Tibet

Tibet, the “Roof of the World”, is a land of vast high plateaus, turquoise lakes, whitewashed monasteries and some of the highest mountains on Earth. Most journeys begin in Lhasa (about 3,650 m), the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism, where the Potala Palace rises above the city. Below it, pilgrims spin prayer wheels as they circle the Jokhang Temple along the Barkhor. At the great monasteries of Sera and Drepung, you can watch monks debate philosophy in shaded courtyards. Beyond Lhasa, the road crosses high passes to the sacred Yamdrok Lake, the many-chapelled Kumbum stupa of Gyantse and Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse. Further west, Rongbuk Monastery looks straight onto the north face of Everest, and remote Mount Kailash draws pilgrims from four religions to walk its sacred kora. Our Tibet tours start from Kathmandu, either with a scenic flight to Lhasa or overland across the Himalaya. They range from a 6-day Lhasa city tour to the Everest Base Camp and Kailash Mansarovar journeys. Foreign travellers in Tibet must travel with a licensed guide on an arranged itinerary, so we handle the Chinese group visa, the Tibet Travel Permit, hotels, transport and a Tibetan guide. The best time to visit is April to October, and the itineraries build in gradual ascents to help you acclimatise to the altitude. Permit rules can change at short notice, so we confirm the latest requirements when you enquire.