Tibet Travel Guide: Permits, Altitude & What to Expect

China Wonder Tours · June 2026 · Destination Guide

Tibet Travel Permit — The Essential First Step

All foreign travelers need a Tibet Travel Permit, arranged through a registered tour operator (like us). You must book a tour before the permit can be issued. The permit is checked at airports and train stations — no permit, no entry. Processing takes 7-10 days. We handle everything.

Altitude Sickness: Prevention Is Everything

Lhasa sits at 3,650m (12,000ft). Symptoms: headache, nausea, fatigue. Key tips: Rest for 24 hours on arrival. Drink 3-4 liters of water daily. Avoid alcohol. Consider Diamox (consult your doctor). Ascend gradually — Lhasa first, then higher points. Our guides carry oxygen as backup.

Best Time to Visit Tibet

May-October: Peak season. Warm days (15-25°C), all roads/passes open. July-August: Monsoon season but still accessible. November-April: Cold (-10 to 10°C) but dramatic snow scenery, far fewer tourists, lower prices. Everest Base Camp closes December-February.

Cultural Etiquette

Walk clockwise around temples, stupas, and prayer wheels
Never point at Buddha statues or monks
Ask before photographing people
Dress modestly at monasteries (cover shoulders and knees)
Don't touch anyone's head
Remove hats inside temples

Getting to Tibet

By Air: Daily flights from Chengdu (2h), Beijing (4h), Xi'an (3h). By Train: The Qinghai-Tibet Railway from Xining (21h) — world's highest railway, oxygen-enriched carriages, stunning plateau views at sunrise. We recommend flying in and training out for the experience.