Live Your Best Lives
Everyone has a dream of going to Tibet. It is a hot summer day, and everyone must be tortured by the high temperature these two days. This happens to be the best window period for traveling to Tibet.
This super comprehensive nanny-level guide covers everything including food, clothing, housing and transportation. Don’t miss it if you are planning to go to Tibet.
(1) According to the current weather forecast, during the 15-day trip to Tibet (July 24th - August 7th), due to the rainy season, Lhasa will be mainly cloudy with light rain or showers, and most of the time it will rain at night instead of during the day; Nyingchi will be mainly cloudy with showers, Shigatse and Ali will be mostly cloudy with light rain or showers, and most of the time the wind will be less than level 3-4, and occasionally there will be winds of about level 4-5 near lakes, passes, wilderness and places with higher altitudes.
The overall temperature difference between day and night in Tibet is about 11-15 degrees Celsius. [This means that Tibet's climate is much cooler than inland areas, and the large temperature difference between day and night means it's still quite cold in the morning and evening.] We will provide daily weather updates so you can be prepared for the next day.
Of course, you don’t have to worry too much about the weather. Since the climate changes extremely quickly, the weather forecast is not very accurate and is changing in real time. Take Lhasa as an example. Lhasa is called the City of Sunshine because the sunshine time is about 3,000 hours a year, with an average of 8 hours of sunshine per day. Therefore, after entering Tibet, you can also feel the good mood brought by the sunshine of the plateau and the blue sky and white clouds.
(2) The temperature difference between morning and evening in the plateau area is relatively large. The average temperature in Lhasa is around 9-24 degrees Celsius, the average temperature in Nyingchi is around 12-22 degrees Celsius, the average temperature in Shigatse is around 8-22 degrees Celsius, the average temperature in Ali is around 7-18 degrees Celsius, and the average temperature in Mount Everest is around 7-21 degrees Celsius. Compared with the inland areas, the temperature is generally still relatively low. Everyone must prepare thick coats for daily travel so that they can be added at any time.
Furthermore, temperatures at Everest Base Camp and the Ngari region are even lower. Even during the summer, you'll need to wear a down jacket and warm clothing on Everest during the day. Many people even rent military coats for warmth. There's an old Tibetan saying, "One day can bring you four seasons; ten miles can bring you different weather." If you're lucky, you'll experience all four seasons, so be sure to bring a thick coat, down jacket, and warm clothing.
(3) The climate in Tibet is relatively dry. If possible, it is recommended to bring a few more facial masks to hydrate your skin.
(4) The most effective way to protect yourself from the sun is to block direct ultraviolet radiation. It is recommended that you wear the following: a hat (sun hat), sunglasses, a mask or scarf, sleeves and other essential sun protection clothing. You can apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 to 50+ (50+ is preferred), bring lip balm, moisturizer, and a parasol to protect you from the sun and rain.
Altitude sickness generally refers to a series of symptoms caused by lack of oxygen when the human body is at an altitude of 3,000 meters or above. Altitude sickness does not persist after entering a high-altitude area, but only occurs immediately after entering a high-altitude area and gradually disappears after a period of acclimatization. Please always pay attention to your condition.
(Our itinerary is to gradually adapt to the altitude from low to high. The average altitude of the first part of Linzhi is relatively low, and the vegetation is rich and the oxygen content is high. Except for some symptoms when crossing some high-altitude passes, there will be basically no altitude sickness.)
(1) Drink plenty of water to replenish enough water to maintain blood circulation
(2) Pay attention to rest and get enough sleep
(3) Do not take overly hot baths or eat overly greasy food.
(4) Do not drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol can easily cause discomfort, headaches, and induce altitude sickness.
(5) You can prepare some high-calorie, high-sugar foods, such as chocolate, glucose powder, etc. Once dizziness symptoms (similar to the symptoms of hypoglycemia) appear, eat chocolate immediately. A more direct way is to drink glucose powder, which will quickly relieve the symptoms.
(6) During the first two days after arriving in Tibet, it is recommended not to wash your hair or take a bath, and not to do strenuous exercise to avoid exacerbating altitude sickness.
