• 10 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour via EBC
  • 10 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour via EBC
  • 10 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour via EBC
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9 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour via Everest and Tsetang

Tibet Exploreration

This overland adventure leads you into exotic Tibet. You will begin your journey in lush green Nepalese valleys before crossing the 'Roof of the World' and finally arriving in Lhasa, the heart of Tibet. Travel across the Tibetan plateau to explore more sacred places and experience incredible Tibetan culture. Enjoy unparalleled vistas of Mt. Everest from its base camp. Enjoy Tibet's main sights and superb scenery, followed by a spectacular journey to charming Lhasa from Kathmandu. ( (Gyirong Port has been opened for foreign travelers. From 30 August, 2017, foreign travelers can enter Tibet from Nepal or leave Tibet for Nepal at Gyirong Port again.)

Highlights of this tour:

  • Make fully use of the convenient access into Tibet from Kathmandu in Nepal. In this tour, you will drive along the Sino Friendship Highway to Lhasa;
  • Go to have a wonderful expenditure to the top of the world - Mount Everest, and enjoy her magnificent beauty;
  • Visit the First Palace and First Buddhist Monastery in Tibet's history - Yumbulakang and Samye Monastery;
  • Experience Tibetan culture and history in its most popular capital city Lhasa, and explore famous attractions, such as Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, etc.;

Tour Brief Information

  • Tour price:

    1. This price is based on a group of 2 adult travelers who will take our private tour and share one standard rooms in regular local 4-star hotel in lower seasons.

    2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.

    3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.

    4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1= RMB 6.85. The final quotation will be adjusted according to the latest real-time exchange rate.

  • Tour code: TD-OT-9A
  • Tour type: Private Customizable Tour Package
  • Destination: Kathmandu / Gyirong / Mt. Everest / Shigatse / Tsetang / Lhasa
  • Duration: 9 days and 8 nights
  • Departure: Flexible
  • Travel Theme: CulturePhotographyMountainArchitectureFamily
  • Best Time: SpringSummerAutumn
  • Physical Level

    Physical Requirements

    • Capable of walking short to medium distances by oneself in high altitudes. Must be capable of minor ascents and descents.
    • Capable of light walking and hiking in high altitudes. Suitable for most fitness levels.
    • Average fitness level. High altitude hiking for several hours.
    • Possibly includes high altitude hiking of up to 6 hours per day or activities of a similar nature. Requires an elevated level of fitness.
    • Features demanding high altitude treks or cycling. Only suitable for those with a high level of physical fitness and endurance.

    Note: If you have any questions concerning the requirements or the unique demands for your particular tour package, please feel free to contact one of our helpful Travel Consultants for further information.

    It's advisable to have a body check-up or have your doctor's advice before visiting Tibet. Visitors with a record of heart, lung, liver, or kidney problems must seek medical advice before making the decision to go to Tibet Also, people with any of the following problems should not go to Tibet.

    • Have already caught a cold
    • Have severe anemia
    • Have high blood pressure or severe heart disease
    • Have pneumonia, tuberculosis, tracheitis, or bronchitis
  • Tour Pace
    Comfortable

    Tour Pace

    • Leisure: enjoy your tour in a slow pace, allowing plenty of time for photography, you will see the most famous attractions, and spend plenty amount of time in each destination.
    • Comfortable: enjoy your tour in a comfortable pace, you will see most popular attractions, and spend reasonable amount of time in each attraction.
    • Tight: enjoy your tour at a tight pace, as you will be able to see as many tour attractions as possible in the available amount of time.
  • Max Altitude
    5,200m

    Altitude

    High Altitude Sickness is one of the biggest challenges when travelling in Tibet. According to our experience, most people will be fine up to 3500m above sea level, as the altitude go higher up to 4500m, mild symptoms as shortness of breath, headache might occur. Adverse reactions may vary from person to person. In most cases, the symptoms are mild and will subside in several hours to several days as the body acclimatizes.

