Obtaining Tibet travel permit is often the most challenging and confusing part of Tibet travel planning that people, especially foreign visitors and first-time travelers to the Chinese territory face. The Tibet Permit is an essential document that travelers must secure and obtain in order to enter the territory, without which, there is no way that you can be allowed to visit the region. Here is a step by step rundown of the process you will likely go through when trying to obtain a Tibet travel permit:

1. 1. Passport preparation:

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your travel. The Chinese Embassy will not grant you a visa with a passport that has less than 6 months’ validity. Reserve at least one blank visa page for your China visa—amendment pages and bar-coded pages are not acceptable for stamping.

2. 2. Chinese Visa application:

If you are entering Tibet from the Mainland, you can either get a China visa through the Chinese Embassy or any associated visa center within your home country. If, however, you wish to travel to Tibet from Nepal, you must apply for a China Group Visa or a group tourists visa, which will be your equivalent to a China visa. This type of visa can only be obtained through a tour operator via the Chinese Embassy located in Kathmandu.

3. 3. Tibet Travel Permit application:

You will also need a local travel agent to assist you in obtaining a Tibet Travel Permit. This is because the TTB (Tibet Tourism Bureau) doesn’t issue permits to individual travelers. To apply for this permit, you will need secure documentation, including copies of your passport, passport photos, and China visa.

Tour agents play a huge part in obtaining China group visa and Tibet travel permits, which is why it is crucial to choose a reliable and reputable travel agency to assist you in securing these travel documents.

Many Asian religious traditions regard Mount Kailash in Tibet as a sacred place. Millions of those who follow Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and the ancient Bon faith pilgrimage to the sacred land to complete ritualistic walks around the mountain’s base, making Mount Kailash one of the most visited sites in the region. A Tibet Kailash tour will take you deep into the Himalayas to experience the mystery and majesty of Asia’s most sacred mountain.

In Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, Kailash represents an earthly manifestation of what is revered as the universe’s spiritual center (Mount Semeru). To Buddhists and Hindus, the tip of Mount Kailash holds immense power, being the focal point of the rotation of the cosmos. Still in Hindu tradition, Mount Kailash serves as the throne of Shiva, while Buddhists believe the mountain to be home to Demchong, who is regarded as the greatest tantric god of meditation, representing supreme bliss. In Bon mythology, Mount Kailash is seen as sacred because the site is where Shenrab, founder of the Bon faith is said to have come down from heaven. To Bon followers, the entire region that surrounds Kailash is considered mystical, with the seat of spiritual power, being the nine-story swastika-shaped mountain, right in the center. A Kailash pilgrimage tour will help you discover how the mountain came to gain such reverence as a sacred site and source of the four life-giving rivers, dividing the world into four different regions.

Tibet Kailash tour is the perfect gateway to spiritual pilgrimages and life-changing journeys around the sacred mountain. Many believers of these ancient religions, as well as devoted upholders of their practices, go on these spiritual journeys to become much closer to the divine. It is said that a trip around Kailash Mountain wipes a pilgrim of his sins from this lifetime.

Tibet is probably the most unique travel destinations you’ll ever get the chance to experience. With an average altitude of some 4,800 MASL, trekking tours in Tibet poses many unique challenges, but will reward you with some of the most incredible landscapes painted by soaring mountains, hidden valleys, sacred lakes, and vast plains your eyes will ever lay upon. The local culture adds even more vibrant colors to the already splendid and majestic mountainous scenes innate to the region. Planning for a Tibet trek is crucial because the region’s elevation can make trails extra challenging to traverse and ascend. The question remains, how do you prepare yourself for a Tibet trekking adventure and make your body and mind strong enough to withstand its unique conditions?

One of the most important things you should remember when going on trekking tours in Tibet is to prepare yourself physically for demands of high altitudes and the cold temperatures that come with such elevations. If you climbing a flight of stairs is already a struggle to you, think of how much more challenging it would be trying to trek in high altitude conditions. If you plan on trekking Tibet, prepare yourself with a good cardio routine to get physically in shape.

Tibet trekking is best with a good guide. Guided tours are definitely your best option because local guides have the best inside knowledge and can help you discover more hidden gems than you ever would, trying to DIY your trek, no matter how good your guide book may be. It is also important to suit up with the right gear and equipment for climbing to ensure you are well-protected from the rigors of particularly challenging trails. Acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness and pack the right sustenance to keep you energized throughout your Tibet trek.

