Let‘s be honest for a second. Planning a trip to Tibet can feel a bit like trying to assemble IKEA furniture in the dark—while someone occasionally moves the instructions. There’s talk of altitude sickness that sounds like a medieval plague, permits that sound like you‘re applying for the CIA, and roads that make your average pothole feel like a personal insult.
But here’s the secret that every traveler who has been will tell you: It is worth every single second of the hassle.
Tibet is not just a destination; it is a feeling. It‘s the kind of place that gets under your skin. You come for the photos of Mount Everest, but you stay for the sound of monks debating in a sun-drenched courtyard. You come for the turquoise of Yamdrok Lake that doesn’t look real (it is), but you leave with the memory of a butter tea offered by a stranger who doesn‘t speak your language but smiles with their whole face.
My name is Tenzin, and I’ve been working with Tibet Travels for over a decade. I‘ve held the hands of travelers who were convinced they were going to die from a headache (they didn’t), celebrated with couples who got engaged at Everest Base Camp, and watched grandmothers out-hike their grandchildren at 5,000 meters.
This guide is everything I wish every traveler knew before they stepped off that plane in Lhasa. It’s long. It’s detailed. It‘s got jokes (bad ones, mostly). But if you read this, you will arrive in Tibet not as a nervous tourist, but as a prepared adventurer.
Let’s get this show on the road.
Imagine someone stacked the entire Empire State Building on top of another Empire State Building. Now, stand on top of that. That‘s roughly the elevation of Lhasa (3,650 meters / 11,975 feet).
Now, imagine doing that four times. That’s the elevation of the passes you‘ll cross on the way to Everest (over 5,200 meters / 17,000 feet).
Tibet sits at an average elevation of over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). To put that in perspective:
Denver, Colorado (The "Mile High City"): 1,600 meters
Cuzco, Peru (Gateway to Machu Picchu): 3,400 meters
Lhasa, Tibet: 3,650 meters
You are not going to the mountains; you are going into the sky.
Here‘s the thing that catches most Western visitors off guard: Tibet isn’t a historical re-enactment village. It‘s alive.
The pilgrim prostrating herself flat on the wet stone of Barkhor Street every few seconds isn’t a performer. She‘s doing her job (spiritually speaking). The monk scrolling on an iPhone next to a 1,000-year-old scripture? Yeah, that happens. The grandma spinning a prayer wheel while simultaneously yelling at a stray dog to get out of her shop? That’s Tuesday.
Tibet is a collision of the ancient and the modern. You‘ll see nomads in traditional chubas (thick wool robes) talking on satellite phones. You’ll see teenagers in Supreme hoodies walking past monasteries that predate the Magna Carta.
Embrace the chaos. It‘s part of the charm.
It is not a luxury spa retreat. While we use the best hotels available (and they are getting much better), you will have moments of discomfort. The toilet at Everest Base Camp will haunt your dreams. Accept this now.
It is not fast. Distances that look short on a map take forever. The roads are winding, the speed limits are slow (for safety), and there are yak jams. Yes, yak jams. You will be stuck behind a herd of yaks. Take a photo. It’s part of the experience.
It is not a party destination. Lhasa has a curfew for foreigners (usually around 10-11 PM for being out without your guide). This is for your safety. Bring a good book.
Alright, let‘s tackle the part that makes everyone’s blood pressure spike. Relax. Take a deep breath (you‘ll need to practice that for the altitude anyway).
Short answer: Yes. Unless you are a journalist (special restrictions apply) or a diplomat on a secret mission (in which case, why are you reading a travel blog?).
Long answer: If you hold a passport from outside of China, you cannot simply book a flight and show up in Lhasa. Tibet is an autonomous region with specific rules designed to protect the culture and environment, and to ensure tourist safety in a high-altitude, politically sensitive area.
You must book your trip through a Tibetan licensed tour operator. That’s where Tibet Travels comes in. You cannot travel independently. You must have a guide and a driver. Think of it less as a restriction and more as having a really knowledgeable best friend who also happens to know how to fix a flat tire at 5,000 meters.
Your Passport
Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from China.
Needs at least two blank pages. They get stamped. A lot.
Your Chinese Visa (L Category)
You need to get this from the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home country before you arrive in China.
Most tourists use the "L" (Tourist) Visa. Don‘t lie on the application. If you say you’re going to Beijing for a business meeting and then fly to Tibet, you might have problems.
Pro Tip: Once you have your visa, send us a clear scan immediately. We cannot start your permit application without it.