    Mild Symptoms of AMS include:

    • Headache
    • Shortness of breath with exertion
    • Rapid pulse (heart rate)
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Fatigue
    • Loss of appetite
    • Poor sleeping
    • Dizziness or light-headedness
    Definition of High Altitude

Your tour - at a glance

Day 1~3 Nepal to Shigatse via Mount Everest

Start you tour at Kathmandu and drive to Gyirong Town for accommodation on the Day 1, then drive to visit Mount Everest on the Day 2. Highlights are Rongbuk Monastery and Everest Base Camp.

Day 4~6 Shigatse to Tsetang via Gyantse

On the Day 4, you will firstly visit the grand Tashilhunpo Monastery, then drive to Gyantse to see the famous Kumba. On the Day 5, drive to Tsetang town, and visit the beautiful Yamdrok Lake. On the Day 6, go to visit the First Palace and First Buddhist Monastery in Tibet's history - Yumbulakang and Samye Monastery, then drive to Lhasa.

Day 7~9 Lhasa Tour & Departure

Visit the most classic attractions in Lhasa on Day 7 and Day 8, including the grandiose Potala Palace, holy Buddhist sites Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery, also the exotic Barkhor Street and quiet Norbulingka, and depart from Lhasa at Day 9 by flight or train.

Itinerary Details - Day by Day

Day 1 Kathmandu - Tibet Border - Gyirong Town

Today you can take a local bus or private car to Gyirong Port (altitude: 1800m) at China-Nepal border. Though the distance is only about 160km, it takes more than 6 hours to drive to Gyirong Port from Kathmandu because the road is narrow and bumpy.

After arriving at Gyirong Port, you will check through the custom, and be picked up by our Tibetan tour guide at Tibet side, then drive about 25km to Gyirong Town (altitude: 2600m) for accommodation.

Tip of today: Make sure your Group Visa and Tibet Travel Permit are issued before departing to Tibet.

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Day 2 Gyirong - Mount Everest

After breakfast, you will have a long driving to Mount Everest (about 360 km). Though being a long driving of about 8 hours, but the views along the road are stupendous. In clear days, you can see the clear face of Mt. Shishapangma and enjoy the beautiful view of Pekutso Lake. When you finally get to Rongbuk Monastery, and get the first sight of the mighty Everest, you will immerse in a solemn ethereal mood and find all the efforts you have made along the long way are not in vain. Located about 5100 meters above the sea level, Rongbuk Monastery is the highest monastery in the world. It is the best location to take some great photos of the front face of Mount Everest. The rest of today is free for you to visit the Rongbuk Monastery and explore the nearby Everest Base Camp. Take photos with the Everest altitude marker and EBC marker to commemorate your wonderful adventure tour.

Accommodation: if you visit Mount Everest during the off season (November to April), you will accommodate at Rongbuk Guest House near the Rongbuk Monastery; if you visit Mount Everest during the peak season (May to October), you will accommodate in a local Tibetan tent at Everest Base Camp near Rongbuk Monastery which is only run between May and October by local Tibetans. Please note that the accommodation at both places is very simple and basic, only dorm beds with communal squat toilets are available. Duvets, heated blankets and hot water will be provided, and you are suggested to bring your own sleeping bag and toilet paper. There is no running water, sinks or showers. The dining room just offers basic breakfast and dinner without menu. Remember to dress warmly all the time.

Tips of today: 1) the altitudes rise from 2,600 meters to 5,100 meters during the driving from Gyirong Town to Rongbuk Monastery. Please prepare well to avoid high altitude sickness. Not to take any strenuous activity which may cause high altitude sickness easily; 2) bring a warm coat for low temperatures on Mount Everest.

  • Rongbuk Monastery Rongbuk Monastery on the Mount Everest
  • Rongbuk Monastery A devoted pilgrim in Rongbuk Monastery
  • Dining Room of Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse Dining Room in Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse

Day 3 Mount Everest - Shigatse ( B )

Wake up early to enjoy the marvelous sunrise on the peak of the world. Then drive about 4km further to Tibetan Tents Camp (altitude: 4900m) where you can enjoy a closer view of Mount Everest.

The top part of the Mount Everest is always covered by snow all the year round, and when the sun shines on the mountain, the peak is like a giant white pyramid, which is one of the most famous sceneries of Mount Everest. In bright days, you can also see a wisp of cloud hanging above the top of Mount Everest. It flies eastward in the fast western wind just like a flapping flag. This unique phenomenon is the spectacular “Cloud Flag”. The cloud will change from surging waves into a thin cooking smoke or from galloping steeds into the mysterious veil of a goddess.

