Foreign tourists must travel with a registered tour agency using private vehicles with drivers. Independent use of public buses or trains is restricted. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway offers a spectacular journey to Lhasa but requires prior permit arrangements. Within Lhasa, walking is ideal for the city center. Taxis are available for short trips; negotiate fares beforehand. Cycling is popular around Lhasa but challenging at altitude. Domestic flights connect Lhasa with Chengdu, Beijing, and other Chinese cities. Popular navigation/map apps like Baidu Maps or Amap work, but Google services are restricted. Always travel with your guide.
Late April to early June and September to October. These periods offer stable weather, clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and minimal rainfall. July-August is warmer but brings monsoon rains, making some roads muddy. Winter (November-March) is extremely cold with many facilities closed, but offers fewer tourists and stunning snowy landscapes. Major festivals like Losar (Tibetan New Year, Feb/Mar) and Shoton Festival (Aug) provide unique cultural experiences but require advanced planning.
Always walk clockwise around monasteries, stupas, and mani stones. Remove hats and shoes before entering temple halls. Do not point at religious statues or touch sacred objects. Ask permission before photographing people, especially monks and nuns (often prohibited inside temples). Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees at religious sites. Avoid public displays of affection. Tipping is not traditionally practiced but is becoming more common for guides and drivers (100-200 CNY per day for guide, 50-100 for driver). Use both hands or right hand when giving/receiving items. Never step over or sit on religious texts. Respect local customs by not touching anyone's head.
Xizang is generally safe with low violent crime. Petty theft can occur in tourist areas; secure valuables. Political demonstrations are illegal; avoid discussions on sensitive topics. Travel restrictions apply: Foreign tourists must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit through a registered tour agency, which also arranges guide and private vehicle. Independent travel is not permitted. Some border areas require additional permits (Aliens' Travel Permit). Road travel can be hazardous due to altitude, weather, and road conditions. Avoid remote border regions without proper authorization. Respect all religious sites and customs. Be cautious of altitude-related risks; don't overexert yourself.
Altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness) is the primary health concern. Ascend gradually, allow 2-3 days to acclimatize in Lhasa (3,650m) before going higher. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and consider medication like acetazolamide. Carry a comprehensive first-aid kit. Medical facilities in Lhasa (People's Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region) are adequate for emergencies, but serious conditions may require evacuation to Chengdu or Beijing. Ensure you have travel insurance covering high-altitude evacuation. Vaccinations recommended: routine (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis), Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid. Bring prescription medications in original containers. UV radiation is extreme; use high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.
