Tibet Culture Tour

Tibet Culture Tour Faqs

• 1. What is the best time to join a Tibet culture tour?

  The best time to join a Tibet culture tour is generally from April to June and from September to October. During these months, the weather is relatively stable, with clear skies, mild temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for visiting the historical sites while enjoying the stunning views of this plateau. If you want a Tibetan festival experience, you can travel to Tibet in May, when the grand Saga Dawa Festival will be celebrated. In summer, the weather may be rainy, but tourists can witness the celebration of Shoton Festival. In winter, the weather is cold and you may not travel to areas like Kailash due to harsh winter conditions. However, you can enjoy a lower cost of transportation and accommodation and feel less crowded as there are fewer tourists. Also, Losar, the Tibetan New Year, often falls in February or March.

• 2. What can I see during the Tibet culture tour?

  Tibet is so vast that it’s almost impossible for tourists to visit all the cultural sites in one trip. Our Tibet culture tour routes focus on central Tibet, covering Lhasa, Tsedang, Shigatse, and the surroundings and capturing the essence of Tibet culture.

  Lhasa is the spiritual center of Tibet, where you can explore the world-famous Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, visit Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery, and delve into local lives in Barkhor Street. In Tsedang, you can visit the first Tibetan monastery of Samye Monastery and in Shigatse, you can explore the prestigious Tashilhunpo Monastery. On your way back to Lhasa, you can roam freely at Yamdrok Lake, which holds a profound cultural and religious significance.

• 3. What permits are needed to join a Tibet culture tour?

  To visit Tibet, you typically need the following permits:

  Tibet Travel Permit: This permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) and is required for all foreign travelers visiting Tibet.

  Aliens' Travel Permit: Travelers traveling to partially restricted areas such as EBC, Basumtso Lake, Samye Monastery, etc. need to obtain Aliens’ Travel Permit via Tibet Travel Agency (like Tibet Horizon).

  Military Area Entry Permit: Travelers visiting military-sensitive areas such as Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, etc, need to apply for a Military Area Entry Permit.

  Our Xizang (Tibet) tour packages include Tibet Travel Permit and all the necessary Tibet travel documents. If you book with us, we’ll help apply for the permits needed to ensure a smooth and worry-free Tibet culture tour.

• 4. What are the Tibetan taboos I should avoid?

  There are some taboos to be avoided: do not swim in the lakes; do not move mani piles on the mountain passes; do not touch the heads or the hat of Tibetans; do not step on the thresholds when entering the hall or house; do not touch Buddha statues, and murals in temples; do not wear shorts, skirts, or slippers when visiting monasteries. When you do a kora around a Tibetan monastery, do it in clockwise as other pilgrims do. Also, horse, dog and donkey meat are prohibited from being eaten in Tibet.

  During your Tibet culture exploration, you should listen to your guide’s advice and respect local customs.

• 5. How to deal with possible altitude sickness when traveling in Tibet?

  Traveling on the Tibet Plateau with an average altitude of over 4,000 meters, it’s common for some tourists to experience altitude sickness. The symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, nausea, and dizziness.

  To minimize the effect of altitude sickness, it is important to allow time to acclimate to the high altitude and to take precautions to prevent altitude sickness. Travelers should drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol or caffeine. It is also recommended to take a slow path in the first two days after entering Tibet. Our culture tour itineraries are hassle-free, giving you enough time to explore the historical and cultural sites in Lhasa, Tsedang, Shigatse, and the surroundings.

  If you feel uncomfortable, tell your guide. We have prepared oxygen tanks in our vehicles. You can inhale oxygen and take medication when necessary. If symptoms of altitude sickness persist or worsen, we’ll help transfer you to the hotel or hospital to seek medical attention immediately.