Tibet Travel Guide
Dreaming of traveling to Tibet but feeling overwhelmed by the restrictions imposed by the Chinese government, the amount of research, permits, and planning that seems to be involved? Worry no more, we have you covered! Have a look below for comprehensive, straightforward everything-you-need-to-know-and-more visa and permit instructions, maps, regional information, and fun history facts. Our Tibet travel guide makes everything easy for you.
Where is Tibet
Despite Tibet’s pervasiveness in popular imagination, few people are able to locate the area on a map. What exactly is Tibet? And where is it? No, it isn’t an embarrassing question. It’s the first thing you need to know!
‘Tibet’ is a cultural region whose physical location roughly corresponds with that of the Tibetan Plateau. Beyond the People’s Republic of China, Tibetan speaking peoples can be found across the Himalayas in Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Today, the bulk of Tibetan cultural areas are part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In addition to the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), there are 10 Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures located in the provinces of Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan, and Yunnan. Read carefully the travel guide to special Tibetan areas.
China’s Administrative Division:
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is comprised of 22 provinces and five autonomous regions which are administered under the Chinese Communist Party’s system of democratic centralism. Chinese provinces are composed of prefectures which are in turn made up of counties, townships, and villages.
Autonomous Regions were established in minority areas and have constitutional autonomy which includes, among other special rights, the right to use the local language in major media. Additionally, the PRC contains four direct-control municipalities and two special administrative regions.
The Tibetan areas of the PRC are:
Gannan Autonomous Tibetan Prefecture in Gansu Province
Haibei Autonomous
Tibetan Prefecture in Qinghai Province
Huangnan Autonomous
Tibetan Prefecture in Qinghai Province
Hainan Autonomous Tibetan Prefecture in Qinghai Province
Golog Autonomous Tibetan Prefecture in Qinghai Province
Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province
Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province
Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan
Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan
Deqen Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan
Xizang Tibet Autonomous Region
TIBETAN CULTURAL REGIONS
The greater Tibetan cultural area can be roughly split into three main cultural and linguistic sub-cultures: U-Tsang (Central Tibet), Amdo, and Kham. Each area boasts its own unique cultural flavor, special local style of dress, language, and customs. Check all Tibet tour packages to find the most suitable trip for you.
U-tsang Tibet Travel Guide and Qinghai Tibet Railway
(U-tsang) Central Tibet is accessible by plane only from Nepal or ports of departure within the PRC. Though train travel is 22 hours, it is recommended as it allows for better acclimatization. The rail line, built in 1996 boasts modern facilities, sleeping compartments, and dining cars. The port of departure for train travel is Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. Check places to visit beyond Lhasa city.
Must See: Potala Palace, Yumbu Lhakang, Kailash, Ganden, Sera, and Drepung Monasteries
Everest Base Camp Tibet is a highlight of many itineraries, offering stunning scenery and best visited during spring and autumn for optimal weather conditions.
Getting to U-tsang Tibet
(U-tsang) Central Tibet is accessible by plane only from Nepal or ports of departure within the PRC. Though train travel is 25 hours, it is recommended as it allows for better acclimatization. The rail line, built in 1996 boasts modern facilities, sleeping compartments, and dining cars. The port of departure for train travel is Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province.
Travel Guide to Amdo Tibet
Amdo Tibet is spread across three provinces. The cultural areas can be found in southwestern Gansu, Qinghai, and northern Sichuan. Amdo is best known for it’s rolling plains, scholars, and for its leading role in Tibet’s Buddhist revival. Check all Amdo tours to find the most suitable trip for you or check best attractions in Amdo. Check Amnye Machen Trek & Amdo to Lhasa by train tours.
Must See: Amnye Machen, Labrang Monastery, Qinghai Lake (Lake Kokonor), Traditional Thangka Painting in Rebkong
Getting to Amdo Tibet
Amdo is perhaps the most easily accessible area as Qinghai and Gansu’s roadways are comparatively well maintained and the geography is, generally, less vertical. The bulk of historic Amdo is most easily accessed via Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, although it’s southern regions are closer to Chengdu. The Sichuan Tibet Highway, an adventurous overland route for travelers from Mainland China to Tibet, also provides access to this unique region.
Kham Tibet Travel Guide and Tibetan Buddhism
Kham Tibet is spread across three provinces and part of the TAR. The cultural areas can be found in the TAR’s eastern extremity, southern Qinghai, the western half of Sichuan, and northern Yunnan. This area is best known for its forests, steep mountains, and distinctive style of dress. Check all Kham tours to find the most suitable trip for you.
Must See: Dege’s Printing House, Litang’s Old Town, Yulum Lhatso, Minyak Towers
Getting to Kham Tibet
Kham is most easily accessible via the capital of Sichuan Province (Chengdu) or the capital of Qinghai Province (Xining). Though Kham is home to a variety of domestic airports, overland travel by bus or car is recommended for acclimatization’s sake. This area is not yet accessible via train. Check our amazing Highlight of Kham Tibet if you recently prepare a trip.
Overall Tibet Travel Guide and Tibet Travel Permit
Depending on the location you choose, you will have different options to choose from in terms of public bus, train, private car, or plane. Some regions, like those located in relatively flat Qinghai are more easily accessible, while others, like those in western Sichuan require long road trips. Each region has a departure city situated at lower altitude where you will likely fly in and out of. (check tibet travel FAQs to understand more information before you go.)
To enhance your travel experience and avoid costly mistakes, here are some essential Tibet travel tips. Be well-prepared by researching local customs and regulations, packing appropriate clothing for the high-altitude climate, and carrying necessary medications. It’s also advisable to learn a few basic phrases in the local language to ease communication and show respect to the local culture.
