The Most Pleasant Season to Visit Tibet

Every country has its own tourism season, like that here in Tibet we also have our tourism season which is from April to October. During this time in Tibet lots of tourists are coming here to enjoy their holidays and try to relax themselves from the busy world. Both domestic and foreign tourists are available here in this time and recently the number of tourists is rising because of this beautiful place, pleasant weather, unique tradition, rich culture, mysterious religion and different kind of things.

And about summer over here it’s quite hot and sometimes it goes to 28-30 degree celcius on maximum because of its altitude and you can feel much hotter than usual. But if you stay in shadow it’s much cooler than you think and also if you are travelling outside Lhasa it’s colder in northern and western part of Tibet. That’s why you have to bring both summer and winter clothes to spend great time in Tibet.

Also in summer most of hilly areas and passes are accessible, thus you can travel to anywhere that you like without any problem of climate condition. But in summer we have a short time of rainy season which is from June to August. During that time you may be able to see some snows on top of hills and passes, but landscape of Tibet is really beautiful during that time. But if you are going to visit Mt. Everest or other mountains during this rainy season then it’s not a good time to visit. Because during rainy season, it’s cloudy and foggy on mountain areas and you will not be able to see it well. And if you are still visiting it then you need to be prepared in your mind that you might be able to see it or might not be. But if you are visiting other places I can assure you that it’s really a good season. So this is how summer is in Tibet.

And next is best time to visit mountains, which is from April to May in spring and September to October or November in autumn. During this time you will be able to see all the mountains without doubt. If you like to visit mountains only this is the best time and you can make your holiday schedules according to it. For those who love hiking, it is also the best time to do it.

About spring and autumn, it’s cool in the city and cold during morning and evening. Outside the city it’s pretty cold there. And it’s dry and windy too.

If you are coming to Tibet in winter time it’s cold over here. If you are planning to travel to mountain areas of Tibet, it’s pretty cold and windy. But all the great mountains you can see very well. And lots of pilgrims from all over the Tibet are used to coming to Lhasa during that time. If you want to come to Tibet with fewer tourists then this is the great time and tour cost is also low during winter time. Anyway when you like to come to Tibet depends on you but all the seasons are great in Tibet.

Is It Possible to Travel to Tibet Without Tibet Permit

“Go to Tibet tour. See as much as you can.” Tibet is definitely the ideal dream place for backpackers who are fond of Tibetan Buddhism and natural landscape. Endowed with the unparalleled attractions, Tibet is named “the place people most want to visit” by travelers. Due to the special political background, Tibet is never fully open to foreign travelers. They must apply for the Tibet Permit from the Tibet Tourism Bureau before entering and will still undergo some limitations regulated by local government. Some people may wonder if they can sneak into Tibet without this permit. This article will answer the question and tells what the limitations are.

The travel areas are limited. Foreign tourists can only visit the “open areas” in Tibet, namely Lhasa, Shigatse, Lhohka, Nagri and Nyingchi Prefectures and are prohibited to go to Chamdo Prefecture. Even in the “open areas”, places like border and military regions are restricted. For example, Jilong County and Yadong County in Shigatse Prefecture, border region in Lhohka Prefecture, the Brahmaputra River Grand Canyon and Medog County in Nyingchi Prefecture are off-limits to foreign travelers. 

The travel permission is required. Before entering Tibet, foreigners need to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit. They need to provide detailed information for the application: confirmed tour itinerary, tour date and hotel. If the tour itinerary includes any aforementioned “closed areas”, or if the itinerary is not intact, this application is very likely to be rejected. See how to get Tibet Travel Permit successfully at Tibet Permit Application Guidelines.

The way of travel is limited. Independent travel is not available for foreign tourists in Tibet. All the travel services, such as guide, ground transportation, driver and hotel, have to be arranged by a travel agency. Based on the tour confirmation from the local agency, the government will have a clear idea of the travel information: where to go, how long to stay, what to do in Tibet, etc. 

The choice of accommodation is limited. Only some hotels in Tibet are authorized to receive foreigners, especially 3-star hotels and above. If there is no hotel in remote areas, travelers can stay at local inns or monastery guesthouses. Outdoor camping is also doable. Wherever to stay, they have to list them in the application form, which will be verified by local government.

**Keep in mind**

Due to all the limitations, chances of traveling to Tibet without Tibet Travel Permit are extremely slim. Without showing valid permit, travelers won’t be allowed to board a flight or train to Tibet. Even if some sneak into Tibet miraculously (which is very unlikely), they won’t be able to find a place to stay without the permit. In addition, there are numerous checkpoints in Tibet, at which everyone, even Chinese travelers will be required to register, let alone foreigners.

However, if foreign tourists want to visit other Tibetan areas bordering on the Tibet Autonomous Region, like Ganzi and Aba in Sichuan Province, Diqing in Yunnan Province, Gannan and Guoluo in Qinghai Province, the aforementioned restrictions are not applicable. Even if there are some temporary regulations from time to time, those places are still far more unrestrained than Tibet.

Best Travel Time to Tibet

When is the best time to visit Tibet? We may get different views from different person because Tibet is such an attractive place for lot of people, presenting its breathtaking landscape and unique Tibetan culture of all year round. Travelers have different interests and purposes, so every single month can be the best time to visit Tibet.

Though summer is widely regarded as the best time to Tibet travel, some travelers prefer to travel to Tibet in autumn when the landscape of Tibet is most colorful. While some tourists love to go to Tibet in winter which is the best time to experience Tibetan pilgrims’ religious life.

Hence, what’s the best time to visit Tibet depends on each tourist’s interests and what are in their consideration, such as climate condition, Tibetan festivals, monthly highlights of Tibet and the cost of tour.

Most Ideal Weather to Visit Tibet in a Year - Summer & Autumn

If we only take weather into consideration, April to October or summer to autumn is the best time to visit Tibet, when the Tibet’s weather is not too harsh and most areas of Tibet are accessible. In addition, it is also the best time to visit well-known tourist sites in Tibet, such as Mount Everest and Lake Namtso.

The Lowest Cost Season to Visit Tibet - Winter

Cost on a tour is also a key concern for travelers and may be different in low and peak season. Logically, the prices of hotels, air tickets and tour services would be decreased in the low season and increased in the peak season.

If you are a shoestring traveler, you are highly recommended to travel to Tibet in winter which is the cheapest season to visit Tibet, with great discounts on kinds of fees. Besides, you will witness flocks of Tibetan pilgrims in Lhasa tibet, especially in front of Jokhang Temple.

Visit Tibet for Tibetan Festival Experiences

Travelers interested in traditional festivals and customs of Tibet should not miss interesting Tibetan festivals. For them, the best ones to visit Tibet are the famous Tibetan New Year, Saga Dawa Festival (religious month) and Shoton Festival (yogurt festival). 

Most Tibetan festivals are celebrated according to Tibetan calendar which is quite different from western ones. Therefore, travelers should first check the updated Tibetan lunar calendar’s festival when making a tour plan to Tibet.