What should you pay attention to when traveling to Tibet for the first time? (Latest and most comprehensive collector's edition)

What should you pay attention to when traveling to Tibet for the first time? Here, the editors of TantuLv have compiled a list of common questions and key tips for first-timers to Tibet—great reference material for anyone planning a trip!

1. Should I do physical exercise before going to Tibet?

Altitude sickness is the biggest concern when traveling to Tibet, which is why many people consider getting in shape beforehand. In reality, altitude sickness isn’t necessarily linked to physical strength—it mainly relates to the body’s adaptability and regulation abilities. There’s no need to over-exercise. If you’re still worried, you can do aerobic exercises like jogging one or two months in advance, but make sure to rest and avoid strenuous activity in the week leading up to your trip.

2. Who should not travel to Tibet?

The high-altitude environment of Tibet is quite harsh, placing certain physical demands on visitors. Generally speaking, most people can travel to Tibet without issues, except those with serious health conditions. The following types of individuals are advised not to go: 1. People with heart disease, blood disorders, or cerebrovascular diseases; 2. Those with various respiratory illnesses; 3. Individuals with epilepsy, schizophrenia, or uncontrolled diabetes; 4. People who have previously experienced altitude-related illnesses such as high-altitude edema, high-altitude cerebral edema, or high-altitude heart disease; 5. High-risk pregnant women; 6. People suffering from severe colds, fevers, or respiratory infections.

3. What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?

The symptoms of altitude sickness vary depending on an individual’s constitution—they can be mild or severe. Mild symptoms include headaches, tinnitus, shortness of breath, general fatigue, and insomnia, which usually disappear as the body adjusts. Severe symptoms may involve vomiting, nausea, bluish skin, or diarrhea. In such cases, it’s best to take medication or consult a doctor to avoid serious complications.

4. How can altitude sickness be prevented? How can it be relieved once it occurs?

There are many medications available for preventing altitude sickness. Just ask a pharmacist or doctor at a pharmacy for advice. The most well-known one is Rhodiola rosea, which comes in capsule form, liquid form, or as raw herbs that can be steeped in water. These preventive medications are typically taken around ten days before your trip—taking them after arriving in Tibet is far less effective.

Sometimes, even with preventive medication, altitude sickness is unavoidable. To relieve symptoms and reduce discomfort, medications like American ginseng, inosine tablets or inosine oral solution, and Gaoyuan’an can help. For headaches, painkillers like Bufferin can be used, and glucose also provides some relief.

After experiencing altitude sickness, it’s important to rest in bed, reduce physical activity, and maintain a light diet. In severe cases, supplemental oxygen can be used, though it’s not the most ideal solution.

5. It’s best not to travel to Tibet when you have a cold

Why shouldn’t you go to Tibet if you have a cold? When you have a cold, your lungs and airways become inflamed, and your body’s resistance is weakened. With the low oxygen and dry air at high altitudes, a simple cold can easily worsen into pneumonia, pulmonary edema, or bronchitis—outcomes no one wants to face. If you have a cold, recover fully before embarking on your trip.

6. When is the best time to visit Tibet?

Throughout the year, May to October is the best season to visit Tibet—comfortably warm without being too hot. However, this is also the peak tourist season, with large crowds and higher costs for travel-related services. From November to April of the following year, although it’s colder, the days are sunny and relatively warm. During this period, there are fewer tourists, allowing you to experience the authentic charm of Tibet.

7. What’s the best way to enter Tibet?

There are three main ways to get to Tibet: by car, train, or plane. Traveling by car takes the longest and is more expensive, but it allows your body more time to adjust to the altitude. Taking the train is faster than driving and offers the option of gradual ascent, making it the most economical choice and giving your body time to adapt to the increasing elevation, thus reducing the chance of altitude sickness. Flying is the quickest option, taking just a few hours, but the sudden change in altitude makes altitude sickness more likely, and it’s also the most costly.

