Travel Guide

Tibet Permit

What the Tibet Travel Permit is and who needs one

A clear guide to what the Tibet Travel Permit covers, how it differs from a border pass, and when to apply in advance.

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Application process

Application process and required documents

Step by step from submitting documents to receiving the electronic file, with the paperwork you need to prepare.

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Processing time

Processing times and express service

How standard and express differ, what affects speed, and when to submit ahead of time.

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Border pass

Border passes and border-area travel

Where a border pass is required, how to arrange it with the permit, and the usual travel restrictions.

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Routes

Common routes into Tibet and how to plan them

The character of the classic Lhasa, Shigatse, Nyingchi and Namtso directions, and how long each suits.

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Altitude

Plateau travel notes: altitude, climate and preparation

Preparing physically before entering Tibet, what to pack, and how to handle altitude sickness.

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Lhasa city

Lhasa city guide: seasons, sights, food and stays

Lhasa at a practical level: the pace of the city, the best months, the main sights and where to eat and stay.

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Shigatse

Shigatse and the Everest region: a practical guide

The classic route from Lhasa to Shigatse, what you see along the way, and the border pass you need for the Everest direction.

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Border pass

How to get a border pass: documents, places and validity

What a border pass covers, where to apply, which documents to bring and how long it stays valid.

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First visit

First time in Tibet: altitude sickness and how to handle it

Common symptoms of altitude sickness, what to do about them, and who should not travel to the plateau.

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Independent travel

Tibet DIY travel: permits, health and packing

Entry formalities, health preparation, a packing list and what to watch for on the road.

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Off Season

Off-season Tibet: ticket prices, weather and what to expect

Off-season versus peak-season prices, winter weather and practical reminders.

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Gyirong

Lhasa to Kathmandu overland via Gyirong

The overland route from Lhasa to Kathmandu through Gyirong, the border formalities and how to time it.

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Beijing

Beijing to Lhasa: flights, trains and timing

Flights and trains from Beijing to Lhasa, with journey times and indicative fares.

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Shanghai

Shanghai to Lhasa: flights, trains and connections

Direct flights and trains from Shanghai, plus a shorter rail option via Xining.

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Guangzhou

Guangzhou to Lhasa: flights, trains and the Xining option

Three ways from Guangzhou: a direct flight, an alternate-day train, or a connection through Xining.

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Chengdu

Chengdu to Lhasa: flights, trains and permits

Flights, trains and permit preparation for travellers starting from Chengdu.

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Nepal

Nepal to Tibet: by air or overland

Entering Tibet from Nepal by air or overland, including the option of connecting through a mainland city.

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Qinghai-Tibet railway

A guide to the Qinghai-Tibet railway

What the Qinghai-Tibet railway offers on board: carriages, meals, oxygen and medical support.

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