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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.

Tibet Itineraries

All Itineraries
Multi Country
Intrepid
Classic Tibet

Classic Tibet

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,000
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A Journey Across the Rooftop of the World: Beijing to Lhasa by Train

A Journey Across the Rooftop of the World: Beijing to Lhasa by Train

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,800
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A Spiritual Journey to Mt Everest Base Camp

A Spiritual Journey to Mt Everest Base Camp

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,900
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Exploring Tibet's Untouched Holy Land

Exploring Tibet's Untouched Holy Land

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
From $10,000
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Following Buddha's Footsteps Across the Himalayas

Following Buddha's Footsteps Across the Himalayas

Duration
19 days / 18 nights
Price Per Person
From $15,600
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Unlocking Tibetan Spiritual Secrets: A Journey to Nam Tso Lake and Tidrum

Unlocking Tibetan Spiritual Secrets: A Journey to Nam Tso Lake and Tidrum

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $5,000
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An Intimate Himalayan Adventure: Through China, Nepal, Bhutan and India

An Intimate Himalayan Adventure: Through China, Nepal, Bhutan and India

Duration
22 days / 21 nights
Price Per Person
From $21,500
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Trekking Tibet: From Mount Kailash to Guge Kingdom

Trekking Tibet: From Mount Kailash to Guge Kingdom

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $14,000
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Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa
Preferred Hotel

Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa

Lhasa, Tibet

Opened in April 2014, this luxury property is a fitting new addition to the Lhasa hospitality scene. Shangri-La is, after all, the mythical kingdom believed to inhabit the Tibetan plateaus. Located in the city center, this stylish urban retreat allows guests to experience time-honored Tibetan customs - being welcomed with a local drink called chima, for instance, and being presented with a ceremonial khata scarf. Visitors at the Shangri-La Lhasa can enjoy being within strolling distance of this historic city's main attractions, including Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. For those who find Lhasa's high-altitude landscapes literally breathtaking, there's an oxygen lounge and relaxation center at the resort primed for guest recuperation. As with all Shangri-La properties, local culture plays a vital role in both the hospitality and the décor. At the Lhasa resort, this manifests in traditional architecture and design, with contemporary, luxuriously appointed guest rooms accented with local Tibetan textiles and artworks. Guests are also spoiled with far-reaching views of the mountains, the city and the spectacular Potala Palace.  

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Songtsam Laigu
Preferred Hotel

Songtsam Laigu

Nyingchi, Tibet

As Songtsam’s highest property, which is set against a backdrop of towering glaciers and rolling, verdant hillsides, the Songtsam Lodge Laigu is a gem of high-mountain luxury located in the Tibetan prefecture of Chamdo. Rawu Lake, the largest lake in eastern Tibet, lies within view of the lodge, and the more than 12,000-foot altitude adds to the sense of ruggedness. For travelers coming from nearer to sea level, the Laigu lodge is equipped with state-of-the-art oxygen concentrator technology to enable a 24-hour closed oxygen supply. Other high-end technology features at the lodge include floor-heating systems imported from Denmark, triple-layered vacuum glass windows that provide warmth and UV protection, and readily accessible WiFi. There is also a library available to guests that can accommodate up to 16 people and is furnished with sofas, oxygen concentrators, under-floor heating, and a coffee machine. All 20 of the hotel’s accommodations, which can be broken down into three room and suite types, feature wide-ranging views of the surrounding glaciers, forests, and sky. The night sky is especially spectacular here and offers unmatched stargazing thanks to the altitude and lack of light pollution.
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Songtsam Linka Lhasa
Preferred Hotel

Songtsam Linka Lhasa

Lhasa, Tibet

When people close their eyes and imagine Tibet, the iconic Potala Palace may come to mind, and the Songtsam Linka Lhasa positions its guests just a stone’s throw from the famed structure. The palace is located a mere three miles away and is directly visible from the windows and balconies of several of the hotel’s rooms. The hotel itself features slaked lime walls, indigo-carved windows, and a fish-fin-shaped facade – all nods to traditional Tibetan artisans and culture – and the interior maintains an aura of reverence with decorations like wooden floors covered by warm carpets and exquisite wall tapestries. Rooms are spacious, with sitting spaces, balconies, and comfortable beds, and they are equipped with oxygen concentrators to help guests deal with Lhasa’s demanding altitude. There is a Chinese and Tibetan restaurant, which serves excellent home-style dishes, as well as a Western restaurant, where guests will find a breakfast buffet and a selection of wines later in the day. There is also a library and a boutique where guests can purchase souvenirs. Besides Potala Palace, visitors to Lhasa can also explore Jokhang Temple and the Drepung and Sera monasteries, and there are also many natural landscapes to explore in the region.
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St. Regis Lhasa
Preferred Hotel