The Star of the Show: The Tibet Travel Permit (TTP)
This is the piece of paper that gets you past the security check at the airport or train station in Lhasa. Without it, you‘re turning around and going back to Chengdu.
What is it? An official document issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau stating that you have permission to enter the region.
Who gets it? All foreign nationals (with very few exceptions).
How do we get it? We do it for you. You send us your passport and visa scan. We submit it to the authorities.
How long does it take? Usually 20-30 days. Sometimes faster, sometimes slower. Do not book your international flights until we confirm your permit is likely to be approved.
Can I get it myself? No. Only licensed travel agencies in Tibet can apply.
Special Areas: If you are going to Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash, you need an additional permit (a "Frontier Pass" or "Alien‘s Travel Permit"). We handle this too. Don’t worry.
Here is the golden rule of timing:
Ideal: Submit documents 2 months before departure. This gives us wiggle room if there are holidays or processing delays.
Bare Minimum: 35-40 working days before departure.
Risky: Anything less than 30 days. We might pull it off, but you‘ll be stressed, and I don’t like stressed clients. They forget to enjoy the view.
Your permit is tied to your itinerary. If your permit says you‘re visiting the Potala Palace on Tuesday, you’re visiting the Potala Palace on Tuesday. This is why having a Tibet Travels guide is essential. We handle the logistics so you can focus on the spiritual stuff (and taking 500 photos of the same mountain).
Alright, enough theory. Let‘s get to the good stuff. This is the itinerary we’ve perfected at Tibet Travels over years of trial, error, and client feedback. It‘s designed to acclimatize you slowly, hit the absolute highlights, and leave you breathless (in a good way).
The Route: Lhasa (3 Days) → Gyantse (Passing through) → Shigatse (Overnight) → Everest Base Camp (Overnight) → Shigatse (Back) → Namtso Lake (Overnight) → Lhasa.
Pack: Layers. Think onion. Base layer (merino wool is magic), mid-layer (fleece), outer layer (wind/waterproof jacket). Good walking shoes. Sunscreen (SPF 50+). Lip balm with SPF. Sunglasses. A reusable water bottle. Power bank (cold drains batteries).
Mental Prep: Get excited. Watch "Seven Years in Tibet" (the scenery is accurate, the politics... less so). Read a book on Tibetan Buddhism. It makes seeing the monasteries 100x more interesting.
The moment arrives. You step off the plane at Lhasa Gonggar Airport. The air is thin. The sky is a shade of blue you didn‘t know existed.
Your Tibet Travels guide will be waiting for you right outside the baggage claim, holding a sign with your name. We’ll have a white scarf (khata) for you. It‘s a traditional greeting, a symbol of purity and good intentions. Wear it. It makes for a great photo.
The Drive: The airport is an hour away from Lhasa city. The drive follows the Kyichu River. You’ll see your first Tibetan homes, your first prayer flags fluttering over bridges. Your guide will be pointing things out. You‘ll be nodding, but honestly, you’ll just be staring out the window.
The Hotel: We check you into your hotel in the heart of Lhasa, likely near the Barkhor area. Then comes the most important instruction of the entire trip: Do nothing.
Seriously. Lie down. Read a book. Stare at the ceiling. At most, take a very, very slow walk around the block to find some water and snacks. Have a light dinner at the hotel restaurant. Do not shower. Go to bed early.
Tonight‘s Feeling: Euphoria mixed with a mild headache. The headache is normal. Drink water. Go to sleep.
You wake up. You‘re alive. The headache might be gone (or fading). Good. Today is a gentler day to keep building that acclimatization.
Morning: Drepung Monastery
After breakfast, we drive a short way out of town to Drepung Monastery. Once upon a time, this was the largest monastery in the world, home to over 10,000 monks. It’s built on the side of a mountain, looking like a whitewashed wave of buildings crashing down the hill.
Why it‘s cool: It’s a small city. You can wander through the alleys, peek into dark chapels lit by butter lamps, and see monks going about their daily lives. The main assembly hall is massive and feels ancient.
Tibet Travels Tip: Watch out for the friendly dogs that live here. They‘ve got the best life—sleeping in the sun in one of the most beautiful spots in Tibet.
Lunch: Back in Lhasa for lunch. Try some momo (Tibetan dumplings). They are essentially steamed dumplings, often filled with yak meat. Delicious.
Afternoon: Sera Monastery
We head to the other side of Lhasa to Sera Monastery. It’s famous for one thing above all else: The Monks‘ Debate.
