Travel Blog

Tibet is Open to All International Tourists Now!

17 Apr 2023 Umesh Paneru

Asia Experiences, a product of Everest Vacation Pvt. Ltd is delighted to inform you of the re-opening to Tibet Tours from April 2023 onwards. Tibet is open to all international tourists now! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tibet tour for international tourists and the borders between Nepal and Tibet, (China) were closed. 

On April 7, 2023, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China issued notice to resume national travel agencies and online travel companies to operate foreign inbound group tours and “air ticket & hotel” business, enabling the re-opening of Tibet tourism to all international tourists.

To travel to Tibet, tourists must obtain a Tibet travel permit, which can be acquired through an official Tibet travel agency. Asia Experiences is one such travel agency that can take care of the permit application on behalf of tourists. 

Currently, international flights to Lhasa from Kathmandu are not available, but tourists can opt for other tour options, such as overland or driving tours. For those interested in arranging a private tour, Simply contact Asia Experiences to arrange a private tour.

In a nutshell, Asia Experiences welcomes tourists to explore the highest plateau in the world, Tibet, and experience its unique culture and stunning landscapes.

Best Ways to Reach Tibet

As of now, there are four ways to reach Tibet. They are explained below:

1. Enter Tibet from Mainland China and Exit from China

To enter Tibet, tourists can travel to mainland China and then take a flight, train, or land route. Chengdu offers the most frequent daily flights to Lhasa and Nyingchi. 

And, the Qinghai-Tibet railway is the only railway to Tibet, with trains departing from various cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Lanzhou. 

If you are planning to Tibet via land route, there are four prominent highways to Lhasa: Sichuan-Tibet Highway (G318 and G317), Qinghai-Tibet Highway (G109), Yunnan-Tibet Highway (G214), and Xinjiang-Tibet Highway (G219). The tour starts and ends in China.

Note: 

• Travelers must first obtain a China visa in their home country and spend one night in mainland China (e.g. Chengdu, Shanghai, Beijing) to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit, which will be provided in hard copy at their hotel.

2. Enter Tibet from China and Exit from Gyirong Border to Nepal

To reach Tibet, tourists can travel to mainland China and choose from various transportation options, including flights, trains, and land routes. Chengdu provides the most frequent flights to Lhasa and Nyingchi, while the Qinghai-Tibet railway is the only rail option. It departs from major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Lanzhou. 

Alternatively, travelers can opt for the land route and choose from four major highways leading to Lhasa, namely Sichuan-Tibet Highway (G318 and G317), Qinghai-Tibet Highway (G109), Yunnan-Tibet Highway (G214), and Xinjiang-Tibet Highway (G219). The tour starts from China and ends in Kathmandu via Gyirong Border. 

Note:  

• Travelers must first obtain a China visa in their home country and spend one night in mainland China (e.g. Chengdu, Shanghai, Beijing) to obtain the Tibet Travel Permit, which will be provided in hard copy at their hotel.
• To enter Nepal, you must submit a valid passport, one photo, the completed application form, and the visa fee in dollars. 

3. Tibet Entry from Nepal and Exit from China via Tibet

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal is the only overseas location offering direct international flights to Lhasa. It is a popular gateway to enter Tibet. Sichuan Airline and Air China operate daily flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa, although international flights to Lhasa from Kathmandu are currently unavailable. 

Additionally, travelers can opt to enter Tibet from Nepal via the Gyirong border. This overland route offers beautiful scenery, landscapes, the Tibetan plateau, the Himalayan mountain range, and the lush valleys of Nepal. The Tibet tour entry starts via Nepal and ends in China.

4. Enter Tibet from Nepal and Exit from Nepal

Kathmandu, (Nepal) is currently the sole foreign destination that provides direct international flights to Lhasa. Air China and Sichuan Airlines are the two airlines that operate daily flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa, although international flights to Lhasa from Kathmandu are currently not available.

Travelers have the option of entering Tibet from Nepal via the Gyirong border, as well as exiting via the same route This overland route offers breathtaking views of the Tibetan plateau, the Himalayan mountain range, and the lush valleys of Nepal. 

Note: 

• Getting Tibet Travel Permit from Nepal requires applying for a Tibet Group Visa, which takes at least three days to complete. During this process, your original passport will be held at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.
• If you enter Tibet from Nepal, you require Tibet Bureau Permit (TTB). Travelers must provide the required documents & information to the travel agency before applying for TTB. The entire process usually takes approximately 12 working days to complete. For those traveling from Nepal, the required documents can be sent to the travel agency in Nepal from their home country.

Places to Visit in Tibet

Many prominent landmarks in Tibet should not be missed. Some of the major attractions are mentioned below with its cities:

Major Attractions in Lhasa

Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Chakpori Hill, Ramoche Temple, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Ganden Monastery, Sacred Lake Namtso, Tibet Museum, and Yangpachen Hot Spring

Major Attractions in Shigatse

Mount Everest, Northern Everest Base Camp, Rongbuk Monastery, Rongbuk Glacier, Tashilhunpo Monastery, Natang Monastery, Shalu Monastery, Garma Valley, Pelkor Chode Monastery, and Summer Palace of Panchen Lamas

Major Attractions in Gyantse

Korola Glacier, Kumbum Stupa, Pelcho Monastery, Gyantse Old Town, and Gyantse Fort

Major Attractions in Ngari

Lake Mansarovar, Mount Kailash, Zanda Earth Forest, Pangong Lake, Korjak Monastery, Tholing Monastery, and Ancient Guge Kingdom Site

Major Attractions in Nagchu

Tangra Yum Tso Lake, Highest Lake Siling Tso, Skeleton Wall, Tsanden Monastery, Relics of Xiangxiong Kingdom, Changtang Plateau, and Nagchu Horse Racing Festival

Major Attractions in Nyingtri

Lunang Forest, Draksum-Tso/Basum-Tso, World King Cypress tree, Zayu Natual Reserves, Midui Glacier, Yi Gong National Geological Parks, Lamaling Temple, Buchu Monastery, Kaqen Glaciers, Xiuba Ancient Castle, and Folk Culture Village

Major Attractions in Chamdo/Qamdo

Rawok Lake, Lhegu Glacier, Riwoqe Monastery, Kamaduo Stupas, and Galden Jampaling Monastery

Major Attractions in Tsetang/Zedang

Yamdrok Tso Lake, Samye Monastery, Yumbulagang Palace, Changzhug Monastery, Samding Monastery, Lhamo La Tso, Trandruk Monastery, and Yarlung Tsangpo Valley 

For further information, read our FAQs on Nepal and Tibet Tours.