Shangri-La Tibet Tour

1. What to see in Shangri-La?

Shangri-La, a place of mythical beauty in the heart of Yunnan Province, has many attractions for visitors seeking both natural wonders and cultural insights.

Songzanlin Monastery: Known as the "Little Potala Palace," this is the most iconic and representative landmark of Shangri-La, offering a deep dive into Tibetan Buddhism.

Dukezong Ancient Town: A well-preserved ancient town showcases the best of Tibetan residential architecture.

Tiger Leaping Gorge: A marvel of nature with a well-paved plank path is suitable for sightseeing and easy hiking.

Pudacuo National Park: As the first national park in China, it’s renowned for its diverse landscapes including lush forests, emerald lakes, and clean streams.

2. What to see on Xining-Lhasa train during the Shangri-La Tibet tours?

Riding on Qinghai-Tibet Railway from Xining to Lhasa, you can enjoy the stunning landscapes of the snow-capped mountain range, vast grassland, and flowing rivers.

Qinghai Lake: As the train departs Xining, you will be greeted by Qinghai Lake. Located in the northeast of the Tibetan Plateau, it is China’s largest alkaline salt lake. The heavenly blue lake is like a sapphire set in the land. The lake is located at the intersection of several bird migration routes. You may witness many species here during migration.

Tanggula Mountain Range: It is the natural boundary of Qinghai and Tibet. It also marks the highest section of Qinghai-Tibet Railway. As the train climbs to a higher altitude, you can enjoy the stunning view of the blue sky and snow-white mountains.

Tuotuo River: Originating from the glaciers of Jianggendiru Snow Mountains, the highest peak of the Tanggula Mountain range, Tuotuo River is the official headstream of the Yangtze River.

3. What permits are needed to travel Tibet from Shangri-La?

To visit Tibet from Shangri-La, travelers 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: If you want to extend your trip to military-sensitive areas such as Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Zanda County, etc. or travel along the G318 Highway, you need to apply for a Military Area Entry Permit.

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 Shangri-La Tibet tour.

4. What is the best time to visit Tibet from Shangri-La?

Shangri-La and Tibet share some similarities in terms of climate, featuring abundant sunshine, rainy summers and cold and dry winters. The best time to visit Tibet from Shangri-La is generally from April to June and from September to October. During these months, the weather is relatively stable, with less rainfall, clear skies and mild temperatures, making it ideal for enjoying the stunning views in Xining and Tibet. Also, you can experience the grand Saga Dawa Festival in May. In summer, the weather may be rainy, but tourists can witness the celebration of Shoton Festival. Winter in Tibet is not as cold as you might think and you can also 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.

5. Where to stay in Tibet?

Major Tibetan cities like Lhasa, Shigatse and Nyingchi offer more diverse options from 3-to 5-star hotels to local guesthouses. They provide basic to luxury facilities, all ensuring a comfortable stay. For private travelers, you can choose according to your standards. However, in remote areas like EBC and Mt. Kailash, only cozy tents and guesthouses are available.

6. What to eat during Shangri-La Tibet Tours?

Shangri-La offers a variety of local foods that you should not miss, such as butter-fried matsutake and pipa meat. During your trip in Tibet, 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.

7. How to deal with possible altitude sickness?

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, 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.