Visiting Tibet is not an easy thing, and independent travel is not permitted in the region. That’s why choosing a reliable and trustworthy travel agency is important for your trip.

So, what does a good Tibet travel agency look like? They should be able to secure your travel permits, arrange safe transportation, and provide experienced local guides. In all, a good travel agency takes care of every detail to make sure your journey is smooth from start to finish.

In this guide, we will share eight key considerations to help you choose the best Tibetan travel agency. Keep reading to make the right choice for your dream trip!

#1 Have Sufficient Experience in Operating Tibet Tours

Tibet is a unique land with complex geography, high altitude, extreme weather and strict regulations. Thus, when traveling to Tibet, it is crucial to choose an experienced travel agency to handle complicated logistics and unexpected situations.

It is recommended to look for an agency with at least 15 years of experience and a proven record of serving international tourists. Such agencies usually have an established process to run the tour. They can better arrange permits, transportation, and other details, ensuring your trip is well-organized.

Also, check where the agency is based. Generally, a qualified Tibetan travel agency will have its main office in Lhasa, to offer professional local services and the latest information. At the same time, many also have branches in popular gateway cities like Chengdu or Kathmandu, ensuring thoughtful support before your trip to Tibet.

It is also wise to carefully review the agency's business license, year of establishment, location, and official website to confirm its legitimacy. This will help you avoid risks and ensure a safe and secure trip to Tibet.

Join our most popular Lhasa and EBC tour for a smooth experience!

#2 Prioritizes Your Safety Throughout the Trip

Safety always comes first when traveling in Tibet. During your trip on the plateau, you will probably face high altitudes, long drives along mountain roads, and changeable weather conditions. It is important to choose an agency that truly cares about your well-being.

A good agency will design a sensible itinerary to minimize the risks of altitude sickness. For example, they will arrange your visit to Potala Palace (3,799 meters) on the second day during your Lhasa tour, after you’ve had time to acclimatize. They’ll also provide oxygen tanks and monitors if needed.

A good agency will also ensure safe transportation. They will ensure the vehicles are well-maintained and regularly checked, and the drivers are experienced with Tibet’s complicated road conditions and follow traffic rules carefully.

Most importantly, with a good travel agency, you will always feel supported throughout your journey. They will handle any situation potentially and professionally, so you can rest assured to simply enjoy your journey.

#3 Handles All Tibet Travel Documents Efficiently

Your travel documents are the most important thing you will need for a trip to Tibet, and without them, you will not even be able to board the train or flight to Lhasa.

Basically, you need to obtain a Chinese Visa and a Tibet Travel Permit before entering Tibet. Depending on your itinerary, you may also need other additional permits, such as an Alien’s Travel Permit to visit Mount Everest, or a Military Permit for the Mount Kailash region.

Apart from the Chinese Visa, which is obtained on your own, all other Tibet travel documents must be arranged through an authorized local travel agency.

With our decades of experience in securing permits for travelers around the world, we can guarantee your Tibet Travel Permit and other documents. We provide a simple application process, and ensure all your travel documents are ready in time before your journey to Tibet.

#4 Provides Experienced Local Tibetan Guides and Drivers

One of the most important parts of a Tibet tour is the quality of the guide and driver who accompany you to different amazing places across the plateau.

A great guide can truly define your trip, as they are your main connection to this land at the Roof of the World. Your guide should be knowledgeable and friendly, able to handle any situation with ease, and communicate clearly with you and your group.

Likewise, your driver should be responsible and professional, familiar with various road conditions in Tibet. They should be able to transport you safely and comfortably to each destination along your route.

Our guides and drivers are all local Tibetans and seasoned professionals, many with more than a decade of experience. We are confident that they can provide you with the best possible travel experience in Tibet.

Travel overland acros the Roof of the World with our expert local gudies and drivers!

#5 Offers a Variety of Tibet Tours, Including Customized Itineraries

When planning a trip to Tibet, the travel agency should offer a wide range of tours to meet different interests, fitness levels and budgets. They should also be able to customize the itinerary based on your personal preferences.

At Tibettour.org, we offer a diverse collection of Tibet tours, from small group tours to customized private tours. Our Tibet small group tours cover all of Tibet’s must-see sights, including Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake, Mount Everest, Mount Kailash,etc. Each itinerary is carefully designed for an immersive experience, without a rushed pace.

We also provide a variety of themed tours, such as biking, trekking, photography, and overland adventures. You can choose to book a private tour from one of our pre-designed itineraries, or let us create a fully customized route based on your wishes.

With the best local prices and fixed departure dates, small group tours are ideal choices for both solo travelers and friends traveling together. Private tours, on the other hand, provide the benefits of a personal guide and driver, your own vehicle, and tailored service, and are suitable for families and those looking for a unique experience.

#6 Transparent Tour Costs and Included Services

Knowing exactly how much you will be paying for your Tibet tour is essential. Understanding which tour costs are included in the price and what’s not is crucial, so you won’t face the “hidden” charges. The best choice for a Tibet travel agency is one that is completely transparent, listing all costs clearly and giving you a definite quote.

We pride ourselves on being fully transparent about our tour costs. On every page of our listed Small Group Tours, we provide you with the trip summary, detailed itinerary, departure dates and prices, group size, and a complete list of what is included as well as what is not.

You will also find details on your permits, accommodation, tipping (optional), shuttle services, and some general tips about travel in Tibet. Everything is clearly presented, easy to read and understand, so you can book with us in confidence.

#7 Positive Customer Reviews from Previous Travelers

Knowing what past travelers say about an agency is important. You can easily check reviews on trusted platforms such as TripAdvisor or Trip Pilot, to know the guides, services, and overall organization of a travel agency.

As an important brand of TibetVista, we have received nearly 2000 reviews on TripAdvisor, with a 4.8 rating. We also recently won the Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2025. Many of our clients have shared their happiness about our Tibet tours, praising our tour guide, travel consultants, and the entire team.

We guarantee a high-quality experience on your Tibet tour.

#8 One-Stop Services, from Train Tickets to Accommodations and More

In addition to handling permits and tours, a great Tibet travel agency should also provide one-stop services to make your journey smooth from start to finish.

For example, they should be able to secure your train tickets to Lhasa, Potala Palace admission, flights between Kathmandu and Lhasa, or cost-effective hotels that are often difficult to book, especially during the peak season. This can save you time and hassle, particularly when you are unfamiliar with the language or booking systems.

At Tibettour.org, we make sure every detail of your trip is well arranged. We have strong partnerships with train ticket offices and local agencies in mainland China, as well as with hotels and attractions across Tibet. No matter where you start, how you enter Tibet or how you travel within it, we can ensure you a seamless journey.

Conclusion

Choosing the right travel agency plays an important role in ensuring a smooth and hassle-free Tibet tour. A good travel agency should offer you a proven track record, guaranteed permits, seasoned local Tibetan guides, transparent pricing, various choices of itineraries, and more.

As the leading Tibet tour operator with over 20 years of experience, we’ve helped over 400,000 travelers to explore Tibet smoothly and comfortably. Based in Lhasa, with branches in Chengdu and Kathmandu, we offer one-stop tourist-friendly services to tourists around the world.

Have questions or ideas for your trip? Just feel free to contact us - we are happy to help you plan your perfect Tibet adventure!