Tibetan Guide
Tibetan Guide
5
Multi-day ToursSightseeing ToursHiking & Camping ToursPrivate ToursPhotography Tours
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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About
We are localTibet travel agency based in Lhasa and always work hard and take responsible for our clients by using local services as much as possible. Of course we use Tibetan drivers and tour guides. They have reach Tibet culture and experienced good attitude and also service. So we sure that your trip will be not disappointed if you chose our services. We are offering absolutely customizable private tours to fit perfectly with your travel style. We also operate join-in group tours on fixed departures for those who are looking for different Tibetan adventure with travellers from all around the world. We have good partnerships with Mainland China, Nepal and other international travel agencies.
Lhasa, Tibet, China
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Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
428 reviews
Excellent
416
Very good
12
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
bgh
Sweden35 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
It is hard to imagine a better travel agency than Tibetan Guide. During the planning stage, Dhondup answered all my emails promptly and provided hard-to-get information about closure dates for the Tibet Travel Permit. The timing of our visit, 6 – 18 Feb turned out to be perfect: fine weather, very few other tourists (60 million Chinese tourists visited Tibet in 2024 ...) but plenty of Tibetan pilgrims in Lhasa. Our only complaint was the hotel in Lhasa (Banak Shol), which lacked hot water in the morning and started breakfast rather late (8:30). When we told Dhondup, he immediately arranged a new hotel (Thangka Hotel), which was very good. Our guide Lobsang was competent, knowledgeable and friendly and he taught as a lot about Tibet and Tibetans. Our driver Dawa, although his English was limited, was also very friendly and, above all, a skillful and safe driver. Tibetan Guide also showed great flexibility when we had to modify our itinerary on the fly as it became clear that the Rongbuk/EBC area would not open in time for our planned visit (due to the 7 Jan earthquake). We always like to travel independently, but, of course, this is currently not an option in Tibet. However, thanks to Lobsang, Dawa and Dhondup, we now have a much better understanding of Tibet. Thanks for showing us your beautiful country, culture and people!
Written March 6, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin Tan
6 contributions
Sep 2024 • Solo
I engaged Tibetan Guide for a 10-day private tour of Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse, Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Tsurphu Monastery, Drak Yerpa Caves, Samye Monastery, Chimpu Caves and Ganden Monastery. From initial contact with Mr. Dhondup, everything was handled very professionally and the price was very reasonable compared to other agencies I contacted. Mr. Dhondup offered lots of useful advice on travel planning and the itinerary. The application of the Tibet permit was also completed smoothly and the permit was ready for collection at my hotel in Chengdu when I reached. Mr. Dhondup also upgraded my hotel in Shigatse to Hilton, the best hotel available, at no additional cost. Mr. Dhondup also took effort to meet me on the first and last day of my tour and checked in regularly to make sure everything was going well. The guide assigned to me, Tashi, was very experienced and knowledgeable in all aspects of Tibetan culture and religion and was able to point out and arrange for me to see things that are not usually seen by other tourists, such as the Buddha's relics in Shadrubling Monastery and the tombs of the Dalai Lamas in Drepung Monastery. The driver was also friendly and drove safely throughout the trip. The vehicle was clean and spacious and equiped with clean bottled water and oxygen canisters throughout the trip which was especially helpful when travelling to high altitudes. It is recommended to engage a local Tibetan guide as you can see and experience things in a local perspective. You can be assured that you will be in good hands if you engage Tibetan Guide and I would definitely engage them again in my next trip!
Written September 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tapio
Hong Kong, China19 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
I found the Tibetan Guide agency on Lonely Planet's Tibet guide.
End of April was an excellent time, it wasn't cold and the sky was always clear.
The guide Jigmey was perfect in everything. He spoke excellent English.
Throughout the trip he was always very helpful, attentive to our wishes, he always gave us our space and time. He never pressured us to finish the visits quickly. He helped us take numerous group photos including locals in traditional clothing. Thanks to the guide we were able to communicate with the Tibetans and eat in local restaurants.
The guide was very knowledgeable on the topics that interested us with very detailed insights.
In the Tashilhunpo monastery which was about to close, he organized the visit perfectly without making us miss anything.
In the Sakya monastery he also asked the monk to open the doors for us to visit the library which contains 84 thousand manuscripts.