Till now your Mount Everest adventure is about to end. The rest of today is to drive back to Shigatse City. Have a good rest in Shigatse City.

Tips of today: 1) to protect the environment of Mount Everest, currently Everest Base Camp is not open for tourists – the Everest landscape can be enjoyed at Rongbuk Monastery and Tibetan Tent Camp as well. The base camp marker, a tablet reading “Mt. Qomolangma Base Camp” has been transferred to the Tibetan Tent Camp. You are suggested to take a photo at the marker to commemorate your wonderful adventure tour; 2) the sunrise usually starts around 6:30 am to 7am on Mount Everest; 3) keep warm all the time.

  • Mt. Everest Peaceful Morning of Everest
  • Beautiful Mount Everest in Autumn Wonderful View of Mount Everest

Day 4 Shigates - Gyantse ( B )

Today, before driving to Gyantse from Shigatse, take a visit to the official seat of Panchen Lama - Tashilhunpo Monastery which is also the largest and most influential Gelug Monastery in Shigatse prefecture. Here you will see a giant statue of Future Buddha, the largest one of its kind on earth ( 26.2 meters high and 11.5 meters wide ), decorated with precious pearls, turquoises, corals and ambers.

After arriving at Gyantse, go to visit the mysterious Palcho Monastery. The monks and tradition of three important sects of Tibetan Buddhism - Sakyapa, Zhalupa and Gelukpa, peacefully coexist in this monastery. Its Kumbum, which is 35 meters high and has 76 small chapels with hundreds images of Kriyatantras , is believed to be the largest such structure in Tibet. Finishing the visit in Palcho, go to take some photos of the Gyantse Dzong Fortress on which the Tibetan army used to fight against the British army's invasion during the early 20th century. It is a very impressive fortress with typical Tibetan palace architecture style which is inherited from Yumbulagang Palace - The First Palace of Tibet.(Gyantse Dzong Fortress now is closed for maintenance. Tourists cannot climb up to the top, but still can enjoy its magnificent appearance from the square at the foot of the Dzong Hill.)

Accommodate at Gyantse Town.

  • Tashilumpo Monastery Glorious architecture of Tashilhunpo Monastery
  • Palkor Myriad Buddha Stupa Overview of Palcho Monastery from Dzong
  • Gyantse Dzong Fortress Gyantse Dzong Fortress

Day 5 Gyantse - Yamdrok Lake- Tsetang ( B )

Today, you will drive head to Tsetang Town. After a driving of about 75km, you will see the imposing Karola Glacier towering aloft on the right side of the road. Keeping driving for a while, you will get to Yamdrok Lake. As the largest fresh lake in the northern of the Himalaya Mountains, it spreads about 675 square meters from south to north, like an eardrop lying in the arms of snow-capped giant mountains. Viewing from a distance, you can see fertile pastures full of yaks and sheep, and some small Tibetan villages along the lakeshore.

Continuing your trip, you will lastly arrive at Tsetang Town which is the political and transportation center of Shannan Prefecture. This region is the birthplace of Tibetan Civilization, as well has played an important role in the development of Tibetan Buddhism. Today, you will go to visit three most famous attractions in Tsetang. After a brief rest, go to visit the first palace in Tibetan history - Yumbulakang. It has a very long history, and boasts many sculptures and paintings from ancient times. While visiting Trundruk monastery, you will see a stunning Tangkha of Pearls decorated with a total of 29,026 pearls. (Yumbulakang is now closed for maintenance. Tourists cannot climb up and visit sites inside, but still can enjoy its magnificent appearance at the foot of the hill.)

Have a good rest in Tsetang Town.

Tip of today: prepare some food and drinks for long driving of today.

