Best Time to Visit Tibet | Tibet Tour Guide 

Tibet, the world’s highest mountain, is a travel daydream of beautiful nature and a Spiritual experience. Everyone should accomplish this trip once in their life. In this guide we will explore the best time to visit Tibet.

Whether you want to get lost in the colourful paths of Lhasa or admire Mount Everest’s beauty from the Tibetan side, any place in Tibet is breathtaking. Due to its rich culture and untouchable aura, it is a place to be visited by anyone who wants to see it, as well as the nature of history and courage. 

Seasonal Breakdown 

We present an order of good times of year to visit Tibet, season by season, with its weather forecast and what to watch. 

Spring (April-May): The Reawakening 

Weather 

Spring is the best time to visit Tibet. The temperatures during spring rise from 5 °C to 15 °C (41 °F and 59 °F), and the weather conditions become more fair for travel. 

Even at high altitudes, the night air cools, mainly if it is sunny and there is no precipitation. 

Highlights of Spring in Tibet 

When spring arrives, Tibet vacation comes alive. Melting snow and lovely green fields come one after the other, and you can enjoy a fantastic view of the blossoming flowers in full colour. 

Even in the wildlife world, wildlife is as you desire, and places such as Mount Everest Base Camp ultimately become a craving. 

Tibetan New Year (Losar) festivities in March give a deep perspective on musical, dance and ritualistic practices. 

Summer (June to August)  

Weather 

Summer is a hot season in Tibet, with temperatures between 15°C (59°F) and 25°C (77°F). Although temperatures are at their highest during this season, nights are generally very calm. 

This is the monsoon season; therefore, some, if not random, wet periods would be forecast, mainly in the South. However, rainfall is usually light and doesn’t last long. 

Highlights 

Summer is the peak tourist season in Tibet. Clear skies and picturesque scenery make it ideal for outdoor activities. It is the perfect time for a refreshing walk, even in the incredible environment surrounding Namtso Lake or the Kailash Mansarovar.

Religious festivals of the Tibetan religion with volumetric jubilation and spiritual ceremonies of the Shoton Festival in August attract both townsfolk and tourists.  

Pleasant weather also helps travel to places like Everest North Base Camp in a remote region. 

Autumn (September to October) 

Weather 

Autumn in Tibet is warm, with temperatures ranging from 10 degrees C (50 degrees F) to 20 degrees C (68 degrees F). It’s the best time to visit Tibet when the weather is sunny, dry, the sky clear, and rain-free. 

However, at a higher altitude, the weather is only slightly more remarkable for the season-long duration, and no issues occur when visiting sightseeing or working outdoors. 

Highlights 

Autumn is one of the most pleasant periods in Tibet, and it has good weather. The scenery is mixed, and, in particular, a very stunning autumn colour is produced, for example, in and around the lakes and hollows. 

Travelling on foot is the most convenient way, e.g., to the Potala Palace or Jokhang Temple.

Autumn is also harvesting season, and so is it in store for visitors to experience local places and cuisine. You can even go on the Tibet Cycling Tour during the autumn season.

Winter (November to March) 

Weather 

Tibetan winters are as cold as can be, often with nighttime temperatures below zero. Although the daytime is sunny, regional weather conditions can significantly change the temperature in many areas. 

Conditions at Lhasa’s low altitude are not too severe for the human body, and the Everest Base Camp may have to withstand normal temperatures -20°C to -4°C) level of cold winter. 

Highlights 

Winter is out of season for Tibet tourism, so it is easier to fly there. However, skipping the rush visits to religious buildings (e.g., the Potala Palace) is also possible. 

Even if access is limited in some high-altitude regions due to snow, the cities of Lhasa lie within the scope of possibility and offer the ideal environment and circumstances for Tibetan cultural and culinary experiences in a peaceful setting. 

Plan Around Tibetan Festivals 

Saga Dawa Festival (May/June) 

Saga Dawa is one of the most spiritual religious celebrations in Tibet vacation, and it is observed to celebrate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. 

The festival is usually in May or June and is celebrated with colourful rituals, Amen, and pilgrimages to holy places. 

Pilgrims go on pilgrimages to Lhasa, Mount Kailash Yatra, and other holy places to pray and perform kora (circumambulation). The atmosphere of Saga Dawa is spiritual and devotional, making it a special period for practitioners. 

Horse Racing Festival (July/August) 

In the Tibetan Plateau, usually in July or August, the Horse Racing Festival is a fun and thrilling sight that integrates Tibetan customs, sports, and celebrations. Horse racing thrills and games and dancing of the Tibetans are in this festival. 

