Plan Your Trip to Tibet: Best of Tibet Tourism

Tibet, China
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Tibet travel advice
Tour Organization Requirements
Visiting Tibet requires travelers to be part of an organized tour, which includes a guide and, outside Lhasa, a private vehicle with a driver. Independent travel within the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) is not permitted for non-Chinese nationals. This is due to regulations that mandate a travel permit, only obtainable through registered Tibetan travel agencies.
Types of Tours Available
Travelers have the option to join group tours or arrange private tours. Group tours allow cost-sharing for guides and transportation, making them more budget-friendly. Private tours offer a more personalized experience but at a higher cost. Some travelers prefer private tours for the flexibility they offer in itinerary planning.
Permit and Visa Requirements
For entry from Nepal, a Tibet Group Visa (TGV) is required, obtained through coordination with a travel agency in Tibet. This visa is different from the standard Chinese visa and is necessary for all travelers entering Tibet from Nepal. Agencies also assist in obtaining the necessary travel permits for visiting specific regions within Tibet.
Travel Recommendations
According to forum posts, most travelers start their visit in Lhasa to acclimate to the high altitude and explore key cultural sites. For deeper cultural immersion, extended tours are available that visit monasteries, historical sites, and natural landmarks. Some tours offer routes that include significant sites like Everest Base Camp, although this is optional based on the travelers' interests.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Flight Options
According to forum posts, travelers can fly into Lhasa from major cities like Beijing and Chengdu. Flights from international locations typically require a stop in one of these cities. From Kathmandu, direct flights to Lhasa are also an option, providing a convenient route for travelers from Nepal.
Overland Travel
For many users, overland travel to Lhasa is possible from locations within China, such as Shangri-La in Yunnan or via the new route through Kyirong after crossing the Nepal-Tibet border. However, this method is noted to pose high risks of altitude sickness due to rapid elevation changes, and it requires careful planning and acclimatization.
Travel Restrictions
Travelers have called out that independent travel in Tibet is restricted; entering Tibet requires an organized tour with a guide, driver, and prearranged permits. This is especially true for travel from Kathmandu, where a group visa is necessary, potentially affecting other visas.
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