At the base camp of Mount Everest he asked us to wait patiently until late in the evening and in fact unexpectedly at the end the clouds moved.
The escursion to Namtso Lake was amazing. At first it seemed like just a stop to extend the journey by a day but in the end it turned out to be perhaps the most unexpected surprise.
The clear sky, the colors and the people will remain in our memories for a long time.
The driver Migmar was very attentive and had an excellent drive, very calm on the hairpin bends, and never reckless. Roads in Tibet, such as Road 318, are modern and in excellent condition.
We chose to arrive in Lhasa via train from Xining a day early to best accommodate the altitude. Thanks to the guide's numerous advice we were able to limit the Malays.
I thank the owner of Tibetan Guide, who we also met in Lhasa and often contacted us to make sure the trip went smoothly.
For those who want to organize a tour in Tibet I recommend a local Tibet agency like the Tibetan Guide: the thoughts, ideas, stories are certainly more intense!
I thank the very kind and genuine Tibetan people.
A perfect example is Jigmey: the first day in Lhasa he met a guide but on the last day we left a friend.
End of April was an excellent time, it wasn't cold and the sky was always clear.
The guide Jigmey was perfect in everything. He spoke excellent English.
Throughout the trip he was always very helpful, attentive to our wishes, he always gave us our space and time. He never pressured us to finish the visits quickly. He helped us take numerous group photos including locals in traditional clothing. Thanks to the guide we were able to communicate with the Tibetans and eat in local restaurants.
The guide was very knowledgeable on the topics that interested us with very detailed insights.
In the Tashilhunpo monastery which was about to close, he organized the visit perfectly without making us miss anything.
In the Sakya monastery he also asked the monk to open the doors for us to visit the library which contains 84 thousand manuscripts.
At the base camp of Mount Everest he asked us to wait patiently until late in the evening and in fact unexpectedly at the end the clouds moved.
The escursion to Namtso Lake was amazing. At first it seemed like just a stop to extend the journey by a day but in the end it turned out to be perhaps the most unexpected surprise.
The clear sky, the colors and the people will remain in our memories for a long time.
The driver Migmar was very attentive and had an excellent drive, very calm on the hairpin bends, and never reckless. Roads in Tibet, such as Road 318, are modern and in excellent condition.
We chose to arrive in Lhasa via train from Xining a day early to best accommodate the altitude. Thanks to the guide's numerous advice we were able to limit the Malays.
I thank the owner of Tibetan Guide, who we also met in Lhasa and often contacted us to make sure the trip went smoothly.
For those who want to organize a tour in Tibet I recommend a local Tibet agency like the Tibetan Guide: the thoughts, ideas, stories are certainly more intense!
I thank the very kind and genuine Tibetan people.
A perfect example is Jigmey: the first day in Lhasa he met a guide but on the last day we left a friend.
Written May 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joy R
Cebu Island, Philippines36 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Tibetan Guide was recommended to me by Bhutan Best Travel, a tour agency i contracted for a Bhutan solo trip. Dhondup organized my Xining-Lhasa train ticket, the permit and ensured that my trip would be enjoyable, safe and memorable. The location of the hotel I was billeted in was in a safe and accessible area such that I can easily explore the town. My guide, Jamba, is very kind, informative and helped me out during the hikes as i needed to adjust to the altitude. Jamba has a deep knowledge of Tibetan culture, history and her spirituality added more meaning to my trip. The tours were well planned, very organized and seamlessly executed, thanks to the exceptional services provided by Tibetan Guide. I highly recommend Tibetan Guide if you plan to visit Tibet. My only regret is not staying longer to really explore the place with the assistance of Tibetan Guide, the best travel agency for Tibet.
Written August 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David S
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Family
I’m finishing up my summer travels through Sichuan and Tibet. I spent 9 days in Tibet and I can highly recommend the services of Dhondup , who runs a Lhasa-based travel agency. He arranged a great trip for me and my family to central Tibet, including time visiting Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse, Lake Yamdrok, and Lake Namco. He was very helpful arranging our Tibet permit, and kept in contact with me every day of the trip to make sure everything was going well. If you want to visit Tibet, make sure to contact Dhondup!
Written August 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
triple x
26 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We were very pleased since the first email contact with Tibetan Guide. They have organised a private 9 days tour for us.
