Tibet is a place many people long to visit and is often on their travel bucket list. However, you shouldn’t rush into a trip to Tibet without preparation. The high altitude makes traveling here somewhat risky. There have been fatal cases due to severe altitude sickness. Below are some essential tips for first-timers visiting Tibet.
1. What is altitude sickness? What are its symptoms?
Altitude sickness occurs when your body is adjusting to the pressure changes at certain elevations. Symptoms can start appearing around 700 meters above sea level. Common symptoms include headache, shortness of breath, chest tightness, loss of appetite, mild fever, dizziness, and fatigue. Some may experience symptoms caused by low oxygen levels such as blue lips and fingertips, drowsiness, excessive excitement, or insomnia. Others may suffer from dry air effects such as rough skin, chapped lips, or nosebleeds.
2. How to prevent or reduce altitude sickness?
Most people experience some degree of altitude sickness upon first arriving at high altitudes. There's no clear pattern as to who will be affected. The best way to prevent or minimize it is to maintain a positive mindset — many symptoms are psychological or triggered by anxiety. For instance, those who fear the altitude, lack mental preparation, or are unconfident in handling it are more likely to experience symptoms.
When you first arrive at high altitudes, avoid brisk walking or running, refrain from strenuous activity, and don’t overeat to reduce the burden on your digestive system. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and eat more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins. Drink water in moderation, stay warm, take fewer showers to avoid catching colds or exhausting yourself. Don’t rely on supplemental oxygen right away — try to adapt naturally, otherwise you may become dependent on it (the dependency can be very strong).
You can take some medications to relieve altitude sickness: Rhodiola Rosea (take at least 10 days before arrival), Gao Yuan An (take after arriving in Tibet), American ginseng lozenges, Nordikang capsules (very helpful against extreme fatigue), Bufferin (for altitude-induced headaches), American ginseng (also good for fatigue), Fast-acting Heart Rescue Pills (take sparingly), Salvia miltiorrhiza pills (for cardiovascular issues), and glucose solution (like the five-vial pack — taking it when symptoms arise can help). People who adapt well to altitude usually see symptoms disappear within 1–2 days, while others may need 3–7 days.
If you can get used to the taste, drinking more butter tea may also help relieve altitude sickness.
3. What should I do if I get altitude sickness after arriving in Tibet?
Most hotels or towns in Tibet have medical clinics or hospitals. For mild symptoms, it’s recommended to adjust and adapt on your own. For serious cases, seek medical help. When experiencing altitude sickness, rest more, move less, keep eating, and consider taking medication.
For severe symptoms such as swelling, pulmonary edema, or severe colds, it’s important to go to the hospital for treatment like IV drips or oxygen therapy, and leave the plateau area as soon as possible. Lhasa is convenient in this regard, with flights in and out daily. Symptoms typically vanish once you’re on the plane or reach lower altitudes, with no lasting effects.
4. What physical conditions are required for traveling to Tibet? Who should not go? Is a health check necessary? Do I need to train beforehand?
Besides maintaining a good mindset, there are no special physical requirements for traveling to Tibet. However, those with serious respiratory, cardiac, circulatory, or mental health issues are advised not to go. That includes people with severe hypertension, heart disease, bronchitis, diabetes, or colds.
It’s recommended to have a heart and lung check-up before your trip to rule out these serious conditions. Also, don’t over-exercise before heading to Tibet. If you regularly work out, consider stopping about half a month before departure. Exercise increases your body’s oxygen consumption, which can put extra strain on your heart at high altitudes and raise the risk of altitude sickness.
5. Why can’t you travel to Tibet when you have a cold? What if you catch one there?
Colds weaken your immune system and increase physical stress. Traveling with a bad cold to Tibet can easily develop into other altitude-related illnesses, especially pulmonary edema — a dangerous condition that can be life-threatening if untreated. It’s strongly advised to recover fully from a cold before traveling to Tibet and avoid bringing the virus with you.
If you catch a cold in Tibet, it’s generally not a huge problem since your body has already adapted somewhat. Just treat it promptly. Tibetan doctors are experienced in treating colds. Carry cold medicine with you, and take common remedies at the first sign of symptoms — symptoms usually subside within 1–2 days.
