How to Visit Tibet

Can I Visit Tibet?

Yes! Visiting Tibet is amazing but it does require some planning due to the special regulations. The Chinese government has set up some rules to protect the tourists. To visit Tibet you need to get a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. These are must and can only be arranged through a licensed tour operator. It may seem complicated but with the right planning your trip to the Roof of the World will be easy and wonderful.

How much to visit Tibet?

The cost to visit Tibet can be very different based on the season, your accommodation and the tour package you choose. A 7-10 day trip to Tibet can cost from $500 to $2,500 per person. This includes flights, accommodation, meals and tour guides. Research and compare to find a package that suits your budget. Remember, plan ahead to get better deals and have a more wonderful Tibet trip.

How to Visit Tibet: Qinghai Tibet Railway Guide

When you plan to do a Tibet tour you will have many questions in your mind how to visit Tibet? Any traveller who is planning to travel to Tibet autonomous region (TAR) must know the necessary travel documents to enter Tibet, such as Chinese visa and Tibet travel permit and which port of entry to use. One of the best and recommended way to visit Tibet is by taking the Tibet train. This journey not only offers stunning views and chance to acclimatize to the high altitude but also combines scenic tour and cultural exploration of Lhasa.

Tibet

From local chieftains in Lhasa’s Yarlung Valley, the Tibetan Kings gradually expanded to conquer and rule the geographical area we know today as ‘the Tibetan Plateau’ (the largest and highest geographical feature on earth). In the process they traded and skills, conquered and absorbed surrounding cultures and adopted cultural knowledge from other powerful empires. We often refer to ‘Tibet’ as the geo-cultural area conquered during the Golden Age of the Tibetan Empire but in the last years of 10th century internal struggles and religious persecution brought an end to one of the most impressive cultural kingdom in Eurasia. In the years that followed Buddhism experienced a massive revival and became the defining and distinctive feature of ‘Tibetan Culture’ and deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism.

Visit Tibet? What visa and Tibet Travel Permit do I need?

There are only two ways to enter TAR. Most importantly you should know the different visas from Mainland China or from Nepal. Read below to understand what visa you have to process to enter Tibet, and why you need to get a Tibet travel permit in addition to a Chinese visa.

Visa 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 have to process Chinese Visa from the Chinese embassy to your country. Chinese visa is also processable in any countries if it isn’t available in your country. Travel agencies in Lhasa are not responsible in 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 takes about 2 weeks to visit Tibet. It is important to get your permit through licensed travel agencies.

Visa from Nepal:

You have two options to reach Tibet: you can take a direct flight to Lhasa or book an overland tour from the Kyirong border to Lhasa. However, regardless of your mode of travel to Tibet you will need to get a Tibet Group Visa (sometimes called Tibet Visa) from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. China visa-free nationals do not need to apply for a Chinese visa in Kathmandu but they still need to process the Tibet Travel Permit through our licensed Tibet travel agency. Please check our visa-free countries article to see if your country requires a Chinese visa. International tourists cannot visit Tibet independently and must join a tour through a registered travel agency.

Nepal is the only country where you can apply for Tibet Group Visa. You do not need to apply Chinese visa from your home country except for the visa to enter Nepal. To get Tibet Group Visa in Kathmandu you must book a tour with a licensed travel agency based in Lhasa which will arrange an invitation letter for you. Please note you cannot apply visa independently; a partner travel agency in Kathmandu will handle the process for you. The visa processing takes 3-4 working days. To get Tibet Group Visa you need minimum 5 people in your group. All 5 travelers must be present at the embassy in person to apply.

The partner agency in Kathmandu will need your original passport and the invitation letter from the Lhasa agency to apply for the Tibet Group Visa. Once your visa is ready a Tibet tour guide will meet you at the border or the airport upon your arrival. The Tibet tour guide will assist you through all the checkpoints and make sure you have your travel permit.

For a hassle free process please contact our trusted partner travel agency in Kathmandu who will take care of everything for you.

Chinese Visa

Before you start your Tibet trip you need to get a Chinese visa. This can be done at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process takes 3-4 days. You will need to bring your passport, application form, recent passport photo and sometimes proof of your travel arrangements and hotel bookings. It’s a simple process but make sure to have all the necessary documents to avoid any hassle.

Taking the Qinghai Tibet Railway

One of the most beautiful and memorable way to travel to Tibet is via the Qinghai Tibet Railway. This journey offers stunning views of the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas. The train from Beijing or Chengdu to Lhasa takes 24-48 hours depending on the route and train type. The Tibet train has oxygen supply system to help passengers to cope with the high altitude and medical staff on board to assist with altitude sickness. This is not just a mode of transportation but part of the Tibet experience.

Flights to Tibet

For those who prefer faster way, flights to Tibet are available from major cities in mainland China like Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai. The flight from Beijing to Lhasa takes 4-5 hours and from Chengdu to Lhasa takes 2-3 hours. Please note that the flights can be affected by weather so always check with your airline for update. Flying to Tibet can be challenging due to the high altitude so it’s recommended to take the train or gradual drive to allow acclimatization.

