The Tibet Autonomous Region covers about 1/8 of China's total area. It is second only to Xinjiang in all provinces in China. Traveling in such a vast land, you may wonder how many days do you need.

Actually, how many days to spend in Tibet depends on what you want to experience, your travel schedule, budget, travel preference, etc.

In this article, we will explore various itineraries ranging from 7 to 15 days, allowing you to choose the duration that best suits your interests and time constraints.

Prepare Two Days to Arrive in Tibet if You’re from Foreign Countries

Before delving into the specific itineraries, it is essential to consider the time required to reach Tibet, especially if you are traveling from a foreign country.

First, you need to fly from your country to Nepal or mainland China, where you can transfer to Tibet. Then, from Nepal to Tibet, flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa is the fastest way to get to Lhasa, only requiring 90 minutes.

You can also go to Lhasa by flight or train from mainland China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xining and so on. The traffic in cities is very convenient. Trains normally need 20 to 50 hours on the way, depending on your distance away from Lhasa. While flights only take several hours.

Due to its high altitude, it is advisable to spend at least two days acclimatizing in Lhasa, before embarking on further adventures. This acclimatization period helps your body adjust to the thin air and reduces the risk of altitude sickness, ensuring a more enjoyable and comfortable journey.

8 Days in Tibet: Ensuring to Experience the Essence of Tibet

For those with limited time but still eager to experience the essence of Tibet, an 8-day itinerary offers a comprehensive overview of the region's highlights.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp:

The 8-day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour is the most classic and popular tour among tourists visiting Tibet. Starting from Lhasa, you will first spend two days in this vibrant city, acclimating to the high altitude and immersing yourself in the local culture.

You will not miss the best-known landmark sites in Lhasa, such as the iconic Potala Palace, the revered Jokhang Temple, the lively Barkhor Street, and the majestic Sera Monastery, as well as charming villages in the suburbs.

Continuing westwards, you will journey through Tibet's major cities and attractions, eventually reaching the awe-inspiring Everest Base Camp. Along the way, you'll appreciate the breathtaking Yamdrok Lake, climb the ancient Giant Kumbum in Gyantse, admire the magnificent Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, as well as overlook the mighty Himalayan mountain range at Gawula Pass.

This 8-day itinerary ensures that you experience the grandeur of the world's highest peak while also discovering the rich culture and natural beauty of Tibet. It's a journey that combines spirituality, adventure, and an appreciation for the unique wonders of the Tibetan plateau.

8 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland:

If you are entering Tibet from Nepal, this highly sought-after 8-day Kathmandu to Lhasa driving tour is a fantastic option. This itinerary takes you on an unforgettable journey across Gyirong, Everest Base Camp, Tingri, Shigatse, Gyantse, and ultimately Lhasa, starting from Kathmandu.

You will enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the region, from picturesque Gyirong to the amazing Everest Base Camp. Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of Tibet as you explore Tingri, Shigatse, and Gyantse. Finally, discover the spiritual heart of Tibet in Lhasa, where iconic landmarks like the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple await your exploration.

This 8-day itinerary promises an unforgettable overland adventure, allowing you to witness the breathtaking Himalayan scenery, visit renowned Tibetan monasteries, and experience the fascinating cross-cultural influences between Tibet and Nepal.

Being a local Tibet travel agency with offices based in Lhasa, Kathmandu, and Chengdu, we are devoted to bringing you a worry-free Tibet overland tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa, including vehicle and guide services, accommodation arrangements along the way, etc.

7 Days in Tibet: Also Allowing to Embrace the Best of Tibet

If you have a week to spare, a 7-day itinerary in Tibet will still enable you to embrace the best of what this enchanting region has to offer.

7 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland:

The 7-day overland trip from Lhasa to Kathmandu, neither too long nor too short, is specially designed for adventurous travelers who plan to visit both Tibet and Nepal on a limited budget.

The Lhasa to Kathmandu overland tour is one of the most thrilling odysseys in Asia, covering a total distance of 1200 kilometers. The road conditions are pretty good, with most sections of the route consisting of well-paved asphalt roads.

The first stop on this route is Lhasa. After touring Lhasa, you will head toward Shigatse. Along the way, you will take a short hike along Yamdrok Lake, one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. Upon arriving in Shigatse, you will have the opportunity to visit the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama. From there, you will continue to the Everest Base Camp.

The Everest Base Camp is the highlight of this journey, offering stunning views of Mount Everest. After the EBC tour, you will visit Rongbuk Monastery, which is the highest monastery in the world, and then drive to Old Tingri, where you can enjoy the beauty of the entire Himalayan range. Finally, our Tibetan guide will assist you in exiting China via the Gyirong border.

