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Tibet: The Roof of the World

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Altitude sickness is the biggest challenge. Lhasa sits at 3,650 meters — most people experience headache, shortness of breath, and insomnia within 6-12 hours of arrival. Start taking Rhodiola supplement one week before departure. On your first day in Lhasa: no showers, no running, no alcohol. Carry glucose drinks and ibuprofen. Anyone with heart conditions or severe hypertension should consult a doctor first.

Foreign visitors must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit through a licensed travel agency — no independent travel allowed. The agency arranges a guide and vehicle for your entire trip. Processing takes 15-20 working days. Most foreign travelers say the guided format actually improves the experience since many temples lack English signage. A 7-day Lhasa-Nyingchi group tour runs about 8,000-12,000 RMB per person including accommodation, transport, guide, and tickets.

Tibet: The Roof of the World

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Classic 7-day itinerary: Day 1 rest and acclimatize, Day 2 Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, Day 3 Yamdrok Lake day trip, Day 4-5 Namtso Lake (overnight for stargazing), Day 6-7 Nyingchi for lower-altitude forest scenery and optional Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon.

Three Lhasa essentials: Potala Palace (book 7 days ahead, 200 RMB peak season, 1-hour visit limit, no photos inside), Jokhang Temple (go at dawn to see pilgrims doing full-body prostrations, 85 RMB), and Barkhor Street (the circumambulation route around Jokhang — walk clockwise, stop for sweet tea at Makye Ame).

Getting to Tibet: flights are fastest but altitude hits harder; the Qinghai-Tibet Railway from Xining (21 hours, ~600 RMB hard sleeper) crosses the Kekexili no-man’s-land and Tanggula Pass at 5,072m — the train itself is a highlight; the Sichuan-Tibet Highway drive takes 7-10 days and is the most spectacular but most demanding option.

Budget for 7 days: Chinese citizens ~4,000-6,000 RMB (excluding transport to/from Tibet), foreign visitors ~8,000-12,000 RMB (including mandatory guide and permit). Lhasa accommodation ranges from 150 RMB budget to 500 RMB mid-range per night.

Best seasons: June-September for warmest weather (but crowded); April-May for Nyingchi peach blossoms; October-November for autumn colors with fewer tourists; December-March for off-season discounts (Potala is free) but some high-altitude sites close. I recommend May or October for the best balance of weather, crowds, and pricing.

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