The Ultimate Tibet Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Tibet travel guide - Tibetan areas on map

Do you want to go to Tibet, in the heart of the Himalayas, but are overwhelmed by all the research, permits and planning that seems to be involved? If you need information on visas, permits, maps, regional info and more before you go, we have a Tibet travel guide for you. Read below for all the info you need to know.

I want to go to Tibet. Wait… Where is it?

It’s amazing how few people can find Tibet on a map. Lhasa, the capital city, is the cultural and historical hub of Tibet. What is Tibet and where is it? No, it’s not an embarrassing question. This travel guide page will answer all that.

Tibet is situated in the Tibetan Plateau. Its language has spread across the Himalayas and is spoken in Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan. Most of its cultural regions are now part of the People’s Republic of China, with the Tibet TAR and ten Autonomous Prefectures in Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan and Yunnan. If you’re going to Tibet soon, check out our article on how to visit!

Tibetan Buddhism is deeply ingrained in the daily lives of the locals, binding the people together through a strong Buddhist culture.

What is Tibet

As the Tibetan Plateau is home to over 50 ethnic groups, more than 100 languages and over 220 Tibetan dialects, it’s hard to define Tibetan culture in a nutshell.

The name ‘Tibet’ comes from ancient Chinese and Arabic words. It was used to describe an empire ruled by a powerful dynasty of kings whose empire stretched as far east as Pakistan and as far south as Nepal and this bloodline was in power for over 1000 years. Our understanding of Tibet is often based on the imperial period (7th-10th century AD); not the isolated place we imagine but really a melting pot of cultures. The language, writing and religion developed then is still alive today and binds the people together through a strong Buddhist culture.

The Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama, is a symbol of Tibet’s history and culture.

The kings of Yarlung Valley in Lhasa had tremendous success in expanding their control over the Tibetan Plateau – the largest and highest geographical feature on Earth. In the process they traded and shared skills, absorbed other cultures and borrowed from powerful empires. Today ‘Tibet’ is the area conquered by these kings during their Golden Age. Unfortunately religious persecution and internal conflicts led to the demise of this great kingdom around the end of the 10th century. But Buddhism had a major revival and is a big part of ‘Tibetan Culture’ and deeply ingrained in Tibetan Buddhism. Check out our Tibet travel guide for all the info you need.

China’s Administrative Division

Under the Chinese Communist Party’s democratic centralism system, China is divided into 22 provinces and 5 autonomous regions. A Chinese province is composed of a prefecture, which is further divided into counties, townships and villages.

The Tibetan areas of PRC are Autonomous Prefectures:

Gannan Autonomous Tibetan Prefecture in Gansu Province
Haibei Autonomous Tibetan Prefecture in Qinghai Province
Huangnan Autonomous Tibetan Prefecture in Qinghai Province
Hainan Autonomous Tibetan Prefecture in Qinghai Province
Golog Autonomous Tibetan Prefecture in Qinghai Province
Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province
Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province
Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan
Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan
Deqen Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan
Xizang Tibet Autonomous Region
Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, is also a cultural and administrative hub.

U-Tsang, Kham And Amdo Tibet Guide: The Three Regions

The Tibetan cultural area can be broadly divided into three regions: U-Tsang (Central Tibet), Amdo Tibet and Kham Tibet. Each region has its own unique culture, dress, food and customs.

Namtso Lake, one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world, is a must see in Tibet.

U-Tsang Travel Guide

Lhasa
Shigatse
Everest Base Camp
Mount Kailash Trek

For those who are planning to visit, Everest Base Camp Tibet is a must see.

Where is Amdo Tibet?

In southwestern Gansu, Qinghai and northern Sichuan, Amdo Tibet is famous for its plains, scholars and its role in Tibet’s Buddhist revival. Check out the best Amdo tour packages.

Amdo Travel Destinations

Amnye Machen (trek)
Nyenpo Yurtse (Trek)
Labrang Monastery
Qinghai Lake (Lake Kokonor) (Hot! Qinghai Tour)
Traditional Thangka Painting in Rebkong (Tour)

U-Tsang Travel Guide (Tibet Autonomous Region)

A map of the world will show you the area called Tibet, which is actually the Tibet TAR, a province of the People’s Republic of China. This is in fact the largest area of traditional Tibetan culture, where the kings once ruled from the Potala Palace.

