Got questions before traveling to Tibet?
We've got all the answers!
Q1: What should I prepare before traveling to Tibet?
Tibet is an intalienable part of China's territory. All foreign tourists, Taiwan compatriots, and overseas Chinese (including those holding foreign passports or travel documents) should abide the laws and regulations when traveling to Tibet. In addition to a valid visa (or Taiwan Compatriot Travel Permit), a Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory for entry into the Tibet Autonomous Region (including Lhasa). As a foreign tourist, you can prepare your luggage as follows:
---Documents and Permissions:
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---Health Preparation (Including Altitude Sickness Prevention):
Tibet's high altitude (with an average elevation of 4,000 meters) requires careful health preparation, so you need to ensure you are fully ready for this adventure. Here are some tips you need to be aware of before setting off:
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Q2: Can I travel to Tibet Independently?
---No, Individual applications are not accepted according to the regulations.
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Q3: How to avoid altitude sickness?
---To avoid altitude sickness, you can follow these tips:
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Q4: When is the best time to visit?
---Tibet is known as the "City of Sunshine" — every season offers its own unique charm for travel! The optional times to visit are from March to June and September to November.
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The Potala Palace in Autumn, Tibet, China |
Peach blossoms in Lhasa, Tibet, China (March to April) |
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For shutterbugs and trekkers
Tibet boasts the most beautiful and breathtaking scenery—from snow-capped mountains and starry skies over the land to crystal-clear lakes like Namtso Lake and Yamdrok Lake. Here in Tibet, you can stand beneath Sapu Holy Mountain, feel the breeze from the snow-capped summit, and photograph the pristine waters of Namtso Lake... Every scenic spot is worth capturing. For trekkers, we have designed many interesting trekking routes, including 5-day to 12-day options to meet different needs, and each one is worth a try.
>>> Tibet maps
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The snow-capped peaks on Sapu holy mountain, Tibet, China |
The Namtso Lake in Lhasa, Tibet, China |
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For gourmets and folklorists
Tibet is also a paradise for dairy lovers and meat lovers! Chewy dried yak beef, traditionally spiced secret-made mutton, tsampa mixed with butter and cheese, home-cooked pork, palatable highland barley wine, and fragrant yak milk are all waiting for you! Besides, there are various forms of intangible cultural heritage—such as Tibetan Opera, Sima Zhuo Dance, and Bandem (a traditional Tibetan art form). You can also appreciate the distinctive Tibetan Buddhist culture while traveling. If you are available in November, you can also join the local people in celebrating Tibet's Wangguo Festival, share the happiness and joy of harvest and nature, and experience the unique charm and beauty of Tibetan culture. >>> Temples in Tibet
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Spicy Zang Mutton dishes in local restraurant, Tibet, China |
Wangguo Festival in Tibet, China (Held Annually in November) |
"No matter what you like, trekking to Everest Base Camp, or celebrating Tibetan New Year with local families, we'll make it happen. Contact us today to begin your tour in Tibet, and let's click to start a wonderful adventure!"
>>> Best time to visit Tibet >>> Winter Tour in Tibet >>> Must do in Tibet
Q5: What's the best way to get to Tibet?
---For foreign tourists, the best way to ge to Tibet depends on Various factors such as time, budget, and personal preferences.
Here are some common options:
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Q6: What's currency/payment work in Tibet?
---Cash/Bank cards/Mobile payments can be used while travrling in Tibet.
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Q7: What best-see attractions or hiking routes are recommended in Tibet?
