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1. Would it be too cold to visit Tibet in winter?
No. Due to the high altitude, Tibet enjoys abundant sunshine. Even in winter, there’s plenty of sunshine in the day. In November, temperatures range from -5°C to 10°C. From December to February, temperatures range from -10°C to 5°C. In the day, thanks to the sunlight, the temperature of most regions is typically above zero. In the evening, however, it may fall below zero. Hotels are equipped with heat-supply systems, so you don’t need to worry about getting cold at night. There, it’s suitable for tourists to travel to Lhasa, Shigatse, EBC, and the surroundings in winter.
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2. What to expect for cultural and festival encounters in Tibet during the winter season?
In winter, the weather is colder but you can experience some traditional Tibetan festivals. Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival happens on the 15th day of the tenth lunar month, usually in late November or December. The locals will light thousands of butter lamps at Ganden Monastery to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and death of the founder of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism, Je Tsongkhapa.
Losar, the Tibetan New Year. It’s one of the most important and popular Tibetan festivals. The festival marks the beginning of a new year on the Tibetan calendar, often in February and lasts for around two weeks. During the days, traditional dances, feasts, and religious ceremonies will be held to celebrate this festival. You can immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture and dense festival atmosphere.
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3. What permits are needed to join a Tibet winter tour?
To enter Tibet by train, 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: 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 winter tour.
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4. What about the accommodation during Tibet winter tours? Where can I stay at EBC in winter?
Lhasa and Shigatse, as major tourist destinations in Tibet, 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, at EBC, only basic guestrooms are available in winter. Due to the cold weather and climate, tents are not available during winter at EBC. In winter, Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse is the only place to stay at Mount Everest in winter. The guesthouse also offers basic facilities and accommodation to visitors and serves as a perfect place to view Mt. Everest.
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5. What to pack for Everest Base Camp tour?
Firstly, bring a thick jacket and warm underwear to prepare for chilly weather and huge temperature difference. Also, pack a pair of sneakers, woolen socks, sweaters to keep yourself warm during your visit in Tibet.
Secondly, sun hats, sunglasses, face masks, and sunscreen are essential-UV rays on the plateau are no joke.
Thirdly, bring a small bag to carry some medicine in case of unexpected situations: stuff like Banlangen, band-aids, anti-diarrhea medicine, cold medicine, and glucose.
Also, since the weather is dry here, you’d better bring your lip balm and facial moisturizer.
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6. Is it possible to visit Mt. Kailash in winter?
Unfortunately, Mount Kailash is often closed for a period in winter. Lying in the far west of Tibet in Ngari Prefecture, Mt. Kailash sits at a higher altitude than Lhasa, which also means that it gets colder than Lhasa. In winter, this region sees heavy snow, making the mountain paths inaccessible. Typically, the best time to visit Mt. Kailash is April to June and September to October, when the weather is warmer and the road conditions are better.
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7. What to eat during Tibet winter 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.
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8. 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 winter tours are hassle-free, 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.
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