  • Lake Yamdrok Yumtso with the view of Mt. Nojin Kangtsang
  • Be shocked by the incredible scenery of Yumbulagang Palace

Day 6 Tsetang - Samye Monastery - Lhasa ( B )

In the morning, you will drive about one hour to visit the famous Samye monastery which is believed to be the first official Buddhist monastery in Tibet with the basic terms of Buddhism – Buddha, scriptures and monks. For over 1,200 years of history, it is one of most influential monastery in Tibet. In this monastery, there was a famous debating about Buddhism between the ancient Indian Buddhism and Chinese Buddhism. Samye Monastery was built according to the description of universe in Buddhism scriptures, combined features of Tibetan, Chinese and Indian, symbolizing the center of the universe.

After the Samye visit, drive about 3 hours to Lhasa.

  • Samye Monastery Visit the first monastery in Tibet
  • The Entrance of Samye Monastery Samye Monastery Entrance

Day 7 Lhasa ( B )

Start today’s Lhasa exploration with an exciting visit to the landmark - Potala Palace which is regarded as one of the most beautiful architectural building in the world. You will climb up the palace along the zigzag stone paths with white-and-red walls to the top of the palace where you can not only appreciate the exotic Tibetan-style architecture, but also get a great view of Lhasa’s urban areas, then walk into the inner space of Potala Palace to explore the stately chapels and learn about the history of the palace.

Continuing your exploration, you will then get to Jokhang Templewhich is considered as the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. Each day, there are thousands of pilgrims coming from different places in Tibet to the temple to worship to the Buddha. This temple is also known as the “house of Buddha” because it keeps the precious Jowo Rinpoche, the life-sized (5 foot/1.5m) image of the Shakyamuni at the age of 12. The last site for today’s exploration is the famous Barkor Street. It is a circular and wide street encircling the Jokhang Temple. The local people like to walk on the street for several circles usually in the late afternoon as a daily tradition of pilgrimage. The street also has many shops selling a wide variety of traditional Tibetan goods, religious items and handcrafts.

Tips of today: 1) there are 1,080 steps up to climb to the top of Potala Palace, so don’t walk in a rush, which may cause high altitude sickness; 2) taking photos is not allowed inside the palace; 3) today you will be mainly outside, please bring some water, a hat, sun cream, and sun glasses with you.

  • Potala Palace Enjoy a nice time in Potala Palace
  • Old Tibetan Women on the Barkhor Street Old Tibetan Women on the Barkhor Street
  • Golden Roof of Jokhang Temple Golden Roof of Jokhang Temple

Day 8 Lhasa ( B )

After breakfast, you will firstly go to visit the beautiful Norbulingka which used to be the former summer palace of Dalai Lamas in the ancient time, and now is a public park. It is famous for its Potrang, the private palaces of former Dalai lamas with grandiose Tibetan architecture style. Next, drive several kilometers to the western outskirts of Lhasa to visit Drepung Monastery. Drepung, in Tibetan, means “prosperity”. Since its establishment, Drepung Monastery has always been one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. In its heyday, there were more than 10,000 monks lived and studied in the monastery. Throughout its history, many important and famous Tibetan leaders used to study here, especially the Dalai Lamas. So Drepung Monastery is also respectfully known as the “Mother School of Dalai Lamas”.

In the afternoon, you will be taken to another famous monastery in Lhasa - Sera Monastery. It is famous for the spectacular “Buddhism Debating”. As a daily routine, the monks gather in a courtyard, and debate on the Buddhist doctrines with supplemented gestures, which is thought to be helpful to facilitates better comprehension of the Buddhist philosophy to attain higher levels of study. After enjoying the "Buddhism Debating", you will be transferred back to the city. The rest time is your own free time to rest.

The Etiquette of Visiting Monastery: 1) you shouldn’t wear short and uncover shoulders; 2) taking off your sunglasses and hat before entering the chapels; 3) taking photos is usually not allowed inside the chapels.

  • Debating Monks of Sera Monastery Debating Monks
  • Entrance of Drepung Monastery Monks Gathered at the Entrance of Drepung Monastery
  • Norbulingka Monastery Enjoy the bright flowers in Norblingka

Day 9 Lhasa Departure ( B )

Today is free for you until your tour guide transfer you to the airport in time for your flight or drop you off at Lhasa train station.

Tips of today: 1. Please pack your luggage carefully, especially for small things like camera charger, power adaptor, mobile phone, phone charger, wallet and towel. 2. If your flight is arranged in the afternoon, please make sure you check out the hotel before 12pm.