10 Days in Tibet: Explore More Wonders of Tibet

With a 10-day itinerary, you can delve deeper into the wonders of Tibet, allowing for a more immersive experience.

10 Days Everest Base Camp with Lake Namtso:

For those visitors who are fond of the unique natural landscapes and cultures of Tibet, the 10-Day Everest Base Camp with Lake Namtso Small Group Tour is the best option. Spending 10 days in Tibet, you will have sufficient time to enjoy the fantastic scenery and culture of Tibet.

This 10-day Everest Base Camp with Lake Namtso Tour emphasizes a trip to Mount Everest and Lake Namtso, covering the best attractions of Tibet. You can visit some famous cultural landmarks in Lhasa and Shigatse while also experiencing the natural beauty of the Everest Base Camp and Lake Namtso.

During the first three days of this tour, you will explore Lhasa. Then, you will travel through Gyantse and Shigatse to reach the Everest Base Camp. After admiring the breathtaking views of Mount Everest, you will drive back to Lhasa. Taking a night to rest in Lhasa, you will then proceed to Namtso Lake the following day.

Namtso Lake, located to the north of Lhasa, is one of the three sacred lakes of Tibet. It is also the highest salt lake in Tibet, with an elevation of 4,718 meters. You can marvel at the turquoise water of the lake and the snow-capped mountains in the distance. During the summer, you may even have the opportunity to encounter Tibetan nomads herding their yaks and sheep on the grasslands.

10 Days Tingri to Everest Base Camp Trek:

For adventure enthusiasts and trekking enthusiasts, the 10-day Tingri to Everest Base Camp trek is an ideal choice. Starting in Lhasa, you will travel through Gyantse, Shigatse, and Tingri before embarking on the trek to Everest Base Camp.

The trek lasts four days, and is a challenging yet rewarding journey offering unparalleled views of the Himalayas and the mighty Everest. You will traverse enchanting Tibetan villages, ancient monasteries, high mountain passes, and remote valleys before reaching the iconic base camp of Mount Everest.

Besides, you will also not miss other classic highlights of Tibet, including Yamdrok Lake, and Gyantse Kumbum, along the way. This adventure is tailor-made for adventurous souls seeking a blend of cultural exploration and exhilarating trekking in the stunning landscapes of Tibet.

15 Days in Tibet: Take the Ultimate and Adventurous Journey

If you have ample time and a sense of adventure, a 15-day itinerary in Tibet allows for an ultimate exploration of this mystical land.

15 Days Lhasa to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar:

Religion is one of the most important parts of Tibetan culture. Pilgrimage is a holy religious activity in Tibet. If you are interested in the religious culture of Tibet and desire to experience the pilgrimage of Tibetan Buddhists, the 15 Days Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Small Group Tour can fulfill your wish.

The 15 days trip to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar will take you deeper into the mysterious land. Following the footsteps of the pilgrims to discover the beauty and sacredness of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, which may be a lifetime experience for you.

The route is an extension of the Lhasa to EBC tour. After visiting EBC, you will begin your journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar are billed as holy mounts and lakes by Tibetan and Hinduism. It is said that it could absolve the sins of the entire lifetime with one dip in Lake Manasarovar.

You could see many devout pilgrims doing the Kora around Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. The 3 days trekking tour around Mount Kailash you will not only marvel at the natural beauty but also experience the rich cultural and religious charm of this land.

The weather on the plateau is erratic, it is necessary to wear warm clothes when you visit Tibet, especially in extreme altitude areas like EBC, Namtso, and Mount Kailash. Moreover, the plateau area has strong ultraviolet radiation, so sunscreen and sunglasses are also needed.

Finally Prepare One or Two Days to Return Home

As your journey in Tibet comes to an end, it is essential to allocate one or two days for your return journey home. This allows for any unforeseen circumstances, rest, and relaxation before bidding farewell to this enchanting land.

Conclusion

Deciding how many days you need to tour Tibet depends on the place you want to see, your available time, and your budget. An 8-day tour offers an excellent opportunity to explore all highlights of Tibet. While you can also choose to experience different itineraries in 7 days, 10 days, or even 15 days, according to your preferences.

As Tibet tour experts with over 10 years of experience, we can customize a Tibet travel package for you that matches your specific requirements. When you choose to book your Tibet trip with us, we ensure a seamless journey by handling every aspect, including itinerary confirmation, permit applications, accommodation arrangements, and professional guided tours.

If you are still unsure about how long you should spend touring Tibet, please feel free to leave a comment below or contact us for inquiries. We are pleased to serve you and assist you in any way we can.