For direct international flight to Lhasa, you can catch Himalayan Airline from Kathmandu on every odd days except Sunday. You will also need Tibet Travel Permit for your flight which can be arranged through a licensed tour operator. Check our Kailash pilgrimage tour by flight if you are interest.

Amdo And Kham: Tibetan Culture in Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan and Yun’nan provinces

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

Some areas of Kham and Amdo are closed and for certain areas overnight stay requires ATP or Military Permit. Please check our ‘Tours to Amdo’ and contact us to find out if the area you are interested in has special requirements. To read more about how to get to Tibet of our Tibet travel guide page to understand all. Check all tips before booking your Amdo tour for a smooth Tibet tour experience.

Is it safe to visit Tibet now?

Visiting Tibet is generally safe, low crime rate and strong Buddhist values. But as with any travel destination, please take necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some tips to help you stay safe Tibet travel:

Be aware of your environment: Especially in crowded areas like markets and temples, be mindful of your surroundings.
Keep your belongings safe: Use money belt or secure bag to protect your valuables.
Don’t travel alone at night: Stick to well lit and populated areas.
Respect local customs: Don’t take pictures of sensitive areas or people without permission to respect Tibetan culture.
Stay informed: Keep an eye on weather forecast and local advisories to plan your itinerary.

Follow these travel tips and you will have a safe and wonderful time in Tibet.

When to visit Tibet?

The best time to visit Tibet depends on your preference and what you want to experience. Generally the peak tourist season is from April to October with best weather and clear sky. But if you want more budget and don’t mind the cold, winter can be a good time to visit Tibet.

Here’s the season breakdown:

Spring (April to May): Mild weather, clear sky and blooming flowers.
Summer (June to August): Warm weather but peak tourist season means higher price and more crowd.
Autumn (September to October): Comfortable temperature, clear sky and harvest season.
Winter (November to March): Cold weather but great time to see snow capped mountains and experience local culture without the crowd.

Each season has its own experience, so plan your trip to Tibet accordingly.

Altitude Sickness Prevention

Altitude sickness is a big concern for travelers visiting Tibet, especially for those who are not used to high altitude. Here are some tips to prevent altitude sickness:

Acclimatize to high altitude: Spend a few days in Lhasa or other lower altitude areas before going to higher altitude.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your body adjust to high altitude.
Don’t overexert: Take regular breaks to rest and recover, especially in the first few days.
Consider medication: Consult your doctor about taking Diamox or other altitude sickness medication.
Know the symptoms: Be aware of headaches, nausea and fatigue and seek medical attention if they persist or get worse.

By following these tips you can minimize the risk of altitude sickness and enjoy your time during your Tibet tour.

Is it ethical to travel to Tibet?

The question of whether it’s ethical to travel to Tibet is a debatable one with different opinions. Here are some points to consider:

The Dalai Lama’s advice: The Dalai Lama has invited tourists to visit Tibet to learn about the local culture and history and to support the local economy.
Government policies: The Chinese government’s policies and restrictions on travel to Tibet has raised concerns on the impact of tourism to the local environment and culture.
Cultural exchange vs exploitation: Some say tourism can promote cultural exchange and understanding while others believe it can lead to cultural exploitation and degradation.

In the end, be aware of the local situation and travel responsibly, respect the local culture and environment. The Tibetan Tourism Bureau has implemented measures to promote responsible tourism and to ensure the benefits of tourism is shared among the local community. By being a mindful traveler you can contribute positively to the region while enjoying your Tibet tour.

Top 10 FAQs on How to Go Tibet

What documents do I need to visit Tibet? Chinese visa and Tibet Travel Permit is required to enter Tibet Autonomous Region. Learn more about Tibet Permits and entry requirements here.”
Can I travel to Tibet independently? No, international travelers must join an organized tour through a licensed travel agency to visit Tibet.
How to get to Tibet? The best way to get to Tibet is via the Qinghai Tibet Railway which offers scenic views and helps with altitude acclimatization.
How to get Tibet Travel Permit? Tibet Permit can be obtained through a licensed travel agency after you have got your Chinese visa.
Is Tibet safe to travel? Yes, Tibet is generally safe with low crime rate but be aware of local customs and situations.
When to visit Tibet? Best time to visit Tibet is from April to October, peak tourist season has the best weather.
Can I fly directly to Tibet? Yes, you can fly directly from Kathmandu of Nepal by Himalayan Airline. Otherwise, you need to take a flight route to a major city in mainland China, like Chengdu or Beijing and then take a domestic flight to Lhasa.
What to pack for Tibet? Pack warm clothing, comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen and any necessary medication especially for altitude sickness.
How much to budget for Tibet tour? A 7-10 day trip to Tibet tour cost is between $500 to $2,500 per person depending on the season, accommodation and tour package.
What to see in Tibet? Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Everest Base Camp and the highway scenery.