Its mountains, views and sacred lakes are considered sacred. It is also known as U-Tsang or Central Tibet and covers two provinces – U and Tsang – plus part of Zhangzhung (Ngari), a powerful kingdom conquered by the Tibetan King in the 7th century. It has many important monasteries, castles and monuments.

Tibet Autonomous Region Travel Destinations

Lhasa and Beyond: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Ramoche Temple, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Norbuling Palace, Drak Yerpa, Pabongkha, Yumbu Lagang, Samye Monastery, Trudrug Monastery, Namtso Lake, Yamdrok Lake Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Pekor Choede Monastery, Shalu Monastery etc. Check Lhasa & Beyond Tours
Everest Base Camp: Check Everest Base Camp Tours. Everest Base Camp Tibet is a must see.
Ngari Region: Mt. Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Guge-kingdom etc. Check Kailash trekking Tours

Where is Kham Tibet?

In the eastern part of TAR, southern Qinghai, western Sichuan and northern Yunnan are Kham Tibetan cultural areas, which are famous for forestry, mountains and unique dress. Check the best tour in Kham for overland tour from Chengdu to Shangri-La for an extraordinary experience.

Kham Tibet Travel Destinations

Dege’s Printing House
Litang’s Old Town
Yulum Lhatso
Minyak Towers

Why Tibet

The Roof of the World

Tibet is called the “Roof of the World” and is a place where you can find a mix of natural beauty, rich culture and spiritual significance. Located in the heart of the Himalayas, Tibet has the world’s highest mountains including the mighty Mt. Everest. The region has beautiful landscapes, from sacred lakes and rivers to valleys and peaks. This natural beauty and cultural heritage makes Tibet a must visit for any traveler looking for an adventure.

Tibetan Culture

Tibetan culture is deeply connected with Buddhism and this spiritual heritage is visible in the many monasteries, temples and festivals. You can experience the culture by attending the festivals, visiting ancient monasteries or just interact with the friendly locals. Tibetan food, with momos (dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup) is a must try. Experiencing Tibetan culture will give you a deeper understanding of the way of life and spiritual practices.

Himalayas

The Himalayas that run across Tibet offer some of the best trekking and hiking in the world. Trekkers can walk on many trails, including the famous Kailash trek which takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth. The Himalayas also has many iconic peaks including Mt. Everest, making it a paradise for climbers and adventure seekers. Whether you are an experienced mountaineer or a casual hiker, the Himalayas is the perfect place for exploration and adventure.

How much does it cost to visit Tibet?

Visiting Tibet is expensive but worth it. The cost of a travel Tibet varies greatly depending on the length of your stay, type of accommodation and activities you want to do.

Most travelers arrive at Lhasa Gonggar Airport which is 60km away from Lhasa city.

A 7-10 day Tibet tour cost from $1,500 to $3,000 per person. This includes round trip flights from China to Lhasa, accommodation in Lhasa and other places, meals and snacks, transportation and guide services and entrance fees to attractions and monasteries. For a luxury experience, the cost can go up to $5,000 to $10,000 per person for the same duration.

Also note that the cost of visiting Tibet varies depending on the time of year. Peak season is from June to August which is the most expensive time to visit Tibet. During this period, there is high demand for Tibet tours and accommodation and prices go up. Shoulder season is from April to May and September to October which is better value for money with fewer tourists and moderate prices.

When planning your trip, think what kind of experience you want and budget accordingly. Whether you choose a budget adventure or a luxury journey, Tibet will be an experience you will never forget.

