Tibet 08 Days Overland Tour - 8 Days

Duration:

The Tibet 08 Days Overland Tour spans 7 nights and 8 days, beginning with a flight into Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and continuing south towards the Nepal-Tibet border. If you’re traveling from Kathmandu, you will need to allow around 4 working days to secure your Tibet visa. Therefore, combining your trip with a visit to Kathmandu a perfect program.

Visa Requirements for Tibet 08 Days Overland Tour:

Traveling to Tibet requires both a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit. The process differs based on whether you’re entering Tibet from Nepal or China. If you are traveling from Kathmandu, please note that a Chinese visa issued in any other country will not be valid for entry into Tibet. Instead, a group visa will be issued for all travelers entering Tibet from Nepal.

Recently China has implemented unilateral visa-free policies for passport holders of around 74 countries. Under the current regulations (as of 2025), citizens of these countries can enter China for tourism, business, or transit purposes without applying for a visa for stays ranging from 15 to 30 days, depending on the bilateral agreement with China.

Important: This visa-free entry applies to mainland China. However, Tibet is a special administrative region, and a Tibet Travel Permit is still required even if you enter China without a visa. Tibet Travel Permit can be obtained in advance by booking a tour through a registered Tibetan travel agency

Visa Procedure for Tibet from Kathmandu:

Step 1:
You must book a tour package with a local travel agent in Kathmandu. The minimum group size for obtaining a group visa is 4 participants.

Step 2:
After booking, send a scanned copy of your passport and make the payment. Once received, the agent will begin the process of obtaining your Tibet Travel Permit, which takes around 1 week to process.

Step 3:
Once the Tibet Travel Permit is obtained, the next step is to submit a China visa application to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. You will need to be physically present in Kathmandu for this process as the embassy requires the original passport.

Step 4:
The China visa takes about 4 working days to be issued. It will be a group visa, not stamped in your passport, but rather in a separate sheet listing the names of all group members. All travelers in the group must enter and exit China at the same time.

Important: A visa issued from any other country will not be valid for Tibet travel if entering from Nepal.

Ideal Seasons in Tibet for Tibet 08 Days Overland Tour:

• April:  A springtime in Tibet, and the weather continues to get warmer. Lhasa temperature will be around 1°C at night and 16°C during the daytime. Higher areas remain colder
• May: Clear blue sky, vibrant wildflowers, exciting cultural celebrations. Lhasa temperature during May ranges from 5°C at night to 20°C during the day. Higher regions remain cooler.
• June: June is the summer season, and you start having bit of rain. The temperature in Lhasa is around 9°C at night and 22°C (72°F) during daytime. However, due to the high altitude, it can get chilly at night, so be prepared with warm clothing.
• September: Early autumn is an excellent time to travel as the temperature around Lhasa can be 7°C at night and 18°C daytime but in the higher region its colder.
• October: Temperature drops a bit 1°C at night to 16°C during the day in Lhasa but in the higher area’s temperatures will be colder.

Accommodation For Tibet 08 Days Overland Tour:

Tibet 08 Days Overland tour spends 3 nights in Lhasa and 4 nights enroute Gyantse, Xigatse, Xegar and Gyirong.

Accommodation options in Lhasa have improved significantly in recent years, with many tourist-class hotels now offering comfortable stays. However, in smaller towns along the tour route, the facilities may be more basic, but you will always have the best available accommodation for each location.

Clothing and Accessories for Tibet 08 Days Overland Tour:

Given the high-altitude nature of Tibet, dressing appropriately is crucial to your comfort during the trip. Layered clothing is recommended to adapt to varying temperatures throughout the day.

• • Recommended Clothing:
    • Light layers: shirts, sweaters, jackets, and cotton inner wear.
    • Warm clothing (October to April): woolen jackets, down feather coats, and boots.
    • Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection accessories such as a hat and sunglasses.
    • A warm jacket is essential, even during the day.
  • Additional Accessories:
    • Water bottle and purification tablets.
    • Chapstick and sunscreen (Tibetan sun can be harsh).
    • Utility knife, flashlight, bandana or dust mask, and first-aid kit.
    • Medications for common cold, headache, fever, stomach issues, and Diamox (for altitude sickness).

Health Precautions and Vaccinations:

While traveling in Tibet, altitude sickness is the primary health concern due to Tibet’s average altitude of over 3600 meters. It’s essential to take precautions such as drinking plenty of fluids, acclimatizing in Lhasa, and avoiding strenuous activities in the first few days.

Vaccinations:

• Hepatitis A and Typhoid fever are commonly recommended.
• Malaria prophylaxis is suggested for the southeastern part of Tibet.
• Bring water purification tablets and avoid drinking untreated water.

It’s advisable to see a health professional 4-6 weeks before traveling to ensure you’re in good health, and to discuss any pre-existing conditions that may affect your trip

Altitude Sickness: What You Need to Know

Given Tibet’s high altitude (average 3,600m+), travelers are at risk for altitude sickness. Symptoms can range from headaches and dizziness to nausea and difficulty breathing. In our Tibet 08 Days Overland Tour you will be reaching an altitude above 5000m.

