How to Tour Tibet?

Usually it takes about 5 working days to apply for the permits, so the earliest dates you are suggested to entry Tibet are from:

April 5th by train (Use permit scans we send you.)

April 10th by flight (Extra time is needed for mail delivery, because original permits must be checked.)

Three Popular Ways to Enter Tibet

The Xining to Lhasa and Chongqing to Lhasa train trips are very popular. Tickets are very hard to buy especially in peak season from May to October.

Train trips from other cities are not recommended as it is quite a long journey (around 40 hours).

There are direct flights from China’s major cities to Lhasa, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Chongqing. However, the most frequent and reliable flights to Tibet are from Chengdu.

So Chengdu is the best gateway city for Tibet.

Other way is to enter Tibet from Nepal. To take this trip, you need to obtain a China visa and Tibet permit in Nepal. Travel Tibet China can help our customers to obtain a China visa and Tibet permit in Nepal.

Your Time in Tibet

Most travelers only stay in Lhasa, capital of Tibet. The most important reason is the altitude is relatively low, 3,700 meters above sea level, which is among the lowest areas in the region. The fitness requirement for sightseeing in Lhasa is low and facilities are good.

sera monastery Monks debating in Sera Monastery

Four days is enough to cover the highlights of Lhasa. The variety of attractions in Lhasa is quite limited, almost all religious/historic sites. If you want to dig deeper into local culture, ask your guide to take you to a local tea house and take a cup of tea among the locals.

Lhasa’s nearby lakes: If you want to explore the austere beauty of the region, go to Lake Namtso or Lake Yamdrok. One day is enough to have a trip from Lhasa to either, but the altitude for both trips is significantly higher: 4,500 meters for Lake Yamdrok, and about 5,000 meters for Lake Namco. Guard against altitude sickness if making the trip.

Another popular travel route is combining Lhasa and Shigatse. This is a scenic trip including Yamdrok Lake and grasslands, snow-capped mountains, gorges and glaciers. You need to top a mountain pass of 5,300 meters on the way. The trip can be extended to Mt. Everest Base Camp (3 more days needed) or ever Nepal.

Preparing to Go…

The most suitable time to visit Tibet is from May to October. The weather is uncomfortably cold to dangerously frigid otherwise. Read details on Tibet weather

Be prepared for altitude sickness. If you are not sure you can cope with the high altitude, limit your sightseeing to Lhasa.

Tibet is a politically sensitive region, which may be close to foreign travelers at times. Book as soon as possible if notified it is open; otherwise you may have to wait a long time for the next reopening.

Travelers need to go through a travel agent like China Highlights to get a Tibet Entry Permit(Tibet Travel Permit). Tourists are permitted to book their own accommodation and flight/train tickets, however tours of Tibet must be organized by and accompanied by an authorized travel agency.

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