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Price & Service Guide

The quotation for this trip is per person

1. This price is based on a group of 2 adult travelers who will take our private tour and share one standard rooms in regular local 4-star hotel in lower seasons.

2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate. If you want a lower price, you can get more people to join you, or use economy class hotels.

3. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.

4. Reference exchange rate of USD 1= RMB 6.85. The final quotation will be adjusted according to the latest real-time exchange rate.

What's included in this price?

  • Private professional English-speaking tour guide.
  • Private vehicle and Luggage Transfers.
  • Airport (or train) pick up and drop off.
  • All necessary Tibet travel permits, including Tibet Entry Permit, Aliens' Travel Permit, Border Pass and Group Visa.
  • All accommodations, based on double-occupancy. Medium standard accommodation with attached bathroom on twin sharing basis. Guesthouse or tent in remote areas.
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary. ( “B” for breakfast; “L” for lunch; “D” for dinner.)
  • Admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary.
  • Service Charge (the planning, handling, operational and communication charges) & government taxes.

What's excluded in this price?

  • China visa, all air tickets and train tickets to and from Tibet.
  • Sightseeing not listed in the itinerary.
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary (all lunches and dinners).
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, drink, fax, telephone call, optional tour activities, etc.
  • Gratuities, tips to guides, drivers, bellboys, etc.

Value for money:

While the trip of a lifetime is priceless, we know value is a vital aspect for those deciding which tour to choose.

When comparing tour prices, be sure to compare like to like. Our tours are designed to ensure that our customers experience all the culture, history, and beauty that Tibet has to offer, and at a reasonable price.

A great way to enjoy the lowest possible price is to invite more people to join your trip to share the travel experience as well as the tour expense. The more people in a group, the lower the price per person. (We recommend you join our group tour if you are traveling alone. Please contact our travel consultant for more information)

Booking early is also an easy way to ensure the best rate! We highly recommend you contact us at least 1 month before your planned departure date.

FAQs of This Trip

  1. Service Information- What is a private Tibet tour package?

    Private Tibet Tour Package means you will have your own private local tour guide, private vehicle and private driver for your group. You don't have to share the vehicle with others. You tour guide will take care of only your group. With the help of your private tour guide, you will see more in Tibet, communicating with locals to learn about Tibetan lifestyle and culture.

    You have the flexibility to arrange the group activities accorddingly, such as changing the visiting order of attractions or extending the visiting time of certain place. You can also stop on the road as you need.

    If you are traveling with your family or a group of friends, a private tour for your group is ideal. As you have more people in the group, the price won't be much higher than a join-in group tour. It is a good way to save money and enjoy ultimate service.

  2. Accommodation Information

    In Tibet, the overall accommodation situation is not as good as many other parts of China. There are only a few star hotels available in Tibet. In remote areas like Mt. Everest base camp, Mt. Kailash, only guesthouse or tents are available for travelers.

    We hand-picked the hotels in each city and areas for you to ensure you have reasonable places to stay while traveling in Tibet. They are in convenient locations and are as comfortable as the local can provide. We also tend to use hotels with unique Tibetan features.

    In 3- or 4-star hotels in cities and towns like Lhasa, Tsetang, Shigatse and Gyangtse, you do not need to worry about sanitation. Though, it is a fact that traveling in Tibet is a bit hard. If you are going to remote areas like Mt. Everest or stay near the lakes, it is best to bring a sleeping bag to ensure that you have a nice sleep en route. 

    For trekking and cycling tours:

    1, Stay in local hotel or guesthouse.
    2, Stay in tent. (Camping facilities will be provided)
    3, Stay in local Tibetan’s family

  3. Meal Information

    Breakfast: If you are staying in a star hotel, breakfast is usually included. If you are staying in a guesthouse or tent, breakfast is not included.

    Lunch and Dinner:
    We don’t usually include lunch and dinner in our tour itinerary. We do arrange lunch or dinner for you at your request though. However, we prefer to give you the freedom to choose the food you want and pay on the spot. From our previous customers' responses, we find that most of our clients prefer to leave the dinners open on their own so that they can enjoy some time to themselves. They can choose either to go to a local restaurant for a little adventure or to have a simple dinner in the hotel where they stay. They may also prefer to choose a restaurant which appeals to their own unique tastes.