---Must-see attractions in Tibet: >>> Top Tibet Attractions
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Potala Palace is located on the Red Mountain in the downtown area of Lhasa. "Potala" is a transliteration of the Sanskrit "Putuo", which was the island where Arya Avalokiteshvara lived. Potala Palace was built in the 32nd generation of the Zanpu Songtsam Gambo period of the Tubo Dynasty (7th century AD), which was called "Red Hill Palace" at that time, and then gradually destroyed with the decline of the Tubo Dynasty. There are eight scenic spots in Xuecheng and 16 scenic spots of the main building. The tour route of Potala Palace is fixed and can only follow the guide card of the travel route, which is a one-line tour mode. >>> More details about Potala Palace |
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Namtso, China's third-largest saltwater lake and the world's highest, shines as a sacred gem for pilgrims. Spring here is pure magic—pleasant weather pairs with the snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha, painting the landscape in vivid whites and blues that take your breath away. Head to Tashi Dor Island on the south bank, a short 4.5-hour drive from Lhasa (250km away); as Namtso's largest peninsula, its rocky heights offer stunning sunrise and sunset vistas, while lakeside hikes let you soak in nature and spot playful seagulls. Don't miss the Elephant Gate on the north bank, a striking natural landmark that adds to the lake's mystique. Come experience Namtso's blend of raw beauty and spiritual allure—it's a journey you won't forget. |
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Basum Lake is a famous sacred lake of the Nyingma of Tibetan Buddhism with high religious status. The lake is green, surrounded by green hills. The temple on the island in the middle of the lake has a long history, which has sculptures and buildings and is also a holy place for praying. The tourism development of Basum Lake's scenic spot is relatively mature. After entering the scenic spot, you need to take a sightseeing bus to play. Generally, you will stop at three points on the road: the mid-lake island, the observation deck, and the Jieba village. In addition, there are yachts in the scenic spot. >>> Know more about Basum |
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| Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon is the largest canyon in the world. It is located in the border town of Nyingchi, which is known as the "Holy Land for Backpackers". It starts from Daduka Village in Milin County in the north and reaches Baxika Village in Medog County in the south, with a total length of 504.9 kilometers, an average depth of 2800 meters and a deepest point of 6009 meters. Glaciers, precipices, steep slopes, mudslides, and huge rivers crisscross the whole canyon area. Many areas are still untouched, which can be called "the last secret land on the earth". >>> Click to know more about Yarlung Rsangpo Grand Canyon |
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| Lulang Forest is located on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway about 80 kilometers away from Bayi Town in Nyingchi. It has bushes in the green hills on both sides and dense spruce and pine trees. In the middle of the Lulang Forest is a uniform meadow with winding streams, and a number of birds inhabit it. From mid-April to early June, thousands of wildflowers are in full bloom, and clouds gather and disperse in the mountains. Snow-capped mountains, beautiful forests, and pastoral areas draw a quiet and beautiful landscape. >>> More information about Lulang Forest |
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| Mount Qomolangma, the world's highest peak, stands at an altitude of 8848.86 meters (measured in 2020) in the middle section of the Himalayas, on the border between China's Tibet Autonomous Region and Nepal. Its north slope lies within Tingri County, Tibet. The Everest Base Camp (Mount Qomolangma Base Camp) is an ideal spot for close-up views of the peak. It is an unbeatable sacred place for trekkers—don't you want to stand at the summit of the world's highest mountain? For those with different preferences for trekking routes, we have prepared various trekking routes, with time spans ranging from 5 to 12 days. No matter what kind of demand you put forward, we will try our best to satisfy your needs and help you realize your dream of reaching this highest mountain! >>> More infomation about the Everest Base Camp |
Q8: What are the must-try local foods in Tibet?
---Must-try local foods in Tibet:
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Butter Tea |
| Butter tea is a characteristic beverage created to adapt to the frigid alpine environment. It is made by blending butter extracted from yak milk with brick tea broth, and adding salt for flavor. It has a rich, full-bodied taste. Its high-fat and high-calorie nature can both fend off the bitter cold and ease the weariness caused by altitude sickness. It is not only the local morning tea but also a daily necessity for the local Tibetan. |
 
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Tsampa |
| Tsampa is the staple food of Tibetans, excellent with Butter tea, which is made by roasting highland barley and then grinding it into flour. People often knead tsampa into balls. Some also like to turn it into a paste, adding a little white sugar, fine milk residue, and then mixing in butter tea to eat. This food is all-natural, without any additives, and is very nutritious. |
 
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Dried Yak Beef |
Dried Yak Beef is a cherished wintertime snack for Tibetans. Dried beef must be made in the severe winter to maintain its original flavor. The hind legs or tenderloin of yaks are best for making dried beef. The meat is cut into thick strips, rubbed with salt or spices such as Chinese prickly ash and chili peppers, and hung in a cool, ventilated place. The cold and dry air on the plateau naturally dries the beef. The resulting jerky is very chewy, being a genuine highland protein source, and also a top choice for Tibetans to entertain guests. |
Q9: How to allocate you travel time?
---Rationally planning your time before travel is important
Key Tips for you: 1. Allocate extra days in your itinerary to account for weather delays (common in remote areas) or unexpected altitude issues. 2. If you are planning multi-day trek, you need to add 2–3 days of acclimatization at intermediate altitudes before starting the trek. |
Cultural Etiquette and Precautions:
Remove hats and sunglasses when entering monasteries.
Walk clockwise around religious sites (following local traditions).
Do not touch or photograph religious artifacts without permission.
Avoid pointing at monks, nuns, or religious statues with your finger.