St. Regis Lhasa

Lhasa, Tibet

Opened in November 2010, the St. Regis Resort in Lhasa stands on eight acres of land at “the roof of the world," with sweeping views of the Potala Palace. The spacious 162 rooms and villas with marble baths are decorated with carefully sourced artifacts that reflect the richness of Tibetan culture. There are a variety of restaurants to choose from, including the intimate private wine club Decanter by Haut-Brisson and Si Zi Kang, which serves traditional Tibetan cuisine. The health club boasts an indoor heated swimming pool, a yoga and pilates studio, and Iridium, a spa offering refined indulgence with Tibetan flavor. The business center offers 4 meeting rooms, copy and printing services, and faxing services. Other amenities include secretarial service and 24-hour butler service. The St. Regis Lhasa is located just minutes from the Potala Palace, the famous Barkhor area, Jokang Temple, Norbulinka, and is 46 miles from Gongga International Airport.

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Camping

Camping

Guge, Tibet

The best way to experience Tibet's beautiful landscape, wildlife and cultures is to hike the ancient foot trails and camp. Surrounded by wilderness, travelers fall asleep under the stars and wake up to crisp Tibetan air and unspoiled scenery each morning – campsites really allow travelers to connect with their environment and enjoy the serenity of the Himalayas. Accompanied by guides and horses or yaks transporting camping equipment, you will stay at established campsites with all food and drinks provided, with meals prepared by an experienced chef.

Guest House

Guest House

Guge, Tibet

Along the foothills and remote areas are small towns and rest stops for hikers and travelers. Basic guesthouses are available and offer a bed and shower for travelers on their journey along the Himalayas.

Hilton Shigatse

Hilton Shigatse

Shigatse, Tibet

Surrounded by mountains, The Hilton Shigatse is a new hotel in the city center of Shigatse. The modern furnished rooms feature oxygen supplies and humidifiers to help guests adjust to the altitude difference. Facilities include a fitness gym. There are 3 restaurant options, a modern BBQ, sophisticated Chinese cuisine, and an all-day dining lounge with signature breakfast and buffet or a-la-carte dining for lunch and dinner. The famous Tashilhunpo Monastery is five minutes away by car, and nearby pedestrian streets feature local markets, restaurants, and shops.
House of Shambhala

House of Shambhala

Lhasa, Tibet

Located in a quiet, traditional Tibetan courtyard in the heart of old Lhasa, this boutique hotel is dedicated to architectural preservation and the sustainable development of Tibetan culture. It has six suites and two rooms, all fitted with Tibetan textiles and furnishings and elegant four-poster beds. Enjoy fine Himalayan cuisine in the intimate dining room, tea on the meditation terraces or a meal on the rooftop veranda that has striking views of the Potala Palace and mountains. The House of Shambhala Spa offers massage therapy based on Tibetan Mandala techniques focused on bringing the body into contact with the non-physical world. There is no business center, fitness center or pool. House of Shambhala is about a 90-minute drive from Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA).

Rongphu Monastery Guest House

Rongphu Monastery Guest House

Mount Everest, Tibet

Possibly the highest guest house in the world, Rongphu Guest House, affiliated with nearby Rongphu Monastery, is located just 1.6 miles away from Everest Base Camp. A stay here is rustic and facilities are basic, but the beds, electric blankets, power sockets, hot water bottles, as well as dining options, make for welcome comforts in the region's harsh conditions.
Shigatse Hotel

Shigatse Hotel

Shigatse, Tibet

The Shigatse Hotel is a modern 3* hotel located in the city centre. It boasts 123 rooms, with a choice of either modern Western-style or traditional Tibetan. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, satellite TV, pay movies, minibar, hairdryer & telephone. The hotel also has 4 restaurants serving buffet, Chinese, Tibetan and international menus as well as breakfast. There is also a beauty salon, massage, shopping centre, gym, bar and disco.

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Seasonality & Festivals

Browse a month-by-month breakdown of suggested itineraries, seasonal activities, climate considerations and festivals.

When to Go
When to Go
Festivals
Festivals

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.
Weather chart for Lhasa, Tibet
Weather chart for Mount Everest Base Camp, Tibet

Multi-Country Specialists

Tibet Goes Well With

Travelogues

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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.
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