(7) During the journey, remember to move slowly. The pace of life in Tibet is slower than that in the mainland. Do not do strenuous exercise. If you feel unwell, you can take a few breaths of oxygen at any time to relieve it. You will not become dependent on oxygen.
(8) Keep calm and don’t be too nervous. Psychological reasons (such as tension or excitement) can also aggravate the symptoms of altitude sickness.
(9) We are equipped with medical emergency oxygen cylinders and portable oxygen in the vehicle to prevent mild symptoms of altitude sickness during the journey. If you feel particularly unwell, going to the hospital for medical treatment in time (usually oxygen inhalation or intravenous drip) is the most timely and effective way to relieve altitude sickness.
(10) Our driver is an experienced driver who has been driving in Tibet for many years. He will always pay attention to and care about our physical condition. If you have any questions, you can communicate with him at any time. Don’t be afraid of trouble.
Before embarking on a journey to Tibet, everyone should carefully check their luggage and bring everything they need to wear and use on the road. Identity documents are frequently used in Tibet, and border passes must also be carried and kept safe.
Tips:
It is recommended to take photos after the application is completed so that you can use them as backup evidence in case the paper is damaged.
Airplane: There are two main destinations for entering Tibet from the mainland, Lhasa Gonggar Airport and Nyingchi Milin Airport.
Train: Qinghai-Tibet Railway
Self-driving: Sichuan-Tibet Highway, Yunnan-Tibet Highway, Qinghai-Tibet Highway, Xinjiang-Tibet Highway.
According to Tibet’s latest updated epidemic prevention policy on July 10, 2022, if there are no medium- or high-risk areas in the city and no new cases in the area within 7 days, as well as a travel code, health code, and a green code for Tibet Easy Pass (Tibet Easy Pass must be reported 3 days in advance), and a negative nucleic acid test result within 48 hours, you can travel to Tibet.
If your travel destination to Tibet involves the border, you will need to apply for a border pass. You can go to the police station/administrative center in your place of residence to apply for it before traveling!
If the police station where you live is unable to process a border pass, please first go to your registered place of residence to fill out the border pass application form and have it stamped by the community police station where you live. Then you can go to Lhasa to handle it yourself, free of charge.
Tips:
★Application location 1: Visa Office, Border Defense Building
Address: No. 115, Deji North Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa
Working hours: 9:30 am - 5:50 pm, no lunch break
Weekend and holiday hours: 9:30-12:20 am, 3:30-5:50 pm. It is recommended to go one hour before get off work on weekends. There is free parking.
★Application location 2: Lhasa Third Pole Government Service Hall
Address: No. 1 Naru Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa
Working hours on weekdays: 9:30-12:20 am, 3:30-5:50 pm. No working hours on weekends
China-TravelNote now offers a group border pass processing service! If you choose to join a China-TravelNote tour, you can skip the hassle of paperwork and have China-TravelNote handle the process for you for a fee of 200 RMB per person. Please select "Processing by Agent" when placing your order! Simply bring your ID card; no application form is required.
★Please specify the destination region: Tibet Autonomous Region, Ngari Prefecture, Shigatse Prefecture, etc.
The Pingcuo Kangsang Hotel in Lhasa is a traditional Tibetan courtyard house located in the center of the triangle of the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Ramoche Temple.
The hotel’s rooftop restaurant has a floor-to-ceiling window facing the Potala Palace, making it a popular online spot that people are vying to visit.
Actor Chen Kun particularly likes Pingcuo Kangsang Hotel and stays here every time he goes to Lhasa. Friends, come and check it out!
The St. Regis Lhasa is one of the top hotels in Lhasa, with first-class hardware facilities and excellent service.
The St. Regis Hotel is opposite the Potala Palace, and from the main building of the hotel you can directly overlook the center of Tibet.
If you want to experience a comfortable trip to Tibet, the St. Regis Hotel is your best choice.
Lhasa Meikang Hotel is located in Chengguan District, Lhasa, with convenient transportation and a superior geographical location.
