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1. Can foreigners take a self-driving overland trip in Tibet?
According to the latest information, foreign tourists are provided with opportunities for self-driving Tibet tours. With the Tibet Travel Permit in conjunction with a Chinese provisional driving license, foreign travelers can now immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of this majestic region at their own pace.
Notice: Self-driving tours do not equate to independent travel. Foreign tourists in Tibet still cannot move around freely. Organized and planned self-driving tours in Tibet must be conducted through qualified travel agencies in Tibet. As an experienced Tibet tour operator, we can arrange all relevant self-driving tour permits and car rentals for you.
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2. How to get to Tibet by road?
There are typically five overland routes connecting Tibet with Sichuan, Xinjiang, Qinghai, Yunnan and Kathmandu, Nepal.
1. Sichuan-Tibet Highway (G318 Highway): It starts from Chengdu and ends in Lhasa, with a total of 2,,330km in length. It passes Ya'an, Kangding and Xinduqiao. This is the most popular driving route to Tibet among Chinese travelers as it offers stunning scenery of Sichuan Basin and Tibet Plateau.
2. Xinjiang-Tibet Highway (G219 Highway): The section between Kashgar and Tingri, a town 183km southeast of Lhasa, is around 2,400km. Known as the highest road in the world, this road crosses over many ice-covered mountain passes and glaciers.
3. Qinghai–Tibet Highway (G109 Highway): It runs from Xining to Lhasa via Golmud, with a total of 1,214km long. The average elevation of the highway is above 4,000 meters. It takes the least time to get to Tibet with good road conditions compared to others.
4. Yunnan-Tibet Highway (G214 Highway): The 697km-long highway begins in Dali, Yunnan Province, passes through Shangri-La, and then reaches Markham County, Tibet. It joins G318 Highway here and continues 1,346km to Lhasa.
5. Kathmandu-Tibet Highway (Friendship Highway): As a section of Sino-Nepal Highway, it connects Lhasa with Kathmandu via Shigatse and Gyirong, covering 1,120km. It’s one of the most popular overland trips to Lhasa
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3. What is the best time to travel overland to Tibet?
The best time to join a Tibet overland 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 driving and enjoying the stunning views of Himalayan landscapes.
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4. What permits are needed to join a Tibet train tour?
To travel overland to Tibet, visitors 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 Mansarovar, etc, need to apply for a Military Area Entry Permit.
Chinese Group Visa: If you travel to Tibet from Nepal, you’ll need a Chinese Group Visa issued by the Embassy in Kathmandu.
Our Xizang 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 overland tour.
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5. What about the road conditions to Tibet?
Generally speaking, the roads to Tibet are in good condition. Most of them are paved with asphalt with two lanes. However, there are certain sections of the road that is not that ideal as you will pass lofty mountain passes and bends. The road conditions at the China-Nepal border may be the worst. The distance between Gyirong to Kathmandu is only 160km, but it usually takes 6-8 hours.
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6. What about the accommodation during Tibet overland tours?
Lhasa, Shigatse, Shiquanhe Town, Kashagr, and other major cities and counties offer more diverse options from 3-to 5-star hotels to local guesthouses. For small group travelers, you will be staying at designated 3-or 4-star hotels. Private travelers can choose according to your standards. In some remote areas like Everest Base Camp, Dahongliutan, and Mazar, there may be no luxury hotels but only cozy guestrooms.
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7. What to eat during Tibet overland tours?
We have handpicked restaurants with food safety guarantee for our travelers. You can enjoy unique Tibetan, Nepali and Sichuan cuisines along the way. Specialties include yak hotpot, sweet tea, butter tea, roasted pig, tsampa, barley wine, stone pot chicken and spicy diced chicken. Nepali dishes feature chicken masala and various curries. You can also find Indian dishes and Western-style dishes in Lhasa. If you have any special dietary requirement, please keep our guides informed and they will help you check food composition when you order dishes.
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8. How to deal with possible altitude sickness when traveling Tibet overland?
Driving on the Tibet Plateau with an average altitude of over 4,000 meters, it’s common for some tourists to experience altitude sickness when doing an overland tour. 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, avoiding strenuous activities like running.
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.