How to get to Tibet (including Qinghai-Tibet Railway)

This Tibet travel tip will give you several options for transportation depending on where you are coming from. Qinghai is the most accessible region while those in western Sichuan need a long road trip. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the main transportation route, famous for its beautiful scenery and unique features, from Xining to Lhasa. You can also travel to Tibet from Kathmandu, Nepal which has direct flights to Lhasa. To avoid altitude sickness which usually occurs above 4500m (14763ft), it’s recommended to choose an overland route as it gives you more time to acclimatize. The Sichuan Tibet Highway is the main overland route, recently opened to foreigners and popular among adventure travelers. Departures and arrivals are mostly from/to cities at lower altitudes.

From China

Travel Tibet from mainland China is a popular option for many tourists. The most common way to get to Tibet from China is by flight or train. There are several flights per day from major cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to Lhasa Gonggar Airport which is 60km away from Lhasa city.

Or you can take the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, a 20 hour journey that passes through snow mountains, valleys, alpine lakes and rivers. The train journey is scenic and comfortable and a good option for those who want to see the natural beauty of the Tibetan plateau.

Once you arrive in Lhasa, Tibet, you can take a taxi or bus to your hotel. It’s recommended to book your hotel in advance especially during peak season as Lhasa can get very crowded.

Also note that you need to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit before entering Tibet. This permit can be obtained through a licensed Tibet tour operator and usually included in the cost of your tour package.

Central Tibet (TAR)

You can only reach central Tibet by plane from Nepal or from points of departure within the PRC. Although the train ride is 21 hours, we recommend you to acclimatize as it gives you more time to acclimatize. A new rail line was built in 2006 and has modern facilities, sleeping compartments and dining cars. Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province is the starting point of the train trip on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway which is famous for its beautiful scenery. I would also recommend to do a short stay in Amdo by taking a day trip from Xining.

How to get to Kham Tibet

You can reach Kham Tibet from the capitals of Sichuan Province (Chengdu) or Qinghai Province (Xining). Although there are several domestic airports, it’s better to travel overland by bus or car to acclimatize. There is no train service in this area yet.

How to get to Amdo Tibet

It’s perhaps most accessible to Amdo Tibet as the roads in Qinghai and Gansu are well maintained and the terrain is flat. Many people think it’s a great option to plan a tour to Amdo Tibet, the capital of Qinghai Province. Xining is the gateway to most of historic Amdo, the capital of Qinghai Province. But its southern regions are closer to Chengdu. However, information about Amdo Tibet travel guide here is important to know before you contact an Amdo tour operator.

When to go to Tibet?

Summer

Tibet is not best visited during summer, contrary to what many people think. While summer is beautiful, the same monsoon rains that sweep across the Indian subcontinent during summer (the origin of which is the Himalayan mountain range) pour over most of the plateau in June and July. The good news is that the grasslands flowers are in full bloom. The temperature is much warmer during summer months. Check the best information on best time to visit Tibet to get more insight before you go.

Fall

Trekking in Tibet is best done in late summer or early fall (especially from late July to late September) when the flowers are fading but the rain has stopped.

Winter

Winter on the plateau lasts from mid-October to early May. It even swallows up Spring in its midst. Winter can be very cold in many places but the sky is very blue and the rivers are turquoise with glacial melt. Winter is the dry season so you will not find many snowy places until late winter or early spring as the sun is very strong during the day.

What kind of Visa and Tibet Travel Permit do I need?

As all the areas above are part of the People’s Republic of China, regardless of which region you are interested to visit, you will first need to obtain a valid Chinese Visa. The exception to this rule is if you are entering the Tibet’s TAR from Nepal, you need to obtain a Tibet Group Visa from the Chinese Consulate in Kathmandu. Visa cost and processing time vary from country to country but usually takes around 3 working days. The exact permits you need to obtain will vary depending on where you go.

Please note that you cannot travel Tibet independently; tourists must book through a local registered travel agency and join an organized or private tour with a licensed tour guide and special Tibet permits.

Below is a rough outline, but please visit our Visit Tibet page for more information or contact us directly to discuss your itinerary and we will let you know what you need to apply for.

Tibet TAR Visa guide

PRCB prohibits backpacking, individual travel and unguided travel in TAR. To get a Tibet travel permit, you must go through a local licensed Tibet tour operator. If you don’t get the required permits, you cannot board a train or fly.

