Tibet

Locked away in its Himalayan fortress, Tibet has long held a siren’s hold on the imagination of the West. Tibetans are used to hardship, and have kept their culture and humour alive. The roof of the world is an unforgettable land of curious nomads, mysterious gompas (monasteries) and vast, breath-taking panoramas. In Lhasa, long the Forbidden City, experience the most holy Jokhang Temple and the legendary Potala Palace, along with the great monasteries of Drepung and Sera.

Samye is deservedly one of the most popular destinations in the Ü region. The monastery, in the middle of the sandy Samye valley and approached via a beautiful river crossing, has a magic that causes many travellers to stay longer than they intended. It was Tibet’s very first monastery, with a history spanning more than 1,200 years.

Visitors can discover Buddhist monasteries and pilgrimage sites, and trekking routes through some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the world — including Mount Kailash, one of the most sacred places in Asia.

Weather

Summer in Tibet is mild and, besides a few rainy days, quite pleasant, with days in the low to mid 20s °C (70–75 °F). Winter days are not as cold as you might expect — around 7 °C (44 °F) in January — but nights can plunge to around −10 °C (14 °F).

Visas and permits

All travellers need a passport valid for at least six months, a Chinese visa (a group visa when travelling from Nepal) and a Tibet Travel Permit, all arranged through a licensed agent as part of an organised tour. Permit and visa rules for Tibet change frequently — contact us for the current requirements before you book flights.