Travel FAQs

Discover everything you need to know for a smooth and enriching journey through Tibet. From visa requirements and travel permits to the best times to visit, this comprehensive FAQ covers the most common questions travelers have. Learn about cultural etiquette, transportation options, and essential packing tips.

Whether you’re planning a trek to Mount Kailash, exploring Lhasa’s sacred sites, or embarking on a spiritual retreat, our guide provides practical advice to ensure a memorable and hassle-free adventure in the Land of Snows.

Please click on the questions below for more information. If you have any further questions, just e-mail us.

Where is Tibet?

Tibet is a plateau region located in central Asia. The Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR), or Xizang, is a southwestern province of China. Other Tibetan ethnic and cultural areas, such as Amdo and Kham, are located in the Chinese provinces of Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu, and Yunnan.

Is Tibet safe?

Yes, Tibet is generally very safe for travelers. Violent crime is extremely rare, and locals are often welcoming and respectful. That said, it’s always wise to take standard travel precautions—keep your valuables secure, respect local customs, and follow the guidance of your tour guide.

Traveling within the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) is well-regulated for foreign visitors, and tours must be arranged through licensed agencies, which adds an extra layer of safety. In Tibetan areas outside the TAR—such as parts of Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu, and Yunnan—independent travel is possible, but you should check local conditions in advance, especially in remote or politically sensitive regions, as occasional restrictions may apply.

If you are a solo traveler planning to hike, trek, or explore nomadic areas, extra caution is advised. While these regions are stunning and culturally rich, they can also present natural risks. Tibetan mastiffs, especially in nomadic areas, can be territorial and aggressive, particularly at night. Wild animals like bears and wolves also inhabit some remote areas. It’s best to travel with a local guide, avoid hiking alone after dark, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

What’s the best way to experience Tibet?

The best way to experience Tibet is to go there! Lhasa is a great place to visit historic sites and get a glimpse of modern Tibetan life, while Amdo and Kham are the best places to see traditional nomadic culture. For an authentic, fulfilling visit to Tibet, you must have a native Tibetan guide. Many of the Chinese guides are relocated from other areas of China and don’t have a real understanding of the people or culture of Tibet that make it so amazing.SnowLion Tours is a Tibetan-owned and run business. We are fully committed to providing our customers with highly-qualified Tibetan guides, drivers, porters, and cooks. We believe it’s the best way to share our culture with you.

When is the best time to visit Tibet?

Peak season is April-October, though you can visit any time of year. In the summer, the weather is warm, the trees are green, and the flowers are blooming. It is best to trek in the spring, summer, or fall, and there are numerous festivals during these seasons.Tibet is also great during the winter.

In the winter, Tibetans from all over the plateau flock to Lhasa to go on pilgrimage. There are very few tourists and great off-season deals on hotel and ticket prices. Though Lhasa is cold (-10C to 10C/14F-50F), it is certainly not frigid. If you can, try to go during Losar, the Tibetan New Year (usually held in February). It’s one of the best festivals all year.

Amdo and Kham are colorful places to visit in the winter, though it is cold and snowy. Still, for those interested in reaping all the advantages of the low-season, they are excellent destinations. During the Tibetan New Year Losar Festival, which lasts two weeks, it is possible to drive from town to town, celebrating with the people from each village. (We think this is one of our best trips.)

Heavy snow makes it difficult to travel to Ngari in the winter, though it is still possible.

If you plan to visit Mt. Kailash, Mt. Amyne Machen, Kawa Karpo, or Namtso Lake, definitely go in the summer, when the passes are not blocked by snow.

If you’d like to plan your trip around a Tibetan festival or see which festivals coincide with your trip, please consult us.

What do I need to bring?

• Passport, Chinese visa, and Tibet Travel Permit
• Warm layered clothing (including jacket, hat, gloves)
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm (strong UV at high altitude)
• Personal medication and basic first aid kit
• Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated)
• Toilet paper or tissue packs
• Camera or phone with charger and power bank
• Backpack or daypack for daily use.

How much does it cost to do a private tour?

The cost of a private Tibet tour varies depending on several factors, including where you plan to travel, the time of year, the length of your tour, and the number of people in your group.

Due to travel regulations in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), all foreign travelers are required to book a tour in advance through a licensed travel agency. A standard tour package includes a Tibetan tour guide, private transportation, accommodation, travel permits, entrance tickets to sites, and sometimes meals. Independent travel is not allowed in the TAR.

As a general guideline, a typical 8–10 day private tour to central Tibet—including Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, and Everest Base Camp—usually costs around USD 2,000 to 2,500 per person. Prices can be higher or lower depending on your travel style (budget, standard, or luxury), the season, and group size—larger groups often enjoy lower per-person rates.

What visa and Permit do I need to visit Tibet?

To visit Tibet (Tibet Autonomous Region), all foreign travelers need both a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit.
1. Chinese Visa: You must first obtain a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) from a Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country before entering China.
2. Tibet Travel Permit: Once you have your Chinese visa, your travel agency will apply for the Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf. This permit is required to board flights or trains to Lhasa and to travel within the TAR. It is not issued to individuals directly; it must be arranged through an authorized Tibetan travel agency as part of a pre-booked tour.

Additional permits (such as the Aliens’ Travel Permit or Military Permit) may be required for travel to certain restricted or border areas like Mount Kailash, Nyingchi, or eastern Tibet, but your travel agency will handle these based on your itinerary.

Independent travel is not allowed in the TAR for foreign travelers—travel must be organized through a registered tour operator with a guide, vehicle, and driver..

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Can I exchange foreign currency in Tibet?

Yes, you can exchange foreign currency when traveling to Tibet. The most convenient place to do this is at the international airport where you first land in China (e.g., Beijing, Chengdu, or Shanghai). You can also exchange money at major banks in Chinese cities and in Lhasa, although this process can be time-consuming and may require waiting in line and showing your passport.

Alternatively, it’s sometimes possible to exchange money with private individuals or through informal channels—your guide or travel agency may be able to assist with this if needed. However, always confirm the exchange rate and ensure the transaction is handled securely.

It’s also a good idea to carry some Chinese yuan (RMB) in cash before arriving in Tibet, especially if you’re visiting remote areas where ATMs or currency exchange services may not be available.