8. Which areas in Tibet require a border permit?

Although Tibet is a popular destination among travelers, not all areas are freely accessible—some require a border permit.
The following regions require a border permit for entry:

Shigatse Region: Zhongba County, Saga County, Nyalam County, Dingri County, Kangma County, Yadong County, Gangba County, Dinggye County, Gyirong County;
Shannan Region: Cona County, Longzi County, Lhodrak County, Langkazi County;
Nyingchi Region: Mainling County, Lang County, Zayü County, Motuo County;
Ngari Region: Purang County, Zhada County, Rutog County, Gar County;
If you have a valid passport with an exit visa, you may not need a border permit for some of these areas—just show your passport. For specific details, please consult the Tibet Border Defense Corps.

9. How do you apply for a Tibet border permit?

Border permits can be applied for in two places: either at your local public security bureau in your registered residence, or at the Tibet Border Defense Corps in Lhasa. Applying at your local police station is more convenient and usually free, though some places may charge a small processing fee. While Lhasa, Shigatse, and Nyingchi also offer border permit services, the process is more complicated, and handling it yourself can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. It’s best to ask a local travel agency to handle it for you—typically costing around 100 yuan per permit, with a validity of one month.

10. What should I pay attention to when I first arrive in Tibet?

When you first arrive in Tibet, it’s best not to rush off to other places. Instead, take some time to rest and explore the city so your body can adjust to the high-altitude environment. Generally, it’s advised not to take a bath on the day you arrive and to go to bed early. The plateau is quite dry, and many people experience nosebleeds after arriving in Tibet. You can get some nasal lubricating ointment prescribed by a doctor, and also make sure to drink plenty of water. For food, stick to light meals at first.

11. What is the climate like in Tibet during summer, and what kind of clothing should I wear?

Compared to other inland tourist cities, Tibet’s summer is relatively cool. Daytime temperatures are usually around 25°C, dropping to about 10°C at night, with a fairly large temperature difference. During the day, it’s best to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and be mindful of sun protection. At night, just adding a jacket will suffice. July and August are the two rainiest months in Tibet, but it typically rains at night while staying sunny during the day. It’s still a good idea to carry rain gear just in case.

12. The sunlight in Tibet is very strong—how can I protect myself from the sun?

The Tibetan plateau is dry, with low atmospheric moisture and few clouds, meaning there’s little reflection of ultraviolet rays, so more UV radiation reaches the ground. When traveling outdoors in Tibet, it’s essential to protect yourself from the sun. In addition to wearing long sleeves and pants, bringing a sun hat, sunglasses, and a face mask or scarf, you should also apply sunscreen with a high SPF. Also, drink plenty of water, as fluid loss is significant at high altitudes.

13. Is it suitable to visit Tibet in winter? Will it be extremely cold?

Winter in Tibet is incredibly beautiful, with the plateau and mountains covered in thick snow. Bathed in the warm winter sunlight, it’s truly enchanting. In terms of temperature, winter in Tibet ranges from about -10°C to 10°C, which is relatively warmer compared to most northern cities. Also, the days are sunny and quite warm. In most parts of Tibet, a thick down jacket is sufficient, unless you’re in areas like Ngari or Nagqu, where temperatures are generally below -10°C.
Although it’s quite cold at this time and there are fewer tourists, the overall costs are much lower. Except for some scenic spots that may be closed due to heavy snow blocking roads or mountains, most other attractions remain accessible.

14. What’s fun to do in Tibet during winter (off-season)?

Visiting Tibet in winter is cold, but compared to the peak season, there are fewer people in accommodations, restaurants, and at attractions, and prices are significantly discounted, leading to much lower travel expenses. In winter, most people enjoy simply wandering around the city. You can bask in the sun at Potala Palace Square or in front of Jokhang Temple, stroll through Barkhor Street, or—if the weather is good and the roads aren’t blocked—head to Namtso Lake or Mount Everest, which are also much cheaper to visit then. You can also soak in hot springs such as Yangbajing, Riduo, and Dezhong. Watching snowflakes fall while in a hot spring is truly an unforgettable experience.

