
Are There Any Restricted Areas for Tourists in Tibet?
Currently, Tibet is open to international tourists, offering a convenient access to iconic attractions like the gorgeous Potala Palace, the majestic Mount Everest, and the serene Yamdrok Lake. While the vast majority of attractions are freely accessible, a few remote border areas require special permits for entry. Additionally, certain ecologically sensitive zones remain temporarily restricted to protect natural habitats and cultural heritage. In this guide, I will list the restricted areas and necessary regulations for you.
Unopened Restricted Areas in Tibet
Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon and Nanyi valley in southeastern Tibet, protected under military-administered zones to preserve biodiversity and regulate tourism impact;
Lhamo La Tso in Shannan and Yadong County in the Himalayan border region, are not accessible for the time being.
Zhangmu in Shigatse, close to the China-Nepal border, is a prohibited district.
The Chamdo Prefecture and parts of Ngari Prefecture, which remain temporarily closed to safeguard local communities and archaeological sites.
What's more, foreign tourists are prohibited from accessing locations associated with Tibetan sky burial rituals, a practice deemed culturally sensitive.
Areas Requiring Special Permits for Foreign Tourists
Border Permit
It is also called Frontier Pass. Just as its name implies, you are required to hold Border Permit when you visit the border areas such as Everest Base Camp, Zhamu Township or Medog County.
Aliens' Travel Permit
Except for the eastern part of Nagqu Prefecture and Lhasa, almost all areas in Tibet require foreign tourists to have Aliens' Travel Permit. Take some well-known attractions as examples, such as: Mount Everest, Everest Base Camp, Rongbuk Monastery, Sakya Monastery in Shigatse Prefecture; Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Ngari Prefecture; Samye Monastery in Shannan Prefecture.
Military Permit
The Military Permit is required when visiting Ngari Prefecture and Nyingchi Prefecture which are military sensitive areas in Tibet.
Conclusion
At first glance, traveling to Tibet may seem to have a lot of rules and regulations. But trust me everything is worthwhile when you appreciate the beautiful scenery of Tibet in person. In fact, it's not as complicated as you might think. As long as you come to our travel agency for consultation and purchase a Tibet tour package, all the documents you need to obtain in Tibet, including the Tibet Travel Permit, will be properly handled by us.
34 Comment ON "Are There Any Restricted Areas for Tourists in Tibet?"
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
Asked by Nyen** from India
Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit
Lhasa potala place visit and monastery visit, we are three people and 2 adults and 1 infant 2 Indian Passport and 1 Nepal passport. we have applied for a China visa also.