Comprehensive Tibet Travel Guide

Tibet is one of the most mysterious regions in China, boasting magnificent natural scenery and unique Tibetan culture. The following is a detailed Tibet travel guide to help you plan an unforgettable trip.

1. Best Time to Visit
May–October: This is the best season to visit Tibet, with a mild climate and sufficient oxygen, ideal for outdoor activities.
July–August: The rainy season, but the scenery is the greenest, perfect for photography.
November–April of the following year: Winter, with low temperatures but fewer tourists, is suitable for experiencing the tranquility of the snowy plateau.

2. Altitude Sickness Prevention
Acclimatization in advance: It is recommended to stay in Lhasa (3,650m above sea level) for 1–2 days to adapt to the plateau environment.
Medication preparation: You can bring Rhodiola Rosea, Gaoyuan'an, and other medicines, and inhale oxygen if necessary.
Avoid strenuous exercise: Avoid strenuous activities such as running and jumping when you first arrive on the plateau.

3. Must-Visit Attractions
Lhasa
Potala Palace: A world cultural heritage site and a symbol of Tibet.
Jokhang Temple: The holy land of Tibetan Buddhism, enshrining the 12-year-old statue of Sakyamuni.
Barkhor Street: The old city of Lhasa, where you can experience Tibetan customs.

Shigatse
Tashilhunpo Monastery: The residence of the Panchen Lama, with the largest bronze Buddha statue in the temple.
Mount Everest Base Camp: Observe the top of the world at close range (a border permit is required).

Nyingchi
Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon: One of the deepest canyons in the world.
Mount Namjagbarwa: Known as the "Father of Tibetan Mountains."

Ngari
Mount Kailash: The sacred mountain of Tibetan Buddhism, and circumambulation is the dream of many believers.
Lake Manasarovar: One of the three holy lakes in Tibet.

4. Transportation
Airplane: Lhasa Gonggar Airport is the main airport in Tibet, with direct flights from cities such as Beijing, Chengdu, and Chongqing.
Train: The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the main railway line to Tibet, starting from Xining, with magnificent scenery along the way.
Self-driving/Chartered car: Suitable for in-depth tours, but pay attention to road conditions and plateau driving safety.

5. Accommodation Recommendations
Lhasa: There are various options from youth hostels to five-star hotels. It is recommended to stay near Barkhor Street for easy access to attractions.
Shigatse/Nyingchi: There are many mid-range hotels with relatively good conditions.
Ngari/Mount Everest Base Camp: The conditions are relatively simple, so be prepared.

6. Dining Suggestions
Tibetan cuisine: Try zanba, butter tea, yak meat, highland barley wine, and other special foods.
Sichuan cuisine: Most areas in Tibet are dominated by Sichuan cuisine, which is suitable for the tastes of mainland tourists.
Self-prepared dry food: Dining options are limited in remote areas, so it is recommended to bring some snacks.

7. Precautions
Border Permit: A border permit is required to go to border areas such as Mount Everest Base Camp and Ngari in advance.
Respect customs: Take off your hat, do not take pictures, do not touch Buddha statues, and turn the prayer wheel clockwise when entering temples.
Environmental protection: The plateau ecology is fragile, so please do not litter.

8. Recommended Itineraries
Classic 7-Day Tour:
- D1-2: Lhasa (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street)
- D3: Lhasa → Yamdrok Lake → Shigatse
- D4: Shigatse → Tashilhunpo Monastery → Mount Everest Base Camp
- D5: Mount Everest Base Camp → Shigatse
- D6: Shigatse → Lhasa
- D7: Lhasa → Lake Namtso → Lhasa

In-Depth 10-Day Tour:
- D1-2: Lhasa
- D3: Lhasa → Nyingchi (Basum Lake, Lulang Forest)
- D4: Nyingchi → Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon
- D5: Nyingchi → Shannan (Yumbulagang Palace, Samye Monastery)
- D6: Shannan → Shigatse
- D7: Shigatse → Mount Everest Base Camp
- D8: Mount Everest Base Camp → Shigatse
- D9: Shigatse → Lhasa
- D10: Lhasa → Lake Namtso → Lhasa

9. Budget Reference
Economy: CNY 5,000–8,000/person (round-trip train, staying in youth hostels or budget hotels)
Comfort: CNY 8,000–12,000/person (round-trip flight, staying in mid- to high-end hotels)
Luxury: CNY 12,000+/person (chartered car, staying in five-star hotels)

10. Essential Items
Documents: ID card, border permit, student ID (if applicable).
Clothing: Windbreaker, thermal underwear, sun hat, sunglasses.
Medicines: Cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, altitude sickness medicine.
Others: Sunscreen, lip balm, thermos cup.

Tibet is a pure land full of faith and nature. I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip and enjoy this mysterious and beautiful land! If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.