Tibet is unlike any other travel destination. It enjoys a unique position right below the earth’s roof, which affords it splendid mountain landscapes and rich cultural heritage one can only experience through a private tour. Independent travel to Tibet isn’t an option, which is why you need a reliable Tibet travel agency to make your dream Tibet tour possible.

Tibet is an autonomous Chinese region. As such, travelers to the territory must first obtain a visa and an additional permit to be able to enter and visit. Furthermore, you need to seek out a Tibet tour agency to make organizing your tour and acquiring the necessary permits and requirements easier. Working with a Tibet tour agency will help you make the most out of your once in a lifetime trip to this well-kept part of the world.

One of the main areas where a Tibet travel agency can be helpful to your Tibet tour is in obtaining the proper travel permit. Securing a China Visa is crucial before seeking to be granted a Tibet Travel Permit. Only through an agency can you apply for a Tibet Entry Permit via the Tibet Tourism Bureau. This is also why it is crucial to find a tour operator with a solid reputation and good relationship with government departments and agencies dealing with permit application processes. In addition to helping you obtain and secure the proper travel documents, a tour agency can likewise ensure personalized tour packages and services to make your trip a remarkable experience. These agencies have the knowledge and experience, giving them the ability to create tour experiences that travelers will definitely love. They can organize customized tours that are tailored to what you want to see, do, and experience in Tibet, whether you are into trekking, mountain biking, or perhaps a deeper discovery of the region’s unique culture.

Taking a mountain bike tour in Tibet is many-a bike rider’s dream, especially with Tibet’s unique location in the foothills of some of the world’s highest peaks. A bike tour across Tibet would literally be a cycling-on-top-of-the-world experience to remember. However, this kind of adventure isn’t for the faint of heart (and body) as a Tibet mountain bike tour can be a physically and mentally taxing feat. Those who have the physical agility and will to take a Lhasa to Nepal mountain bike tour with Everest looming in the backdrop are rewarded with some of the most stunning sceneries any cycler could dream of, along with unique experiences as they dip into the local Tibetan culture.

Like any type of tour to the region, if you are interested in booking a mountain bike tour in Tibet, there are essential permits and travel documents that you must secure in order to ensure entry to the territory. Foreign travelers to Tibet must acquire proper travel permits, including a military permit, if visiting military areas.

You can choose to buy, rent, or even bring your own mountain bike to use for your Tibet mountain bike tour. Many agencies provide their guests with all the necessary equipment for the cycling tour, but visitors can always choose to rent or perhaps even buy gear and then decide to sell them to locals after the cycling trip. Others still prefer bringing their own equipment to ensure gear reliability and performance throughout their tour. Regardless of how you choose to obtain your cycling gear, what’s more important is to prepare for the trip accordingly, given the physical demands of a biking tour in such a high-altitude place. Physical training is crucial if you plan to travel to Tibet by cycling as well as when wishing to trek up its high peaks.

One of the best ways to experience Tibet is through festival tours, which help visitors dig deep and immerse themselves in the local culture. Tibet festival tours are about the best types of culture tours, offered across the different regions of the territory. Festival tours in Tibet range in type and scale, but the most sought after are those that mark significant holidays and cultural celebrations in the region, from colorful Tibetan New Year festivals to the Saga Dawa Festival, Yogurt Festival, and other religious festivities that showcase the best of Tibetan traditions and culture.

One of the grandest religious and cultural festivals in Tibet, the Saga Dawa Festival or the “month of merits” is an annual observance held every fourth lunar month (according to the Tibetan calendar). Festivities typically begin in May all the way through the month of June. With a Kailash Saga Dawa Festival Tour, you will come to experience firsthand, just how sacred and important the month of merits is to Buddhist monks. This particular festival celebrates Buddha’s birth, death, and enlightenment. Buddhists believe that all actions (both negative and positive) done through the Saga Dawa period are multiplied, which is also why it is considered the best time to do meritorious acts, including pilgrimages to places that the religion regards as sacred. These places include many mountains, caves, lakes, and natural sites around Tibet, among the most important of which is Mt. Kailash.

Tibet Festival Tours are not limited to festivities and celebrations of religious nature. There are also tours that are centered on celebrations with great historic and cultural significance like the Shoton Festival, the most prominent celebrations of which are typically held in the capital of Lhasa, and major monasteries like the Drepung Monastery, which used to serve as home to the Dalai Lama.

