsorship in the form of a discount on our Tibet tour. As always, this is an honest review, and all opinions are my own.

About Wendy Werneth

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Such a nice detial of your travel expriences in Tibet.

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Who is the Nomadic Vegan?

Hi, I'm Wendy. I'm an intrepid traveler, vegan foodie and animal lover. I travel all over the world (117 countries and counting!) uncovering vegan treasures to show you how you can be vegan anywhere. Read more on my About page .

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In Total, We Have 23 Group Tours Available in 2024 

With over 20 years of experience in Tibet tourism, we know Tibet and our clients worldwide better than anyone else. We've thoughtfully created 23 tour itineraries for 2024, covering all main destinations, with top 8 favorites perfect for both first-time and return tourists to Tibet.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour: Marvel at Mt.Everest Real Close from 4 Different Viewing Platforms

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

“ We planned this trip with four moments to experience the amazing Mt. Everest, all in one journey. ”

15 Days Kailash and Manasarova 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

“ This is the trip for any of Kailash tourists; the ultimate overland trip of Tibet with 3-day trek & chance to admire Mt.Everest. ”

7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour: Traverse from the North Side to the South Side of Mt.Everest for the Best of the Himalayas

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Gyirong - Kathmandu

“ Travel through the magical Himalayas and experience the beauty of Mt. Everest from four different angles. ”

5 Days Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake Small Group Tour: Take a 360° Tour and Visit the Loneliest Temple in the World

Tour Route: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Lhasa

“ It’s a leisurely journey to downtown Lhasa with a short ride to turquoise Yamdrok Lake, best for family visits to Tibet. ”

10 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - EBC - Shigatse - Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Damxung - Lhasa

“ Combine the best scenery of Tibet in one go with a rich cultural experience as visiting local villages, teahouses, and monasteries. ”

8 Days Driving Across Himalaya Overland Adventure from Kathmandu to Lhasa

Tour Route: Kathmandu - Gyirong - Everest Base Camp - Tingri - Shigatse - Gyantse - Lhasa

“ We provide quality service and wonderful experiences through the Himalayas from Kathmandu and Lhasa. ”

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

“ Specially designed for the ultimate Saga Dawa Festival experience with a 4-day trek to touch Mount Kailash. ”

4 Days Lhasa Impression Small Group Tour: Explore the Heart of Tibet and Mingle with the Locals

Tour Route: Lhasa

“ We'll introduce you to the authentic essence of Lhasa, from iconic landmarks to local teahouses and courtyards within 4 days. ”

13 Day Lhasa, Mt. Everest, Mt. Kailash, Lake Manasarovar and Kathmandu Adventure Tour

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

“ This epic overland trip is specially designed for tourists starting from Lhasa, and finishing in Kathmandu, enriching the Kailash experience to the fullest. ”

6 Days Travel to Sky Lake - Lhasa and Lake Namtso Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Damxung - Lhasa

“ It’s a perfect mix of Tibetan nature and culture, featuring Namtso Lake and nearby Tsurphu Monastery. ”

6 Days Central Tibet Culture Small Group Tour: Explore Tibet's religion, cultural gems, and captivating landscapes.

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse- Lhasa

“ Central Tibet offers not only great Monasteries, but also the stunning scenery of Lakes and glaciers on the way. ”

5 Days Lhasa to Drak Yerpa Small Group Tour: Best Meditation Tour for Tibetan Buddhist Culture Enthusiasts

Tour Route: Lhasa - Drak Yerpa - Lhasa

“ A classic Lhasa city tour with a one-day meditation experience in Drak Yerpa offers you a quick refresh after the leisure tour. ”

5 Days Lhasa Small Group Tour with Three Major Monasteries

“ Explore the three biggest monasteries of Gelug Sect in Tibet in one go and see how Tibetan monks live in these monasteries. ”

7 Days Chengdu to Lhasa World-Class Overland Tour: Travel across the Top Scenic Road to Tibet from Chengdu via G318 National Highway

Tour Route: Chengdu - Xinduqiao - Litang - Batang - Zogang - Ranwu - Nyingchi - Lhasa

“ Travel along the most beautiful highway to Tibet and go in-depth to the Kham regions of Tibet in one go. ”

8 Days Central Tibet and Namtso Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Damxung - Lhasa

“ We combine the essence Tibetan cultural tour in Lhasa and Shigatse with a visit to two sacred lakes during which you can make close contact with local villagers. ”

10 Days Best Everest Trekking Small Group Tour from Tingri to Everest Base Camp

Tour Route: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Shigatse - Tingri - Trekking to EBC - Lhasa

“ Follow the classic trekking trail on the northern side of Mount Everest to reach Everest Base Camp in Tibet and enjoy popular sightseeing from Lhasa to Shigatse. ”

17 Days Kailash Manasarovar Full Moon Tour & Guge Kingdom Exploration

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

“ Extend the classic Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to include the Ruins of Guge Kingdom for a rich cultural experience and breathtaking landscapes throughout the Tibet Plateau. ”

9 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Exploration with Mr. Jamyang: Experience Village Life at the Foot of Mt. Everest