I have contacted total 4 Tibetan agencies, although Tibetan Guide is the least mentioned in different forums and traveller’s guide books , however, their agency is the only one who answered ALL my questions, at least over 50 no kidding (!) via loads of email, swiftly and extremely detail! It really gave me confidence that they would organise my tour with no surprise.
We have experienced quite a number of private tours in China and we’ve always received surprise such as the driver spit every minute; driver frequently fell asleep while driving; guide chose his restaurant more than what you preferred; late at morning pick up, dirty interior of car, guide want to shop at their friend’s store…etc BUT it didn’t happen in our tour this time.
Our driver Suoduo, has 40 years of driving experience and very professional. We were so lucky to have him as there were heavy snow in the last two days of our trip and his driving skill made us feel safe while we saw a few other cars broken down or accident on the way. Tashi, our guide, who is fluent in English, is very knowledgable in buddhism, we learned a lot of their culture from him. He is also ultra attentive to your needs that you almost think you were a Royal and being served every second! And both of them are very westernised in terms of manner, hygiene, mindset which made us feel sp easy to get along with them.
Dhondup has also kindly prepared a powerful, clean and relatively new car for our trip which I believe it’s vital because daily travelling time is quite long. An interesting story regarding the train ticket from Xinling to Tibet, which is well known to be extremely difficult to get. I tried but tickets were sold in a minute. So I have asked Dhondup to help me to get it…he knows his way and you just need to trust him! Eventually we both got lower soft sleeper which made the whole cabinet jealous. :D
I have contacted total 4 Tibetan agencies, although Tibetan Guide is the least mentioned in different forums and traveller’s guide books , however, their agency is the only one who answered ALL my questions, at least over 50 no kidding (!) via loads of email, swiftly and extremely detail! It really gave me confidence that they would organise my tour with no surprise.
We have experienced quite a number of private tours in China and we’ve always received surprise such as the driver spit every minute; driver frequently fell asleep while driving; guide chose his restaurant more than what you preferred; late at morning pick up, dirty interior of car, guide want to shop at their friend’s store…etc BUT it didn’t happen in our tour this time.
Our driver Suoduo, has 40 years of driving experience and very professional. We were so lucky to have him as there were heavy snow in the last two days of our trip and his driving skill made us feel safe while we saw a few other cars broken down or accident on the way. Tashi, our guide, who is fluent in English, is very knowledgable in buddhism, we learned a lot of their culture from him. He is also ultra attentive to your needs that you almost think you were a Royal and being served every second! And both of them are very westernised in terms of manner, hygiene, mindset which made us feel sp easy to get along with them.
Dhondup has also kindly prepared a powerful, clean and relatively new car for our trip which I believe it’s vital because daily travelling time is quite long. An interesting story regarding the train ticket from Xinling to Tibet, which is well known to be extremely difficult to get. I tried but tickets were sold in a minute. So I have asked Dhondup to help me to get it…he knows his way and you just need to trust him! Eventually we both got lower soft sleeper which made the whole cabinet jealous. :D
Written April 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruofei Cheah
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia3 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
Our group of 7 pax had a great trip doing 12-day Lhasa -> EBC circuit. We have a very nice guide in Chang-Pa, giving us insights into the Tibetan Buddhism and culture in English, and she is very helpful in restaurants too doing translating and recommendation for dishes. The car condition is satisfactory, spacious for all of us. Monasteries become too much after some days, but luckily there are lakes and glaciers and basecamp to make us occupied. All in all a very good experience in our very first Tibet experience, and I am looking forward for future trips to this spiritual land. I don't have reservation to recommend this local guide company.
Written October 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura
6 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
We had the most amazing trip to Tibet together with two friends. We stayed for 8 days in Tibet and made the route from Lhasa to Shigatse to the Everest Base Camp and back to Lhasa. The whole trip was organised perfectly - a big thanks to Alfonso for all the support in planning and organising, our guide Jimmy for his broad history expertise and daily care during the trip and our driver Lobsang who brought us safely from one place to the other. Throughout the whole trip, we felt safe and very well taken care of. THANK YOU 😊
Tibet itself is impressive, from a nature and history perspective. Definitely recommended to do the tour including the EBC since waking up in front of Mount Everest and seeing the sunrise is unique. We can highly recommend „Mundo Tibet“ as they offer the perfect support before and during your trip and are so kind and supportive.