6. Is it easy to take a shower in Tibet?
Most cities in Tibet with a certain scale (such as Lhasa, Shigatse, Zhangmu Town, Gyantse, Zedang, Nyingchi, and Nagqu) have places to take showers, with each shower costing 8–10 yuan. It is recommended that first-time visitors to Tibet avoid saunas, as their bodies may not be able to handle them. Standard rooms in most star-rated hotels have private bathrooms with hot water available for showers, and many guesthouses also offer communal baths with scheduled hot water supply, making it relatively convenient to shower. When you first arrive in Tibet, try to shower as little as possible or avoid it altogether to prevent catching a cold or to avoid triggering or worsening altitude sickness due to excessive energy expenditure from showering. After a few days once your body has adapted to the high-altitude climate, showering is generally not an issue. Due to Tibet’s dry air, rapid evaporation, and cold nighttime temperatures, people usually don’t feel a strong urge to shower and won’t feel uncomfortable without doing so.
7. I’ve heard that taking a flight to Tibet causes worse altitude sickness than entering overland?
That is indeed true. However, both flying to Tibet and entering overland have their pros and cons. Flying into Tibet means your altitude rises sharply from a few hundred meters to over 3,000 meters all at once, without a gradual process of acclimatization from low to high altitudes, which makes it easier to experience altitude sickness. On the other hand, traveling overland allows for a gradual increase in altitude, which helps with adjusting to the altitude, but most overland routes to Tibet have poor road conditions. Routes such as the Xinjiang-Tibet and Qinghai-Tibet roads require crossing several mountain passes over 5,000 meters in elevation, and there are no hospitals or emergency medical facilities along the way. The Yunnan-Tibet and Sichuan-Tibet roads are in extremely poor condition, with frequent landslides and mudflows during the rainy season, which can be dangerous. If you are not an independent traveler and lack outdoor travel experience, it is advisable to fly to Tibet. If you love independent travel but have no outdoor experience, it is recommended that you take the Qinghai-Tibet route on your first trip, as it is relatively safer.
8. I’m in a great rush—how should I choose a Tibet travel route?
For those with limited time, round-trip flights are suitable. You can choose a four-day trip to Lhasa only or opt for the golden Tibet tour route of Lhasa–Gyantse–Shigatse over six days. If you’re not a backpacker, you can contact the Dameizang Forum in advance to get professional advice for your Tibet trip.
If you love independent travel and have some travel experience, you can refer to guidebooks such as Tibet on the Roof of the World or Tibet Independent Travel Guide 2012 Latest Edition (with htm version download available from the Dameizang Community) to plan your itinerary. You can also send your planned route to online outdoor forums in advance:
9. Is it better to enter Tibet via the Sichuan-Tibet Highway or the Qinghai-Tibet Highway?
The Sichuan-Tibet Highway is the most scenic overland route to Tibet, but it is also the most dangerous. The road is mostly gravel or rocky, and the main dangers come from natural conditions. This route crosses the Hengduan Mountains, where mudflows are common in the rainy season and heavy snow often blocks the roads in winter. The weather changes unpredictably along the way, and accommodation and dining conditions are very basic. This route is more suitable for adventure tourists or deep travel enthusiasts. It is not recommended for first-time visitors to Tibet. The Qinghai-Tibet Highway offers the best road conditions among all routes into Tibet. Although road construction is ongoing every year, most sections are asphalt roads with virtually no danger. Accommodation and dining conditions are also more complete compared to other routes into Tibet. However, the scenery is relatively plain and monotonous, not as stunning or dramatic as that of the Sichuan-Tibet or Yunnan-Tibet Highways. Additionally, you’ll need to cross several mountain passes around 5,000 meters in elevation (such as the Kunlun Pass and Tanggula Pass), which may cause some altitude sickness. This route is suitable for first-time visitors who do not want to fly to Tibet.
10. What are the accommodation and dining conditions along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway?
Accommodation is generally available. Even in more basic places like Xidatan, Wudaoliang, and Tuotuohe, there are guesthouses and military supply stations where you can stay. Usually, you can find a place to stay without much wait, as they rarely fill up. After passing the Tanggula Pass and reaching the Amdo area, there are also hotels with hot water available for showers. Of course, guesthouses may not guarantee hot water. Dining is definitely not a problem—there are many Sichuan restaurants and Muslim-run eateries along the route. As long as you’re not in an extremely remote area, you can usually find hot meals or noodles within ten minutes in villages or near military camps. There are also plenty of small shops where you can buy instant noodles or biscuits.