Please note that you cannot travel to Tibet independently. Tourists must book through a local registered travel agency and join an organized Tibet tour with a licensed guide and special Tibet travel permits. Tibet Group Visa can be obtained from the Chinese Consulate.

To process Tibet travel permit, you need to send following documents to your local Tibet travel agency:

If you enter Tibet from China, You will need to send copies of your Chinese visa and passport:
If you enter Tibet from Kathmandu, Nepal, you will need to send a copy of the passport.

Must-see places in Tibet

Lhasa

Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet is a must-visit destination for any traveler. This historic city has many iconic landmarks including Potala Palace which was the residence of Dalai Lama. Jokhang Temple one of the oldest and holiest temple in Tibet is another big attraction in Lhasa. Visitors can walk around the busy markets where you can find many local handicrafts and souvenirs. Lhasa has rich history, spiritual significance and vibrant culture so it’s a must visit on any Tibet tour.

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Gyantse

Gyantse is a small town in Shigatse Prefecture of Tibet. It’s famous for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. The town is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and has many monasteries and temples including Palcho Monastery.

Gyantse is also known for its traditional Tibetan architecture with white washed walls and red roofs. It’s a great place to experience Tibet culture and hospitality and is a popular stop on many Tibet tour itineraries.

Palcho Monastery is one of the main attractions in Gyantse. It’s a beautiful example of Tibetan architecture. The monastery has several temples and chapels and is a good place to learn about Tibetan Buddhism and culture.

Gyantse is also a good place to try some traditional Tibetan food like momos and thukpa. The town is also famous for traditional Tibetan handicrafts like weaving and pottery with best local price.

Responsible travel in Tibet

Support local communities on your Tibet tour

As a responsible traveler, you should consider the impact of your visit to local communities in Tibet. Here are ways you can support local communities on your Tibet tour:

Choose a Responsible Tibet Tour Operator: Select a Tibet tour operator that follows responsible and sustainable tourism principles. This way your visit will benefit local economy and minimize the environmental impact.
Stay Locally: Opt for locally owned and operated accommodations. This will give you a more authentic experience and support local businesses.
Eat Locally: Eat at local restaurants and try the local Tibetan food. This will support local food businesses and give you a taste of the region’s cuisine.
Support Local Artisans: Buy souvenirs and products made by local artisans and craftspeople. This will support their livelihood and preserve Tibetan traditional crafts.
Respect Local Customs: Respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting monasteries and temples and learn a few basic Tibetan phrases like “tashi delek” (hello) and “tashi sho” (thank you).
Interact with Locals: Take time to interact with the local community. This will give you a deeper insight into Tibet culture and build mutual respect and understanding.

By supporting local communities you will help preserve Tibet culture and contribute to the local economy and your visit will have a positive impact.

Tibetan Culture and Food

Local Tibetan Food

Tibetan food is a mix of Chinese, Indian and Nepalese cuisine. Here are some of the local Tibetan dishes to try:

Momo: Tibetan dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, served with a spicy chutney. Momos made by Yak meat are a popular snack and can be found in many local restaurants.
Thukpa: A noodle soup with vegetables, meat and sometimes eggs. Thukpa is a warm and comforting dish for a cold day in the mountains.
Tsampa: A Tibetan staple made from roasted barley flour. Tsampa is mixed with butter tea to form a dough-like consistency and is a common breakfast food.
Laphing: A cold noodle dish with starch noodles, vegetables and sometimes meat. Laphing is known for its spicy and sour taste and is a street food.
Gundruk: A sour soup made with fermented vegetables, served with rice or noodles. Gundruk is a dish that shows the preservation technique used in Tibetan cuisine.

These can be found in local restaurants and teahouses in Tibet. Trying these local dishes will give you a taste of the region’s unique flavor and culture and make your Tibet trip more meaningful.

What Visa?

There are only two ways to enter the Tibets’ TAR. Most importantly, you should know the different Tibet visas from China or from Nepal. Read the following Tibet travel guide to know what visa to process.

