Tibet Travel Guide

Tibet is a small country with a turbulent recent history. It’s also part of the People’s Republic of China at the moment, much to the dismay of the Beastie Boys, the Dalai Lama, and quite a few other people in exile. But on the lighter side, Tibet spans the world’s highest plateau with an average elevation of almost 5,000 meters (16,000 feet), and is one of the ways to reach Mt. Everest. Even once inside China you’ll need another permit to enter Tibet. Research before planning this trip as it can be complicated although far from impossible.

What To Do

Mt. Everest sits at the border between Tibet and Nepal and there is a climbing route on each side. The Tibet side is regarded as the more difficult and more scenic of the two, and the mountain itself is certainly the biggest attraction in the region, even for those not intent on giving it a go up to the top.

The capital city of Lhasa is an important religious center and is filled with fascinating temples and palaces. The Jokhang Temple dates back to the 7th Century and houses a Buddha statue from the same period that is considered the most sacred object in Tibet. The Potala Palace dominates the city from atop its hill and also broke ground in the 7th Century. This was the winter home of the Dalai Lamas and the center of government for many centuries.

Getting There

There are train services into Tibet from major regional cities, but tickets are very complicated to get and the travel time is more than 24 hours from even the closest major city. If you are coming from any great distance you’ll want to book a flight into Lhasa Gonggar Airport (code LXA), which is actually about 100 km from Lhasa and a 2-hour bus ride.

Where To Stay

There is a large backpacker and tourist infrastructure in Lhasa in particular. There are a few hostels in Lhasa and many hotels from which to choose, but be aware that standards may not be up to what most Western travelers expect. However, experienced backpackers should have no problems finding a suitable place with a bit of research.