The rooms are well-equipped, clean, and comfortable, and the service is excellent. The value for money is excellent! This is a highly recommended choice for families.
You can also choose to book a hotel in Lhasa through the link below to book a hotel without any worries.
As a holy city in the snowy land, Lhasa has many unique delicacies in addition to its beautiful scenery. Here are some simple recommendations for you:
Lao Guangming Gangqiong Teahouse (sweet tea, Tibetan noodles), Nama Sede (Tibetan and Nepalese cuisine), Xueyu Restaurant (Tibetan and Western cuisine), Yi Touniu (yak-themed soup pot), Dekang Hotel Rooftop Restaurant (Indian cuisine)
Tibetan cuisine: tsampa, butter tea, sweet tea, Tibetan noodles, grilled lamb chops, hand-pulled yak beef, and baked buns; Indian and Nepalese cuisine: (Indian) Nepalese set meal, masala chicken (with naan), and curry potatoes
Resa Hotel Observation Restaurant (near the Jokhang Temple Golden Dome and distant Potala Palace), DK Cafe (near the city and distant Potala Palace, located on the top floor of the Tarepodrang Hotel), Pingcuo Observation Hotel Restaurant (near the Potala Palace)
(1) Namased
Address: 2nd Floor, No. 30 Yutuo Road, Chengguan District (near Duoseng South Road)
Tel: 0891-6324669
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11:30-21:30
Recommended: Enjoy authentic Nepalese cuisine without having to cross the Himalayas. The restaurant also serves excellent Tibetan cuisine. The location is just 500 meters from the Jokhang Temple. The masala chicken (with naan) is highly recommended.
(2) Snowland Restaurant
Address: 1st Floor, No. 8 Tibetan Hospital Road, Chengguan District (near Jokhang Temple)
Tel: 0891-6337323
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 12:00-22:00
Recommended: This long-established Tibetan restaurant offers authentic cuisine. Located next to the Jokhang Temple Square, the Lao Guangming Gangqiong Teahouse, a teahouse with a local atmosphere, is right next to the restaurant.
(3) Rooftop restaurant at Resa Hotel
Address: Inside the prayer path on Barkhor East Street (near Maji Ami)
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00-20:00
Recommended: The restaurant isn't currently listed on Meituan. Located on the hotel's rooftop, it offers stunning views: the shimmering golden dome of the Jokhang Temple in the foreground, the pristine whiteness of the Potala Palace in the distance, and below, the sight of believers circumambulating the temple. Perfect for afternoon tea, their butter tea is highly recommended (it's authentic). Sandwiches and chicken wings are also available.
In addition to the above recommendations, you can also discover more delicious food in the streets and alleys of Barkhor Street.
Things to note when entering Tibet
1. Tibet is at a high altitude with strong sunshine and a large temperature difference between morning and evening (about 10-15 degrees). Please add or remove clothes in time, be careful not to catch a cold, and pay attention to sun protection.
2. Because the Tibet route takes a long time and has speed limits, it is recommended to prepare some snacks and fruits. Also, bring some common cold and gastrointestinal medicines.
3. Before entering Tibet, make sure to get enough rest. If possible, you can brew Rhodiola rosea drink in advance. When you first arrive at the plateau, get more rest, avoid strenuous exercise, and refrain from smoking and drinking.
4. Eat in moderation. When you first arrive in the plateau, try not to wash your hair or take a bath to prevent colds.
5. Pay attention to safety and environmental protection. Respect local customs and habits. Promote the spirit of mutual assistance among tourists and have the character of teamwork.
6. Bring some candies or other small stationery and gifts with you and share them with the children in Tibetan areas, but try not to give them money, as many of these habits have been ruined by us.
7. Exchange some one-yuan notes before the trip (there are simple toilets along the way, where coins are not accepted)
8. There is no 4G network coverage in the entire Tibet, and the network speed is slow. It is recommended to choose China Mobile and China Telecom numbers, which have relatively better networks.
