Tibet Photography Tours

FAQs and Travel Tips for Tibet Photography Tours

• Do I need a special permit for a photography tour in Tibet?

  Yes. All international tourists are required to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit to visit Tibet. Without it, you cannot even board a flight or train to Tibet.

  Fortunately, it is easy to get the Tibet Travel Permit through us - an authorized local travel agency with years of experience. After booking your photography tour, just send copies of your Chinese Visa and passport to us, and then we will take care of the rest.

  If you plan to go beyond Lhasa and photograph attractions in remote areas like Mount Everest or Mount Kailash, you will also need additional permits. Don’t worry - we will also help you arrange all these documents for your smooth trip. Just contact us at least 20 days in advance to avoid any delays.

• When is the best time for photography in Tibet?

  Generally, you can take good photos in Tibet at any time of the year, since there is different highlighted scenery in each season. As a suggestion, we recommend take a Tibet photography trip in months from April to October, when the weather is warm and the landscape is more vivid.

  Spring (April to early June) and autumn (September to October) are best times to photograph Mount Everest and the Himalayan mountains. The clear skies and high visibility create prefect conditions for those majestic peak views.

  In the summer months of July and August, despite the occasion rain, the lakes and mountains become lush, with rich and bright colors for better imaging. Besides, since most Tibetan festivals fall on summer season, you can capture the most grand and hilarious occasion of celebration.

• What are the top places for Tibet photography tour?

  There are masses of lofty mountains, sacred lakes, and holy monasteries to offer for tourists to capture during a Tibet photography tour.

  For lofty snow mountain photography, you can expect the world's highest peak, Mount Everest. You can get majestic views of the Everest Summit at EBC on the Tibet side. The holy mountain, Mount Kailash, is also what you can't miss.

  As for sacred lakes, you can harvest good photos at Lake Yamdrok, Lake Namtso, and Lake Manasarovar. Yamdrok Lake, turquoise and jade-belt shaped, is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Namtso Lake looks like a blue gemstone inlaid on the Tibetan plateau, while Lake Manasarovar’s crystal clear water, blue sky, and snow-capped mountains enhance each other’s beauty.

  Tibetan Buddhism architectures deserve a visit for your photography tour. For example, the Potala Palace is a magnificent palace complex that features hundreds of rooms and shrines. Known as the spiritual heart of Tibet, the impressive Jokhang Temple is also what you must pay a visit. From the roof of the temple, you can get splendid views of the Barkhor and the Potala Palace.

• What kind of equipment should I bring for photography in Tibet?

  It is recommended to bring a set of equipment to handle different landscapes and lighting conditions on the Tibetan Plateau.

  A DSLR or mirrorless camera with wide-angle and telephoto lenses will help capture everything from sweeping mountain panoramas to close-up cultural details. A sturdy tripod is essential for sunrise, sunset, and night shots.

  Extra batteries and memory cards are also a must, as cold weather can drain power quickly. Lens filters, such as polarizers, can enhance skies and reduce glare from snow and water.

  Lastly, bring weatherproof covers for your gear to protect it from dust, rain, and sudden temperature changes.

• What are the dos and don’ts for photographing in Tibet?

  Respect local Tibetan customs. Ask for permission first for permission of the people you want to photograph, since in some areas people believe that it is inauspicious to have their photo taken. You can return their favor by offering tiny presents as a token of thanks.

  When taking photos in Tibetan monasteries and temples, you need to seek permission from the Lamas first. Taking pictures inside holy places is most probably forbidden, especially of the statue in the shrine. You will probably have to pay a much higher price for photographing.

  Do not take photos secretly in these places, as it may bring about unexpected trouble and may even be against local regulations. Also, remember not to take photos in sensitive military areas.

• Where to take wedding photos in Tibet?

  Tibet’s stunning landscapes make it a perfect place to take wedding photos. There are plenty of ideal destinations available for your Tibet wedding photography.

  The spectacular Potala Palace is the landmark of Tibet and turns out to be the most popular destination for wedding photography. Several sites for different views of the Potala Palace are advised, like Chakpori Hill, Palubuk Monastery, Potala Palace Square and Dragon Lake Park.

  Barkhor Street is the heart of traditional Tibet, where lots of shops and stalls sell a variety of goods and religious items. You can put the lively Barkhor Street into the background of your wedding photos.

  The crystal clear water of Yamdrok Lake, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, offers your wedding photos a picturesque background. Known as one of the sacred lakes in Tibet, the Yamdrok Lake is also believed to endow your Tibet wedding photography a spiritual power.

  Namtso Lake, the Heavenly Lake in Tibet, has a gorgeous background to offer for your wedding photos as well. It definitely deserves to go for your lifetime wedding photography.

  Draksum Tso in Nyingchi is one of the most famous tourist spots of Tibet, known for its fabulous beauty and the scenic grandeur. You can also choose it as your wedding photography destination.

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