Tibet Travel Guide

About Tibet

Popularly known across the entire globe as the roof of the world, Tibet, once a forbidden kingdom whose origins are hidden in the legends, lies to the north of the Himalayas. Still mystical and mysterious with its ancient cultures and traditions and the highest and rugged plateau in the world, Tibet now is truly a traveler’s paradise offering spiritual insight into the mystical and magical land and adventures through some of the highest mountains on earth.

Probably the most religious people on earth, the religion is associated with day to day life and following culture and traditions laid down hundreds of lifetimes ago. Brightly painted and decorated monasteries along the trail and settlements, ancient mysterious gompas and temples, historic and legendary Potala palace, Holy Mt Kailash and ruins of lost Kingdom Guge and more offer massive opportunity to discover and enjoy. Exploring through the highest plateau on earth on Jeep or mountain bikes, stepping the base camp of the highest mountain on earth, circumambulating the holy mountain of Kailash and the Holy lake Mansarovar one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world etc make it also an adventures’ paradise. Tibet is truly a lifetime experience blended with culture, mystery, history and adventures.

It’s up to you what you would like to experience but we assure you that we can assist you to realize travel dream in this very land. Tibet tours can be operated either via Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal or also via mainland China. In either case, we can help you have a successful and memorable trip.

Important information on Tibet travel

Tibet Travel Permit & China visa

To travel to Tibet, travel permit called Invitation Letter to travel to Tibet from Tibet Travel Bureau (TTB) is a must. Generally it takes about two-week’s time to get the permit. Hence you are suggested to provide us with your passport details or clearly scanned passport copy along with the finalized trip dates.

If you are entering Tibet from Kathmandu, you should get your Chinese visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Please note that if you have already got the Chinese visa in your home country, it will be canceled and new visa will be issued. We will arrange your Travel permit and Chinese visa.

Best time to visit Tibet

For overland tours, the time from April through November is the best time. For trekking and Mt. Kailash Kora, from April till early October is good time. The time is favorable for the beautiful weather and less or no snow on the trail.

Accommodations and Food

In cities like Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse, there are good hotels. However along the highway the guest houses are of basic standard.

Like accommodation, in city hotels the varieties of food are found. But in highway guesthouses, you won’t have many choices. You are suggested to only eat cooked food and drink bottled water. It’s advisable to carry some dry food on your own too.

Clothing and equipment

Below are the items that we generally suggest you to have. You could also bring the ones that you usually use on your regular travel.

• Down jacket or warm fleece top
• Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
• Cotton shirts (short and long sleeved)
• Warm cotton trousers
• Sunglasses
• Warm woolen hat and gloves
• Sandals (flip-flops)
• Towel
• Sleeping bag (for camping/trekking)
• Rain jacket
• Strong sun cream and lip protector
• Moisturizer
• Water bottle

Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is an obvious concern while traveling Tibet. You may experience some mild symptoms initially, such as headache, lethargy, nausea and difficulty in sleeping, but these should lessen within a few days. A supply of bottled oxygen is carried in the vehicle at all times should it be required. A Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) is also carried on all our Tibet treks and Mt. Kailash tours in case of altitude sickness.Hotels in Lhasa are equipped with oxygen. Doctors will also be available on call.

A good briefing is given to all the tourists about altitude sickness before they depart for the trip. Our staff will constantly check if someone is having some symptoms during trip days. Altitude sickness can be overcome if taken proper precaution and if informed in time.

Transportation in Tibet

Lhasa is connected with train network with mainland China. The condition of roads in Tibet has been much improved recently. Generally 4WD Japanese Jeeps are used to carry tourists and trucks for supplies and equipment.