Tibet itself is impressive, from a nature and history perspective. Definitely recommended to do the tour including the EBC since waking up in front of Mount Everest and seeing the sunrise is unique. We can highly recommend „Mundo Tibet“ as they offer the perfect support before and during your trip and are so kind and supportive.
Written November 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
casw
Seattle1 contribution
Sep 2024 • Solo
I highly recommend 'Tibetan Guide'. Dhondup was very helpful in suggesting a strong itinerary, adjusting it according to my wishes, and remaining in close contact throughout my journey. My guide Jingmi did an excellent job. Most importantly, he is flexible and easy to travel and communicate with.
Written October 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Litty Unicorn
Manila, Philippines11 contributions
Nov 2024 • Friends
We had the best of time in Tibet, all thanks to Dhondup and his team! :)
Did a 10D9N private tour that took us to Lhasa, Gyantse, Sakya, Rongbuk and more.
The landscapes were absolutely stunning, from the huge Yamdrok and Namtso lakes that were almost like seas, to the mysterious sand dunes, to the breathtaking mountain passes and ranges. We were lucky to have seen some of the world’s highest mountains (above 8000m), including the epic Mount Everest.
What we appreciate most was our guide Jigmey and driver Tsering who took care of us so well and were so patient with our numerous photo taking during the whole trip (We were a group of girls). Jigmey is very knowledgeable, and thanks to his insightful sharing, we learnt a lot about the Tibetan culture, its people and also the Buddhism religion.
From the first contact to the farewells, the entire experience was smooth and amazing. Dhondup and his team were prompt and patient with our questions, and always checking in with us to make sure everything was good. Dhondup also took time to welcome us and bid us farewell personally.
We are really grateful for their sincerity and warmth. We also like that they try their best to support local businesses, like bringing us to local restaurants etc,
Big thanks again to Dhondup, Jigmey and Tsering for giving us such a memorable and inspiring experience in beautiful Tibet! It was our first time, and definitely not the last! :)
Highly recommend to anybody who’s finding a reliable local team for your Tibet travels!
Did a 10D9N private tour that took us to Lhasa, Gyantse, Sakya, Rongbuk and more.
The landscapes were absolutely stunning, from the huge Yamdrok and Namtso lakes that were almost like seas, to the mysterious sand dunes, to the breathtaking mountain passes and ranges. We were lucky to have seen some of the world’s highest mountains (above 8000m), including the epic Mount Everest.
What we appreciate most was our guide Jigmey and driver Tsering who took care of us so well and were so patient with our numerous photo taking during the whole trip (We were a group of girls). Jigmey is very knowledgeable, and thanks to his insightful sharing, we learnt a lot about the Tibetan culture, its people and also the Buddhism religion.
From the first contact to the farewells, the entire experience was smooth and amazing. Dhondup and his team were prompt and patient with our questions, and always checking in with us to make sure everything was good. Dhondup also took time to welcome us and bid us farewell personally.
We are really grateful for their sincerity and warmth. We also like that they try their best to support local businesses, like bringing us to local restaurants etc,
Big thanks again to Dhondup, Jigmey and Tsering for giving us such a memorable and inspiring experience in beautiful Tibet! It was our first time, and definitely not the last! :)
Highly recommend to anybody who’s finding a reliable local team for your Tibet travels!
Written December 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anita Sky river
Hello, my name is Anita , we are planing a 8 day trip to Lhasa ans surrounding, starting and arriving from Xining (China) by train to Lhasa. So in gact we would have 6 full days in Tibet. We would come with a group of around 6-8 people and like to visit Lhasa and some beautiful places around but with a maximum attitude of 3000-3500. What nice places around Lhasa can you recomend and how is the weather like in May ? Do someone have a good tour guide to recommend who could help us to organise the trip ? thanks a lot
Written August 28, 2019
Tashi delek Anita,
Thank you for your message. You can visit Lhasa city with all it's attractions (Potala, Norbulingka, Drepung, Sera, Ramoche...) and also Tsedang-Samye (Yumbulagang, Traduk Temple, Samye Monastery). To visit lakes as Namtso or Yamdrok-tso you must cross a higher pass. Same to visit Shigatse.
Please, do not hesitate to contact us for anything you might need in Tibet.
Best wishes
Written August 30, 2019
Hello. I am Vinnie from Vancouver and planning to do this Fall a Min. 15 Day Excursion to "Tibet",which would include All Permits and Visas,Lhasa,EBC,and Circumnavigation of Mt. Kailash. Please recommend which Company to use and best time in October??
