Tibet Travel Guide 2024 - Travel to Tibet for the First Time

• 1. Should I worry about altitude sickness when travelling in Tibet?+

  The average elevation of the region is over 4,000 meters and altitude sickness is a common concern for travelers visiting Tibet. Not everybody will suffer from altitude sickness when traveling in Tibet and most visitors will be in good condition when they arrive.

  The symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. It is important to allow time to acclimate to the high altitude and to take precautions to prevent altitude sickness. Travelers should drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and eat light meals that are high in carbohydrates. It is also recommended to take it easy for the first few days, avoiding strenuous activities and allowing time to adjust to the new altitude when arrive in Lhasa. Some travelers may also benefit from taking medication to prevent or treat altitude sickness.

  If symptoms of altitude sickness persist or worsen, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Many hotels and travel agencies in Tibet have oxygen supplies on hand to help alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness. It is important to consult with a doctor before traveling to Tibet, especially if you have a history of heart or lung problems, high blood pressure, or other medical conditions that may be affected by high altitude.

• 2. How to apply for the Tibet Travel Permits?+

  In order to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit, you need to apply for a Chinese visa in the Chinese embassy or consulates in your country first. If you book a tour with us, we will send an invitation letter to you to help you apply for a Chinese visa.

  Once you get a Chinese visa, please send the photocopies of the visa and your passport to us, and we will apply for the Tibet Travel Permit for you. Please note that international tourists must book a tour with a local travel agency in Tibet if they want to travel to Tibet.

  After the permit is issued, we will send it to your hotel or the places you stay in China. You need to show the permit while boarding on a train or flight to Tibet. The government do not allow travel agencies to send the permit overseas.

• 3. How to get to Lhasa? By air or by train, which one is better?+

  There are usually two ways to get to Lhasa , depending on your starting point and travel preferences.

  (1) By Air: You can fly to Lhasa Gonggar Airport from major cities in China such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Guangzhou, as well as from some international destinations such as Kathmandu, Nepal. The airport is located about 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) from Lhasa and can be reached by taxi or bus.

  (2) by train The Qinghai-Tibet Railway connects Lhasa with several major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xian, and Xining. The train journey is a popular way to reach Lhasa as it offers stunning views of the Tibetan plateau and the Himalayan mountain range. However, the journey can take several days, so it's important to plan accordingly.

  Once you arrive in Lhasa, our team at Asia Odyssey Travel will be there to greet you with English-speaking guides and experienced drivers. We'll escort you from the airport or train station to your hotels in Lhasa.

• 4. How many days for a classic Tibet tour?+

  For most travelers, they would like to spend 8 to 15 days to travel within Tibet. For 8 days, it is highly recommended to visit Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Shigatse - Mount Everest - Lhasa for classic exploration. To extend further, you can cover Mount Kailash (3 Days), Guge Kingdom & Zanda Earth Forest (1 Day), Namtso Lake (1 Day), etc.

• 5. How do you get to Tibet Everest Base Camp?+

  Travelers can get to Tibet Everest Base Camp from China Tibet side or Nepal side. To reach the Everest Base Camp on the Tibet side, travelers can either take a flight or a train to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and then travel by road to the base camp. From Lhasa, it takes around 8-10 hours directly to Tibet EBC, depending on the route taken. Some travelers prefer to join a tour group to explore from Lhasa to Shigatse to Everest Base Camp for 4 days to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

  If traveling from Nepal, you will cross the Gyirong Border and then travel by road to Everest Base Camp.

• 6. Do I need to get a Tibet permit to visit Tibet Everest Base Camp?+

  All foreign travelers who wish to visit Mount Everest from the Tibet side are required to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit and Alien's Travel Permit. These permits can only be obtained through a registered travel agency in Tibet. As a local based Tibet travel agency, we can assist travelers in the permit application process.

  It's important to note that the Tibet Travel Permit is required to purchase flight or train tickets to Tibet. Therefore, travelers should plan ahead and allow sufficient time for the permit application process, as it can take one to two weeks to obtain the necessary permits.

See More Tibet Travel Tips