How do I get to Tibet?

Tibet can only be entered through mainland China or Nepal. We recommend entering through mainland China, as you can apply for the Tibet Travel Permit in advance. If you enter through Nepal, you must apply for a new Chinese visa in Kathmandu (if you already hold a valid Chinese visa, it will not be accepted and will be canceled so that you can apply for a new visa on-site in Kathmandu) in order to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit.

When entering Tibet from mainland China, you have two options: flight or train.

There are usually direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi'an, Kunming, and Shangri-La. Flying is the fastest and most direct option.

The train is an overnight journey from Xining to Lhasa, which takes about 22 hours. If you have more time and want to enjoy the scenery of the Tibetan Plateau from a different perspective, this is a great choice. Additionally, it allows you to acclimatize to the altitude at a slower pace.

Do I need a permit?

You need a Tibet Travel Permit to enter the region, and you are required to be accompanied by a guide throughout your journey. We will arrange this permit for you and send it to you before you fly to the Tibet Autonomous Region. However, please note that you must first have a valid Chinese visa and allow sufficient validity period for the visa.

We recommend discussing your plans with our staff before applying for the Chinese visa so that we can explain the expected situation in more detail and help you apply in the best way. (Alternatively, you can choose our visa handling service, and we will automatically arrange the entry permit related to your Tibet itinerary.)

Once you receive your Chinese tourist visa (L visa), we will need scanned copies of your passport's photo page and the Chinese visa page to apply for your Tibet Travel Permit.

If traveling outside of Lhasa (still within Tibet), you will also need the Foreigner’s Travel Permit and the Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit (TTB permit). This will be arranged by us, and you will receive the permit in Lhasa.

The Tibet Public Security Bureau requires a detailed itinerary when applying for these documents, and you must strictly follow this itinerary. Therefore, please note that deviations from our itinerary are generally not allowed.

Once you obtain your Tibet Travel Permit, please keep it safe, as it is just a small sticker. If this sticker falls off, the document will no longer be considered valid, and you will be denied entry.

What if I am already in China, how do I obtain the Tibet Travel Permit?

If you are working in China and hold a visa other than an L (tourist) visa, you will need to provide a scanned copy of your passport's photo page and Chinese visa page, along with the following additional documents:

l Business (F) visa - A recommendation letter from your company (with an official company stamp).

l Work (Z) visa - A recommendation letter from your company (with an official company stamp) and a scanned copy of your work permit.

l Student (X) visa - A recommendation letter from your school or university, stamped by the school, along with a scanned copy of your student ID.

l Other types - Diplomats, journalists, and government officials have separate requirements. Please email us directly (info@valuedtravels.com) to inquire about TTP application matters for these types of visas.

What is the weather like in Tibet?

The temperature in the Tibet Autonomous Region can drop sharply at night. Please bring warm clothing regardless of the season.

Can I access the internet in Tibet?

All hotels we use in the region provide Wi-Fi, but the speed may be relatively slow in certain areas. 4G connectivity is not available, and if you use a VPN service, it may be slower than usual.

Will Tibet suspend receiving foreign tourists at certain times?

Tibet closes to foreign tourists during certain months of the year. The exact dates vary each year and are rarely announced in advance, depending on the current situation, but travel permits are generally not issued during March.

Is there a risk of altitude sickness?

Lhasa is at an altitude of 3,656 meters, and at this height, altitude sickness is a risk. High altitude can make activities more difficult and may even affect sleep; acute mountain sickness (AMS) can cause headaches, nausea, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

We recommend consulting your doctor 4-8 weeks before departure to discuss the risks of acute mountain sickness when traveling at high altitudes and to get advice suitable for your condition.

Once you arrive, it is important to drink plenty of water. Our itinerary is designed to give you enough time to acclimatize to the altitude so that you can fully enjoy your trip. If severe altitude sickness occurs, we will take emergency evacuation measures.

Most luxury hotels in Lhasa provide free oxygen lounges and clinics to help with acclimatization, and all of our guides and vehicles carry emergency oxygen at all times.

If you experience altitude sickness, local guides and our staff will quickly assist you in descending to a lower altitude and getting to the nearest hospital if necessary.

The above is a FAQ regarding travel to Tibet. If you have any further questions, feel free to email us for inquiries.  (info@valuedtravels.com)

Click here to explore related products