    We have created a list of our favorite restaurants in Tibet and hand-picked some local restaurants to recommend to our customers. In Lhasa, you can choose Chinese food, Western food, Tibetan food as well as Nepalese food and Indian food. In "off-the-beaten-road" destinations, choices are limited. Our tour guide will be more than happy to recommend good restaurants for you and take you to the restaurants available according to your tastes and preferred style of dishes. Soon you’ll develop your favorite Tibetan dishes!

    Meals arrangement in trekking and cycling tours:

    Service one: (recommended if you only have 1-2 people in your group and the trekking day is less than 3 days)
    Our tour guide will take you to a local supermarket to buy the food you need for the trekking. You will need to bring some cash with you. We recommend energy bars, chocolate, water, fruit, and cookies. If the trekking length is less than 3 days, bringing food along can be a good way to lower the costs.

    Service two:
    Some of our tour guides are able to cook for customers for a little bit extra service charge. You can contact our travel consultants to see if it is possible to arrange this service for you. It can be difficult to arrange this service for you in peak season, so we can’t guarantee this service at the moment; however, we will try our best to provide this service for you.

    Service three: (recommended if you have 5-6 people in your group)
    We highly recommend you hire a cook for the trekking tour. As you will trek for average 5-6 hours per day which requires lots of energy, it is important to have proper meal during the trekking section. If you like, we will hire a chef to follow your tour and cook for you during the trekking. They can make sure you have hot food during trekking. They will carry all necessary cooking items and equipment including stove and utensils with them. Some cooks will teach you how to cook as well and make cakes with the group on the last day.

    You can communicate with your cook and let them know what kind of meal you prefer. You may prescribe the menu for cooking and tell the cook whatever requirements you have.

    Daily meal arrangement for your reference:

    Breakfast: coffee, milk, eggs, bread
    Lunch: rice and vegetables
    Dinner: noodles or Spaghetti with vegetables

     

  4. Our Tour Guide and Driver Information

    Local Tour Guides
    Our tour guides are born and raised in the regions we visit so they know all the potential difficulties and how to avoid them. They are highly trained, speak excellent English and know the local myths, traditions and history which they will share with you. Wherever you travel, our guides are the key that unlocks each destination and make the trip memorable and unique.

    Private Driver and Vehicles
    Our drivers have many years of driving experience in the areas and are very reliable. With Tibet Discovery, you can rest assured that we only use the highest quality vehicles available. We use mainly private vehicles, to ensure we get to our destinations as swiftly and smoothly as possible, as well as allowing the freedom and flexibility to stop and look around or stretch your legs.

    If the tour is mainly around Lhasa, we usually choose to use a minivan as the road condition around Lhasa is pretty good, and the minivan costs less as well. If the tour is covering places with poor road conditions or the distances are quite far, we also offer 4WD off road vehicles.

    Notes: Tipping is not traditional in China and was actually illegal until the 1980s. While Chinese do not expect tips from other Chinese, they have come to expect tips from Western travelers. Due to this, it is highly recommended that you tip your tour guides and drivers as they are aware that it is a “Western custom” and may worry that you were not happy with their service if they do not receive a tip.

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  5. Packing List: What should I bring along with me on the tour?

    For clothing, we suggest casual style and layered clothing because temperatures in Tibet vary greatly during a day. Down coat is necessary if you go beyond Lhasa and Shigatse to remote areas, e.g. the Everest Camp or further to Mt.Kailash. Sun glasses, sun block,moisture cream are necessary too.

    For food, 2L of water each day, and some snacks. We also find the energy drink Red Bull is a great energy boost while traveling in Tibet.

    For medicines, we suggest that you take some pain-killer pills with you and enough medicine for colds, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Some nasal ointment andthroat-moistening pills will be of great help for those who are sensitive tochilly weather conditions. Please consult your doctor prior to your travel toTibet. Medicine is a must for travelers to Tibet.

    Note: You don't have to worry about your luggage in trekking tours as we could hire abelly boy and Yak and Yak man to carry your luggage for you during the trekking section of the tour. It is an optional service. 