Tour Route: Lhasa - Yamdrotso Lake - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Sakya - Lhasa

“ Join Jamyang Tsering, our renowned Tibetan guide on YouTube, as he explores his hometown and takes you off the beaten path to pastoral communities and rural areas. ”

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

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

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

10 Days Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival Small Group Tour with Everest Base Camp

Tour Route: Nyingchi - Bomi - Basom tso Lake - Lhasa - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

“ While attending the Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival in early April, you'll appreciate the beautiful spring of Tibet from eastern Tibet to Everest Base Camp. ”

15 Days World-Class Overland Route: Chengdu to Lhasa via G318 National Highway

Tour Route: Chengdu - Kangding - Xinduqiao - Litang - Markam - Zogang - Ranwu - Nyingchi - Lhasa - Shigatse - Lhasa

“ Travel along the most beautiful highway to Tibet and go in-depth to the Himalayan regions of Tibet in one go. ”

10 Days Kailash Pilgrimage Tour from Kathmandu, via Gyirong Port

Tour Route: Kathmandu – Gyirong – Saga – Mt.Kailash – Lake Manasarovar – Darchen – Saga – Gyirong – Kathmandu

“ We have specially designed this Mount Kailash for pilgrims, with a focus on the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra from Kathmandu via Gyirong by land. ”

13 Days Ultimate Chengdu to Lhasa Overland Tour via Daocheng Yading, Meili Mountain, and Namtso Lake

Tour Route: Chengdu - Yajiang - Daocheng - Yading - Xiangcheng - Deqin - Mangkang - Gama Village - Dingqing - Baqing - Dumxung - Namtso - Lhasa

“ Combine the best of the scenic G318 and G317 highway to Lhasa from Chengdu with a perfect blend of cultural immersion and breathtaking natural beauty. ”

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All Tibet Small Group Tours with Mt.Everest (from 7-17 Days)

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All Tibet Small Group Tours with Mt.Kailash (from 10-17 Days)

Join in a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash! Our classic 15-day journey from Lhasa to Mount Kailash takes you overland, showcasing all the best highlights Tibet has to offer.

Additionally, exploring Mt. Kailash from the Nepal side is both easy and convenient. Choose the perfect trip for your needs from the options as listed.

All Tibet Small Group Tours with Lhasa & Surroundings (from 4-6 Days)

If you're short on time, with only 4 to 6 days to spare, the best way to make the most of it is by exploring the holy city and its surroundings , like Yamdrok Lake, Namtso Lake, Drak Yerpa, Ganden Monastery and Shigatse. Choose a trip that aligns with your interests and budget for an unforgettable experience.

All Small Group Tours for Tibet and Nepal (from 7-13 Days)

Right now, visiting Tibet from Nepal is straightforward. The top choices are both 7-day overland journey from Lhasa to Kathmandu and 8-day trip from Kathmandu to Lhasa . If you have extra time, consider a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Mount Kailash.

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Trekking in Tibet is an amazing experience! We've picked the best and most classic trekking routes for you, as listed below. Pick the trip that suits your needs, or share your travel ideas with us, and we'll offer you professional advice.

All Tibet Small Group Tours for G318 Overland (from 7-15 Days)

The G318 overland highway is gaining popularity, especially with the renowned Nyingchi peach festival drawing tourists from around the world. We've crafted the best and most classic overland trips as listed , just waiting for you to embark on the adventure.

All Tibet Small Group Tour Search by Tour Length

Here, we've organized our 23 small group tours according to different travel durations. This makes it simple and convenient for you to pick the perfect Tibet trip that suits your preferences.

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Every day, there are more than 30 tourists traveling with Tibet Vista. Check their memorable photos and videos by live report. Also you can check who have booked a Tibet trip with us here .

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Why Join-in Our Small Group Tour?

While there are many travel agencies offering group tours in Tibet, most simply string together popular attractions, creating basic itineraries. As the leading local travel agency in Tibet since 1984, Tibet Vista stands out by crafting tours focused on diverse activities and authentic experiences.

FULLY UPGRADED IN 2024

In 2024, we've elevated the quality of all our Tibet small group tours to ensure an enhanced and superior tour service for a more memorable and enjoyable experience.

SMALL GROUP

Keep groups small in size on average of around 8.5 tourists to guarantee the smooth communication between tourists and guide.

SAFE & COMFORT

We make sure your tour is safe and comfortable by using a regular air-conditioned tourist vehicle equipped with oxygen. We monitor guests' health using a fingertip blood oxygen meter. Our package includes travel insurance for unexpected accidents. We carefully select restaurants with safe and local food. You'll stay in a comfortable hotel with a great location and enjoy tasty breakfast. If you're going to Everest, we offer tourist-friendly service, including sleeping bags upon request. Your well-being is our priority throughout the entire journey.

EXCELLENT MANAGEMENT

Experience personalized care with our unique service – we're the ONLY company offering a dedicated Client Service Manager to oversee every aspect of your tour. Your adventure will be guided by a local Tibetan Tour Guide, fluent in English and equipped with over 5 years of experience following well-established guidelines. Trust us to make your journey exceptional!

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE

* Traditional Tibetan Welcome Dinner and use Tibetan restaurants as much as possible.

