Complete Tibet travel guide 2026: how to get Tibet Travel Permit, best time to visit, altitude sickness prevention, top Lhasa monasteries, Everest Bas
AprilโOctober is the prime season. MayโJune and SeptemberโOctober offer the best weather with clear skies. JulyโAugust is the monsoon season with more rain but still beautiful. NovemberโMarch is very cold with heavy snow in mountain passes.
8โ12 days for Lhasa, Shigatse, and Everest Base Camp. Add 4โ5 more days for Mount Kailash pilgrimage or the TibetโNepal overland route.
Budget: ยฅ400โ600/day (guesthouses, simple meals). Mid-range: ยฅ800โ1500/day (hotels, private car with driver). Luxury: ยฅ2000+/day (best hotels, private guide, 4WD vehicle).
Tibetan is the primary language, with Mandarin widely spoken in cities. English is available in major hotels and tourist sites. Learning a few Tibetan phrases (Tashi Delek = greetings) is appreciated.
All foreign travelers need a Tibet Travel Permit (TTB) arranged through a registered tour operator. Additional permits are needed for Everest Base Camp (2026: ยฅ780) and Mount Kailash. Apply at least 2 weeks in advance.
Lhasa is at 3650m. Spend 2 days acclimatizing before any strenuous activity. The Potala Palace involves climbing 300+ steps. Avoid hot showers, alcohol, and heavy meals on the first day.
Taking photos inside temples and monasteries is strictly prohibited. Always ask permission before photographing monks or pilgrims. Tripods are banned in most indoor attractions.
Tibetan cuisine is hearty and influenced by the high-altitude environment. Essential dishes include Tsampa (roasted barley flour), Butter Tea (้ ฅๆฒน่ถ) โ a salty, creamy tea made with yak butter, Momo (steamed dumplings filled with yak meat), and Thukpa (noodle soup). Lhasa has excellent Nepali and Tibetan restaurants, especially around the Barkhor Street area.