15. Can I go to Everest or Namtso Lake in winter?

In winter, if the weather is good and there are no road or mountain closures, you can generally go. However, you can’t stay overnight because it’s too cold, and nearby hotels and restaurants are usually closed during this period. If the roads are blocked, you’ll have to stay in Lhasa.

16. How is the mobile phone signal in Tibet?

In most parts of Tibet, mobile phone signals are now generally available, especially in urban areas. Overall, based on various sources, China Mobile has the best coverage. In remote areas, there might be places without any signal, so it's wise to be prepared if you plan to visit those spots.

17. Which banks are convenient for withdrawing money in Tibet, and what bank cards are recommended?

Across the entire Tibetan region, Agricultural Bank of China and Postal Savings Bank are the most convenient. In Lhasa, besides these two, there are also many branches of Bank of China and China Construction Bank. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China also has a presence, though currently with only four locations.

18. How many days does it take to trek or hitchhike along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway?

Nowadays, more and more people choose to trek or hitchhike into Tibet via the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, which has a southern route and a northern route. The southern route offers better scenery, so most travelers opt for it. If everything goes smoothly and there are no delays, it usually takes about a week and a half to reach Lhasa.

19. How many days does it take to cycle into Tibet from Chengdu?

The time it takes to cycle into Tibet depends on individual itinerary, physical condition, and road conditions. These factors vary, so the duration also differs. Generally, the range is between fifteen to thirty days, with the average being around twenty days.

20. What is the accommodation situation along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway?

The Sichuan-Tibet Highway passes through small counties, towns, and villages, so basic accommodation options are available. There are well-equipped star-rated hotels, as well as more common guesthouses, hostels, and family-run inns. If you're lucky, you might even stay with Tibetan families. Whether you’re driving or cycling along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, you don’t need to worry about accommodation.

21. Is the Sichuan-Tibet Highway dangerous?

The Sichuan-Tibet Highway has a fearsome reputation—the “Road of Death”—but its stunning scenery makes many people willing to take the journey. However, that reputation is far from today’s reality. After renovations, conditions have improved significantly. Still, during the rainy season, there are quite a few landslides and mudslide-prone sections, so safety is crucial. Two particularly dangerous stretches are the Tianzhen Tongmai area, which is risky mainly during the rainy season but fine otherwise, and the Yela Mountain’s Ninety-Nine Turns, where descending is very hazardous and requires extreme caution.

22. What’s the accommodation and dining situation like on the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway?

The Xinjiang-Tibet Highway traverses the Ngari region, most of which is uninhabited. Compared to the Sichuan-Tibet and Yunnan-Tibet Highways, the accommodation and food options are much more limited. If you’re driving, you can quickly reach each county town, so finding food and lodging is easier. But if you’re cycling, you’ll need to carry enough food, as well as tents and sleeping bags, as you may need to manage your own meals and shelter along the way.

23. Which cities in mainland China have direct flights to Lhasa?

Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Lanzhou, Xi’an, Xining, Diqing

24. How many airports are there in Tibet?

There are four airports in Tibet: Lhasa Gonggar Airport, Nyingchi Mainling Airport, Chamdo Bangda Airport, and Ngari Kunsha Airport. You can choose your destination based on where you want to go.

25. How do I get from the airport to the city?

Lhasa’s Gonggar Airport is about 100 kilometers from the city center. There are usually direct civil aviation buses that take around one and a half hours to reach the city, with a fare of 25 yuan. You can also take a taxi, but it’s quite expensive, typically over 100 yuan. A third option is to find someone to share a ride in a private minivan, which usually costs about 30 yuan per person.

26. Which cities have direct trains to Lhasa? How often do they run?

Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xining, and Lanzhou all have direct trains to Lhasa. Trains to Tibet depart daily from Beijing, while from other cities, they run every other day.

