Do’s, Don’ts, and Helpful Hints. Tibet travel tips to remember. Getting a Tibet travel permit is part of your travel preparation and requires proper documents and procedures. Altitude sickness is a big problem for travelers to Tibet so make sure to acclimatize well, stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities to minimize its effects. Each region, valley or village has its own custom and social rules but there are general cultural rules to be aware of when traveling on the plateau. Keep these in mind and you will not only be a good visitor but may even win the hearts of your hosts and enrich your travel experience and interaction with the local culture!
Never step over anyone’s body. Never step over food.
When traveling in Tibet you may find yourself sitting on the ground surrounded by people. Festivals, religious teachings or lunch in a nomad tent are all examples of such situations. It is taboo to step over other people, even their feet. If you want to stand up and leave at any time, just stand up and signal to the people around you that you need an exit. People will adjust to let you pass by moving their hands, feet etc out of the way. It’s also important Tibet travel tips to never step over food. If you are having lunch on the ground, always walk around the food instead of over. Check out our articles on traveling in Tibetan areas and festival dates if you are going to Tibet soon.
Give and receive with two hands.
Whenever you give or receive food or drink, do so with both hands as a sign of respect.
Never pat or hit on the head or chest.
In some cultures patting someone on the head or tapping on the chest is a sign of friendship. In Tibetan culture it’s a sign of disrespect. Small children are an exception to this rule but avoid doing this to others.
Hand Signs: Tibetan Culture
Tibetans use hand signs to express opinions about objects or places or people. Tibetans will show a thumbs up to mean something is good, middle finger sideways to mean average and pinky finger sideways to mean bad and low quality.
Stoves – Tibet Travel Tips
Tibetan home is considered the heart is the hearth or stove. Whether in a tent or a farmhouse, there are different rules of respect relating to the hearth. Never put your socks or shoes on the stove and always ask your host or observe their behavior before passing something over the hearth or throwing something into the fire.
Photos
As with most travel destinations, when taking photos, be courteous and ask before photographing people. Ask before photographing inside monasteries. Some paintings or statues can get harmed by camera flashes. Some statues and paintings are not allowed to be photographed. Read our blog on 5 tips to make a successful trip to Tibet.
Religious Monuments, Monasteries and Holy Sites
Tibet travel tips: You will see prayer flags in most Tibetan areas. Tibetan Buddhism plays a big role in the cultural and spiritual landscape of Tibet, with famous sites like Jokhang Temple and Sera Monastery offering unique opportunities to experience ancient spirituality. Never step over the flags even if they have fallen on the ground. Always lift the flags up to talk under them. Never stand on flags and never stand on writing. Many rocks around rivers and holy sites are engraved with prayers. Don’t stand on such things. Next, always remove your headwear when entering a monastery. Finally, always remember to circle clockwise at Buddhist sites and counterclockwise at Bon sites (the pre-Buddhist indigenous religion of Tibet).
Trip Planning
Can I go to Tibet?
Visiting Tibet is a once in a lifetime experience but it requires careful planning and preparation. A Tibet visa is required for all foreign travelers and must be obtained through the Chinese embassy or a visa service. Tibet is a sensitive area and the Chinese government has strict regulations for tourists. Generally anyone can go to Tibet but there are specific requirements and restrictions for certain nationalities and individuals. For example all foreign travelers must be part of an organized Tibet tours and cannot travel independently. Journalists and diplomats may face further restrictions. Always check the latest regulations and make sure you meet all the requirements before planning your trip to Tibet.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Tibet depends on your personal preference and what you want to experience. Summer from June to August is warm and green but it’s also the rainy season which can affect your travel plans. If you want to avoid the rain, spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are the best time to visit Tibet. These seasons offer comfortable temperature, clear sky and stunning views perfect for trekking and sightseeing. Winter from November to March is cold but sunny and while some scenic spots are closed, it’s a unique and peaceful experience with fewer tourists. The peak season for Tibet tourism is from May to October and the best months are from May to September. Plan your Tibet trip according to the season that suits your interest and activities.
Tibet Permit
A Tibet Permit is required for all foreign travelers to enter Tibet. Issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, it can only be obtained through a licensed tour operator. In addition to the Tibet Permit, you will also need a Tibet visa which can be obtained through a licensed tour operator or a Chinese embassy. The permit is usually valid for a specific period and must be presented at various checkpoints during your trip in Tibet. Without this permit you will not be allowed to enter Tibet. Always arrange your Tibet Permit in advance as the processing time can be long. Your tour operator will handle the application process but you will need to provide a copy of your passport and Chinese visa. Remember the Tibet Permit is just one of the permits you may need depending on your itinerary in Tibet.
What to bring to Tibet
When trekking to Tibet, packing the right clothing and gear is key to a comfortable trip. The high altitude and climate change requires careful preparation. Here are the essentials:
Warm Clothing: A thick down jacket, gloves, hats and scarves to keep you warm especially in the evening and at higher altitude.
Comfortable Shoes: Hiking boots or trekking shoes for long walks and climbs.
Rain Gear: An umbrella or raincoat for summer rain.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses and sun hat to protect you from the high altitude sun.
Medications: Bring medications for altitude sickness, carsickness, cold and diarrhea to handle any health issue that may occur.
Snacks: Energy snacks for long train or car trip to keep you fueled and energized.
Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is important in high altitude so a refillable water bottle is a must.
First Aid Kit: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes and pain relievers for minor injuries and ailments.