Prevention:

• Gradual Acclimatization: Spend a few days in Lhasa before traveling to higher altitudes.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and avoid altitude sickness.
• Move slowly and avoid overexertion.

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness:

• Headache, nausea, dizziness, and loss of appetite.
• Fatigue and sleeping difficulties.
• Breathing problems and overall unsteadiness.

If symptoms persist, the only remedy is to descend to a lower elevation as soon as possible. Always listen to your body.

Travel Insurance for Tibet 08 Days Overland Tour:

Given the high-altitude nature of Tibet, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, accidents, and helicopter rescues if needed. It should also cover evacuations, tour cancellations, and any unexpected travel disruptions.

Flight Information: Kathmandu to Lhasa

The Kathmandu to Lhasa flight once operated daily, but now it runs only three times a week. With fewer flights available, it is essential to book your flight in advance to secure a seat. The flight offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest.

Is it Safe to Travel to Tibet?

One of the most common concerns among travelers is whether Tibet is a safe destination. The answer is a resounding YES! Tibet is as safe as other popular tourist destinations in mainland China, with no significant security issues for visitors. However, travelers should be mindful of the high altitude and unpredictable plateau climate.

In this guide, we address key safety concerns and provide expert tips to ensure a secure and enjoyable journey in Tibet.

Tibetan Cuisine: What to Expect

Tibetan food primarily consists of barley, meat, and dairy products. The staple foods include:

• Yak butter – Refined from cattle and goat milk, widely used in Tibetan tea.
• Tsampa – Roasted barley flour mixed with tea, butter, curds, and sugar for flavor.
• Tubo – A traditional gruel made from dried meat, tsampa, and wheat flour.

Due to Tibet’s high altitude (above 4,000m), vegetables are scarce, leading to a diet rich in meat. In winter, beef and mutton are preserved by air-drying and consumed raw or barbecued.

In Lhasa, travelers will find numerous restaurants serving Tibetan, Indian, Nepali, and Western cuisine. Momos, steamed or fried dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetables, are a popular delicacy. Chinese food is widely available in Tibet’s major towns.

Food Safety Tips During Tibet 08 Days Overland Tour;

• Lhasa: Since the town is already well-established, there are several eateries with a variety of flavors and excellent sanitation. Nevertheless, consulting your guides before selecting a restaurant is always a good idea.
• Enroute: Because there aren’t many dining options outside of Lhasa, it will be advisable to stick to hotel cuisine.
• Ensure your food is thoroughly cooked and served hot to eliminate bacteria.
• Avoid raw foods and items that may have come into contact with unfiltered water.

Duty-Free Allowance for Tibet

Travelers can bring the following items into Tibet:

• 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars, and 500g of tobacco
• 1.5 liters of alcoholic beverages (12% alcohol content or more)
• Personal articles up to ¥5,000 (USD $50) for Chinese residents
• Personal articles up to ¥2,000 (USD $20) for non-residents

Prohibited Items: Arms, ammunition, narcotics, fruit, animals, animal products, and politically sensitive materials (e.g., publications on Tibetan independence or the Dalai Lama). Chinese customs may inspect and seize restricted content upon entry.

Currency and Payment in Tibet

The official currency in Tibet is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Foreign currency exchange is available at the Bank of China branches in Lhasa, Shigatse, and Gyirung. Many hotels also offer exchange services.

Payment Methods:

• ATMs: Available in Lhasa and Shigatse
• Credit Cards: Accepted in major hotels, shops, and restaurants
• Cash: Small denominations are recommended for local purchases
• Traveler’s Cheques: Not recommended due to high fees and limited exchange availability

Travel Costs in Tibet

In our Tibet 08 Days Overland tour package the accommodation, breakfast, tours with transportation, flight and Tibet permit fee is included so, you just need to carry some cash for lunch, dinner, drinks and some miscellaneous expenses.

• Dining and Lunch costs: International restaurants cost around USD $ 30-25 per meal. Local Tibetan and Nepali eateries offer meals for as low as USD $10-6.  Per meal.

Electricity & Plugs in Tibet

• Standard Voltage: 220V, 50Hz AC
• Plug Types: European two-round pins or American two-flat pins
• Recommendation: Carry a universal travel adapter and a voltage converter for U.S. appliances

Internet & Wi-Fi in Tibet

Most of the hotels in Tibet offers free Wi-Fi facilities, there are also internet cafes where you will have a facility of Wi-Fi.  You can also buy a local sim card and get connected to the world.

Tibet Time Zone

Tibet follows China Standard Time (CST), which is GMT+8. Daylight Saving Time is not observed.

Book your Tibet 08 Days Overland Tour today and experience the spiritual and natural wonders of Tibet on this unforgettable journey!