27. Are train tickets to and from Tibet hard to get?

Train tickets to Tibet are generally difficult to obtain throughout the year, especially during the peak tourist season from May to October, when they are particularly hard to come by. It’s best to book tickets at least ten days in advance. Tickets out of Tibet are more available during the off-season, but can still be hard to get during peak times. In the high season, whether entering or leaving Tibet, if you can’t get tickets yourself, you can ask a travel agency to purchase them for you.

28. How do I get from the train station to the city?

The train station has direct buses to the city center, including routes 1, 13, and 14, all costing one yuan. Buses in Lhasa usually stop running around 9 pm. If your train is delayed, you’ll have to take a taxi to the city. Taxis generally cost 30–40 yuan, but sharing a ride can help split the fare and make it cheaper.

29. Are there international hostels in Lhasa? How are the prices?

There are three international hostels in Lhasa: Dongcuo, Pingcuo Kangsang, and Suonanmu. Dongcuo is on Beijing East Road, Pingcuo is on Youth Road near the Jokhang Temple. In terms of price, dorm beds cost 30–80 yuan per day, cheaper during the off-season; private and standard rooms range from 80–300 yuan (more expensive in peak season, cheaper in the off-season).

30. What are the conditions and prices like for star-rated hotels in Lhasa?

In Lhasa, there are star-rated hotels of all levels, with prices fluctuating according to the season. Generally, three-star hotels cost around 150–500 yuan, four-star hotels 600–1400 yuan, and five-star hotels 2500–3500 yuan. Accommodation conditions are now very good, with no significant difference from inland areas. Hotel bookings are easier during the off-season when rooms are readily available. During peak season, accommodations are in high demand, so it’s best to book at least ten days in advance to avoid disrupting your travel plans.

31. What kinds of food are there in Tibet besides Tibetan cuisine?

In Tibetan areas, besides local Tibetan food, Sichuan cuisine is the most common. There are also various halal noodle shops on streets and alleys. Nowadays, almost all types of cuisine from inland China are available here, along with some special meals such as Nepalese, Indian, and Western cuisine. As for fast food, there are no KFC, McDonald’s, or Pizza Hut, only Dicos.

32. What are some Tibetan dishes?

Tibetan cuisine is related to the region's agriculture and animal husbandry. Common dishes include yak beef stewed with radish, sheep blood sausage, lamb chops, cold Tibetan pork skin salad, rinsed fruit rice, tsampa, caterpillar fungus and matsutake chicken, butter-fried highland barley, auspicious conch, yogurt rice, beef curry rice, boiled sausage, and dried yak beef. It’s worth trying, but the flavors are quite different from what you may be used to inland.

33. What are some Tibetan snacks?

Tibetan snacks taste great and are very distinctive. They include Tibetan noodles, Tibetan dumplings, Tibetan buns, sweet tea, butter tea, jelly noodles, cold noodles, french fries, yak yogurt, beef patties, milk residue, and yogurt ice cream.

34. Is butter tea and sweet tea tasty?

Butter tea and sweet tea are both everyday drinks in the area. Sweet tea is generally more palatable, but many find butter tea’s taste gamey and hard to drink. However, drinking butter tea can help alleviate altitude sickness to some extent, so it might be worth trying for that reason.

35. Where can I eat Nepalese food in Lhasa?

In Lhasa, many restaurants serve Nepalese food. Some well-known ones include Snowland Restaurant, Xinmanzhai, Lhasa Kitchen, Ganglamodo, and Makye Ame. Namaste Restaurant, run by Nepalese people, serves authentic Nepalese cuisine and is located on the second floor of Lhasa Cinema.

36. Are there many bars in Lhasa? What’s the atmosphere like?

There are many bars in Lhasa, most concentrated around Beijing Middle Road and near the Jokhang Temple. Nowadays, there are also plenty of bars on Sun Island and Xianzhu Island, and some hostels have small bars too. The atmosphere in these bars is generally nice. Some well-known ones are “Aiwu Fangzi” (Short House) and “Nian.” These bars sometimes have live singer performances, but not for long—usually about an hour. Of course, tourists can also perform themselves. If you have talent, it’s a great opportunity to show off.

