Traveling to China—How to Visit Tibet for the First Time?

Traveling to Tibet—How to Visit for the First Time

Tibet is a magical and mysterious place that has been isolated from the world for centuries, located on the highest plateau on Earth. What should you do to travel to Tibet for the first time? What preparations are needed? If you’ve never been to this land before, where should you visit? Here is some useful information to help you plan your first trip to Tibet.

First, Obtain a Tibet Travel Permit in Advance

Many customers ask us if they can travel to Tibet with just a Chinese visa. In fact, for first-time travelers to Tibet, it is important to note that a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit are different, but both are required for traveling to Tibet.

Ensure You Have a Chinese Visa

The first step to traveling to Tibet is obtaining a Chinese visa. You can get this visa from the Chinese embassy in your home country. Alternatively, if you do not have a Chinese visa and plan to travel to Tibet from Nepal, you can apply for a Chinese group visa through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Once you have your Chinese visa, you can apply for the Tibet Travel Permit.

How to Obtain a Tibet Travel Permit

The Tibet Travel Permit issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau is another essential travel document for your trip to Tibet. It can only be applied for through a travel agency that provides Tibet travel services.

After booking your Tibet tour, you only need to provide us with scanned copies of your valid passport and Chinese visa. We will then apply for the permit on your behalf.

Once we receive the issued permit, we will send it to your address in mainland China so that you can board your flight or train to Tibet with the permit.

（The Tibet Travel Permit is a necessary document for entering Tibet.）

Where to Visit in Tibet for the First Time

Tibet covers over 1.2 million square kilometers, but there aren’t many well-known places. For those who have never been to Tibet, which areas are worth visiting on this vast land? Here are some recommended destinations for your first trip to Tibet.

Lhasa (4 to 5 days)

Every visitor to Tibet’s first stop is the capital city, Lhasa. Here, you can visit the sacred Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and stroll through Barkhor Street in the old town to experience the daily life of the Tibetan people.

In the suburbs of Lhasa, there are many activities to enjoy, such as watching the monks debate at Sera Monastery and exploring local Tibetan villages.

A classic tour of Lhasa city typically takes about 4 days. If you plan to visit nearby attractions like Ganden Monastery and Yamdrok Lake, you might need to arrange a 5-day itinerary.

Mount Everest Base Camp (8 Days)

Most of our clients visit Tibet to see Mount Everest Base Camp. If this is also your purpose for coming to Tibet, you won’t want to miss the 8-day journey from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp.

Traveling from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp, you will experience the stunning scenery from the capital city of Lhasa to Tibet’s second-largest city, Shigatse. Along the way, you can visit sacred Yamdrok Lake, White Stupa, and Karola Glacier.

In Shigatse, you can explore the ancient Tashilhunpo Monastery, home to the successive Panchen Lamas, and Sakya Monastery, known as the “Second Dunhuang.”

The journey from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp covers 343 kilometers and takes about 6.5 hours by car. Before reaching the base camp, you can enjoy panoramic views of the 8,000-meter-plus peaks from the Gawula Pass. Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, you can spend the night there, marvel at the sunset and sunrise from the roof of the world, and visit Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world with a history of several centuries.

Kangrinboqe Peak (10 to 15 Days)

For first-time pilgrims traveling to Tibet, a journey to Kangrinboqe Peak is undoubtedly the best choice.

Located in the desolate western region of Tibet, Kangrinboqe Peak is over 1,200 kilometers from Lhasa. The epic overland journey from Lhasa to Kangrinboqe Peak and Manasarovar Lake takes 15 days and includes an overnight stay at Everest Base Camp. If your sole destination is Kangrinboqe Peak, you can shorten the trip to 10 days without visiting Everest Base Camp.

Namtso Lake (Additional 1 to 2 Days)

If you have a week in Tibet, it is also recommended to visit Namtso Lake during your first trip, especially from April to October.

Surrounded by the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, Namtso Lake is known as the “Heavenly Lake.” Stroll along the vast lake shore and enjoy the shimmering sapphire waters encircled by continuous snow-capped mountains.

Additionally, Namtso Lake is an excellent destination for cycling. If you are a cycling enthusiast, biking from Lhasa to Namtso is a fantastic option.

The Best Time to Visit Tibet for the First Time

The best time to travel to Tibet is from April to October each year, with April, May, September, and October being the optimal months due to the most pleasant weather. This period is also ideal for trekking in Tibet.

Summer is the peak tourist season in Tibet, with many domestic tourists favoring the summer vacation period for their trips. If you plan to visit Tibet in the summer, it is advisable to book well in advance.

For budget-conscious travelers, winter is the best time to visit. As the off-season for Tibetan tourism, hotels and flights to Tibet offer excellent discounts. Traveling to Tibet in winter can save you a lot of money, and you need not worry about the weather. Tibetan winters are not as cold as you might imagine. In Lhasa, daytime temperatures during winter average around 14°C, which is even warmer than Beijing.

