Tibet Tour

The answer is yes, absolutely. Tibet has good public security and its people are warm and honest, so traveling to Tibet is safe for tourists, especially when you're with a professional and responsible tour agency like Tibet Horizon. We prioritize the safety and well-being of our travelers by ensuring all necessary precautions are in place. This includes providing well-maintained vehicles, experienced drivers, and knowledgeable guides who are familiar with local conditions. Additionally, we adhere to all local regulations and health guidelines to ensure a secure travel experience.

To reach Tibet, there are various options available.

Get to Tibet from the Chinese Mainland
By Train: Several cities offer direct trains to Lhasa, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi’an, Lanzhou and Xining. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway, in particular, is a popular choice, offering scenic views of the plateau.
By Flight: Direct flights to Lhasa are available from major cities like Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xining. Chengdu, for example, has the most frequent flights to Lhasa, with the shortest flight time being approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.
By Road: Overland journeys can be made via the China National Highways G318 from Sichuan, G214 from Yunnan, or G219 from Xinjiang. These routes provide a more immersive experience of the diverse landscapes and cultures along the way.

Get to Tibet from Kathmandu, Nepal
By Flight: The only international flight to Lhasa is from Kathmandu, Nepal. The flight takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and it's a convenient option for travelers coming from South Asia.
By Road: Driving from Kathmandu to Tibet via Gyirong Port is a popular choice. Tourists can easily reach the holy grounds of Kailash Mansarovar and then venture to EBC, Shigatse and Lhasa.

Notice: Since Gyirong Port has been destroyed, we suggest you to fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

The best time to visit Tibet is generally from April to June and from September to October. During these months, the weather is relatively stable, with clear skies and mild temperatures, making it ideal for enjoying the stunning views in 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. In winter, Tibet is not so cold as you think. 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.

Permits needed for foreign travelers:
Tibet Travel Permit issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) is mandatory for all foreign travelers entering Tibet. 

As per latest official notices, Aliens’ Travel Permit is no longer required for visiting EBC, Gyirong border route, Basumtso Lake, Samye Monastery and classic G318 itineraries. Only Ngari region (Mount Kailash & Lake Mansarovar) still requires both Aliens’ Travel Permit plus Military Area Entry Permit. For routes extending beyond standard G318 sightseeing spots, please consult our team for permit confirmation.

Permits needed for residents in Taiwan:
Traveler from Taiwan must join an organized Tibet tour of a qualified Tibet travel agency and possess necessary documents and permits.
1) Taiwan Compatriot Permit: Taiwan residents should hold a valid "Taiwan Compatriot Permit" or "Taiwan Resident Permit for Traveling to Chinese Mainland (台胞证)" (known as "Taiwan Travel Permit" or "Taiwan Compatriot Certificate").
2) Tibet Travel Permit: You need to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit to board flights or trains to Tibet. Taiwan Compatriot Certificate, passport, and phone number are needed when applying for the permit.
3) Tibet Border Permit: To visit places like Tingri in Shigatse, Cuona County in Shannan Prefecture, and Nagri Prefecture, you may need a Tibet Border Permit.
4) Military Area Entry Permit: Travelers from Taiwan traveling to restricted areas like Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar or traveling along G318 Highway, need to apply for a Military Area Entry Permit.

Permits needed for residents in Hong Kong and Macau:
Hong Kong and Macau residents can independently travel to Tibet with a Chinese SAR passport and a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents (港澳同胞回乡证/港澳居民来往内地通行证). You’ll also need a Tibet Border Permit to visit certain restricted places in Tibet.

Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, Military Area Entry Permit, Tibet Border Permit, and other necessary travel documents cannot be applied by tourists by themselves but can only be applied by a qualified travel agency. Our 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 tour.

Tibet is blessed with multiple attractions, from awe-inspiring natural landscapes and architectural wonders.

1) Potala Palace: This iconic complex offers a wealth of history and culture, making it a centerpiece of any Tibet tour.
2) Jokhang Temple: Located in the old town of Lhasa, this temple is one of the most sacred and important monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism.
3) Yamdrok Lake: Known as one of Tibet's three holy lakes, Yamdrok Lake's azure waters and surrounding mountain scenery are not to be missed.
4) Namtso Lake: As the second-largest lake in Tibet, Namtso is revered for its breathtaking views and spiritual significance.
5) Everest Base Camp: For adventure seekers, a visit to the base camp of the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, is an unforgettable experience.
6) Mount Kailash: Considered the spiritual center of the world by several religions, this sacred mountain is a site of pilgrimage for believers.
7) Lake Mansarovar: Revered as a sacred site by pilgrims, Lake Mansarovar reflects the divine harmony of Mount Kailash like a mirror of the heaven.
8) Guge Kingdom Ruins: Nestled in the remote yet breathtaking landscapes, it stands as a testament of a once-thriving civilization, where ancient murals and sculptures whisper tales of the lost kingdom.
9) Nyingchi Peach Blossom Valleys: Each spring, the Nyingchi region blooms with peach blossoms, creating a pink paradise that draws visitors from around the globe.

When planning a trip to Tibet, remember that due to its unique geographical location and cultural background, travelers are required to book their tours through registered travel agencies and must have the appropriate travel permits to enter.

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.

We have handpicked restaurants with food safety guarantees for our clients. You can enjoy unique Tibetan, Sichuan, Nepali, and Indian 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 and Indian dishes feature chicken masala and various curries. You can also find Indian dishes in Tibet. Also, if you have any special dietary requirements, please keep our guides informed and they will help you check food composition when you order dishes.

The duration of your Tibet tour from Chinese cities or Kathmandu, Nepal can vary based on your preferred travel mode and the regions you wish to visit. We have varied packages with durations ranging from 3-30 days. For the classic Lhasa-Shigatse-EBC route, the tour typically takes 8 days. If you want an immersive experience or a trek around Mt. Kailash, prepare for at least 10 days. For a shorter duration, you can choose a Lhasa city tour. It’s recommended to take a longer trip for a more in-depth experience if you have enough time. Besides, if you choose to take a train or drive to Tibet, your journey will typically last longer than a flight tour.

The cost of a Tibet tour depends on several factors, including the length of the tour, the type of accommodation, the mode of transportation, and the specific services included. Our tour packages are designed to cater to a range of budgets, from budget-friendly options to more luxurious experiences. The cost also includes travel permits, accommodations, transportation, and guided tours. For the most accurate pricing, it's best to contact us with your specific travel plans, and we can provide a detailed quote based on your preferences and requirements.

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.

Foreign visitors cannot travel independently across Tibet. You must book an organized tour through a registered local agency such as Tibet Horizon. We will arrange guides, transportation and apply for all required permits for you. You are not allowed to travel around Tibet on your own even if you hold a valid Chinese visa.

Stable Wi-Fi is accessible in most hotels and restaurants in Lhasa, Shigatse and Nyingchi. However, remote spots such as Everest Base Camp and Kailash offer very limited or no mobile signal. We suggest downloading offline maps and important translation materials before heading to high-altitude remote regions. We recommend that you buy a e-SIM card before traveling to Tibet.