Tibet Travel Information
Tibet is located at the roof of the world, geographically known as Tibetan Plateau. Which is the area of
1.2 sq. km (471700 sq. miles), Bod: 2.5 million sq. km. Tibet offers fabulous monasteries, breathtaking
high-altitude walks, stunning views of the world’s mountains and one of the most likeable cultures you
will ever encounter. It has become one of the popular travel destination. For many visitors, the highlight
of Tibet will be of a spiritual nature; magnificent monasteries, prayer halls of chanting monks, and
remote Cliffside meditation retreats.
Entering Tibet from Nepal
By Air: There are two direct flights between Lhasa and Kathmandu, fly by Sichuan Airline and Air China.
The best attraction about flying to Tibet from Nepal is magnificent view of the Himalayas including Mt.
Everest (world highest mountain)
By Road: The most common way to enter Tibet via Kerung, Simikot and Kodari borders. Due to the
Nepal earthquake in 2015, the Kodari border is temporarily closed. Instead, the kerung border which is 3
hours away from Kathmandu is Used. Note that Simikot border is used mostly by travelers wishing to
tour/trek Kailash. There are plenty of vehicles that frequent the Kerung border.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is particularly recommended, Tibet is in a remote and wild region, and if you become
seriously injured or very sick, you may need evacuated by air. Be sure your policy covers evacuation.
Money Banking and ATM
n Tibet, Renminbi (RMB) is the legal currency, only the Bank of China offers foreign exchange services.
All the star ranking hotels in Lhasa have exchange services but they are only available for guests.There
are ATMS from Bank Of China, Construction Bank Of China, Agricultural Bank OF China in the cities and
some towns including Lhasa, Shigatse, Tsetang, Nyingchi, Ngari, Gyantse, Lhatse, Saga, Nakchu, etc. The
Bank of China accepts Visa Card, Master Card, Diners Club, American Express and Plus. The Agricultural
Bank accepts Visa, Plus and Electron. The withdraw limitation is around CNY 2000 per day.
Permit and Visa Information
Travelling to Tibet, requires a Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit which can both be obtained in
Kathmandu with the help of a travel company. The Tibet Entry Permit is issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau
(TTB) and it is compulsory for all foreigner tourists entering Tibet. Travel outside Lhasa requires
additional permits, which is arranged by the company you are travelling with.
Best time to Visit Tibet
There is not any clear-cut answer as the best time to visit Tibet, is really depends on what kind of climate
you want to see. In reality Tibet can be visited just about any time of year, however certain times of the
year are better than others
May through to September is the most popular season to visit Tibet. The snow starts melting after April,
clearing the blocked roads and making it easier for you to visit various Tibetan township with beautiful
clear skies with warm weather.
The autumn and early winter months from September to December usually bring clear skies, but after
late November temperatures at higher elevations can be quite cold. So the high season will end at
October, so November can be great time to go Tibet with less tourist.
January and February can be quite cold across Tibet, but the skies are usually clear. Snow is possible, but
large accumulation in winter is rare.
Tibet closes every year from mid or late February through the beginning of April each year.