Discover Tibet

西藏 · Region

Tibet is a high plateau region in western China, with an average height above 4,000 m. Most trips start in Lhasa and need a Tibet Travel Permit, which we file for you. Allow at least four days to adjust to the altitude.

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RegionTibet Autonomous Region, China
CapitalLhasa
Average altitude4,000 m+ (13,100 ft)
Best time to visitApril to October

Regions of Tibet

Pick a region to see local highlights, related journeys and stays. Almost every itinerary still starts with nights in Lhasa for altitude.

Lhasa

Potala, Jokhang and the old town

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Shigatse and Gyantse

Tashilhunpo Monastery, Yamdrok Lake

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Everest region

North base camp and Rongbuk Monastery

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Namtso

High-altitude lake near Lhasa

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Nyingchi

Blossoms and canyons at low altitude

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Shannan

Yarlung Valley, Samye and Yumbulagang

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Nagqu

Changtang grassland and northern plateau

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Qamdo

Eastern Tibet gorges and Kham routes

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Ngari

Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar

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Overview

Quick facts about Discover Tibet

Quick answer

Tibet is a high plateau region in western China, with an average height above 4,000 m. Most trips start in Lhasa and need a Tibet Travel Permit, which we file for you. Allow at least four days to adjust to the altitude.

RegionTibet Autonomous Region, China
CapitalLhasa
Average altitude4,000 m+ (13,100 ft)
Best time to visitApril to October
EntryPermit required for foreign visitors
Main gatewaysLhasa Gonggar Airport, Lhasa railway station, Kathmandu (overland)

Journeys

Permit filing is included in every price.

9 days · Lijiang, Lhasa, Shangri-La
9 Days Yunnan Tibet Tour: Ethnic Cultures, Monasteries, Lakes & Old Towns
5 days · Lhasa
5 Days Lhasa Spiritual Tour: Drak Yerpa, Meditation Caves & Zhaji Temple
5 days · Lhasa
5 Days Lhasa Winter Tour: Bird Watching & Gandan Monastery
4 days · Lhasa
4 Days Lhasa City Tour with Tibetan Family Visit & Cultural Experience
5 days · Lhasa
5 Days Tibet Shannan Tour: Lhasa Tsedang Samye & Yamdrok Lake
5 days · Lhasa
5 Days Tibet New Year Festival Tour - Experience Tibetan Losar Celebrations
See all journeys

Stays

Hotels we use on our tours, with oxygen rooms marked.

Nagqu
NAQUFANDIAN
Shigatse
Tian Lin Hotel
Lhasa
Tibet Tour Mandala Geladandong Hotel
Nyingchi
Four Seasons Delek Nyingchi
Shannan
Grand Hotel Geldonzan
Nyingchi
Dyson Hotel
See all stays

Best time to visit

Average daily high and low in °C, and monthly rain in mm. Winter is cold and dry, with fewer visitors and lower hotel prices.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec24°-9°130 mm
Daily highDaily lowRain
BestGoodCold or limited access

Questions

Every foreign passport holder does. The Tibet Travel Permit is issued only through registered Tibet agencies, and it is checked at airports, train stations and hotels. We file it with every booking at no extra charge.
No. Foreign travellers need a booked tour with a licensed guide, plus a private vehicle for any route beyond Lhasa. A fixed-departure group seat is the cheapest way to travel.
April to October is the main season. May–June and September–October have the clearest mountain views; July and August are greener but wetter.
The train from Xining or Beijing is a slow, scenic climb that helps with acclimatisation. Flights from Chengdu, Xi’an or Kathmandu save a day or two.

Planning Tibet?

Tell us your dates. A Lhasa specialist replies within one working day with a day-by-day plan and a price.