Apart from being home to some of the most beautiful and exotic natural destinations and wonders of the World (including the Himalayas, lakes, and dense forest among others), Tibet also has as a unique and splendid culture of its own. Shining like a peel in the world and sitting on top of it, the fascinating culture and art forms of the country Tibet have originated to their present form through centuries of peaceful interaction with the cultures, religions, and beliefs of the surrounding regions.

The Versatility and Uniqueness of Tibetan Culture

The two most profound religions of the region are Buddhism and Bon. The unique cultural aspects of the region of the native Tibetan people reflect in the art, handicrafts, clothing and costumes, food and drinks, festivals, medicine, and other lifestyle aspects.

The central and local Tibet tour will bring you close to the fascinating cultural, historical, and artistic aspects of Tibet. Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, is one of the holiest cities in Buddhism, and a pilgrimage destination as well. A Tibet local tour is incomplete without a visit to the Drepung and Sera monasteries that are the biggest Tibet Buddhist Universities. Other major monasteries of the region that will help you explore Tibetan artistic, religious, and cultural aspects include the Samye monastery, Olka Cholung monastery, and Ganden monastery. The Tsetang town is considered to be the cradle of Tibetan civilization. It is this place where the first Temple (Traduk temple), the first inhabitants or castle (Yumbu Lhakhang) and the first monastery were founded. The strong people of Tibet welcome you with a smile everywhere and you will find the hardworking Tibetan people and families indulged in various activities all the time. Gyantse is one of the largest towns of Tibet and has the vibrant bazaars offering you local and native handicraft, clothing, footwear and other items that speak volumes about the imaginative and traditional artistic aspects of Tibet. Certains stupas and monasteries including the Palchoe monastery and the Kubhum Pagoda have more than 600 years of history. The native cuisine has some of the most exotic and new tastes for you (includes the Yak meat). Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet and is also the place where the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery (the seat of Panchen Lama) is located.

The never-ending cultural sagas and the roller coaster ride through magnificent architectural and fascinating cultural hotspots of the Tibet local tour are memorable. While the region is peaceful, choose a certified agency to explore the best of Tibet in the safest way.

A Tibet motorcycle journey and tour takes you through the enchanted landscapes and beautiful wild regions of one of the most popular tourist destinations of the world. You will find the Alpine forests flourishing the wilderness in unique and stunning ways. The beauty and charm of the mighty Himalayas are also quite impressive. Because the road and highway infrastructure of Tibet and surrounding regions have improved considerably (the Friendship Highway is one of the new additions), you will find the Tibet motorcycle tour to be very comfortable as well.

The Tibet Motorcycle Tour

You can begin your Tibet motorcycle tour in the capital city of Tibet Lhasa, or in Kathmandu as well. When you hire a leading and certified Tibet motorcycle tourism agency, it arranges all the necessary road and travel permits for you beforehand. Kathmandu itself has some of the best tourist attractions including the Lord Pashupatinath Temple, the Kathmandu Square, the Boudhanath Stupa and many other unforgettable landmarks and cultural hotspots. You can cross over to Tibet via a new border entry point by the name Kyirong. Throughout your tour, the beautiful snow-capped mountains, mesmerizing glaciers, verdant forests, lush green grasslands, and rare fauna and flora keep astonishing you. The region also has some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries of the world.

The top tourist attraction that you can explore during a Tibet motorcycle tour includes UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Jokhang temple and Potala Palace. Reach to the holy, glittering, and Turquoise lakes including the Yamdrok Lake and get an adrenaline rush while traveling through the thrilling passes including the Kampala pass. The tour can be started at Lhasa as well. You also get an option to extend your tour to other fascinating destinations including Kashgar and others, which lie in surrounding countries including Pakistan and Kazakhstan.

Make The Best Pick

There are multiple Tibet mountain motorcycle tour options available to you. For instance, you can join the Everest Base Camp motorbike trip and ride through the dense forests, waterfalls, Sherpa villages, snow mountains, monasteries including the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery (the seat of Panchen Lama), and the Everest base camp. Or, you can ride your motorcycle to the Mount Kailash ( a place sacred to 54 religions of the world) and the holy Lake Mansarovar. Other motorbike tools can take you to the cultural destinations and fascinating cities of Tibet including Gyantse, Shigatse and to the nomad caps that provide you a memorable night stay experience.

