Tibet is one of the world's most extraordinary travel destinations — a high-altitude realm of monasteries, sacred lakes, and some of the most dramatic mountains on Earth. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to plan your Tibet tour.
Tibet offers a cultural and natural experience found nowhere else: living Tibetan Buddhism, the grandeur of the Himalaya, the otherworldly beauty of the high plateau, and a way of life adapted to the world's highest inhabited region.
Foreign travelers need a Tibet Travel Permit, which must be arranged through a licensed travel agency (it cannot be obtained independently). Additional permits are required for certain areas (Everest, Ali, etc.). You must travel with an organized tour or a licensed guide.
May to October offers the best weather, with July-August being the warmest (and busiest) months. May-June and September-October provide clear skies and fewer crowds. Winter is cold but offers dramatic snow landscapes and fewer visitors.
The essentials are Lhasa (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple), the great monasteries (Sera, Drepung, Ganden), Yamdrok and Namtso Lakes, Shigatse (Tashilhunpo), and Everest Base Camp. For the adventurous, the western regions (Kailash, Guge) offer a deeper pilgrimage.
Tibet's altitude is the main consideration — Lhasa sits at 3,650m and many sights exceed 4,500m. Acclimatize gradually, hydrate well, and know the symptoms of altitude sickness. A good itinerary builds in rest days. Travel insurance covering altitude is essential.
A first visit typically needs 7-12 days: 3-4 days in Lhasa to acclimatize and explore, then a circuit to the lakes and Shigatse, with an optional Everest extension. A licensed local operator arranges permits, guides, transport, and accommodation.
Be respectful of religious sites and customs: walk clockwise around monasteries and stupas, don't photograph monks without permission, and avoid touching religious objects. Learn a few Tibetan greetings — the people are warm and welcoming to respectful visitors.