Tibet Planning Guides བོད
Tibet is a high plateau region in western China, with an average height above 4,000 m. Most trips start in Lhasa, need a Tibet Travel Permit and allow at least four days to adjust to the altitude.
Do I need a permit to visit Tibet?
Yes, if you hold a foreign passport. A registered Tibet agency files it for you. Here is how it works and when to send your documents.
When is the best time to visit Tibet?
May to June and September to October give the clearest views. What each month is like in Lhasa and beyond.
Can you travel from Nepal into Tibet?
Yes, with a Tibet group visa and a booked tour. How the overland route and the Kathmandu flight compare.
What to pack for Tibet, season by season
Layers, sun protection and a warm jacket matter more than anything else. Nights are cold even in July.
Why do Tibetans drink butter tea?
Salty, rich and made for a cold, dry plateau. What goes in it, how it is served and how to say no politely.
How to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit
Step-by-step: book a tour, send scans, occupation, filing, courier and checkpoints.
Tibet permit cost
What is included in the tour price, what is free at the TTB, and Nepal Group Visa fees.
Aliens’ Travel Permit
Who still needs the PSB permit after the 4 June 2025 change — and who does not (EBC, Gyirong, Nyingchi, Samye).
Entering Tibet from Nepal
Tibet Group Visa in Kathmandu, how it replaces a China visa, and how the TTB permit still fits.
Mount Kailash permits
Military Permit and border paperwork for Ngari, Mount Kailash and Guge — lead times and what we file.
Permit processing time
The real 15–20 working day calendar, peak seasons, and when to send scans.
See tours, hotels and sights in Tibet →
Questions about Tibet
Do I need a permit to visit Tibet?
Yes. Every foreign passport holder needs a Tibet Travel Permit, which only a registered Tibet agency can apply for. Plan on three to four weeks.
Can you travel from Nepal into Tibet?
Yes, with a Tibet permit and a group visa arranged through an agency. Overland via Gyirong or flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa both work.