* Pay more attention to interaction and activities with local communities rather than just tour. Like visiting Tibetan Village, Hanging Praying Flag, dining in Tibetan Tea House, etc. (based on different tours)

TO MEET THE DEMAND OF YOUTH

* Offer Guest House Options to youth to minimize the cost of a tour.

* Offer opportunity for solo travelers to share room cost with group members. NOT mandatory Single Room Supplement Charge.

EASY TO BOOK TRAIN TICKETS TO LHASA, TIBET

We have significant advantages for visitors booking train tickets to Tibet from the Chinese mainland, Tourists can book train tickets along with group tour package once for all with Tibet Vista.

Most Asked Questions about Tibet Small Group Tour

Is the Tibet Permit included in your Tibet small group tour packages?

Yes, the Tibet Travel Permit is included in all of our Tibet group tour packages . Once you book the tour with us, just email us the photo image of your passport information page and Chinese visa page. Then, we will hand the travel documents over to Tibet Tourism Bureau to process your Tibet Permit. Once it is issued, we will deliver it to your address in the mainland of China.

How far in advance should I book the small group tour?

It's recommended that you book your small group tour at least 20 days in advance due to the time it takes to obtain the necessary Tibet Permit and deliver it to you.

The process of obtaining the permit can take up to 8-9 days and can be even longer for a Mount Kailash tour. And it takes an additional 3-5 days for delivery.

Therefore, booking your Tibet tour at least 3 weeks in advance is ideal to ensure that you have enough time for the permit process and delivery.

For urgent booking, please contact us for specific booking guidelines.

How many tourists travel on a small group tour? Where are they from?

Generally, our small group tours include 8 to 12 travelers that offer a more personalized and intimate travel experience in Tibet. For popular tours to EBC, the average group size is around 13 tourists.

You will explore Tibet with tourists from all over the world. It’s a rare chance to meet like-minded tourists and make new friends from all corners of the globe.

Can I have my own group tour?

Yes, you can customize a private group tour if you have a bunch of friends or family members travelling together with you. You can set your departure date and enjoy the group tour price as our organized group tours when you have four or more people in the group. Please feel free to contact us to learn more about how to arrange your own group tour to Tibet.

How to get a cheaper price for my small group tour?

The prices of each Tibet small group tour are fixed according to the dates. However, there is a 5% discount for group booking (3 pax or more) and early bird booking. Please contact us for more details. If your travel schedule is flexible, it is cheaper to visit Tibet in winter .

How to choose from the group tour packages? Which are the most classic ones?

The most popular Tibet small group tour is the 8-day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour , which includes one night stay at the base camp so that you can enjoy the stunning sunset and sunrise from the top of the world.

The 15-day Kailash and Manasarovar tour is also the first choice for Indian pilgrims so does those who like trekking in Tibet. It is a challenge to take a 3-day kora around the sacred Mount Kailash.

The overland trip from Lhasa to Kathmandu (or vice versa) is an epic adventure across the Himalayas and is always the best choice for those who plan to visit Tibet and Nepal together.

For first-timers to Tibet with a tight schedule, the 4-day Lhasa Impression small group tour is ideal for you to get all essentials of the holy city. If you have more time, then try the 10-days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake tour to enjoy the cultural and natural highlights of Tibet in one go.

Is the flight or train ticket included in your small group tour package?

In order to give you greater flexibility in choosing your means of travel to Tibet, our Tibet small group tours do not include transportation to Tibet.

Nevertheless, we can assist you in booking Tibet train tickets or flight tickets . We offer guaranteed Xining to Lhasa train tickets for tourists who book a Tibet tour with us. Also, we can help you book flight tickets from the mainland of China to Tibet.

Kindly Reminder : if you plan to visit during the summer holiday (the peak season of Tibet tourism), please make your reservation as early as possible.

Is there any age limit for joining a Tibet small group tour?

There is no official regulation defining the exact age for tourists to visit Tibet . As long as you are physically healthy and without respiratory and cardiovascular disease, you are free to go.

So far, the youngest kid we receive is a 4-year-old kid taken by his parents to enjoy the family tour around Lhasa. While the oldest clients we have are an 84-year-old American lady with her 69-year-old daughter travelling from Lhasa to EBC.

Can I book the hotel in Tibet for myself if I join the small group tour?

Of course, you can. And you’d better tell your accommodation arrangement to our travel consultant to ensure seamless tour planning. A small tip for you, traveling in the off-season of Tibet tour in winter（late Oct to mid-Fed）can save you lots of money for the hotel. And in some cases, you can even spend less money to stay in a 5-star hotel in Lhasa.

However, one thing to remind you, the more remote places you travel like EBC or Mt. Kailash, the less likely you can book the hotel or guest online. So, our professional service can save you from lots of trouble.

I’m a solo traveler, do I have to pay the single supplement?

Actually, it depends. When a solo traveler uses a twin bedroom and is not willing to share the room, usually the single supplement will incur. If you agree to share the room with another traveler (same or opposite sex) in the tour group, then you don’t have to pay for it. Our travel consultants will help you arrange the accommodation.

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