A trip to Tibet promises to be an exciting adventure of a lifetime. However, it’s essential to know a few travel regulations and requirements before you go. You might wonder what documents you'll need, whether you can travel independently, etc. Don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the latest regulations for Tibet travel, helping you enjoy a smooth and memorable visit to this beautiful and sacred land.

Tibet is Open to International Tourists, and You can Plan Your Trip Now

Tibet is now open to tourists worldwide, and we have already helped thousands of tourists realize their dream of traveling to this remarkable destination.

If you're planning a visit to Tibet, you can book your Tibet tour right now to enjoy your dream journey. As the leading tour operator based in Lhasa, we are here to ensure you have a worry-free and unforgettable experience.

Tibet Travel Permit is Required to Visit Tibet

The Tibet Travel Permit is essential for visiting Tibet, and all international tourists must apply for this document. Since individual applications are not allowed, it’s important to contact a registered Tibet travel agency that can assist you with the process.

As the leading travel agency in Lhasa, we can guarantee your Tibet Travel Permit, and the process is quite simple. Just book your Tibet tour with us, then send us copies of your passport and Chinese visa, and then we'll take care of the rest.

The permit is processed and issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, usually taking about 8 to 9 working days. Once it's ready, we'll deliver it to you, allowing you to board your flight or train to Lhasa.

For a smooth experience, we recommend sending your documents to us at least 20 days before your departure to Tibet.

You Also Need to Join in an Organized Tour to Visit Tibet

For all international tourists to Tibet, individual travel is not allowed. So you need to join a tour group organized by a registered Tibet travel agency.

This actually can make your journey to Tibet much safer and smoother, as you don’t need to go through all troubles to arrange your itineraries on your own, and you can get accurate and comprehensive view of the sites you visit with the help of your guide.

And as a trustworthy local travel agency with over 10 years of Tibet tour running experience, we have a team of professional Tibetan local guides and travel experts, to ensure you enjoy a worry-free and quality Tibet tour.

Also, there are group tours and private tours for choice, to meet different needs. If you want to save money on a tight budget, you can join our small group tours, from 4-day Lhasa city tour to 8-day Lhasa EBC tour, a wide of selections available.

If you have your own idea on the itinerary, or want to travel with your friends or families in a single group, then you can join in a private tour. We have professional travel guru to tailor your trip, based on your specific demands and conditions. Just contact us for details.

You Can Only Enter Tibet from Mainland China or Nepal

To visit Tibet, international tourists can only enter from either mainland of China or Nepal. Except for the flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa, there is no other international flight that flies directly to Tibet.

Entering Tibet from Mainland China

If you are traveling from mainland China, you can first fly there and then take a train or flight to Lhasa. There are many direct trains and flights bound for Lhasa every day from major cities in mainland.

You can take a direct flight to Lhasa from popular cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, etc. And Chengdu offers the most frequent daily flights to Lhasa, which takes around 2 hours on the way.

On the other hand, if you have sufficient time and want to enjoy the beautiful scenery along world-famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway, you can also take the train. There are direct trains departing from major cities, like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xining and Xi’an.

The shortest journey is from Xining to Lhasa, which takes 21 hours 30 minutes as scheduled. And every train leaving for Lhasa will make a stop at Xining Railway Station. By taking the train, you can also gradually acclimate yourself to the rising altitude from inland to Tibet plateau.

Both trains and flights can be in short supply in peak travel time or some special time. So it is advised to book your ticket as early as possible. If you have difficulty in booking your train or flight ticket to Tibet, you can contact us for help. We are glad to offer the booking service for you.

Entering Tibet from Nepal

If you're traveling from Nepal to Tibet, you can either travel overland via Gyirong Port or take a flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa.

The flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa departs three times a week—on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The journey takes about an hour and a half, offering stunning aerial views of the Himalayas. If you’re short on time, the flight is the most convenient option.

Alternatively, you can take an overland tour from Kathmandu to Lhasa, which offers a scenic adventure through the Himalayas. You’ll pass the breathtaking landscapes of the Tibetan plateau and visit famous attractions like Everest Base Camp, Gawula Pass, Yamdrok Lake, and the historic city of Shigatse.

Whichever route you choose, you’ll need a Tibet Travel Permit and a Chinese Group Visa. But no worries, as long as you book your tour with us, we can handle everything on your behalf to ensure a smooth travel experience.

There is No Age Limit, but Be Careful with Altitude Sickness

Many tourists may wonder if there is an age limit to travel to Tibet, after all the place seems to be kind of dangerous owing to its high plateau and harsh weather. Actually there is no age limit, as long as you are healthy, you can pay a visit to Tibet.

But you need to pay attention to the altitude sickness during your Tibet tour. Altitude sickness is a common discomfort that occurs when one enters a plateau at an altitude of over 3,000 meters. The common symptoms include headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, fatigue and breathlessness.

In most cases, the symptoms will gradually decrease or disappear after 24 to 48 hours of adaption on the plateau. So there is no need to be panic. Only in a small number of patients, the condition may develop into plateau pulmonary oedema and plateau cerebral oedema.

For prevention of the acute altitude sickness, it is suggested to stay in Lhasa for a couple of days before heading to higher places in western or northern Tibet. And don’t rush around as soon as you get to Tibet. Drink more water and have a good rest, also avoid taking a shower on your first days in Tibet.

You can Travel to Tibet with Your Chinese Friends or Relatives

If you have Chinese friends or relatives who are going to Tibet, you can travel with them. But you still need to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit, and be in a tour group organized by a local travel agency, as a foreign tourist to Tibet.

The best suggestion is joining a private tour that only includes you and your friends or relatives. In this way, you can freely choose your own itinerary, and enjoy your quality travel time alone with each other.

Journalists and Diplomats Need to Travel to Tibet in Other Ways

Tibet is open to travelers from all backgrounds, but if you're a journalist or diplomat, the process is a bit different. Instead of going through a regular travel agency or getting a standard Tibet Travel Permit, you'll need approval from the China Foreign Affairs Office before visiting.

Conclusion

Traveling to Tibet is more manageable than you might imagine. With the right travel documents and adherence to the relevant regulations, your journey can go smoothly. As a leading tour operator with years of experience, we are committed to assisting you every step of the way. From securing your Tibet Travel Permit to arranging tour guides, accommodations, and even helping you book your flights or train tickets, we provide a comprehensive one-stop service for a seamless experience. If you have any questions or are ready to book your tour, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!