You know what? China has announced 15 to 30 days visa free entry for Franch, Spanish, German, Italian, Netherlands and Malaysian nationalities from Dec 1, 2023 to Nov 30, 2024! Read our latest update about all China visa-free countries and list.

To travel to Tibet independently, tourists must book through a local Tibet travel agency in Lhasa and cannot travel solo as per the Chinese government regulations. Joining an organized Tibet tour is mandatory, with a licensed guide and special travel permits to Tibet.

Visa Guide from Mainland China:

This is the easiest way to take train or flight from any convenient cities from mainland China. To get to China first, you need to process Chinese Visa from the Chinese embassy to your country. Chinese visa can also be processed in any country if it’s not available in your country. Tibet Travel agencies in Lhasa are not responsible for any matters of getting your visa. Once you get Chinese visa, a Tibetan travel agency will process your permit by submitting your documents (copies of your passport and Chinese visa) to Tibet tourism bureau (TTB). This will take two weeks.

Visa from Nepal:

You can take direct flight to Lhasa or book a tour route from Kyirung border to Lhasa. However, you need to process Tibet Group Visa (some call it Tibet visa) from Chinese embassy to Kathmandu. Nepal is the only country where you can get Tibet Group visa for Tibet. You don’t need Chinese visa from your country except a visa for Nepal. To get group visa from Kathmandu, you need to book a Tibet tour with a licensed travel agency in Lhasa Tibet who will send you a visa invitation letter. You can’t get group visa with yourself but our partner travel agency in Kathmandu who will handle this process within 3 working days.

The partner travel agency will need your original passports along with the invitation letter to get the visa. At arrival by overland or by flight, Tibet tour guide will be at the border or airport to receive you with your travel permit, and help through all checkpoints.

Outward Tibet

Outward is also very important. Your Tibet travel permit already included your inward and outward departures information too. For example, your outward destination is to China, you can’t go to Nepal at the end of the Tibet tour. Your local travel agency will submit your documents to the Tibet tourism bureau to process your Tibet travel permit.

Kham and Amdo Tibet travel guide

Tibet Permit are not needed for Tibetan cultural areas outside of the TAR, (most of Kham and Amdo Tibet tours). These areas can be visited with most regular, valid, Chinese Visa.

Certain areas in Kham and Amdo are closed and for selected areas. Visiting or overnight stay may require Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP )or a Military Permit. Contact us directly to find out if the area you are interested in Amdo and Kham Tibet has special requirements.Check if it is your interested trip overland Kham and Amdo Tibet.

Note: To understand all about Kham and Amdo travel guide, Licensed Tibet Tour agencies in Amdo Tibet and Kham Tibet are unable to assist in issuing you a Tibet travel permit if you are employed as a diplomat, journalist, photographer, or government personnel in your country of origin. Persons to whom this restriction applies are only permitted to travel to Tibet with the approval and assistance of The Foreign Affairs Department.

Altitude Sickness

The average altitude of the Tibetan Plateau is over 4,500 meters. So chances are that no matter how good of health you are in, you may experience altitude sickness. Usual symptoms include headaches, dizziness, trouble sleeping, fatigue, and shortness of breathe, and dehydration. In rare and extreme cases altitude sickness can result in edema. Serious high altitude sickness is almost always the result of ascending too quickly. A slow ascent and taking rest days to allow for acclimatization are simple steps that can help to make your trip safe and enjoyable. As you ascend in altitude, the air gets thinner and your body begins to overproduce red blood cells to compensate for the decrease in oxygen. Within 72 hours your body will adjust and you can continue to ascend.

High Altitude sickness is not an issue for those foreign travelers traveling below 2500 meters (8000 feet); however, the body reacts differently to different heights, even a minor elevation can cause a major change in one’s physical well-being. Pay attention to your body and don’t be afraid to take it slow if you start to feel unwell. On top of that, dehydration is common in the high altitude; hence, lots of water should be consumed as protection from the scorching sun. Furthermore, Tibetan Plateau’s conditions act as a shield against many diseases; thus, please ensure your immunizations are up-to-date. Fortunately, no extra shots are needed unless otherwise specified.