Expert Tips for Visiting Tibet in April: Avoid Mistakes & Enjoy Your Trip

With April's coming, the snow melts across the plateau, Tibet shakes off the harsh winter chill, and the tourism season starts to wake up. Lhasa sees mild days and little of the biting winter wind, and hotspots such as Nyingchi burst into early-spring color. Better yet, April means fewer crowds than peak months, lower hotel prices, and more space to soak in sacred sites like the Potala Palace. But it's not without pitfalls: unexpected cold nights, closed mountain roads, and tricky altitude sickness can ruin your trip if you're unprepared. This guide shares expert tips to help you avoid these mistakes and make the most of your April Tibet adventure.

April Tibet Weather & Altitude Sickness: Avoid Surprises  

Weather and altitude are the top worries for April travelers—and for good reason. In Lhasa, daytime temps hover around 10–15°C, perfect for walking around Jokhang Temple, but nights plummet to 0–5°C —many tourists pack only light jackets and shiver after sunset. Remote areas like Ngari or Mount Kailash are even colder: -5 to 8°C with occasional snow. It's a must that you pack a warm down jacket, thermal underwear, and waterproof hiking shoes (snow is common on mountain roads). Also, check road conditions before heading to border spots or the high mountain passes as they are sometimes closed temporarily due to snow. However, rest assured that our local agency tracks real-time road updates, and our drivers know alternate routes to keep your trip on track.  

Don't make the mistake of drinking alcohol to stay warm—it dehydrates you and boosts the risk of suffering from altitude sickness. Instead, spend 1–2 days in Lhasa first to acclimatize, drink 3–4 liters of water daily, and take altitude medicine. Meanwhile, never underestimate how serious a cold can be—whether it's before your Tibet trip or during it. So, it's essential to pack enough warm clothes and avoid wearing short T-shirts, even during the daytime. No matter what happens, our guides will provide timely help using their professional first-aid skills, so don't hesitate to tell them about your needs or any discomfort.

April Tibet Must-See & Skip Closed Spots  

Must-visit spots include Nyingchi Peach Blossom Valley: from late March to mid-April, pink peach blossoms bloom against snow-capped Himalayan peaks—it's a photographer's haven!

Yamdrok Lake is another popular choice: it's rarely frozen in April, and fewer crowds mean you can take photos without strangers in the frame.

Of course, the Potala Palace remains a year-round highlight that consistently captivates visitors.

Think twice about visiting these spots in April. In early April, Mount Kailash's pilgrimage route may still be covered in deep snow, so you'll need to confirm if the route is open to tourists first. Similarly, Lake Manasarovar, Dzultripuk Monastery, and Driapuk Monastery—all alongside the Mount Kailash kora—will likely be inaccessible too. For the most accurate, up-to-date information, it's best to check with our travel agency. Many famous attractions in Tibet are open year-round, and swap these for easier trips like a day tour to Lhasa for the Jokhang temple, or a day tour to Shannan for the Samye Monastery.

Conclusion

Our website works hard to offer detailed, season-specific Tibet travel guides for travelers like you, no matter where you're from. We hope these tips make your Tibet trip planning easier.