Booking Tibet Cultural Tour
To ensure a smooth journey, it is recommended to book the tour at least 15-20 days before departure. Of course, booking 1 or 2 months or even earlier will help us apply for necessary travel documents on your behalf and make advance reservations for accommodations. Additionally, early booking provides the opportunity to enjoy early bird discounts. The earlier you book, the better prepared you’ll be, and you won’t be troubled in a rush.
Necessary travel documents for Tibet Cultural Tour
Before you leave, make sure to get your Chinese Visa and Tibet Travel Permit in advance so you can enter the Tibet Autonomous Region. We’ll take care of Tibet Travel Permit, as well as other local travel documents as part of our tour package. Simply follow our guidance, and there’s no need to worry about the process.
Time to Get Tibet Travel Permit
Once you book your Lhasa and Shigatse small group tour with us, simply provide scanned copies of your Chinese Visa and a valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity). If you traveling with a work visa, you will need proof of employment in China, and a study visa requires proof of your study in China.
Generally, it takes 7-14 working days to process the Tibet Travel Permit. Once the permit is successfully issued, we will mail it to your address in China 3-5 days before your Tibet trip, ensuring you can smoothly board the train or flight to Tibet.
High altitude sickness in Tibet Cultural Tour
While Lhasa sits at an altitude of 3650 meters above sea level, Shigatse is slightly higher, reaching an elevation of 3845 meters. The highest point during this journey may be the Gampala Pass at 4900 meters when reaching Yamdrok Lake at 4400 meters above sea level.
For first-time visitors to such high-altitude regions, mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as dizziness and headaches may occur.
However, there is no need to worry. Our specially designed 6-day trip from Lhasa to Shigatse ensures a gradual acclimatization. You’ll spend 2-3 days exploring Lhasa at an altitude of 3650 meters before moving on to higher altitudes like Shigatse (3845 meters).
Based on our experience, most tourists can adapt well to the increase in altitude through such an itinerary, and severe altitude reactions are rare. If you experience severe symptoms during the journey, such as intense headaches or difficulty breathing, use oxygen immediately, inform your guide, and seek medical attention promptly.
Best time for Tibet Cultural Tour
This journey is suitable for exploration throughout the year, as both Lhasa and Shigatse offer inviting experiences, regardless of the weather.
For the most favorable conditions, consider traveling between April and October, with particularly delightful weather in April, May, September, and October. During these months, the climate is pleasant, ideal for outdoor sightseeing. In Autumn, the scenic route from Lhasa to Shigatse showcases vast fields of Tibetan barley turning golden.
Summer marks the peak season for Tibetan tourism, with attractions potentially crowded and costs at their highest. However, it’s also the prime time to relish the lush green fields on the journey from Lhasa to Shigatse and to witness the stunning views of Yamdrok Lake.
Winter emerges as the optimal season for budget-conscious tours in Tibet, as many hotels and flights offer low-season discounts, and numerous attractions provide free admission. It’s also an ideal time for a quieter Tibet experience with fewer tourists during the low season.
Regardless of when you embark on this trip from Lhasa to Shigatse, anticipate a unique travel experience enriched by our exceptional local travel services.
Road condition on Tibet Cultural Tour
The straight-line distance from Lhasa to Shigatse is about 230 kilometers, but because of the winding mountain roads, the actual driving distance is around 260 kilometers. It usually takes about 4 to 5 hours to drive to Shigatse.
For a comfortable and safe journey, we usually arrange the drive from Lhasa to Shigatse with stops at Yamdrok Lake and Gyantse. This not only helps you get used to the high-altitude environment but also lets you enjoy the scenery along the way, making your travel experience better.
The road from Lhasa to Shigatse boasts one of the finest in the region, mainly following the famous Sino-Nepal Friendships Highway which is fully asphalted.
