How to Visit Tibet: The Best Tips for Planning Your Tibet Tour
OrientalAesthetics
10 MIN READ
One of the most common questions we receive from our clients is: how do I plan a Tibet tour? While there are many factors to consider when planning your trip, we have put together a simple guide to help you get started.
From selecting the best travel time to acclimatizing to the altitude, our guide covers all the essential steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to the top of the world.
The Most Important Document to Enter Tibet is Tibet Travel Permit
To visit Tibet, international tourists must get the Tibet Travel Permit. Without it, you can’t even take the train or flight to Tibet. Fortunately, the application process is not as complicated as many assume.
According to the policy, individual application for Tibet Permit is not allowed, so one needs to contact a travel agency to handle the permit application. Here we offer the simple steps to help you get the Tibet Travel Permit.
Step 1: Book your Tibet tour with us, and confirm your itinerary in Tibet.
Step 2: Send us copies of your passport and Chinese Visa.
- Passport with your photo, date of issue, passport number. Make sure your passport is valid for at least the next 6 months.
- China Tourist Visa; ( 15 days free visa ).
Step 3: We will help to submit the permit application on your behalf.
Step 4: Get your Tibet Permit before heading to Tibet.
The Tibet Permit will be checked before you board the train or flight to Lhasa. It is recommended to start the application at least 15-20 days before your departure date.
The Best Way to Get to Tibet is by Tibet Train
To get to Tibet, we recommend taking a Tibet train, which offers several benefits. You can first fly from your home country to an entry city in mainland China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou. Then, to reach Tibet, fly to Xining and take the train to Lhasa.
There are several advantages to this approach. First, it can be more cost-efficient than a straight flight journey to Tibet. Especially during peak travel season, the flights to Tibet will charge quite high.
Secondly, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway during the shortest train ride from Xining (less than 24 hours). Trains to Lhasa from other cities like Beijing, and Guangzhou all take so long, averagely lasting 40 hours.
Additionally, taking the train can help you better acclimatize to the high altitude of the plateau. The train ascends gradually, giving your body more time to adjust. Moreover, the train is equipped with oxygen and medical facilities for emergencies, ensuring the safety of passengers.
The Easiest Way to Visit Tibet is Packing Light
Due to the low temperature and strong ultraviolet rays in Tibet, it is best not to wear shot-sleeved tops and shorts, even in summer. Instead, you need to pack warm clothing such as sweaters, down jackets, warm underwear, scarves, warm hats, gloves, etc to keep warm in Tibet.
Especially in the winter season, or when going to Mount Everest or Mount Kailash region, you should bring thick down jackets. For shoes, hiking shoes or sneakers are recommended. And if you plan to trek in Tibet, rush clothes, rainproof clothes, and quick-dry pants are essential.
But remember, keeping your luggage light will make it easier for you to move around and enjoy your trip to Tibet without any unnecessary burdens. You can always rent some items when you arrive in Tibet, and packing smartly can make your travel experience more comfortable.
The Best Time to Visit Tibet is from April to October
Tibet actually can be visited all year round, but the best time is generally from April to October, covering spring, autumn, and monsoon seasons. In spring and autumn, the plateau enjoys mild and stable weather, and most areas of the land are accessible. The clear sky and fresh air of the autumn season are especially friendly for trekking in Tibet.
Summer is also one of the best seasons to visit Tibet, despite some regions of Tibet may have heavy rainfall. The weather is warm, not as hot as in other places due to the high elevation. And colorful flowers bloom, making the plateau landscape more stunning. Just pay attention to possible mudslides when traveling overland.
In addition, winter is also a good time to visit some areas in Tibet, like Lhasa city. The winter in Lhasa is not extremely cold, but actually warmer than many places in northern China. And the sunshine in the wintertime is quite strong here. It is also an excellent chance to save your Tibet tour cost for budget travelers.
The Most Important Health Precaution is Being Aware of Altitude Sickness
Health concern is a major issue when traveling anywhere in the world. And in Tibet, altitude sickness is the primary concern. People traveling to Tibet may experience varying degrees of altitude sickness, with symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath being normal. These symptoms usually disappear after one to three days of adaptation. However, if there are severe symptoms such as vomiting, vertigo, or insomnia, medication and oxygen absorption may be necessary, or a visit to a doctor.
There is no need to be too nervous, as long as you take effective measures to prevent altitude sickness. Before entering Tibet, you can undertake some psychological and physical adaptation exercises. Upon arrival in Tibet, it is recommended to stay in Lhasa (at a lower altitude) for a few days before heading to higher mountain areas like Mount Everest.
Avoid heavy physical activities such as rushing, jumping, etc., and keep yourself warm, as cold can exacerbate altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water and avoid smoking and alcohol in the first two days. Additionally, it is not advisable to take a shower right after arriving in Tibet.
About the services included in the travel reservation price
Include:
- All transportation in Tibet
- Tibet Travel Permit
- All the entrance fee mentioned in the upon program
- English speaking tour guide
- All the accommodation during your stay in Tibet
Not Include:
- Flight tickets & Tran tickets
- All your own expenses
- Tips for your guide and driver