11. What should I pay attention to when traveling the Qinghai-Tibet Highway?
If you plan to enter Tibet via the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, it’s advised not to take a direct bus from Xining, but instead take a train or bus to Golmud, and then transfer to a vehicle going to Tibet from there. You can purchase glucose solution (a pack of five vials, usually sold for around 2 yuan per pack) in Xining or Golmud in advance. It can be taken promptly if you experience altitude sickness and has a good effect. To catch a ride in Golmud, you can take an overnight sleeper bus (available right outside the train station) or find a shared car heading to Lhasa. These cars usually gather near the entrance of the Second Armed Police Guesthouse (you’ll need to ask around once you arrive). It’s a 7-yuan taxi ride from the train station. Most vehicles are Toyotas, Jinbei vans, or Santanas, generally in good condition, but the price depends on your bargaining skills. With luck, the driver might even take you to Tibet for free.
If you’re a deep independent traveler, you can also hitch rides with trucks along the way. Truck pick-up spots are located to the left as you exit the Golmud Railway Station—many trucks heading to Tibet park there. This allows you to travel while sightseeing. Stops worth visiting include the Sonam Dargye Protection Station, the Chumar River Bridge (where you might spot Tibetan antelopes), and the Tuotuohe Bridge (the first bridge over the Yangtze River source).
If you’re cycling or hiking the Qinghai-Tibet Highway and miss scheduled stops for food and lodging, you can seek help from nearby protection stations (there are five along the highway up to Tuotuohe, the most famous being the Sonam Dargye Protection Station—the first civilian-run one) or road maintenance stations (spaced about every 100 kilometers to maintain the roads). They are usually very hospitable, but be cautious of guard dogs at the stations—you don’t want to get bitten. Also, remember to thank the staff before leaving.
12. How do I arrange transportation from the airport to Lhasa?
The civil aviation company operates shuttle buses between Lhasa and Gonggar Airport. The bus schedules are generally coordinated with the day’s incoming and outgoing flights, usually departing when the bus is nearly full or after passengers from a particular flight have disembarked. Departure times from Lhasa are relatively stable, and the current fare is 25 yuan. Like other airports, Gonggar Airport in Lhasa also has many taxis available for rent. You can share a taxi with others or rent one privately. Drivers may charge per person or per car, typically around 120 yuan per car. Remember to bargain with the driver—the amount you can save depends on your negotiation skills.
13. Where can I rent a car in Lhasa? Is it safe? What’s the price?
For short trips in Lhasa, taking a taxi (Santana) costs a starting fare of 10 yuan (including the first five kilometers), with an additional 2 yuan per extra kilometer. For long-distance car rentals (usually SUVs like the Toyota 62 or Toyota 4500), you can visit youth hostels in Lhasa’s old town to find information on drivers and vehicles.
If you lack travel experience, they can also help you plan your trip and draft a car rental contract. Please note that all tourist vehicles must have special permits issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. Also, car rental prices in Tibet vary significantly between the off-season (November to April) and peak season (May to October). It’s advisable not to push too hard for the lowest price—quality comes with cost. Unreasonably low prices may not only mean poor vehicle conditions, but drivers might also raise prices or charge extra fees unexpectedly. Ideally, discuss and agree on the itinerary with the driver in advance and sign a car rental contract.
14. What are the accommodation conditions in Tibet? Do I need to bring a tent and sleeping bag? Can I rent them there?
Currently, with further development of tourism resources and an increasing number of visitors, Tibet’s accommodation conditions have improved significantly. Major cities have various levels of star-rated hotels, and even smaller counties have at least basic guesthouses. However, the overall standard of hotels and guesthouses is still one level lower than similar accommodations on the mainland. In Lhasa, you can find everything from basic guesthouses to four-star hotels. Cities like Shigatse, Gyantse, Zedang, and Nyingchi offer accommodations ranging from basic guesthouses to three-star hotels. Places like Dingri, Zhangmu, and Nagqu have options from basic guesthouses to two-star hotels. More remote or smaller areas mainly have guesthouses.
Whether you need to bring a tent and sleeping bag for your Tibet trip depends on your travel style and destination. If you’re joining a regular group tour offered by a travel agency, there’s no need for these items, as regular tour routes stay in cities with well-established accommodation, usually staying in star-rated hotels. If you’re going to more remote areas where you might stay in guesthouses, it’s a good idea to bring a sleeping bag mainly for hygiene and warmth. For hiking, cycling, or adventure travel where camping is essential, a tent and sleeping bag are indispensable. Be sure to consider your physical condition, as setting up tents and cooking outdoors can be quite strenuous at high altitudes. Tents and sleeping bags are readily available for rent in Lhasa, priced by the day and based on quality. There are many outdoor gear shops in Lhasa that offer rental services.