Around 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (depending on the season), the monks gather in a shady courtyard. They pair up. One sits, one stands. The standing monk throws his hands up, slaps them together, and challenges the sitting monk on a point of Buddhist philosophy.
What to watch: It’s part theology, part performance art. The loud clap isn‘t aggression; it symbolizes the cutting through of ignorance. You don’t need to understand Tibetan to get caught up in the energy. The smiles, the intensity, the robes swirling—it‘s a photographer’s dream (photos allowed, but be respectful).
Evening: Back to the hotel. Still feeling okay? Good. You‘re doing it right. Slowly slowly.
This is the big one. The day you’ve seen in a million photos.
Morning: The Potala Palace
You‘ll need to be ready early. Tickets for foreigners have specific times. We’ll climb the winding path up to the entrance. And yes, climb is the right word. You will be out of breath. Take breaks. Look down at the city sprawling below. It‘s worth it.
Once inside, you enter a world of dark corridors, golden stupas (tombs of past Dalai Lamas), and thousands of statues. The Potala Palace was the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, and it feels like a fortress, a palace, and a monastery all rolled into one.
The Highlight: The tomb of the 5th Dalai Lama. It’s covered in 3,700 kilograms of gold and inlaid with precious gems. It‘s obscenely opulent, which seems counter to Buddhism, but it’s also a profound act of devotion.
Reality Check: You can‘t take photos inside. Put the phone away. Just look. Breathe in the smell of incense and yak butter. Let it sink in.
Lunch: You‘ve earned a big lunch. Maybe try thukpa (noodle soup).
Afternoon: Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street
The Jokhang Temple is different from the Potala. The Potala is about power and grandeur. The Jokhang is about devotion. It’s the spiritual heart of Tibet.
Located on Barkhor Street in the old town, pilgrims have traveled here for centuries to prostrate themselves before the Jowo Shakyamuni statue—an image of Buddha at age 12, said to have been blessed by the Buddha himself.
The Scene: The square in front is packed with pilgrims performing full-body prostrations on wooden boards. The air is thick with juniper incense smoke.
Inside: Again, no photos. Just soak it in. It‘s chaotic, smoky, dark, and incredibly moving.
Barkhor Street: After the temple, walk the kora (circumambulation) path around it. Join the flow of pilgrims, all walking clockwise. Spin the prayer wheels if you like. Browse the shops (but haggle politely). This is where you’ll buy your souvenirs—prayer flags, singing bowls, maybe some fake turquoise.
Evening: If you have energy, find a rooftop bar or restaurant overlooking Barkhor or the Potala. The view at sunset is magic.
Today, we leave Lhasa and head towards the high Himalayas. This is where the scenery shifts from urban to epic.
Morning: The Drive & The Pass
We drive south, climbing out of the Lhasa Valley. After a couple of hours, we hit the Kamba La Pass (4,794m). Pull over. Get your camera ready.
Below you, spread out like a giant‘s spilled paint, is Yamdrok Lake (Yamdrok Yumtso). The color is absurd. It’s turquoise. It‘s emerald. It changes as the clouds move. Locals say it looks like a turquoise earring. They’re right.
The View: You‘ll also see Mount Nojin Kangtsang (7,191m) looming in the distance, covered in snow. It’s a "Welcome to the Himalayas" moment.
The Lake Shore:
We‘ll drive down to the lake shore. You can touch the water (it’s freezing). You‘ll see local Tibetan farmers with their yaks, dressed in their finest, offering to take photos with you for a small fee. They are incredibly photogenic. It’s up to you if you want to pay. It‘s their livelihood.
Lunch: We’ll stop in a small town near the lake or at a roadside eatery. Don‘t expect gourmet food. Expect noodles or rice with vegetables. It’s fuel.
Afternoon: The Glacier & Gyantse
We continue over another pass, the Karo La (5,045m), and here, right next to the road, is the Karo La Glacier. It looks like a frozen river cascading down the mountain. You can literally walk to within a few meters of it. It‘s your first taste of real, permanent ice.
We pass through Gyantse, a charming town dominated by a massive fortress on a hill and the Pelkor Chode Monastery with its incredible Kumbum Stupa (a multi-storied chorten with dozens of chapels). We’ll stop for photos and a quick look.
Evening: Arrival in Shigatse
We arrive in Shigatse, Tibet‘s second-largest city. It feels more laid-back than Lhasa. We check into our hotel. You’ll be tired. It‘s a long day of driving, but your jaw will have dropped so many times, you won’t care.