37. Where is Makye Ame? Is it expensive?

Makye Ame is located on Barkhor Street, with eye-catching yellow decorations—you can just ask anyone for directions. It’s famous among tourists and has a somewhat upscale vibe, so prices are relatively high. The atmosphere is nice, though the food is considered average. Still, it’s worth visiting for the experience.

38. Can I rent accommodation monthly in Lhasa? How much does it cost?

During the off-season, from November to April of the following year, many guesthouses offer monthly rentals, typically between 400 and 1200 yuan. Monthly rates for shared dorms are even more affordable. Especially at family-run inns, due to fewer guests in the off-season, you can enjoy greater discounts—sometimes you might even have a dorm room to yourself. In the city center around Beijing Road, you can rent a single room for around a thousand yuan during the off-season.

39. How are the family guesthouses on Xianzhu Island?

Xianzu Island belongs to the new urban district. The houses are nice, the environment is pleasant, and it’s close to the Lhasa River. Many family-run guesthouses here are opened by fellow travelers themselves, so the hosts are usually very hospitable and talkative, able to offer plenty of advice to those visiting Tibet. However, it’s a bit far from the city center—most people need to take a taxi back by around nine o’clock, unlike those staying in central Lhasa who can stay out late without worry!

40. Can I pitch a tent and camp by the Lhasa River?
Generally speaking, it is okay to pitch a tent and camp by the river. You can listen to the murmuring water and gaze at the brilliant starry sky. However, it’s best to have a tent and sleeping bag that are warm enough, as it gets quite cold in Lhasa at night.

41. Is it convenient to get online in Lhasa? Are there internet cafes?
In Lhasa, hotels and guesthouses all offer Wi-Fi, and many hostels also provide wireless internet (though it’s best to check in advance). Some bars and restaurants also offer Wi-Fi. There are quite a few internet cafes in Lhasa these days. A few years ago, the fees were quite high, but now they’re similar to those on the mainland, with decent speeds—about 3–4 yuan per hour.

42. Can coins be used in Tibet?
In Tibet, coins are not in circulation—you can only use paper money.

43. What’s the price level like in Tibet?
In terms of prices, Tibet is similar to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Due to Tibet’s unique environment, many goods need to be transported from inland areas, so prices are generally much higher, and eating out can also be more expensive. Especially for items that are relatively scarce, such as fruits, which are more expensive than on the mainland.

44. Is Tibet safe? Is the security good?
All areas of Tibet are very safe, and the security is excellent—you don’t need to worry. Especially in Lhasa, there are military personnel stationed at most intersections, and there are also many police outposts along the roads. It’s no problem even if you go out late at night.

45. Can student ID cards get discounts when buying tickets for attractions in Tibet?
At some attractions in Tibet, student ID cards can get you a 50% discount—for example, the Potala Palace in Lhasa and Basongco Lake in Nyingchi. However, these discount policies are subject to change, so it’s best to check with the ticket windows at the attractions for the latest information.

46. I only have a few days in Tibet—what places are worth visiting?
If you have limited travel time but still want to see some classic spots, you can plan it like this: generally spend one or two days exploring Lhasa to check out the main sights. If you have more time, you can arrange trips based on how long each route takes. Nyingchi can be visited for two or three days, Shannan for one or two days, Namtso for one or two days—these are all worthwhile destinations, and you can plan according to your own schedule.

47. What’s fun to do in Nyingchi?
The Nyingchi region can be called the “Little Jiangnan” of Tibet, with incredibly beautiful scenery. Major attractions include Basongco Lake, the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, Nanyi Valley, the Ancient Cypress Forest, Nyingchi's Luding Valley, Xiuba Ancient Castle, Taktse Ancient Town, and you can also see the sacred mountain Mount Namjagbarwa and the Midui Glacier. This is also home to ethnic groups such as the Monba and Lhoba, where you can experience their unique cultures.

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