15. If I want to go camping, what kind of sleeping bag and tent should I choose?
It is recommended that you bring a down sleeping bag rated for minus 15 degrees Celsius and a double-layer, windproof and waterproof high-altitude tent. Camping on the plateau usually involves strong winds, especially in areas like the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, the northern Tibetan grasslands, and Ngari. Outdoor temperatures at night in winter can drop below minus 20 degrees Celsius. Even indoors without a stove, it can be around minus 5 to 10 degrees. In such conditions, ordinary sleeping bags and tents are practically useless.
16. Are there many star-rated hotels in Tibet? Are they in high demand? Are they expensive?
In Tibet, major tourist destinations like Lhasa and Shigatse have a fair number of star-rated hotels. Lhasa has forty to fifty such hotels, while Shigatse has about ten to twenty. Except during the three peak travel seasons — May Day, National Day, and the Shoton Festival in August — when accommodation is very tight, it’s generally not an issue at other times. In other parts of Tibet, there are fewer star-rated hotels, but the number of tourists is also relatively low, so housing shortages are rare. Due to Tibet’s high-altitude location, the tourism high and low seasons are very distinct. In the off-season, most businesses close down, so prices in the peak season are significantly higher than inland — about 30% more, and in some cases or at certain times, prices may even double.
17. What are some backpacker hostels in Lhasa, and how much do they cost? Is accommodation tight?
In Lhasa, the main backpacker hostels include Bangongxue Hostel, Jiri Hostel, Selha Guesthouse, Dongcuo, Ya Guesthouse, Pingcuo, Longda Juesa Hostel, Snowland Hostel, and others. Most are concentrated on Beijing East Road, and some offer free laundry and free luggage storage services. Prices are also quite reasonable — during the off-season, a bed typically costs around 30 yuan, and during the peak season, about 40 to 60 yuan. The more expensive ones are Ya Guesthouse and Snowland Hostel, which are often frequented by foreign independent travelers.
18. Where can I find travel companions in Lhasa?
If you’re a solo independent traveler visiting Lhasa, don’t worry about not finding someone to travel or share a vehicle with. Most backpacker hostels in the old town have message boards. Take a good look, and you’ll likely find plenty of like-minded travelers. Often, you’ll see small groups discussing travel plans. You can join the conversation or post your own plan along with your contact information. With some luck, you might get a reply in less than half an hour. Of course, it’s a bit harder to find travel partners during the off-season, so it’s recommended that you post in advance on the Damei Tibet forum to find suitable companions.
19. What are some specialty foods in Tibet? Where can I try them?
Tsampa, butter tea, yak meat, Tibetan noodles, sweet tea, and barley wine can all be considered specialties of the Tibetan region. As an in-depth independent traveler, the sweet tea houses spread all over Tibet are places you shouldn’t miss. There, you can try authentic Tibetan noodles and sweet tea, and also experience the lively atmosphere of Tibetan people — something you won’t find anywhere else in China. If you’d like to try more Tibetan cuisine, you can visit A Luo Cang Restaurant near the Jokhang Temple, which offers a variety of traditional Tibetan dishes. However, the prices are a bit high, and many people find certain dishes hard to adjust to, like dried yak meat and tsampa. On the second floor at the entrance of the Ramoche Temple, there’s a nice Tibetan restaurant with reasonable prices — their cold yak meat salad is particularly refreshing. On the roadside of Xincun, there’s Xicun Yan, a relatively upscale Tibetan restaurant, though the prices are quite steep.
20. What is the weather like in Tibet? Is it hot in summer? Is it very cold in winter?
In terms of temperature, except for the uninhabited areas of northern Tibet and Ngari, Tibet’s climate is very suitable for human activity, especially for travel. In summer, daytime temperatures are mostly below 25°C, and nights are around 10°C. In winter, daytime temperatures are around 10–15°C, and nights are a few degrees below zero. Since most travel activities take place during the day, it doesn’t feel too hot in summer or too cold in winter.
21. What is the scenery like in Tibet in winter?
Because Tibet’s landscape is mainly mountainous, consisting mostly of mineral-colored rocky mountains — except for eastern Tibet, where there are almost no trees — the scenery in winter is not much different from summer. In fact, in winter, you can see more snow-capped mountains and large expanses of glaciers. Winter is the low season for tourism in Tibet, so accommodation and tour vehicle costs are very low, and there are fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy your trip more freely.
