Tibet also known as "the third pole" or "the roof of the world" in recent years, has become a real tourist attraction, and more and more travelers decide to spend their vacation exploring the mysteries that lie within it. These nicknames were obtained due to the unusually high altitude of Tibet, its breathtaking views, and its untouched nature.

If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling to Tibet and are curious as to go about doing so, then here are some of the best travel tips that you should know before beginning your journey to this region. Additionally, it's advisable to obtain an international driver's license if you plan to drive while exploring Tibet.

5 facts that you didn’t know about Tibet

Tibet lies on the Tibetan Plateau, with an average elevation of 5000 meters above sea level.

1.     Tibet is the highest region on Earth.

2.     The highest elevation in Tibet is Mount Everest with 8,848 meters (5.5 miles) above sea level.

3.     Tibet has a population of 3,310,000 people in the area of 1.22 million sq km (471,000 sq mi).

4.     Lhasa is the spiritual and administrative capital of Tibet and one of the highest cities in the world. Lhasa is home to many cultural and religious places like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Norbulingka Palace.

5.     In Tibet, you are not allowed to walk alone without being accompanied by a licensed tour guide.

For your Tibet travel, it is best if you book a trip to Tibet through a Tibetan or Chinese travel agency, and with this, you will be granted a tour guide, a driver and any means of transportation that you will need to visit the beauties that lie within Tibet.

What to do before you travel to Tibet

Before you go on a journey, no matter to which country or region, it's best to find out more about the place and the local people at your destination.

Before you Travel to Tibet as a foreigner, you need to read more about how to travel to Tibet and learn about Tibetan culture, traditions, laws and rules, because every traveler should respect the provisions of the local population.

When is the right period to travel in Tibet

Due to the high altitude, I am sure that you are interested in the weather in Tibet and when is the best time to visit the region as the extremity of the weather can make it unvisitable.

• First and foremost it’s very important to know that Tibet is closed for foreign tourists from February until April because of the celebration of Tibet New Year.

• The period from April to May is the shoulder season, there are not many tourists, and if you want to travel in Tibet on a budget, this is the best time to do that.

• The highest season in Tibet is from June to October. The weather is pleasant, and the oxygen is at its highest level. So this is the best time if you want to visit some of the most top places in Tibet. 

• The period from July to August is rainy season but it is not a big issue in Tibet just as long as you don’t plan on visiting Mt. Everest because visibility during this time is not always guaranteed.

• From November to March is winter season. The weather is cold, and the wind is harsh. But it is also the right time for those who want to spend less money on this journey.

All-in-all, the best time for Tibet travel is in the peak season (June through October)

Tibet Travel Permit

A Tibet Travel Permit is required to enter Tibet. It is not a visa, but it is a legal document that allows you to enter Tibet. You can not get the Tibet Travel Permit on your own. The travel agency or tour guide can get the permit for you. All you have to do is send the Chinese visa and scan the personal information page of your valid passport and the team from the travel agency will apply for the Tibet Travel Permit. You will receive the document when you are checking in to the hotel in your location in China.

Do not make a copy of the document. Always show the original permit as a scanned copy does not work.

**Note: It takes roughly 14 days for approval and processing of a Tibet Travel Permit

What to pack for your Tibet travel

Whether you decide to travel in winter or summer, always wear warm clothes. If you go in the summer, you need to pack t-shirts, but also be sure to always carry a raincoat.

Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to stop at Mt.Kailash or Everest Base Camp or if you choose a trekking tour, be sure to take your hiking boots.

Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and lip balm are a few of the must-bring items. The ultraviolet radiation of the sun is higher due to the altitude mixed with the dry air complicates the body, so it is desirable to be well protected.

First aid kit is always required. Also, take some painkillers, medicine against nausea and diarrhea, and medicine for colds and flu.

How to get to Tibet

Tourists most often go to Tibet via China. It is best to arrive first to a larger city in China, and take a shuttle service to Tibet, which can also be organized by your travel agency.