As the average altitude of the Tibetan plateau is over 4500 meters (14763 feet), altitude sickness is not uncommon. Overland travel is recommended for all regions as it allows time for acclimatization. For more about altitude sickness, read our section below entitled “Altitude Sickness”. You may also read women’s health and-safety while travelling in Tibet. We have a nice article on things you should know before you go to Tibet to help you get more out of your trip in Tibet. Additionally, acquiring a Tibet visa requires careful attention to detail, including correctly filling out forms, obtaining passport photos, and understanding the necessary steps and documentation required for the visa application.
Before You Go
Tibet Travel Permit
Before embarking on your Tibet tour, it’s essential to understand the requirements for obtaining a Tibet Travel Permit. This mandatory document, issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, is required for all foreign travelers visiting Tibet. To secure the permit, you must book your Tibet tour through a licensed tour operator, who will handle the application process on your behalf.
The Tibet Travel Permit is typically issued 10-15 days before your trip and is valid for the duration of your stay in Tibet. You’ll need to present this permit at various checkpoints during your journey, including airports, train stations, and border crossings. Always carry the permit with you, as it’s crucial for entry into Tibet.
In addition to the Tibet Travel Permit, you’ll also need a Chinese visa, which can be obtained from a Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country. The Chinese visa application process usually takes 4-5 working days, and the cost varies depending on your nationality. Ensuring you have both the Tibet Travel Permit and Chinese visa will make your visit to Tibet smooth and hassle-free.
When Should I go?
Summer
Generally, the best time for traveling to the Tibetan Plateau is not, contrary to popular opinion, summer. While summer is certainly beautiful, the same monsoon rains that sweep across the Indian subcontinent during the summer (the root of which is the Himalayan mountain range), pour over much of the plateau in the months of June and July. The upside of all the rain is that the flowers of the grasslands are in full bloom. Temperatures are, of course, much warmer during the summer.
Fall
The late summer or early fall is the time for trekking (particularly late July to late September) if you wish to increase your chances of staying dry. The flowers will be receding at this time, but the rains will have largely stopped.
Winter
Winter is a long affair on the plateau. Lasting from mid-October to early May, it is the coldest time of the year, and even swallowing up that special time we call Spring. While winter is, in many places, bitterly cold, the skies are hauntingly blue and the rivers run turquoise with glacial melt. The sun is typically strong during the day, and as winter is the dry season, one won’t find very many snowy places until middle or late winter or even early spring.
On the Ground
Transportation
Navigating Tibet can be challenging, but several transportation options are available to make your journey easier. The most common way to reach Tibet is by flying into Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA), located about 40 miles south of Lhasa city. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to your hotel.
Another popular option is the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which connects Lhasa to major cities in mainland China, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. The train journey, which takes around 24-48 hours depending on the route and type of train, offers a unique and scenic way to travel to Tibet.
Once in Lhasa, you can get around the city by taxi, bus, or on foot. Taxis are readily available, but it’s a good idea to negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Buses are also an option, though the routes and schedules can be confusing for foreigners.
For longer journeys, such as trips to Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash, you’ll need to hire a private vehicle and driver. This can be arranged through your tour operator or a local travel agency, ensuring you have a comfortable and convenient way to explore the more remote areas of Tibet.
Exploring Tibet
Tibet is a vast and diverse region, offering a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the serene turquoise lakes of the Tibetan Plateau, there’s no shortage of incredible sights to explore.
One of the most popular destinations in Tibet is Everest Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 16,900 feet. This iconic location offers stunning views of the sunrise over the Himalayas and is a favorite spot for trekking and hiking enthusiasts.
Another must-see attraction is the Potala Palace, located in the heart of Lhasa city. Once the residence of the Dalai Lama, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts over 1,000 rooms, including temples, chapels, and gardens, making it a fascinating place to explore.
Tibet is also home to a rich cultural heritage, characterized by a unique blend of Tibetan Buddhism and traditional Tibetan culture. Visitors can immerse themselves in local traditions by attending festivals such as the Shoton Festival or the Saga Dawa Festival, which offer a glimpse into the vibrant cultural life of the region.
Overall, Tibet is a destination that offers something for everyone, from awe-inspiring natural landscapes to a deep and enduring cultural legacy. With its unique blend of Tibetan Buddhism and traditional Tibetan culture, a visit to Tibet promises unforgettable memories and experiences.
Altitude Sickness
The average altitude of the Tibetan Plateau is over 4,500 meters, so chances are that no matter how good of health you are in, you may experience altitude sickness. Usual symptoms include headaches, dizziness, trouble sleeping, fatigue, and shortness of breathe, and dehydration. In rare and extreme cases altitude sickness can result in edema. Serious altitude sickness is almost always the result of ascending too quickly. A slow ascent and taking rest days to allow for acclimatization are simple steps guiding to make your trip safe and enjoyable. Visitors cannot visit Tibet independently due to government regulations and must book an organized tour through a licensed travel agency.
As you ascend in altitude, the air gets thinner and your body begins to overproduce red blood cells to compensate for the decrease in oxygen. Within 72 hours your body will adjust and you can continue to ascend. Hope you are enjoying with this Tibet travel guide for preparing your next outdoor tour with us.
Most people will not experience problems with altitude sickness under 2500 meters (8000 feet), but everyone’s body is different. In some cases an increase of even 100 meters can make a big difference. Pay attention to how you are feeling and be ready to take it slow. Hope our Tibet travel guide article is helpful of you to plan a trip to Himalayas of Tibet. Our office direction if you are in Nepal. We would much appreciate to involve in forum to discuss and share your recent Tibet experience.
