How to Travel to Tibet: Short Video Answers to Your Questions

How to Travel to Tibet: Lobsang and Yolanda Answer your questions

Lobsang Wangdu and Yolanda O’Bannon of YoWangdu Experience Tibet answer your questions about how to travel to Tibet.

Note: If you’re planning to visit Tibet you will need to work with an official Tibet travel agency as independent travel is not permitted. If you need help connecting to a reliable Tibetan-owned travel agency, send us a request for a referral and we will be happy to introduce you to a great team.

2023 Travel Advisory: Great news! Tibet travel is now open to everyone!

After 3 years of closures, Tibet travel permits are now being processed for all international travelers, no matter if you are traveling from outside China, or if you currently live and work in China.

To travel to Tibet you must have both a Chinese visa and a special Tibet travel permit, which you must get from an official Tibet travel agency. Ask us for an introduction to a reliable Tibetan travel agency here, at no cost to you.

Good hikes near Lhasa


What to do in Xining before taking the Tibet train to Lhasa?


Lessons Learned about Using your Phone in Tibet


Is it Safe to Travel to Tibet?


What gifts should I bring to Tibet?


How to stay healthy in Tibet?


Can I visit Lhasa by myself?


How to travel cheaply in Tibet?


How can I take a meditation walk in Lhasa?


What is the best way to arrive in Tibet — via Nepal or China?


Is it safe to talk to Tibetans when you’re in Tibet?


Is late summer too rainy for overland from Lhasa to Kathmandu?


How to deal with visas and permits for Tibet?


Is October a good time to visit Tibet?


More video answers to your questions about Tibet travel:


Get more answers to your Tibet travel questions at our How to Visit Tibet FAQ post.


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Updated on March 2, 2021. First published on February 10, 2019.

Your Tibet travel advisors, Lobsang and Yolanda

Most people who want to go to Tibet don't know how to get there or who to trust for help. We’re Lobsang Wangdu and Yolanda O’Bannon, and we help make Tibet travel more simple, safe and ethical so you can feel peace of mind about your trip. Learn more about us and YoWangdu here.

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Comments

  1. Debbie says

    Greetings! Love your website!
    I’m doing the 8-day overland trip to Kathmandu starting August 16. Should I bring rain pants?

    • yowangdu says

      It’s very likely to rain at some point during the trip. Summer rain is often at night, but it could be anytime. We did have rain paints at Everest but that was as a wind layer against the cold. Have also been soaked at Shigatse in the summer — and rain pants were good. But really up to you. Hope this helps.

    • yowangdu says

      Hi Eileen, yes, Tibet has opened again, and in fact the shutdown ended at some point in March this year — at least in theory. The announcement came too late for permits to actually be processed in March but in theory Tibet was open. We’ll sign you up to the newsletter, which we’ll need to do through signing you up for the Tibet Travel Planning Guide. You should get an email soon.

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