9. Tourists flying into Tibet are advised to choose a left-side window seat on their boarding pass so they can have an unobstructed view of the Himalayas. When departing, it is recommended to choose a right-side window seat so they can see many snow-capped mountains.
10. When traveling in Tibet, do not walk on your own to avoid conflicts with local Tibetan dogs, yaks, etc. and accidents!
11. When you first arrive in Tibet, be careful to move slowly, arrange your time according to your physical fitness, get a good rest after checking into the hotel, drink plenty of water, and initially adapt to the plateau climate.
12. Please pay attention to safety during free time
If you are visiting Tibet for the first time and don’t know which route to choose, I strongly recommend you to choose the [Tibet Panorama], which is a route specially designed for first-time visitors to Tibet.
The itinerary for the highlights of the front Tibet area is extremely friendly to those who are worried about altitude sickness. The destinations at lower altitudes in the first seven days are easier to adapt to.
Lhasa City Walk, Lhasa veterans will take you to experience the life of local people, explain the legends of each brick and tile, and experience a real experiential travel.
Tips:
Duration: 7 days and 6 nights to 10 days and 9 nights
The itinerary includes: Lhasa, Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, Suosong Village, Basongtso, Namtso, Yamdrok Lake, etc.
Highlights: First time in Tibet, cultural experience, alpine holy lake
A second trip to Tibet for an in-depth experience, a pilgrimage to the thousand-year-old temple - Tashilhunpo Monastery.
As the residence of the Panchen Lama, Zha Monastery is second only to the Potala Palace in Tibet and can be regarded as the center of western Tibet. Here you can experience the humanities and history of Tibet more deeply.
Tips:
Duration: 10 days and 9 nights
The itinerary includes: Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Shigatse, Sakya Monastery, Saga, Gongzhu Co, Lake Manasarovar, Mount Kailash, Zhada Earth Forest, Guge Kingdom, Laang Co, Zhongba Sand Dunes, Peiku Co, Everest Base Camp, Basong Village, Tashilhunpo Monastery, etc.
Highlights: The essence of Ngari, Mount Everest experience, and ancient city exploration
A new experience of light luxury, a resort hotel with a view, the scenery is right outside the window, you can lie in bed and watch the snow-capped mountains, and have afternoon tea with a view of Lhasa.
Land in Nyingchi, without fear of altitude sickness, enjoy refreshments at Yamdrok Lake, take a boat trip to Basongcuo, take a light hike to Xincuo, and then city walk along Barkhor Street.
Tips:
Duration: 7 days and 6 nights
The itinerary includes: Nyingchi, Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, Suosong Village, Basongcuo, Xincuo, Norbulingka, Namtso, Yamdrok Lake, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Potala Palace, etc.
Highlights: Altitude sickness killer, large room with a view, and the essence of the former Tibetan temple
Advanced Tibet Tours, with a minimum entry point of two people. Each person has a window in a Toyota SUV, and you can enjoy a pilgrimage to the Tibetan Plateau without turning back.
Tips:
Duration: 14 days and 13 nights
Itinerary: Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Rongbuk Monastery, Everest Base Camp, Pekku Lake, Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, Zhada Earth Forest, Guge Kingdom, Toling Monastery, Shiquanhe, Pangong Lake, Coqenacuo, Rinchen Xiubu Lake, Zhabuye Chaka, Zhari Nam Lake, Dangre Yumco, Datse Lake, Seling Lake, Namtso Lake, etc.
Highlights: Two-person tour, Ali pilgrimage, in-depth experience
Explore the Roof of the World, feast your eyes on the snow-capped mountains, delve into border villages, and discover the hidden wonders of the Himalayas. Groups of three will participate in a light glacier hike.
Tips:
Duration: 10 days and 9 nights
Itinerary: Lhasa, Rito Monastery, Lhodrak, Baima Lincuo, Pumo Yongcuo, Kangma, Duoqingcuo, Chongba Yongcuo, Yadong, Qudennima Glacier, Everest Base Camp, Gangga, Jipu Village, Gyirong, Nai Village, Lhatse, etc.