Traveling to Tibet for the First Time by Plane or Train

For most first-time visitors to Tibet, getting there can be a question. It is highly recommended to take the train to Tibet and then fly back, or vice versa.

Currently, there are seven cities with train services to Tibet: Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Xining, and Lanzhou. Among them, the train from Xining to Lhasa is the shortest, taking about 22 hours, while the train from Guangzhou to Lhasa is the longest, taking over 54 hours.

If you want to experience the Tibet train journey, you can take the train to Tibet and then fly out after your visit. In some cases, especially during peak seasons when it is difficult to buy Tibet train tickets, you might consider Plan B—flying into Tibet and then taking the train from Lhasa.

Tips for Successfully Obtaining Tibet Train and Flight Tickets

Whether you are traveling to Tibet by plane or train, be sure to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit before departure. Without this permit, you will not be able to board a flight or train to Tibet.

If you plan to visit Tibet during peak seasons, particularly during the summer holidays or the Golden Week in early October, it is essential to book tickets as early as possible, as flights and train tickets can sell out quickly.

If you are unable to obtain Tibet train tickets from your departure city, you can first travel to Xining and then take the train to Tibet from there. Since all Tibet trains stop at Xining Railway Station, you might have a better chance of getting a ticket. Additionally, for clients booking Tibet train journeys through us, we can guarantee tickets from Xining to Lhasa.

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How to Visit Tibet for the First Time?

June 10, 2023 Author: Master Kungga Dundruk 0 Comments

Tibet is such a magical and mysterious place, having been isolated from the world for centuries and situated on the highest plateau on Earth. What should you do on your first trip to Tibet? What preparations are needed? If you have never been to this land before, where should you go? Here is some useful information to help you plan your first trip to Tibet.

Content:

