Tibet Self-driving Tour by Your Own Vehicle

Our Tibet self-driving tour routes extend from Tibet to Nepal, Yunnan, Xinjiang, and Chengdu, so it’s necessary to take the weather conditions of these four regions into consideration.

Nepal has a pleasant climate with average summer temperatures of 20°C - 35°C and winter temperatures of 2°C - 12°C. June to August is the rainy season in Kathmandu, with heavy rainfall, making it less suitable for cycling.

The weather in Yunnan is like spring all year round. The summer is cool, and the winter is warm. The whole year’s mild temperature makes it a place attracting travelers in all seasons.

In Tibet, however, the weather is more challenging, featuring a large daily temperature difference and a long, cold winter. Summer is mild to cool but also rainy, affected by monsoon weather.

Xinjiang’s weather is characterized by low rainfall, large temperature differences between day and night, and long hours of sunshine. The temperature from December to April drops below freezing.

Chengdu has a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate and is largely warm with high relative humidity all year.

Therefore, the best time to join our Tibet self-driving tours is generally from April to May 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 or cycling in the breathtaking landscapes of Tibet.

Generally speaking, the roads are in good condition. Most of them are paved with asphalt with two lanes. However, certain sections of the road are not ideal, as you will pass lofty mountain passes and bends. The road conditions at these sections may become narrow and bumpy. It's advisable to check current road conditions, weather forecasts, and any travel advisories or restrictions that may be in place. And it’s essential to ensure your motorcycle is well-maintained and equipped with necessary accessories.

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 need to obtain an 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 Tourist Visa: Regardless of your self-driving route or departure point, you will need to apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa in advance.

Provisional Driving License and Temporary Vehicle License Plate: Travelers joining a self-driving trip in Tibet need to apply for a provisional driving license and vehicle license plate.

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

Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyirong, Chengdu, Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and other major cities and counties offer more diverse options from 3-to 5-star hotels to local guesthouses. Travelers joining our self-driving tours can choose according to your standards. In some remote areas like Everest Base Camp and Mount Kailash, there may be no luxury hotels but only cozy guestrooms or tents.

We have handpicked restaurants with food safety guarantees 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 Tibet. If you have any special dietary requirements, please keep our guides informed and they will help you check food composition when you order dishes.

Driving 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 self-driving tour itineraries mostly start with lower areas, giving you enough time to acclimate to the high altitude.

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.

You can bring your own car or motorbike. Riding in a vehicle that you are already familiar with can make your journey more comfortable. You can bring your vehicle to Lhasa by flight or by road, but you need to pay for the transportation. However, it requires a lot of paperwork and permits.

A more convenient choice if to rent a car or motorbike in Lhasa. You should check its condition and see if it suits you well before your rental. Please contact our expert consultants for more information about car and motorcycle delivery or rental.

Sorry, but no. Foreign tourists cannot simply obtain a Tibet Travel Permit through a travel agency without participating in the agency's self-driving tour group for travel in Tibet.

Foreigners driving in Tibet must use vehicles that comply with relevant regulations and must be accompanied by a professional guide. They are not allowed to travel in Tibet independently or rent private vehicles for touring purposes.

No. Independent travel and unguided self-driving are prohibited in Tibet. Whether you are driving your own vehicle or renting a car, the policy mandates that all foreign travelers must be accompanied by a guide for the entire Tibet tour.