Wake up. This is the day you‘ve been waiting for. Today, we go to Everest.
Morning: Tashilhunpo Monastery
Before we leave Shigatse, we visit Tashilhunpo Monastery. This is the seat of the Panchen Lama (the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lama). It’s a massive complex, famous for its giant statue of the Future Buddha (Maitreya). It‘s stunningly beautiful and far less crowded than Lhasa’s monasteries.
The Drive:
Then, we hit the road. We leave the main valley and head into the high, barren plateau. This is the real Tibet. Vast, empty, and incredibly beautiful. You‘ll see wild asses (kiang) grazing in the distance.
The Pass: Gyatso La (5,220m)
We cross the Gyatso La Pass. Get out. The wind will try to steal your hat. The view is a panorama of the Himalayan range. On a clear day, you can see a row of 8,000-meter peaks.
The Final Approach: Gawu La Pass
This is the moment. We approach the Gawu La Pass (5,196m). As you crest the hill, your guide will probably stop the car. There, laid out in front of you, is the entire Himalayan massif. And standing there, slightly apart, looking impossibly huge, is Mount Everest (Qomolangma in Tibetan, meaning "Goddess Mother of the World").
The Feeling: It’s weird. It‘s a mountain you’ve seen in pictures your whole life. But seeing it in person, in 3D, with the scale of it... it‘s humbling. It doesn’t look real. It looks like a special effect.
Afternoon: Rongbuk Monastery & Base Camp
We drive down to Rongbuk Monastery. This is the highest-altitude monastery in the world (about 4,980m). The view of Everest from the monastery courtyard is arguably better than from Base Camp itself.
From Rongbuk, it‘s a short drive to the Everest Base Camp (Tibetan side). You can’t get to the actual climbers‘ base camp (that’s for expeditions), but you can get to a viewing area with the iconic marker (5,200m).
Evening:
We stay in the guesthouse at Rongbuk or the tents at Base Camp. This is basic. Very basic. Dormitory beds. Shared toilets that are... an adventure. But you’re sleeping at the foot of the world‘s highest mountain. You’ll survive.
Tonight's Feeling: Exhaustion, cold, and a profound sense of "I can‘t believe I’m here."
Early Morning (Like, Really Early):
If you can handle the cold, get up before dawn. Walk outside. Watch the first light hit the summit of Everest. It turns from grey to pink to gold. It‘s worth the frostbite risk (wear all your clothes).
Morning: The Drive Back
After breakfast (noodles, always noodles), we begin the long drive back to Shigatse. The route is the same, but it looks different in the morning light. You’ll probably sleep in the car. That‘s fine.
Afternoon: Stopping at Villages
We’ll stop at some traditional farming villages along the way. This is a great chance to see how non-nomadic Tibetans live. Stone houses, fields of barley, kids running around waving.
Evening: Back in Shigatse. Hot shower. Real bed. You‘ve earned it.
Today we leave Shigatse and head northeast, taking the high road towards the northern plateau. The scenery changes again. The mountains become more rolling, the valleys wider. This is nomad country.
Morning: The Yarlung Valley
We follow the Yarlung Tsangpo River (what becomes the Brahmaputra in India) for a while. It’s a wide, braided river, almost mystical in the morning light.
Afternoon: Hot Springs! (Yangbachen)
We stop at Yangbachen, famous for its geothermal hot springs. After days of dusty roads, a soak in a hot spring at over 4,000 meters is one of the best feelings in the world. There are basic bathhouses where you can pay to use a pool. If you forgot to pack a swimsuit, you‘ll regret it. (You can buy one there, but it might have a picture of a yak on it.)
Evening: Damxung
We arrive in Damxung, a small town that serves as the gateway to Namtso. It’s cold here, even in summer. We‘ll stay in a simple local guesthouse. The hospitality is warm, even if the rooms aren’t.
Morning: Namtso Lake
We get an early start. The drive from Damxung to Namtso Lake is short but stunning. You cross the Lagen La Pass (5,190m), and then you see it: Namtso ("Heavenly Lake").
It’s one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world (4,718m). The water is a deep, deep blue. The sky reflects off it. The snow-capped Nyainqentanglha mountains rise up on the far shore. It looks like an ocean in the sky.
Tashi Island: You can walk out onto the Tashi Peninsula, which is dotted with caves and hermitages where monks used to meditate in isolation for years. It has a raw, spiritual power.
