Lhasa is the most popular entry point to Tibet and a must-see destination for any Tibet tour. Before you can travel to Lhasa, there is one important step: getting the required travel permit, which includes a Tibet Travel Permit and a Chinese Visa. Without them, you cannot even take a train or flight to Lhasa.

Besides the permits, you’ll also need to consider other things such as transportation, packing items. Continue reading this guide to know everything you need for a smooth Lhasa tour, including necessary permits for Lhasa and nearby attractions, train or flight tickets, warm clothing and more. Get inspired for your next adventure to Lhasa!

Tibet Travel Permit and Chinese Visa are Must-Haves for Your Lhasa Tour

For anyone traveling to Lhasa, you will need to have two essential documents to enter Tibet and reach this beautiful city: a Chinese Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit.

Chinese Visa

Since Tibet is part of China, all international tourists must first get a Chinese Visa to visit the region. However, here is the good news: citizens of many countries now enjoy a Chinese Visa-free policy, for stays of up to 30 days. These countries include Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, etc. Be sure to check whether you need a Chinese Visa before you go.

For tourists who do need a visa, you can apply it directly at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home or resident country. Processing normally takes around 3-5 working days, and you will need to provide essential documents including your passport, two recent photos, a completed application form.

If you’re traveling to Tibet from Nepal, you have two options: either apply for a Chinese Visa in advance in your home country, or apply for a Chinese Group Visa through the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.

Tibet Travel Permit

The Tibet Travel Permit is the main permit required for all international tourists traveling to Lhasa. It is necessary not only to enter Tibet, but also to board flights and trains to Lhasa.

Unlike the Chinese Visa, the Tibet Travel Permit cannot be obtained individually. Only a registered Tibetan travel agency can apply for it on your behalf. After you book your Tibet tour with us, simply send us copies of your Chinese Visa and valid passport, and we will take care of the rest.

The permit usually takes 8 to 9 working days to process in Tibetan Tourism Bureau. Once it is issued, we will immediately send it to your hotel or address in mainland China. Then you can bring it to take your train or flight to Tibet.

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Are Other Permits Needed to Visit Attractions Near Lhasa?

The Tibet Travel Permit allows you to enter Tibet and explore attractions around Lhasa. This means when you visit landmarks in downtown Lhasa, like Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, or go to nearby sights like Ganden Monastery and Namtso Lake, the Tibet Travel Permit is all you need.

However, if you want to go beyond Lhasa and travel to more remote places of Tibet, additional documents are required. For example, visiting Everest Base Camp requires an Aliens’ Travel Permit, while trips to Mount Kailash will further need a Military Permit and Foreign Affairs Permit.

But no worries - we will take care of all these Tibet travel documents when you book your Tibet tour with us. Just tell us your Tibet travel plan in advance, and we will ensure you have all the necessary documents to enjoy a smooth journey.

Additional permits are required to visit Everet Base Camp in Tibet.

What Else Do I Need for a Lhasa Tour Besides the Permits?

Your permits are not the only things you need for a well-planned trip to Lhasa. To make your Lhasa tour smooth and enjoyable, here are a few more essentials:

Train or Flight Ticket to Lhasa

To get to Lhasa, the best way is by taking a Tibet train or flight. You can book a direct flight to Lhasa from more than a dozen cities across mainland China, as well as from Kathmandu in Nepal. Flight bookings should be made as early as possible to secure better prices, especially during peak season from April to October.

If you are traveling to Lhasa by train, you can book tickets from seven major cities in mainland China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xining, Xi’an, etc. The train tickets are usually released 15 days before departure, and they can sell out fast - so it’s best to book early.

For your convenience, we can help with booking your flights or train tickets. Even better, for our clients we can guarantee a soft sleeper train ticket, which is the most comfortable way to experience the railway journey to Tibet.

Altitude Sickness Medicine

Lhasa lies at an altitude of around 3,656 meters above sea level, and you will likely feel the effects of altitude sickness upon arrival. It is suggested to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities for the first couple of days, to help your body adjust. Using oxygen supply if possible to help relieve symptoms.

For some, altitude sickness medications can help to reduce the effects and allow you to acclimatize better. However, such medications should only be taken on the advice of your own doctor, as they can have detrimental effects if you have any pre-existing conditions.

Warm Clothing

Warm clothing is a must for any Tibet tour, including visits to Lhasa, and it is necessary even in the summer months. While weather in Lhasa is not as cold as in some higher western areas, it can still be chilly at nights. Even in the hottest month of June, night temperatures can drop to 9-10 ℃.

You should bring at least a couple of warm jackets or thick sweaters to keep you warm in the evenings and early mornings. A hat, gloves, and warm socks can also be good items to bring, especially since most body heat is lost through the head and extremities.

Sunscreen and Moisturizers

Known as the “City of Sunlight”, Lhasa enjoys many sunny days year round, and the UV rays can still be strong on cloud days. It is possible to get sunburned in Lhasa during the daytime. Therefore, it is essential to pack a good high-SPF sun block when traveling to Lhasa.

The climate can also be very dry, and dry winds can cause severe chaffing of your lips, face, and hands. To prevent this, lip balm is recommended for all visitors to Lhasa, along with a good moisturizer to keep your skin from being damaged in the cold, dry winds.

Sunglasses are an excellent addition to your Lhasa trip packing list, since they only only reduce the harmful effects of sunlight but also help keep the dry wind out of your eyes.

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Join Our Lhasa Tour for Smooth Handling of Travel Documents!

Taking a Lhasa tour does requires a few permits and some preparation, but that doesn’t mean you need to do all it all yourself. As the leading Tibet tour operator with over 20 years of experience, we offer one-stop services to handle every detail throughout your journey.

In addition to obtaining your Lhasa travel permits, we will also provide expert local Tibetan guide who are fluent in English, arrange comfortable hotels based on your needs - whether it is a luxury 5-star resort or a budget-friendly guesthouse, and help you secure your flight or train ticket to Lhasa, and more.

You can join our classic 4-day Lhasa city tour for a first impression of Tibetan culture and religion, or extend your trip to nearby Namtso Lake or Yamdrok Lake, to take in natural beauty of the plateau. Whatever your travel style or requirements, we will always ensure you a smooth and hassle-free journey to Tibet!

Conclusion

The first things you need to prepare for a Lhasa tour are your travel documents, including the Tibet Travel Permit and the Chinese Visa. Then, you need to consider your transportation to Lhasa and packing items such as warm clothing. Once these are all taken care of, you can relax and enjoy your trip to the Roof of the World.

To make your trip to Lhasa easier and smoother, we can help to obtain your Lhasa travel permits, secure your train or flight tickets to Lhasa, and arrange a proper itinerary according to your needs. Feel free to contact us or book your tour with us today!