1. Obtain Your Tibet Travel Permit in AdvanceMost clients ask us if they can simply use a Chinese visa to travel to Tibet. In fact, for first-time travelers to Tibet, it is important to note that a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit are different, but both are required for traveling to Tibet.
   • Ensure You Have a Chinese Visa: You will need a Chinese visa to travel to Tibet. You can obtain a visa from the Chinese embassy in your country. Alternatively, if you do not have a Chinese visa and plan to travel to Tibet from Nepal, you can apply for a group visa through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Once you have the Chinese visa, you can then apply for the Tibet Travel Permit.
   • How to Obtain the Tibet Travel Permit: The Tibet Travel Permit, issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, is another essential travel document for your trip to Tibet. It can only be applied for through a travel agency that provides Tibet travel services.After booking your Tibet trip, simply provide us with scanned copies of your valid passport and Chinese visa. We will apply for the permit on your behalf.Once we receive the issued permit, we will send it to your address in mainland China so you can board your flight or train to Tibet with the permit.
2. Where to Visit on Your First Trip to TibetTibet covers over 1.2 million square kilometers, but there aren’t many well-known places. For those who have never been to Tibet, which areas are worth visiting? Here are some recommended destinations for your first trip to Tibet.
   • Lhasa (4 to 5 Days): The first stop for every visitor to Tibet is Lhasa, the capital city. Here, you can visit the sacred Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and stroll through Barkhor Street in the old town to experience the current Tibetan way of life.In the suburbs of Lhasa, there are many activities to enjoy, such as watching the monks debate at Sera Monastery and exploring local Tibetan villages.A classic tour of Lhasa city typically takes about 4 days. If you plan to visit nearby attractions like Ganden Monastery and Yamdrok Lake, you might need to arrange a 5-day itinerary.
   • Mount Everest Base Camp (8 Days): Most of our clients visit Tibet to see Mount Everest Base Camp. If this is also your purpose for coming to Tibet, you won’t want to miss the 8-day journey from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp.Traveling from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp allows you to enjoy the stunning scenery from Lhasa to Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. Along the way, you can visit sacred Yamdrok Lake, White Stupa, and Karola Glacier.In Shigatse, you can explore the ancient Tashilhunpo Monastery, home to the successive Panchen Lamas, and Sakya Monastery, known as the “Second Dunhuang.”The journey from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp covers 343 kilometers and takes about 6.5 hours by car. Before reaching the base camp, you can enjoy panoramic views of the 8,000-meter-plus peaks from the Gawula Pass. Upon reaching Everest Base Camp, you can spend the night there, marvel at the sunset and sunrise from the roof of the world, and visit Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world with a history of several centuries.This is the best travel route for your first trip, allowing you to explore all the highlights of Tibet in one go.
   • Kangrinboqe Peak (10 to 15 Days): For first-time pilgrims traveling to Tibet, a journey to Kangrinboqe Peak is undoubtedly the best choice.Kangrinboqe Peak is located in the desolate western region of Tibet, over 1,200 kilometers from Lhasa. The epic overland journey from Lhasa to Kangrinboqe Peak and Manasarovar Lake takes 15 days and includes an overnight stay at Everest Base Camp. If your sole destination is Kangrinboqe Peak, you can shorten the trip to 10 days without visiting Everest Base Camp.
   • Namtso Lake (Additional 1 to 2 Days): If you have a week in Tibet, it is also recommended to visit Namtso Lake during your first trip, especially from April to October.Surrounded by the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, Namtso Lake is known as the “Heavenly Lake.” Stroll along the vast lake shore and enjoy the shimmering sapphire waters encircled by continuous snow-capped mountains.Additionally, Namtso Lake is an excellent destination for cycling. If you are a cycling enthusiast, biking from Lhasa to Namtso is a fantastic option.
3. The Best Time to Visit Tibet for the First TimeThe best time to travel to Tibet is from April to October each year, with April, May, September, and October being the optimal months due to the most pleasant weather. This period is also ideal for trekking in Tibet.Summer is the peak tourist season in Tibet, with many domestic tourists favoring the summer vacation period for their trips. If you plan to visit Tibet in the summer, it is advisable to book well in advance.For budget-conscious travelers, winter is the best time to visit. As the off-season for Tibetan tourism, hotels and flights to Tibet offer excellent discounts. Traveling to Tibet in winter can save you a lot of money, and you need not worry about the weather. Tibetan winters are not as cold as you might imagine. In Lhasa, daytime temperatures during winter average around 14°C, which is even warmer than Beijing.
4. Traveling to Tibet for the First Time by Plane or TrainFor most first-time visitors to Tibet, getting there can be a question. It is highly recommended to take the train to Tibet and then fly back, or vice versa.Currently, there are seven cities with train services to Tibet: Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Xining, and Lanzhou. Among them, the train from Xining to Lhasa is the shortest, taking about 22 hours, while the train from Guangzhou to Lhasa is the longest, taking over 54 hours.If you want to experience the Tibet train journey, you can take the train to Tibet and then fly out after your visit. In some cases, especially during peak seasons when it is difficult to buy Tibet train tickets, you might consider Plan B—flying into Tibet and then taking the train from Lhasa.
5. Tips for Successfully Obtaining Tibet Train and Flight TicketsRegardless of whether you are traveling to Tibet by plane or train, make sure to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit before departure. Without this permit, you will not be able to board a flight or train to Tibet.If you plan to visit Tibet during peak seasons, particularly during the summer holidays or the Golden Week in early October, it is essential to book tickets as early as possible, as flights and train tickets can sell out quickly.If you are unable to obtain Tibet train tickets from your departure city, you can first travel to Xining and then take the train to Tibet from there. Since all Tibet trains stop at Xining Railway Station, you might have a better chance of getting a ticket. Additionally, for clients booking Tibet train journeys through us, we can guarantee tickets from Xining to Lhasa.
6. Safety Tips for Traveling to Tibet for the First Time
   • Be Aware of Altitude Sickness: Altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a concern for many first-time visitors to Tibet. It is important to be aware of the risks of altitude sickness before traveling and consider taking some preventive medications. Experts also suggest that brown sugar may help avoid altitude sickness in Tibet.
   • Solo Travel Tips: Tibet is a safe destination for travelers, including solo female travelers. You need not worry excessively about safety, as you will be traveling with local guides. However, avoid going out alone at night. For solo travelers, joining small group tours in Tibet is a good option to avoid loneliness and to share experiences with like-minded travelers from around the world.

Here’s the English translation:

What to Prepare for Your First Trip to Tibet

Pack Appropriate Clothing: Before you depart, check the local climate in Tibet. Regardless of the season, even in summer, you should bring a warm, windproof jacket. Due to the significant temperature difference between day and night on the Tibetan plateau, it’s important to stay warm and protected from the wind.

Sun Protection Products: Tibet is situated at a high altitude, with an average elevation of over 4,000 meters. The air is thin, and UV rays are strong. To protect yourself from sunburn, use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Don’t forget to bring sunglasses and a hat as well.

Physical Fitness: Most travelers do not need special physical preparation for a trip to Tibet. However, if it’s your first time visiting such a high-altitude area, ensure that your body is prepared for high-altitude activities. Many attractions in Tibet require hiking. If you plan to engage in outdoor activities such as trekking or cycling in Tibet, it’s best to prepare physically before your trip.

Cash and Credit Cards: The currency used in Tibet is the Chinese Yuan (RMB). Some high-end hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers in Lhasa accept credit cards. Domestic online payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay are also available in Tibet. However, in remote areas like Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash, you may only be able to use cash or online payment methods (Alipay or WeChat). So, make sure to carry some cash before your first trip to Tibet.

Conclusion: Your first trip to Tibet is sure to be full of anticipation and excitement. Whether it’s obtaining your Tibet permit, planning your destinations, or choosing travel dates and transportation, we provide professional information to help you prepare thoroughly for your Tibet journey. By choosing our services for your Tibet trip, you can enjoy a worry-free experience. Of course, there are also some safety and travel tips to keep in mind before you set off.