  6. High Altitude Sickness Information: How can I prepare for high altitude adjustment?

    Anxiety is the common cause of mountain sickness. Our customers age range from 20 years old to 70 years old, there is no evidence that suggests that age has anything to do with the occurrence of mountain sickness.

    Taking a Tibet tour with Tibet Discovery, our tour guide will take care of you and give advice on how to avoid high altitude sickness on arrival. A bottle of oxygen will be prepared for each person for emergency use when the tour includes visiting places like Mt. Everest, Lake Namtso, Mt. Kailash and activities like trekking and biking. Always remember that if you have any problems or feel uncomfortable, please tell your guide immediately or contact our travel consultant.

  7. Tibet Travel Permits and China Visa

    All foreign tourists and Taiwan tourists must apply for a Tibet Entry Permit issued by the TTB (Tibet Tourism Bureau) for entry to Lhasa or any other parts of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

    We will take care of all necessary Tibet permits in all of our Tibet tours. It is included in the price quotation and it is part of our tour services. It's advisable to apply for your travel permits at least 20 days prior to your entry date. The earlier, the easier for us to get a permit for you.

    Please tell us your real occupation when applying a tibet travel permit. Journalists and people involved with political matters (such asdiplomats and government officials) require more complicated procedures to beissued a permit.

    A valid passport and a valid China visa is needed when applying a Tibet travel permit. The cost of a Chinese Visa is not included in our tour, so you have to apply for your China Visa in your country by yourself. If you have any question in terms of applying a China visa and filling out the application form, feel free to contact our Travel Consultant.

  8. Questions About Attractions and Tour Activities

    Acclimatize: We suggest that you take it easy for your first few days in Tibet. Don't push yourself physically since your body will require some time to get used to the high altitude.

    Photography: When photographing Tibetans, please be sure to get their permission first. Also, when inside the religious sites, please be aware that if photography is permitted. It is not allowed to take pictures while inside the halls of Potala Palace and JokhangTemple.  Make sure you bring a flashlight if you want to see the inside of the monastery, though please ask for permission when taking pictures in the monastery. Some Monastery might charge visitors a 10-30RMB fee for taking pictures. Please ask your tour guide if you are not sure.

    Free time: During the free time of your trip, like the rest of the first day and the last day before departure, you can walk around on your own and do some shopping if you wish.

  9. Best time to visit Tibet

    Best time to go:

    Peak Season: June, July, August, September (June to October 15th )
    In July and August, the crowds will be considerably larger and the costs for vehicle, food, accommodation, and tour guides are higher. June-August generally has great weather, though during July and August, Tibet tends to be extremely crowded as many Chinese travel there for their summer vacation. As July and August is the peak season to travel to Tibet. We highly recommend you avoid those two months to reduce the costs.

    Best Value: April, May, and Late October to November (April 16th to May 31st)
    Late April to Early June, late October to November is the best value time to go, as the weather still nice and the cost is considerably less. The tour costs between this time is usually a few hundred dollars cheaper than peak season.

    Shoulder Season: Late November December, January, February, early April (Nov 16th to April 15th)
    December-February tends to be a slow period for travel to Tibet. The weather is generally quite cold, though there will be no crowds like there are during the peak season. Another benefit to traveling during the shoulder season is that prices are considerably lower. The view might not be as vivid but you can enjoy another side of Tibet.

    Note: Above information applies to most Tibet tours. For specific best travel time, please contact our travel consultant.

Reviews of Our Customers

Still not know us well? Read what other travelers are sharing about their Tibet trip with Tibet Discovery (We only accept reviews from confirmed travelers who took our tours / activities, so you can surely rely on the reviews)

Thank you Wonder,

A wonderful trip, giving me a great impression of Chengdu and Chongqing, thanks to the professional guide by Ellen and David.

Jesús

 February 18, 2024
Thank you very much Mr Leo Li,

we were pleasantly satisfied with the service provided by you.

Pablo was very empathetic and adjusted to our needs, particularly in the speed at which we could walk. His Spanish very good. The van and driver also ok.

The sites visited were wounderful and the time spent in them was well balance.

EVERYTHING OK, thank you and greetings from Mexico.

