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
- How to use your iPhone for free in China/Tibet
- To check if your iPhone model is supported by Chinese networks
- Check what sites are blocked currently in mainland China and Tibet
- A different list of websites blocked in China/Tibet
Is it Safe to Travel to Tibet?
- Altitude Sickness Prevention: How to Stay Healthy at High Altitude in Lhasa and Everywhere in Tibet
- Request an introduction to a reliable Tibetan travel agent with a good safety track record
What gifts should I bring to Tibet?
How to stay healthy in Tibet?
Can I visit Lhasa by myself?
- Post: 17 Dos and Don’ts for a First Time Visit to Lhasa
- For a post on some actual prices on Tibet trips, sign up for our free Tibet Travel Planning Guide >>
How to travel cheaply in Tibet?
- Post: How Much Does it Cost to Travel to Tibet?
- For a post on some actual prices on Tibet trips, sign up for our free Tibet Travel Planning Guide >>
How can I take a meditation walk in Lhasa?
What is the best way to arrive in Tibet — via Nepal or China?
- Info about the Nepal visa
- Altitude sickness prevention
- Planning your Tibet trip
- Best 100 Tibet travel tips
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:
- How to prevent altitude sickness?
- Can I find a Tibetan guide for my trip?
- How do I get into Tibet?
- How to manage the train ride to Tibet? Is the cabin comfortable and safe?
- Is it possible to travel overland from Kham to the T.A.R.?
Get more answers to your Tibet travel questions at our How to Visit Tibet FAQ post.
Want to be ready to travel to Tibet?
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- Get your visa and Tibet permits
- Avoid altitude sickness
- Choose a reliable, Tibetan-owned agent
- And much more…so you can feel peace of mind about your trip, and have a great, safe journey!
Along with instant access to your free, comprehensive online guide for planning your Tibet travel, you will also get our weekly newsletter, with tips, tools and strategies for simple, safe and meaningful Tibet travel.
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.
Eileen Hewson says
Thanks for your reply and for your interesting newsletter.
Eileen Hewson says
Has Tibet reopened to Foreigners after the annual shutdown?
Please send me your newsletter.
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.