Tibet Village Tour

Tibet Village Tour Faqs

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

  The best time to join a Tibet tour to visit Tibetan villages 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 enjoying the stunning views of plateau landscapes and visiting Tibetan landmarks and villages. In summer, the weather may be rainy, but the temperature is higher and tourists can witness the celebration of Shoton Festival. In winter, the weather is cold but tourists 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 permits are needed to join a Tibet village tour?

  To visit Tibetan villages, 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 village tour.

• 3. What about the accommodation during Tibet village tours?

  Lhasa, as one of the major tourist destinations in Tibet, offers 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. Local families in Tibetan villages offer cozy accommodation and basic facilities.

• 4. What to eat during Tibet village tours?

  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.

• 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. The itineraries of our Tibet village tours are hassle-free, taking you to the landmarks and villages within and around Lhasa and allowing you to explore the stunning sites and cultural splendors on a slow path.

  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.

• 6. Are kids and seniors more easily to experience altitude sickness?

  Not really. Altitude sickness has little to do with age and is mainly related to personal hypoxia tolerance and how you acclimate to the high altitude.

  Typically, you and your family members should have a good rest and avoid catching a cold before heading to Tibet. After reaching Lhasa, please make sure that you and your family rest well in the hotel and avoid strenuous activities. Our local guides will closely follow your family’s health condition and offer timely assistance throughout your stay in Tibet.

• 7. What do I need to pay attention to when visiting Tibetan villages with my children?

  As our Tibet village tours take you and your children to many monasteries in Tibet, you need to keep an eye on your children and make sure they don’t run around, touch the statues or yell inside. When visiting Tibetan villages, it’s important to make sure that your kids behave politely and respect local customs. It’s advised to educate your kids to be respectful of local customs and traditions before setting off to Tibet.