Tibet
Surrounded by some of the world’s highest mountain ranges, including the Himalayas to the south, Tibet has retained a sense of mystery over the centuries due to its relative isolation and inaccessibility. The “roof of the world,” it is the highest region on Earth, situated at an average altitude of 13,000 feet, with seemingly endless, dramatic vistas of mountains and valleys.
The indigenous Tibetans, more than a quarter of whom are still nomads, are predominantly Buddhist, guided for the past 500 years by the lineage of the Dalai Lamas, the spiritual and political leaders of the people. Tibet’s autonomy is of course disputed, with China claiming a sovereignty that was solidified with its invasion and defeat of Tibet’s army in 1950-51. Eight years later, in 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama fled with a group of top leaders, setting up their government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India, where it remains to this day. Tibet’s central, ancient city of Lhasa has been its capital since the 7th century, and is home to the majestic Potala Palace, longtime residence of the Dalai Lamas, as well as such fantastic monasteries as Jokhang and Drepung.
Tibet Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
Why Remote Lands?
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Weather in Tibet
The best time to visit Tibet is in summer between June and August, when temperatures are pleasant and in the 70s.
- Tibet has spring-like days in the summer but far milder winters than most people expect, at least in Lhasa, which is made endurable by the dryness of its climate. Please note that in the high plateaus, temperatures can change drastically over the course of a single day.
- The most popular time to visit is in spring, April to early June, and autumn, September to October. Clear skies offer outstanding Himalayan views and pleasant temperatures make it the perfect time for outdoor sports and trekking. In the summer, the temperature may exceed 84F/29C and heavy rains during the nights may make travel difficult, the scenery is at its best and also when summer festivals like Naggu Horse Racing and Shoton Festival are held.
Multi-Country Specialists
Tibet Goes Well With
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Kailash: Over the Hills Where the Spirits Fly
- Author
- Joe Cummings
On a pilgrimage in western Tibet, Joe Cummings visits Everest’s North Face Base Camp, along with Mount Kailash, Asia’s most sacred peak.
Fringe Benefits
- Author
- Dave Stamboulis
With red tape constraining travel in Tibet, visitors can imbibe a heady swig of its vivid culture as well as breathtaking scenery in neighboring enclaves like Western Sichuan.
The Road to Gyantse
- Author
- Jay Tindall
They say that travel is not about the destination, but the journey. I learned the true value of this statement on the long road from Lhasa to Gyantse in Tibet.