Written August 9, 2019
Hi Vinnie,
we just came back from our overland from Lhasa to Katthmandu and had a great time with Tibetan Guide: excellent service, great guide and reasonable prices. See also my review.
Tibet is a very special destination, so enjoy!
TripleDutch
Written August 10, 2019
I'm interested in "4 days Lhasa Flexible Tour". I would like to join to this tour with one of my friend. We want to know if it is possible to stay in Lhasa for two days and stay at Mt. Everest base camp for two days?
Written June 3, 2019
It is possible to stay 2 days in Lhasa and also on the base camp however there is not much to do on the base camp so I suggest to stay there just 1 day. For more detailed questions you can mail with tibetan guide. We did a trip with him and he was very good and answered all my questions directly
Written June 4, 2019
Hola, voy a ir al Asia el 13 de Septiembre, llego a Katmandú el 15 por la tarde, estoy pensando hacer un tour por Nepal unos 9 días y no estoy segura si 5 días es suficiente para visitar el Tibet. Revisé los comentarios y quisiera ver la opción de tomar un tour por el Tibet con ustedes. Saludos Cinthia
Written March 21, 2019
Hi, I used google translate to understand your question in English.
First you have to know how long you can stay in China. Then you can plan the length of your tour. I was in Tibet for 10 days and 5 days else where outside Tibet. The Tibet tour agency will be able to help you to plan the itinerary based on your requirements and prepare all the required documents. We have a great times in Tibet under their care.
Hope this help. Let me know if you have further query.
Written March 22, 2019
I am 72, diabetic - otherwise healthy, exercise frequently. No other health issues. Would I be able to enjoy Tibet? Thanks.
Written November 11, 2018
Hi, I myself is diabetic too, with a bit of high blood pressure. I survived. Just remember to move slowly and enjoy. I even went to the base camp which is 5200m. The tour guide is very attentive and observing our health closely; to make sure we can enjoy our 10 days stay there.
However I would advice you to consult doctor about altitude sickness and maybe get some medication.
I personally took this chinese medicine "Rhodiola" which is in capsule form, 2 weeks before the tour.
Written November 18, 2018
Me and my husband might travel to Lhasa from Chongqing around middle of October for 3 to 4 nights .And he is interested in doing the kora in 3 famous temple.We only want to be in Lhasa is it possible and how about the guide we need and how much please tq
Written August 24, 2018
We went to Tibet in the spring and used Tibetan Guide Tours. While they have a standard 1 week tour they will happily take you where you want to go in Lhasa for a few days. The guides are locals, flexible and will do things your way. And they all speak good English. Compared to the government run Chinese tours this group is very cheap, but don't let that put you off; you'll run into the big tour groups at the temples and be very glad you're on own.
Written August 24, 2018
d0naldr47
Rome, New York
We are doing a Habitat build in Nepal. At the end we would like to visit Tibet.
We can leave Feb.26 (2019). When is Tibet closed to travelers?
Written August 7, 2018
This year Tibet closed 2 weeks earlier than usual (about Feb 10 to April 30) so the dates are not set in stone but it looks like you're out of luck
Written August 8, 2018
Hi. Is a special permission (other than the regular visa to China) is required to visit Tibet? Do you guys a Tibetan Guide can help with that?
Written June 5, 2018
Yes, you need a special permit to get into Tibet. You need a travel agency to do that for you. When I booked my tour with Tibetan guide they will also apply for the permit for you. It’s part of the package.
You can email them if you have any question about your permit.
Written June 6, 2018
Hi. Is a special permission (other than the regular visa to China) is required to visit Tibet? Do you guys a Tibetan Guide can help with that?
Written June 5, 2018
Hi Javier, yes and yes. You will need a special permit to enter Tibet and the guide will take care of it with the information provided by you.
Cheers
Written June 6, 2018
I am a solo traveler looking to join a group. I will be arriving Lhasa in may 26th via plane.
Please send sample itineraries for tours exceeding 10 days and beyond. I’m interested in cultures, health and well being etc
Thank you,
Jo
Written May 21, 2018
On their website you’ll be able to find lots of example itineraries as well. It will show you exactly where you’ll go on what day.
Or contact Dhondup :)
Written May 22, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.