- Quick Facts
- Capital: Lhasa
- Official Language: Tibetan, Mandarin Chinese
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)
- Time Zone: UTC +8
- Entry Requirements
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
- All foreign travelers require a Chinese visa AND a Tibet Travel Permit.
- Permits must be arranged in advance through authorized Chinese travel agencies.
- Health & Immunizations
- Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, and routine immunizations.
- High altitude poses health risks; acclimatization is necessary.
- Carry altitude sickness medication as advised by your doctor.
- Medical facilities are limited outside Lhasa.
- Climate & Temperatures
Season Months Avg. Temp (°C/°F) Notes Winter Nov – Feb -10°C to 8°C (14°F to 46°F) Very cold, snowy in highlands Spring Mar – May 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) Cool, dry, windy Summer Jun – Aug 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F) Mild, occasional rains Autumn Sep – Oct 7°C to 15°C (45°F to 59°F) Clear skies, best visibility - Packing List
- Warm clothing for high altitudes, including thermal layers.
- Sturdy hiking boots.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for strong UV rays.
- Reusable water bottle and purifier tablets.
- Power adapter (Type A, C, I plugs, 220V).
- Personal medications and altitude sickness remedies.
- Transportation
- Main international airport: Lhasa Gonggar International Airport
- Domestic flights: Flights connect Lhasa with Beijing, Chengdu, Xi’an, Kathmandu (Nepal), and other major Chinese cities
- Air travel is the primary means of connecting major regions for tourists.
- Electricity
- Voltage: 220V, Frequency: 50Hz
- Plug types: Type A, C, I
- Universal adapters recommended.
- Recommended Tipping
- Tipping is not a traditional custom but appreciated in tourist services.
- Guides: $10–20 per person/day.
- Drivers: $5–10 per person/day.
- Hotels: Small tips for porters and staff.
- Food
- Tibetan cuisine is simple, hearty, and suited for high altitudes.
- Staples include tsampa (roasted barley flour), yak meat, and dairy products.
- Yak butter tea is widely consumed.
- Vegetarian options limited but available in larger towns.
- Culture & Behavior Tips
- Respect Buddhist traditions and monasteries.
- Always walk clockwise around monasteries and stupas.
- Photography may be restricted in religious sites—ask before taking pictures.
- Avoid touching people’s heads or pointing feet at sacred objects.
- Practical Tips
- Internet access is restricted and monitored.
- ATMs limited; carry sufficient cash (Chinese Yuan).
- Mandarin widely spoken; English limited outside tourist areas.
- Altitude adjustment is crucial—plan rest days.