Jesús

 December 20, 2023
Hi Tracy,

We had a great holiday. Thanks for organizing it. Tashi was an excellent guide and took good care of us. Here is the feedback form.

Akhilesh

 November 28, 2023
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Tibetan Yak by the side of Namtso Lake

Namtso Lake, one of the five most beautiful lakes in China, should not be missed by any traveler who visits Tibet.

Namtso is the best place to explore the nature of Tibet. With the snowy mountains in the background, the crystal-clear dazzling blue water, Namtso is stretching to the horizon. In clear days, the lake looks like a beautiful turquoise surrounded by magnificent snow-capped Tanggula Mountains, and the lake shore is green, wide and open, dotted with tents, yaks and sheep of local nomads. For travelers, Namtso is the ideal place for photography, while for Tibetans, it is a sacred and magical lake for pilgrimage.

Useful Trip Notes

  • 1. Tibet Permits Guaranteed
    To travel in Tibet, all Non-Chinese passport holders need to have a Tibet Travel Permit which is issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau in Lhasa. And only Chinese travel agencies like Tibet Discovery can apply for the permit on behalf of tourists. You must obtain it before your tour starting because the permit will be checked when you board your flight/train to Tibet. Traveling with Tibet Discovery, you don't have to worry about the complicated procedures of Tibet Travel Permit application. All you have to do is to confirm a tour package with us and send us your passport and Chinese visa copies at least 15~20 days in advance before your tour, then we will take care of all the rest things. Once the permit is issued, we will deliver to your address in mainland China, such as your hotel, local travel agency, etc.
  • 2. Available Months to Visit Tibet
    Generally speaking, April to October is the best time. July and August are the peak season and rainy season. It is usually snowy and cold in winter, which is not suitable for visit Mount Everest, Namtso and Mount Kailash regions. While other places such as Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse are suitable for travel all year around. The temperatures in daytime and night differs a lot, usually 5~15℃ in the daytime and -5~0℃ in the night, so please wear accordingly.
  • 3. High Altitude Sickness
    The average altitude of Tibet is about 4000 meters above the sea level (Lhasa: 3700m; EBC: 5200m; Namtso: 4718m). You may suffer a bit from High Altitude Sickness in the beginning days of your Tibet trip if you haven’t had rich high plateau travel experience. But don’t worry too much, the high altitude can be acclimatized usually in 2~3 days. Our suggestion is to take a physical examination and get suggestions from your doctor, and also bring some medicines to prevent from High Altitude Sickness before your trip. While in Tibet, you should keep warm all the time, avoid strenuous activities, drink more water and eat more vegetables and carbohydrates. You’d better not take showers during the first two days after your arrival in Tibet. If you don’t feel well, get help from your tour guide or go to the hospital without any delay.
  • 4. How to Go to Tibet from Nepal
    Currently, you have two options - flight and overland driving. The most convenient and fastest way is to take a 1.5 hours' flight to Lhasa from Kathmandu directly, and usually there are about 1~2 daily flights operated. Another way is to drive to Tibet from Nepal crossing the border, and it takes about at least 6 hours to the Gyirong Port from Kathmandu by driving. Then you can travel to Lhasa from Gyirong Port to start your Tibet travel. You can stop by to visit Mount Everest, Tashilhunpo Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, etc. en route.
  • 5. Packing and Wearing Ideas
    Firstly you can’t forget your passport and Chinese Visa. A large backpack and a smaller one are recommended (the smaller one can be used for daily activities). Also bring necessary medicine you need. Other stuffs like sunglasses, snow glasses, hats, lip balm, sun block are recommended.
    As for wearing, you are suggested to dress in layers (both thin and thick jackets). Down jacket is necessary in Spring and Autumn. A pair of durable and comfortable shoes is necessary.

Other Recommended Tour Packages

Tibet has too much to offer and our aim is to bring you the best experience in Tibet. Following are some other recommended Tibet tour packages that you may be interested in. All of our Tibet tour packages are customizable to meet your personal requirements. You can also contact us to customize a trip if you want.

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Price notes:

  • 1. based on double occupancy
  • 2. 3 star accommodation level in low season
  • 3. international airfare is not included
  • 4. price is subjected to change according to group size and payment methods