Tibet is the cultural region of Tibetans in the People’s Republic of China. Traditionally, Tibet has three main provinces U-Tsang, Kham, and Amdo. But present-day these provinces are located in several provinces of China. U-Tsang and some parts of Kham are located in Tibet Autonomous Region, remaining Kham parts are the autonomous prefectures of Sichuan, Qinghai, and Yunnan provinces of China. Amdo regions are the autonomous prefectures of Qinghai, Sichuan, and Gansu provinces of China.
The most popular destinations for travelers in the Tibetan region are Tibet Autonomous Region. Where the ancient capital of Tibet is located, in Lhasa City. Some of the historical wonders are located in Tibet Autonomous Region. Lhasa City, Shigatse City, Ngari (Ali) prefecture, Shannan City, and Nakchu City are the most visited places in Central Tibet.
Traveling to Tibet needs some travel permits for certain destinations in Tibetan Region. First of all, you need a Chinese visa to travel to Tibet. Especially, Tibet Autonomous Region needs a Tibet travel permit which you need to apply for through travel agencies from Tibet Tourism Bureau, Tibet Autonomous Region. For that, you need to book a Tibet tour with a registered Tibet travel agency or travel company. They will apply for a Tibet travel permit on your behalf from the Tibet tourism bureau.
Tibet travel permit is also known as a Tibet visa or official travel document to travel to Tibet Autonomous Region issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau, no foreigner allows traveling to Tibet without the permit.
All international tourists need Tibet travel permits but those who are diplomates, journalists, government officials, and Indian pilgrims are not allowed to apply for Tibet travel permits through travel agencies. Your permits will handle by Tibet Foreign Affairs office. No independent or solo travelers allow traveling to Tibet without a permit.
This permit allows you to visit Lhasa City only and if you need to travel outside Lhasa, then you need some other permits. It all depends on your tour itineraries.
The Alien’s Travel Permit is issued by Public Security Bureau, Tibet Autonomous Region. Tourists need this permit when traveling to unopened areas in Tibet Autonomous Region, like places outside Lhasa City.
After booking your tour, you need to give your passport and Tibet travel permit to your tour company. Alien’s permit will handle by the tour company on your behalf. It’ll take a day and cost only 50 RMB per person.
This permit is only required for traveling near sensitive border areas like Mount Kailash in Ali prefecture and Rowok Lake in Chamdo. Depending on your tour itinerary, your tour company will rearrange all the required travel permits for you. Just so you know what permits you need to travel to Tibet and cooperate with your tour company.
There are two main types of tours offered by tour companies; Tibet group Tour and private tour. You have only these options;
The tourists who book the same itinerary will form a group of 8-10 people with the Tibet tour company. They will provide an English-speaking local tour guide and a drive. Depending on the size of the group, they provide a vehicle. The tour will be less expensive than a private tour.
You can book a private Tibet tour with a tour company. They will provide an English-speaking local tour guide and a driver. The tour will be expensive and have a little more freedom. It is perfect for photographers, videographers, or vloggers because you can ask them to stop where ever you want.
There are only two ways to get to Tibet as there is no direct international flight to Lhasa, Tibet except Kathmandu, Nepal. So, you need to book your flight to cities in mainland China. Then, you’ll have some options to get to Tibet, like an overland trip from Chengdu city in Sichuan, a train ride, and flights from major cities of mainland China.
Direct flights are available to Lhasa from the most of major cities, like Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. The most famous train ride to Tibet is from the Xining city of Qinghai, which is about 15 hours ride along the Tibet-Qinghai plateau.
The road trip from Xining to Lhasa is popular as well. If time permits, an overland trip from Chengdu to Lhasa is an amazing choice because you can witness some of the wildest places in Tibet’s Kham region.
There is a half-hour direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa which flies over the Himalayan Mountain ranges. An overland trip is a great option for travelers as well.