22. What are the road conditions like in the rainy season? Should I bring rain gear?
The rainy season in Tibet is mainly from June to August. During this time, road conditions can be very poor, with a high degree of unpredictability. A road that’s fine one day may be washed out by heavy rain at night, making it impassable for the next couple of days, or requiring a detour. But there’s no need to worry too much — Tibet has many road maintenance workers, and there’s also support from local military forces (some of which are stationed specifically to protect local roads). Usually, issues can be resolved within a few hours. As long as you’re mentally prepared, you’ll be fine. As for rain gear, if you’re engaging in independent travel such as hiking, mountaineering, cycling, or exploration, it’s recommended that you bring a waterproof jacket, rain pants, and rain boots before you set off. If you’re traveling with a tour group, you generally don’t need to bring rain gear, because most of Tibet’s rain falls at night. Days are usually sunny, and you’ll have a tour vehicle with you throughout, so there’s no need to be overly concerned.
23. When is the best time to visit Tibet?
The peak tourist season in Tibet is from May to October. During this period, prices for food, lodging, and shopping in Tibet are relatively high, but it’s also when the scenery is at its most beautiful, and several important festivals (like the Shoton Festival) take place. In winter, Tibet has fewer tourists, and prices for food, lodging, and shopping are relatively lower. If you enjoy a lively atmosphere, you can visit in July or August. If you prefer quiet and solitude, December is also a great choice — the sunshine in Tibet in winter is truly lovely. There won’t be many tourists in winter, and those you do see are often familiar faces — long-term residents who stay in Lhasa for the winter :)
24. What medications should you bring when traveling to Tibet?
For a regular trip, it’s sufficient to prepare some common cold medications, gastrointestinal medications, and fever/pain relief drugs, such as cold tablets, cold powders, diarrhea stoppers, compound aspirin, chlorpheniramine, and antibiotics. If you’re not confident about coping with altitude sickness, consider bringing anti-altitude sickness medications: Rhodiola Rosea (take 10 days in advance), Bufferin (controls altitude-induced headaches), Gaoyuan’an (take upon arrival in Tibet), and American ginseng lozenges.
For full backpackers, hikers, or those undertaking independent adventure travel, it’s also recommended to carry the following:
Common medications: Niuhuang Jiedu Pian (Bovine Bezoar Detoxification Tablets), berberine, periodontal tablets, Claritin (cetirizine), and Dramamine; Anti-altitude sickness medications: Nuodikang capsules, American ginseng (very helpful for relieving extreme fatigue), quick-acting heart rescue pills, 50% glucose solution (injection type—ideal for travelers unable to purchase Gaoyuan’an or Rhodiola locally); Topical medications: Yunnan Baiyao medicated oil, band-aids, mentholated oil, essential balm, pain-relief patches, eye drops, cotton balls, gauze, bandages, and white adhesive tape; Vitamins: Centrum, Centrum Silver, or other vitamin supplements.
25. What daily necessities are essential for traveling to Tibet?
Essentials for traveling in Tibet include sunglasses, sun hats, sunscreen, skin cream, lip balm, long-sleeved shirts, and sweaters. For independent travelers or those visiting Ngari, northern Tibet, or the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, it’s recommended to also bring: a sleeping bag, down jacket, hiking boots, slippers, toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, toilet paper, disposable underwear, disinfectant wipes, flashlight, waterproof matches, a knife, rope.
26. What kind of clothes and shoes should you bring to Tibet?
Because Tibet has extremely strong ultraviolet rays, it’s best to avoid wearing short-sleeved shirts or shorts. A sweater is a must. During spring, autumn, and winter, it’s advised to bring a down jacket and thermal underwear. When visiting Everest, Ngari, or northern Tibet, a down jacket is necessary all year round. As for footwear, travel shoes or hiking boots are ideal. If you’re backpacking independently, a windproof and waterproof jacket, rain pants, quick-dry underwear, and hiking boots are all essential.
27. How can you protect your skin while traveling in Tibet?
Tibet is located on a plateau with dry weather, thin air, lots of dust, and intense ultraviolet radiation. To protect your skin, follow these steps: wear a hat outdoors, but not too tightly; don’t skimp on sunscreen—choose a high-quality one with an SPF of at least 15, apply it evenly 10 minutes before going out, and ideally reapply every one to two hours; maintaining a calm mindset helps skin health. Try to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables when possible; always wash your face before sleeping, but avoid washing your face after waking up. If you’re outdoors for extended periods without good hygiene conditions, it’s better not to wash your face, as this reduces the risk of sunburn peeling. If you don’t mind getting a bit dirty, applying a little butter can also help.