Make sure to hire only a certified agency that has for you the safety kits and also arrange accommodations to help you have a peaceful night sleep.

Tibet has one of the most beautiful natural sceneries in the world. Glaciers, snow-capped mountains, wild and lush forests, and the everlasting charm of Buddhist monasteries and stupas are only a few of the hotspots of this destination. But you can also combine your Tibet tour with a tour of Kathmandu, another beautiful and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The classic and mesmerizing tour of the friendship highway (placed in between Tibet and Kathmandu) will reveal to you spectacular natural landscapes and water bodies and will be a memorable roller coaster ride.

The Tibet and Kathmandu Tour

You can begin your tour Kathmandu and Tibet tour at Lhasa and would not like to miss on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple. Bharkor Bazaar and magnificent and monasteries including the Sera and Drepung monasteries are remarkable cultural sites as well. Within Tibet itself, you can visit the beautiful Karola Glacier and Yamdrok Lake. Gyantse, another major destination of your Nepal and Tibet tour is one of the largest cities of Tibet and has historical landmarks including the Fort, the Kumbum (multistoried Buddhist Stupa with chapels), the Palchoe monastery and the Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism as well. Get to the Mount Everest and indulge in exotic and beautiful sightseeing. After exploring the beautiful glaciers, monasteries, vibrant bazaars, verdant grasslands and prairies, and a plethora of glittering natural bodies, you can cross over to Nepal through the Friendship Bridge. Here another saga of cultural evolution and precious natural treasures await you.

Kathmandu is a city of temples. Chitwan, one of the major forests in Nepal has some of the most exotic and widest range of fauna and flora. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is also located in Nepal. Some of the most remarkable tourist resorts here include the Nagarkot and Pokhara Resort. The lord Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most revered Temple in Nepal and Hinduism. The unforgettable cultural and religious landmarks and attractions of the place also include the Boudhanath Stupa, the Baithak Darbar, the Kathmandu Durbar Square, and many other tourists attractions.

Hiring a leading and certified Tibet tour agency will ensure that you have the necessary travel and road permit ready for you wherever required. These Tibet tour agencies will also arrange for you the accommodation for your night stays during the tour. They will have the necessary safety gear and other items (including medical boxes, Oxygen kits, tents, kitchenware and everything else) ready for you when you want to make an adventurous night stay in the wild.

Also called the “roof of the world”, Tibet has some of the world’s oldest glaciers, highest mountains, and the beautiful and turquoise lakes among many other natural wonders and features. The challenging plateaus, passes, snow-capped mountains and moonscape lands bring to Tibet trekkers from around the world.

Remember that a trip or Tibet trekking tour may require a prior arrangement of road and travel permits. People from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan can enter Tibet without Visa, but the same facility does not extend to international tourists. A flight to Tibet across the Himalayas is a memorable and out of the world experience in itself. The Qinghai-Tibet railway track is also the highest in the world.

The Best Tibet Trekking Tours

The best time for a trekking tour in Tibet is from April to October. During this time period, most of the treks can be assessed easily and the weather is also suitable for touring, travel, and trekking in Tibet. The best of Tibetan festivals including the Shoton festival, Saga Dawa festival, and the Nagqu festival take place during these months.

The leading tour companies in Tibet can offer you more than 50 Tibet trekking tour packages. The best of these treks include the Labchikang trek, Kartha valley trek, Kham’s Derge-Yilhun, Amnye Machen trek, and the Nyenpo Yurtse trek. These treks are exclusive and help you travel through the less explored areas of Tibet. Other more common and popular treks include the Yamdrok Lake trek and the Ganden-Samye trek. You will experience the best of natural wonders of Tibet in your Trek, including the breathtaking snow-capped mountains, glaciers, mountain passes, forests, beautiful grasslands, and others. These tours also take you through the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the region including the Potala Palace. The treks have cultural sightseeing as well in the form of the vibrant bazaars, the beautiful Tibet villages, and the iconic Buddhist monasteries and stupas.

A leading and certified tour agency like Shambhala Adventure is certified by Tibet Tourism Bureau and the China National Tourism Bureaus. Planning your trek with a certified Tibet trekking tour provider ensures that it is safe. These tour operators will have for you the medical aid boxes, oxygen kits, tents, kitchenware and everything else you need to enjoy your Tibet trekking tour in the most comfortable, exhilarating, secure and convenient way.