Packing these will help you adapt to the Tibet condition and have a smooth trip.
Top Attractions in Tibet
Tibet has some of the most beautiful and culturally important attractions in the world. Here are a few to include in your Tibet trip:
Potala Palace: The largest and most complete ancient palace complex in Tibet to see the history and architecture of the region.
Jokhang Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a sacred place for Tibetan Buddhists and a spiritual hub.
Drepung Monastery: Unique architecture, large monastery and a religious site and Tibetan culture center.
Yamdrok Tso: One of the Three Holy Lakes of Tibet, Yamdrok Tso for its turquoise water and peaceful surroundings.
Mount Everest: The highest mountain in the world, a trekker and adventurer’s paradise to see its beauty.
Everest Base Camp: To see the majestic Mount Everest up close.
These will give you a diverse and rich experience to see the natural and cultural heritage of Tibet.
Getting to Tibet
How to get to Tibet from China
There are several ways to get to Tibet from China, each with its own travel experience. The most convenient and popular is to fly, with direct flights from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu. A flight from Beijing to Lhasa takes 4.5 hours, from Shanghai 5 hours. If you prefer a more scenic route, taking the train to Lhasa is a good option. The train journey takes 20-55 hours depending on the departure city and offers stunning views of the Tibetan Plateau and gradual acclimatization to the high altitude. Trains to Lhasa depart from Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, a comfortable and memorable trip. Alternatively, buses are available but less popular due to long travel time and rough road condition. Whatever your mode of transportation, make sure you have all the necessary permits and documents ready for a smooth trip to Tibet.
How to get to Tibet from Nepal
Getting to Tibet from Nepal is a popular and scenic option, here are the steps:
Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa: The most convenient way to enter Tibet is to take a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. You will see the Himalayas from the air.
Bus or Taxi from Kathmandu to the Nepal-Tibet Border: For a budget option, you can take a bus or taxi to the border. You will see the landscapes and local life up close.
Cross the border and take a bus or taxi to Lhasa: After crossing the border, continue to Lhasa by bus or taxi. You will see the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau.
Tibet Group Visa: All foreign travelers entering Tibet from Nepal must have a Tibet Group Visa. A minimum of 5 people to apply and requires advance planning and coordination with local travel agencies to get all the necessary permits.
Follow these steps and you will have a smooth and memorable trip from Nepal to Tibet to see the beautiful landscapes and culture.
When to Travel: Weather Tips
The weather is unpredictable on most of the plateau, but contrary to the common myth, summer is not the best time to trek. When planning to trek to Everest Base Camp Tibet, the best time to visit is in spring and early fall when you can have unique cultural experience and see the beautiful landscapes. Though summer is beautiful, the rainy season from June to August may ruin your trekking plan! Early fall is a good time to plan treks as the heavy rains have stopped and winter has not yet begun! It won’t snow as winters are dry and winters are extremely cold in most places. Please contact us for place specific (Tibet travel tips) information on weather but remember it’s hard to plan around the weather!
Travel Tips What to Bring: Altitude Sickness
In terms of clothing, layers, warm clothes and good walking shoes will be your best friend in Tibet. When planning your Tibet tour, make sure to book through a local registered agency, they offer various packages to suit different needs and budget. Flashlights and headlamps are a must as many rural areas don’t have power or have frequent power outage. You can buy toiletries generally but if you can’t live without your favourites, bring them! Your “to bring” list will depend on the areas you are planning to visit. Check with our Tibet travel agency for more Tibet travel tips and region specific advice.
Road Conditions
There are many construction projects to pave or rebuild roads and passes in Tibetan areas. It’s best to join official Tibet tours and book in advance as they handle logistical requirements such as permits and itinerary planning. While the roads in China are generally good, be aware that construction is often unannounced and you may wait for a couple of hours at a road block. Summer is also the time for landslides. Our Adventures in Tibet team can help you to determine Tibet travel tips when and where these construction projects are happening to avoid the inconvenience. We have tips on Lhasa attractions to read. Check our Tibet trekking advices to not make mistake.
Tibet Travel Tips – Closures and Tibet Travel Permit
Tibet Autonomous Region and Tibetan areas of Yunnan, Gansu, Qinghai and Sichuan are sometimes closed or restricted to travel and sometimes the government won’t announce it. For groups of foreign travelers coming from Nepal, a Tibet Group Visa is required. For groups of foreign travelers, a Tibet visa is also required and needs proper documentation and procedure. This visa and permit requires at least 5 people to apply and needs advance planning and coordination with local travel agencies to secure all necessary permits. Make sure to check the area you are traveling to and contact the Adventures in Tibet team for budget travel tips.
Check our location on google map.
Staying Healthy and Safe
Personal Security in Tibet
Tibet is generally a safe place but it’s always better to take some precautions:
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Especially in crowded areas and tourist spots, be aware of your surroundings to avoid any risk.
Keep Valuables Safe: Use a hotel safe or a money belt to keep your belongings and don’t carry too much cash.
Avoid Traveling Alone: Especially at night or in remote areas, it’s better to travel with a group or a trusted guide.
Follow Local Customs: Respect Tibetan culture and tradition to not offend locals. This means dressing modestly, being polite and following local etiquette.
Stay Informed: Stay updated with local news and events to avoid any risk or disruption to your travel plan.
By doing so you can have a safe and pleasant trip to Tibet and fully enjoy the culture and scenery of Tibet Autonomous Region.