Depending on how much time and money you want to spend on your travels, you will have to choose the level of comfort and speed that suits you and your party.

Travel Tibet by Train

Traveling to Tibet with Qinghai-Tibet railway is one of the most exceptional experiences among tourists. Travelers describe a train ride from China to Lhasa as one of the most beautiful travel experiences.

Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the highest railway in the world with its highest point of about 5,000 meters above sea level.

You will also see some of the most beautiful sceneries in not just Tibet, but in all of China. The journey by train from China to Lhasa takes approximately 42 hours start to finish.

If your time allows you, get the tickets and experience the trip to Tibet in the best possible way and choose to do it by train. You will not regret it whatsoever!

Travel Tibet by Plane

Traveling to Tibet by plane, unlike the train trip from Beijing to Lhasa, has a big difference in both duration and price.

Choosing to travel by plane can give you a beautiful view of Tibetan Plateau from highest point possible. However, the trip is far shorter than the train journey and the prices for airline tickets are far more expensive.

If you decide to fly from Beijing to Lhasa, keep in mind that acclimatization will be more difficult and you may have more dizziness and a feeling lack of air.

If this is the way you’re looking to go, start by browsing affordable flights so you know exactly the ballpark range you should be paying before talking with an agency or guide!

What to visit in Tibet

As I said, Tibet is a magnificent region to explore with its mysterious palaces, temples, sacred lakes, and the highest mountain tops in the world. It’s tough to compile all of my favorite places to visit, but these are the most visited and the top must-see places in Tibet.

Potala Palace

Potala Palace is located in Lhasa. So it is a must see palace during your Tibet travel. It is a massive and extremely impressive structure built in 637. Potala Palace has been listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 1994.

Jokhang Temple

Jokhang Temple is located in Barkhor Street in Lhasa. It is considered to be the supreme temple of the Tibetan Buddhists, but it is also the most sacred and most important temple. It is listed in the World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO since 2000 as an extension of the Potala Palace.

Barkhor Street

Barkhor street has a great religious atmosphere because of the proximity of the Jokhang Temple. You can see the pilgrims praying near the temple, which is a unique experience. Also, you can buy some souvenirs and things typical of the Tibetan culture.

Norbulingka Palace

Norbulingka Palace is located southwest of Potala Palace, near Lhasa. This was the summer home of Dalai Lamas. Now it is turned as a park with the largest garden in Tibet.

Namtso Lake

Namtso Lake or Heavenly Lake is located in Damxung County and Baingoin County, 122 km from Lhasa. It is the second largest saltwater lake in China and the most beautiful place in Tibet.

Yamdrok Lake

Yamdrok Lake is located in Shinan, 200 km from Lhasa. Yamdrok Lake is one of the three sacred lakes in Tibet, the other two are Namtso Lake and Manasarovar Lake. The stunning landscape around the lake and the beautiful turquoise water make the Yamdrok Lake a top-rated destination for tourists during the visit. 

Mt. Kailash

Mount Kailash is the sacred mountain for four religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Bon. It has an elevation of 6 683 meters above sea level, and it is the mountain that no one has climbed so far, and maybe no one will.

Lake Manasarovar

Mansarovar Lake is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. It is located near Mt.Kailash, and it has an elevation of 4 590 meters above sea level. Manasarovar Lake is one of the most sacred lakes in Tibet.

Final thoughts

Fulfill your dreams! Traveling to this region is easier than ever and is finally affordable to most everyone. If you are an adventurer and want to see/experience Tibet in its truest beauty, consider your journey to be trekking, because that's the only way to really understand what this area of the world has to offer you mentally, spiritually, and physically.

Choose the right travel agency that will guide you in all the necessary planning, organization of documents, and directions that you need to know before heading out on your adventure.

Keep in mind that acclimatization is essential when you are in Tibet. Stay in Lhasa for two or three days for acclimatization, and then you should start your voyage.

Lastly, enjoy every moment you spend in Tibet because such a feeling will not be available to you anywhere else in the world!

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