Highlights: Glacier exploration, exploration of Ngari, and niche routes
Experience the ultimate uninhabited area, China's largest uninhabited area, the "Roof of the World." A legal route through the Qiangtang River, with hardcore off-roading and protection.
Tips:
Duration: 8 days and 7 nights
Itinerary: Lhasa, Namtso Lake, Bange Lake, Shuanghu Lake, Cozer Luoma Lake, Puruogangri Lake, Chaxiabuocuo Lake, Zhuqu Lake, Jiarebu Lake, Changma Lake, Norma Lake, Selin Lake, etc.
Highlights: Ultimate off-road, uninhabited secrets, the world's third pole
Pilgrimage to the Holy Lake
The center of the world, the king of mountains, circumambulating mountains, waters, and pagodas. The southern route of Ali, Everest Base Camp, and six 8,000-meter-high snow-capped mountains—one mistake after another.
Tips:
Duration: 10 days and 9 nights
Itinerary: Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake, Shigatse, Everest Base Camp, Mount Kailash, Pekkutso Lake, Saga, Tachin, Zhire Monastery, Dolma La Pass, Tsunzhu Monastery, Lake Manasarovar, Lake Laang, Pekkutso Lake, Nangco Lake, Kongzhutso Lake, etc.
Highlights: King of Mountains, Pilgrimage to the Mountain, Heavenly Ali
Shannan's hidden gem, a route similar to Chen Kun's. During the hike, you can get up close to the snow-capped mountains of Kulagangri, Ningjinkangsha, Karjiang, Mengdagangri, and Guolakari. The Kulagangri route starts at 4,100 meters above sea level and reaches a maximum elevation of 5,200 meters, covering a distance of approximately 50 kilometers.
Tips:
Duration: 6 days and 5 nights
Itinerary: Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake, Pumok Lake, Se Township, Baimalin Lake, Lake Tail Temple, Three Gods Lake Pass, Lhaka Ri, Jiejiu Lake, Kulagangri, Tui Village, etc.
Highlights: Diverse scenery, no camping required, recommended for beginners
Hiking difficulty ★★★★
8,000-meter-high mountains, the gateway to the Himalayas. As the only 8,000-meter peak entirely within my country, Shishapangma is a hiking destination in the hearts of tourists.
The Shishapangma trek consists of two loops, the Small Loop, covering approximately 80 kilometers. This primarily covers open, flat terrain, but the peak itself is within 10 kilometers, creating a strong sense of proximity and exposure. The approach to Base Camp on the southern slope is particularly impressive, as the mountain is surrounded on three sides by snow-capped peaks. From Gongcuo Camp, visitors can enjoy a close-up view of the Shishapangma peaks, creating a truly spectacular snow-capped mountain experience.
Tips:
Duration: 11 days and 10 nights
Itinerary: Lhasa, Yarlung Zangbo River, Shigatse, Tingri, Tongla Pass, Nyalam, Shishapangma Peak, Hinde Camp, Zuzu Camp, Jigabu Camp, Gongcuo Camp, Kangxi Co, Ore, etc.
Highlights: Snow mountain feast, alpine lakes, light hiking
Hiking Difficulty: ★★★★★★
The ultimate challenge in Tibet: hiking to Mount Everest! Mount Everest may seem far away to many people, and some may even be scared away at the mere mention of it.
But only when you get up close and personal with it can you truly discover its beauty. The East Slope of Mount Everest is quite arduous, so to make the experience even better, we've prepared a little surprise for everyone: a yak! And each person gets one!
Tips:
time:
13 days and 12 nights
Itinerary: Lhasa, Langkazi, Karola Glacier, Shigatse, Lhatse, Tingri, Qudang Township, Everest East Slope Base Camp, Baidang, Tangxiang, Zhuoxiang, Xiaowula Pass, Youpa Village, Cuoxue Renma, etc.
Highlights: Light camping, yak transportation, and mountain pilgrimage
Hiking difficulty ★★★★★★★ (max level)
Under the epidemic, economic and life pressures are increasing. Go out for a walk, see the world, and empty yourself. Maybe you will find a way to break the situation.
Pack your bags and let’s go!
