Tibet Overland Tour: 07 Nights 08 Days Drive in Drive Out Tour - 8 days

Best Time to Tour Tibet

The strong influence of Tibet's elevation changes from the other geographical factors in production, and it brings the unique effects of high but dry- conditions above sea level. Most people visit Tibet during several seasons, depending on their preferences for weather and the activity undertaken.

Spring: One of the best times in Tibet - temperate weather: clear skies and blooming flowers with thin crowds of tourists around. These come with cool temperatures but not deep freezing conditions - good for taking in sights. 

The summer: (July to August) is that favorite time of year that draws many holidaymakers to spend time in the Himalayas with sun-soaked weather and lush green surroundings; however, this is also when rain pours down during the monsoon season. Often, the rains pass over quickly, but some may leave roads slippery, and most tourists may cloud the region at this time. 

Autumn: The period from September through October has been described as the best time to visit because of sunny, warm, and very little rain, while the landscapes become most vivid and colorful because of autumn shadings. High-altitude regions are opened up, and the conditions are just right for sightseeing.

Winter: During the winter months-between November and March-Tibet is very cold and freezing, especially in remote areas. For this reason, it is also a great time to experience winter's unique beauty, especially for those people who want to have a quiet, peaceful time away from ice-capped mountains. If you can tolerate the cold and appreciate seclusion, you may find this an ideal time to experience the pristine beauty of Tibet.

Food and Accommodation

Both food and lodging are travel experiences unique to Tibetish culture and a glimpse into its lifestyle. Tibetan food, hearty here, suits the mountains' high altitudes and is based on many staples like barley, dairy, and yak meat. Tsampa, roasted barley flour, is a main source of energy for the cold, hilly landscape, followed by mixing it with butter tea or yogurt. Momo steamed or fried dumplings filled with vegetables, meats, or cheese, and thukpa, a noodle soup, are also widely popular. If you go further, you may not find a variety of ways, but larger cities such as Lhasa will have better international foods like Chinese and Indian. 

As for accommodation, Tibet is pitifully weak in that regard. For example, you will find a classic middle-range hotel with all modern amenities like hot water and Wi-Fi with restaurants serving Tibetan and international dishes inside major cities like Lhasa and Shigatse. For those looking to get closer to real life here, budget guest houses are simpler across the board and often have very few facilities, but you can get closer to what it is like to live here. Accommodation is more spartan for those venturing into remote parts: simple guesthouses with shared facilities, but you can scrounge a warm feeling in return for not-so-lavish surroundings. 

Staying in Tibet means coming closer to the warmth and simplicity of the region and enjoying the opportunity to experience its culture firsthand, but, of course, also caring about what fits into your pocket.

Packing List for Tour

Packing for Tibet is all about mental prep. The high-altitude environment and unpredictable weather will call you to read between the lines when you pack your bags. Here's that detailed packing list for your comfort at the base camp:

• Fleece Jackets or Down Jackets

• Pair of Thermals

• Pair of Shocks

• Warm Gloves and Hat

• Woollen Scarf

• Waterproof Pants and Jackets

• Hiking Shoes 

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• First Aid Kit

• Altitude Sickness medication

• Water Bottle and Water Purification Tablet

• Snacks

• Camera

• Travel Documents

• Permits Paper and Visa Paper

• Passport

• Toiletries

• All the necessary Items which you will need while traveling to Tibet

Travel Permits and Visa

Chinese Visa: To enter Tibet, it is necessary to possess a valid Chinese visa. For direct travels to Tibet from other countries, it is sufficient to possess the normal single-entry type; however, for travels coming from Nepal, a double-entry visa is required. 

Travel Permit to Tibet: Apart from these, to visit Tibet, the traveler will require a special permit issued from the Tibet Tourism Bureau, and such permit can only be arranged through a licensed travel agency, without which no entry into Tibet would be permitted. 

Nepali Group Visa: For travel from Nepal, the group visa is obtained from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, and you have to travel under a tour group.

High Altitude Consideration

High-altitude terrain in Tibet is a unique geographic challenge for travelers:

Altitude sickness: The higher one goes (Lhasa is at 3,650m), the possibility of experiencing altitude sickness increases. Symptoms range from a headache to dizziness to nausea and shortness of breath.

Prevention: Proper acclimatization will require resting for a few days in Lhasa before going higher. Drink water, avoid alcohol, and refrain from anything strenuous in the early days. 

Medication: Consult your doctor about taking Diamox to prevent altitude sickness.

Health and Safety Tips

When one goes to Tibet, health requirements become different: 

Hydration: Drink plenty of boiled or bottled water because of Tibet's dry climate and its high altitude to remain hydrated.

Food and Water Safety: Don't drink tap water. If you're in doubt about the food source, don't bother eating street food or food that's improperly cooked. Drink bottled or boiled water and have food in reputable restaurants.

Emergency Help: Medical facilities are available only in limited conditions in remote areas of Tibet. In the event of serious illness or injury, all possibilities might have you evacuating to a larger city like Lhasa. Therefore, travel insurance with emergency evacuation should be strongly recommended.

Travelers Insurance: Ensure your travel insurance covers high-altitude trekking as well as emergency evacuation. This is necessary for peace of mind in case something unanticipated happens to occur.

Local Customs and Etiquette

Tibet must be rich in culture and respect all local customs:

Monastery Etiquette: At monasteries or temples, be respectful. Dress modestly and ask for permission before photographing monks or ceremonies.

The Dalai Lama: The Dalai Lama is quite honored in Tibet. Avoid political or status-related topics concerning him, as this is usually a controversial matter.

Offering and Gift Acceptance: Generally, present a gift with two hands while giving it to a Tibetan, especially in monasteries or houses. Likewise, always receive offerings with both hands.

Buddhist Practices: Respect such sacred objects as prayer wheels and stupas. Clockwise generally goes with circling prayer wheels or stupas, while consideration is given to walking before prayer flags or sacred sites as an act of disrespect.