The Vibe: Namtso is windy. Always windy. But it‘s also incredibly peaceful. Walk along the shore. Skip a stone (if your lungs allow). Just stare at the impossible blue.
Afternoon: The Drive Back to Lhasa
All good things must come to an end. We drive back over the pass, through Damxung, and down the long valley back to Lhasa. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon.
Evening: Final Night in Lhasa
This is your last full night. Time for a celebration dinner. Find a nice restaurant. Maybe try some Tibetan "shekden" (barley wine, it‘s an acquired taste). Walk around the Potala one last time at night when it’s lit up. It hits different.
It‘s over. Your guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the airport or train station. There will be hugs. Possibly tears. You’ll promise to come back (and maybe you will).
On the Plane/Train: You‘ll look at your photos. You’ll wonder if it was all a dream. It wasn‘t. You did it.
Ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Contact us today to inquire about our tailor-made tours and travel packages. Let us help you experience the magic of Tibet firsthand. Your unforgettable journey awaits!
Whether you’re a couple, a family, or a small group of friends, we’ll tailor your itinerary to your interests and travel pace.
Contact us: Tibettourguides@gmail.com
Wechat \ WhatsApp: 86 13989989889
Based in: Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
The air at sea level is about 21% oxygen. In Lhasa, it‘s about 13.5%. In Everest Base Camp, it’s around 10%. Your body freaks out. It’s not used to this. This freak-out is called Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Symptoms include: headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and feeling like a yak just sat on your chest.
Myth: "I‘m young and fit, I’ll be fine."
Fact: Young, fit people often get more sick because they push too hard, too fast. Your 65-year-old aunt who moves slowly? She‘ll probably be fine. Slow and steady wins this race.
Myth: "I’ll just take a shot of whiskey to warm up."
Fact: Alcohol dehydrates you. Dehydration makes altitude sickness worse. Save the celebration drink for the last night in Lhasa.
Myth: "I felt fine when I got off the plane, so I‘m immune."
Fact: AMS often hits 6-12 hours after arrival. You feel great at 3 PM. You feel like death at 3 AM. This is normal. Don’t panic.
Rule #1: The First 48 Hours are Sacred.
When you arrive in Lhasa, you go to the hotel. You rest. You do NOT go for a "quick jog" to explore. You do NOT climb the steps to the Potala Palace immediately. You lie down. You drink water. You take a nap. If you absolutely must move, take a gentle stroll around the hotel courtyard. That‘s it.
Rule #2: Hydrate Like It’s Your Job.
Drink twice as much water as you think you need. Then drink more. Tibet is dry. The air is dry. You are losing moisture just by breathing. Aim for 3-4 liters a day. Herbal tea is great. Avoid coffee initially (diuretic).
Rule #3: No Hot Showers on Day 1.
This sounds disgusting, but hear me out. A hot shower dilates your blood vessels, sending blood to your skin and away from your vital organs. It also uses up oxygen in the small, steamy bathroom. People often faint. Just do a quick wash with a washcloth. You’ll thank me later.
Rule #4: Diamox is Your Friend.
Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a medication that helps you acclimatize faster. Talk to your doctor before you leave. A common dose is 125mg twice a day, starting a day or two before you arrive in Lhasa.
Rule #5: Listen to Your Guide.
If your guide says, "Maybe don‘t walk up that hill today," they aren’t being a buzzkill. They are being a professional who has seen tourists pass out. Trust them.
The Golden Word: "Slowly." In Tibet, they say "Tibet, slowly, slowly." It’s not just a saying; it‘s a survival strategy. Walk like you’re wading through honey.
Most people come between May and October. This is the "tourist season" for a reason.
May & June: Probably the best months. The days are warm, the skies are clear (mostly), and the flowers in places like the grasslands are starting to bloom. It’s not as crowded as July/August.
July & August: The "Green Season." It‘s warmer, but it’s also the monsoon season. That means clouds. You might see Everest... or you might see a thick blanket of white. Mornings are usually clear, afternoons cloudy. It rains, but usually at night.
September & October: The "Golden Season." Clear skies, crisp air, and stunning autumn colors. October can be chilly at night, but the visibility for mountain views is often at its absolute best.
This is the "Winter Tourism" season, heavily promoted by the Tibetan government with discounts on flights and hotels.
The Pros:
Cheaper: Flights and tours are significantly less expensive.
Fewer People: You might have the Potala Palace almost to yourself.
Clearer Skies: Winter is dry. If you want to guarantee seeing Everest, winter is ironically your best bet. No clouds.
