Hiking Trails Opening Up in Tibet in Spring
Many travelers think Tibet's top hikes—like Everest Base Camp Karma Valley trek and Kailash Mansarovar circumambulation—are open year-round. In fact, winter shuts them down. Heavy snow blocks paths, temperatures drop to -20℃, and supply stops close, making hiking risky. Spring (April to May) is when these trails wake up—your chance to skip summer's rain, crowds, and mud, and see Tibet at its most magical.
Kailash Mansarovar Circumambulation in Spring
Why wait until spring to hike Kailash? Winter turns its core path—like the 5,630m Droma La Pass—into a death trap, with 1-2 meters of snow that traps boots and causes slips. Nights get so cold that even guesthouses at Driapuk Monastery or Dzultripuk Monastery can't keep you warm, and there are less supply points along the trek route.
Spring changes everything. By mid-April, snow on Droma La Pass thins to a light dusting. Days warm to 5–10 °C, and guesthouse heaters are good enough to keep you warm at night.
Spring is the "quiet season"—no summer crowds, so you can sit alone by Lake Mansarovar and watch Kailash's reflection in the water, or listen to prayer flags flutter without noise. If you visit in late May, you might even catch the Saga Dawa Festival, when locals gather to pray—adding a sacred touch to your hike. Our Tibet travel agency can help you get all permits, arrange a local guide who knows the spring trails, and book guesthouses before they fill up.
Everest Base Camp Karma Valley Trek in Spring
Everest's Karma Valley—called "the world's most beautiful valley"—is also winter-closed. Snow covers roads from Qudang Township to the valley entrance, and avalanches risk is high. Even Everest Base Camp shuts down most facilities, so there's nowhere to rest before your hike.
Spring fixes this. Roads clear, avalanche risk drops, and nomads set up tents to sell hot Tibetan noodles. You can stay at Everest Base Camp first to get used to the 5,200m altitude.
From mid-April to early May, Karma Valley's meadows burst with pink and white blooms, standing against Everest (8,848m) and Lhotse (8,516m). Stop at viewpoints, and you'll see glacier cracks on Everest and Lhotse's sharp peaks—perfect for photos. Our travel agency can arrange all camping gear that you need.
Conclusion
To realize your dream of trekking in Tibet, you'll need permits, a guide who knows spring trails, and safe transport. Message us today for a free, personalized plan!
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35 Comment ON "Hiking Trails Opening Up in Tibet in Spring"
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash