Tibet Tour Booking: Common Questions Foreign Tourists Actually Ask

I've gathered the some common queries from our past travelers to help you prepare for a perfect Tibet trip.

Q1: Do I need to train physically before my Tibet trip?

Many people worry about getting in shape for high altitudes. However, for standard cultural tours, you don't need special training. If you already exercise, light cardio like jogging a month before your trip can help, but please stop a week before departure to let your body rest. The best preparation is mental—come well-rested and with a positive attitude. Our guides always carry oxygen in vehicles for peace of mind, and we design itineraries that help you acclimatize gradually.

Q2: Beyond the classic "Golden Route," what off-the-beaten-path Tibet tours are there?  

The Golden Route (Lhasa–Shigatse–Everest) is amazing, but Tibet has so much more for travelers who love deep, less crowded experiences! Our top picks? First, the Shannan cultural tour—this is where Tibetan culture started! You'll visit Samye Monastery (Tibet's first monastery, with super unique architecture) and Yumbulagang Palace (the oldest palace in Tibet, with views of the Yarlung Tsangpo River). Then there's the Ali Northern Circuit—this is true wilderness adventure. You'll drive along the edge of the Changtang Nature Reserve, see the otherworldly Zanda Earth Forests, and explore the ruins of the Guge Kingdom (a once-great empire). For nature lovers, the Nyingchi trekking route is perfect because of its lower altitude (around 2,900m) and lush greenery. You can do easy hikes to get up close to Namcha Barwa, one of Tibet's most famous snow-capped peaks. We customize these off-the-beaten-path trips all the time—just tell us what you love, and we'll build it for you.  

Q3: Is the Qinghai-Tibet Railway really a "magic fix" for altitude sickness?  

It's not magic, but it could be a smart way to ease into Tibet's altitude! The train starts in Xining (altitude around 2,261m—way lower than Lhasa's 3,650m) and climbs slowly over 20+ hours. That gives your body time to adjust to less oxygen, which helps lower AMS risk to some extent. The train also has whole-car oxygen supply and emergency oxygen ports if you need extra. But here's the truth: it can't "cure" AMS. If you're super sensitive to altitude, you might still feel a little headache or tiredness—totally normal! If you focus on the views outside the window, you'll see Qinghai Lake, Tanggula Pass, and vast grasslands dotted with yaks and sheep. It might help to push worries about altitude sickness out of your mind.

Q4: How can I avoid buying fake Tibetan jewelry?

Walking through Tibetan markets, you'll see beautiful turquoise and dzi beads everywhere. Unless you're an expert, spotting fakes is nearly impossible. My best advice: don't expect to find bargains on genuine antique pieces. Instead, look for reputable government-run stores that provide authentic certificates.

Q5: What's the cost of living like in Tibet?  

Tibet's prices are a bit higher than other parts of China, mostly because so many things have to be transported in harsh environment. In Lhasa, a meal at a local restaurant might cost 50 to 80 RMB, and a mid-range hotel is about 300 to 600 RMB a night—similar to big cities like Beijing or Shanghai. But if you go to remote areas, prices go up.

Q6: Can I visit a sky burial site?  

Absolutely not, and it's important to respect why. Sky burial is a sacred, private Tibetan funeral ritual. It's a way for families to honor their loved ones, and having tourists watch or take photos is deeply disrespectful. Local rules strictly ban visitors from sky burial sites, and even getting close is not allowed. Our guides always make sure you stay away from these areas—we want to help you travel responsibly and show respect to Tibetan culture.  

Q7: Do foreigners with a Chinese Green Card (PR) need Tibet Travel Permit?  

Yes, even if you live in China full-time with a Green Card (also called the "Five-Star Card"), you still need Tibet Travel Permit to visit Tibet. A lot of people think their PR card is enough, but Tibet has special entry rules for non-Chinese citizens.

Q8: Do overseas Chinese without a Chinese passport need Tibet Travel Permit?  

Yes—if you don't have a Chinese passport, you'll need Tibet Travel Permit, just like any other foreign tourist. We know this can be confusing, so our team walks you through every step: what documents to prepare, how long the application takes, and how to pick up your permit.

Q9: Do people with a U.S. Green Card and Chinese passport need Tibet Travel Permit?  

You'll be glad to know you don't need Tibet Travel Permit for most places like Lhasa or Nyingchi. But if you want to go to restricted areas like Everest Base Camp or Ali, you'll need Border Pass—and that requires a Chinese ID card.

Conclusion

Why not bookmark our website? Even without a definite Tibet trip planned right now, it might be useful for you later on. Being prepared never hurts!