"Sunburn Season": The sun is intense. You‘ll be stripping off layers at noon. It’s weird but wonderful.
The Cons:
Cold: And I mean cold. Lhasa is chilly, but places like Namtso or Everest? Wind chill can be brutal. We‘re talking -15°C (5°F) or lower.
Some Sites Close: Don’t expect to stay in the guesthouse at Everest Base Camp in January. It‘s boarded up. You’ll do a day trip from a lower town (which is actually warmer, but you miss the sunrise there).
Cozy Vibes: The upside? You get to sit in Tibetan teahouses with wood stoves. It‘s incredibly atmospheric.
Honestly, there isn’t a bad time. Just different times. Winter requires more thermal underwear. Summer requires more patience with clouds. If you only have one shot, aim for late May or late September. You get the best of both worlds.
Currency: Chinese Yuan (Renminbi). Bring cash. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside of big hotels and a few tourist shops in Lhasa.
ATMs: There are ATMs in Lhasa (Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China). They usually work with international cards, but have a backup.
Tipping: Not mandatory, but hugely appreciated. Guides and drivers work long hours for modest salaries. A tip at the end of the tour is a kind way to say thank you. (Guideline: $50-80 USD per traveler for a 9-day tour, split between guide and driver, is a good range).
What to Eat:
Momo: Dumplings (steamed or fried). The yak version is best.
Thukpa: Noodle soup. Perfect for cold evenings.
Tsampa: Roasted barley flour. The traditional staple. You mix it with butter tea and knead it into a dough. It‘s an acquired taste, but try it at least once.
Yak Butter Tea (Po Cha): Salty, greasy, and weirdly addictive. It’s pure fat and salt, which is exactly what your body needs at high altitude. Don‘t knock it till you’ve tried it.
What to Drink: Water, water, water. Thermos of hot water is provided in hotels. Bring your own reusable bottle. Avoid tap water.
Wi-Fi: Available in most decent hotels in cities. It gets spotty in rural areas and non-existent at Everest Base Camp. Embrace the digital detox.
Cell Service: China has excellent coverage, even in remote areas. You can buy a Chinese SIM card at the airport in Lhasa or in your first Chinese city. (Note: Some Western social media—Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Google—are blocked in China. You might want to download a VPN before you leave home. Do this before you enter China, as the websites for the VPNs are often blocked too.)
Clothing:
Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
Fleece jacket or lightweight down jacket
Waterproof/windproof outer shell
Hiking pants (convertible to shorts are handy)
Warm hat (that covers ears)
Sun hat (the sun is brutal)
Gloves (even in summer, it’s cold at night)
Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes/hiking boots
Warm socks (wool is best)
Gear:
Sunglasses (UV protection is essential)
High-SPF sunscreen (50+) and lip balm with SPF
Reusable water bottle
Power bank (batteries drain fast in the cold)
Headlamp/flashlight (for those basic guesthouse bathrooms at night)
Basic personal first-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, painkillers)
Health:
Any personal prescription medications (in original bottles)
Diamox (if your doctor prescribed it)
Motion sickness tablets (the roads are windy)
Rehydration salts
Look, there are a lot of companies offering Tibet tours. So why choose us?
We’re Local, Not Outsourced: When you email Tibet Travels, you’re not talking to a call center in another country. You‘re talking to us, in Lhasa. We know the guy who runs the teahouse at the pass. We know which driver has the smoothest driving style. We know which rooms in which hotels have the best views.
We Actually Care: We’ve been doing this for years because we love sharing our home. We don‘t just want to take your money; we want you to fall in love with Tibet the way we have.
No Hidden Fees: The price we quote includes the permits, the transport, the guide, the accommodation, and the entrance fees. We don’t hit you with surprises at the end.
Small Groups, Big Experiences: We keep our groups small. 8 people max. That means you get personal attention, and you‘re not waiting for 30 people to get back on the bus.
You‘ve read 8,000 words. Your eyes are tired. Your brain is full of information about permits and passes and yak butter tea.
Here’s the summary:
It‘s complicated to arrange, but Tibet Travels makes it easy.
The altitude is tough, but if you go slowly, you’ll be fine.
The scenery is better than the photos.
The people are the real highlight.
If you are planning a trip to Tibet in the near future, I would recommend contacting a local Tibet-based travel agency to make arrangements. You can reach out to Lhamo for assistance.
Contact: Lhamo
WeChat: 86 13989989889
WhatsApp: 86 13989989889
E-mail: Tibettourguides@gmail.com