Parades of brightly coloured people also show the most beautiful traditional dress. It is a brilliant chance to experience the richness and happiness of Tibetan culture, with examples like Nagchu, a town with the biggest cavalry race in the Nagchu festival. 

Losar (Tibetan New Year, February/March) 

Losar, the Tibetan New Year, is one of Tibet’s most significant and joyous festivities. It usually lasts several days and occurs in January’s first and second months. 

This is the beginning of a new year on the Tibetan calendar, and family members mark the day by having a festival, including sharing food and a series of ritualistic activities. 

In Losar, members of the Tibetan family participate in house cleaning. Food, songs, and dances with music are both enjoyed as part of the festival. 

As a holiday in the streets of Lhasa, it’s an opportunity to see religion awash in the wonder of Tibetan cultural heritage. 

Other Festivals 

Tibet is a land of a majority of engaging and unique festivals, a land of the region’s rich cultural and religious system every year. Some notable ones include: 

Shoton Festival (August) 

This festival commemorates the Buddha image’s vow to Drepung Monastery and is equally famed for the ranking of its banner paintings. The Tibetan operatic performances tradition and the grand scale outdoor festival will be shown in Lhasa. 

Tibetan Butter Lamp Festival (February/March) 

The Tibetan Butter Lamp Festival is famous for thousands of butter lamps burning in temples and on the street, symbolizing the darkness, the light, and the knowledge of the New Year. 

Monlam Prayer Festival (February) 

During this festival, people participate in vast gatherings of prayer both in the Tibetan homeland and on occasions of health and prosperity for all realms of the lands to be observed in the coming year. 

Hidden Gems to Explore Based on Seasons 

Tibet has various places that still need exploration. To make it easier for you, we have made a list of hidden gems to explore in Tibet based on the seasons.

Spring 

Nyingchi (Tibetan Switzerland) 

Spring is a best time to visit Tibet in Nyingchi paradise, with flowered, green fields. Tibetan Switzerland, so this is called. It is of no less stature than any others, renowned for its most incredible beauty, perhaps best during the flower’s most beautiful time, the peach blossom.

Nyingchi is a lovely place with frozen peak mountains and green foliage, which is gorgeous for botanists and photography enthusiasts.  

Samye Monastery 

Samye Monastery is close to Lhasa, one of Tibet’s oldest and holiest religious sites. In spring, in the contemplative atmosphere of the mountain monastery, time for theological consideration and surprise awaits. 

Its design and location in Yarlung Valley are the most beautiful this season, creating a peaceful, harmonious environment for tourists. 

Lake Basum-Tso 

Spring is a perfect time to visit Lake Basum-Tso; who can honestly say this is also a great lake? The water is crystal clear and gorgeous turquoise, but wooded shores provide the lake-view shelter.  

Lake Basum-Tso, a gorgeous scenic area in southeast Tibet, is excellent for boat and photo tours. 

Tirthapuri Hot Springs 

Tirthapuri Hot Springs, located at the bottom of Mount Kailash, is an exotic nature reserve and the best place to establish an ongoing demarcation line surrounded by summer holiday trips.

Not only are hot springs soothing, but hot springs are also touted to have therapeutic effects.  

Autumn  

Mount Kailash Yatra 

Autumn is an ideal season for undertaking the Mount Kailash trek. As it has relatively milder temperatures, there is no fog, and it is a scenic trek. Circumambulating Kailash is a pilgrimage for Tibetans and Buddhists worldwide. 

Namcha Barwa Peak 

As one of the unique areas in fall scenery, Namcha Barwa (a knob of the Tibetan Plateau) offers a stunning vista in autumn. 

The summit is in the eastern part of the Himalayas, a treasure for hikers and nature lovers. When at its maximum, on the brightest, purest day of autumn with a blue crystal-clear sky above, a pleasant walk to the secluded and peaceful top is provided. 

Winter 

Potala Palace in Snow 

Snow covers the Potala Palace when winter comes, making it a sight only for a select few. As people are minimal during the winter, there is no season when it will be more appropriate to visit this location than in winter.

Not even the peaceful and quiet environment of a covered earth with a snow-like appearance gives a spell-binding light to the building. 

Norbulingka Palace 

Winter in Norbulingka, the palace of the Dalai Lama, is a period of peace and deliberation. Flowers cover the palace, and the space within its limits is even more beautiful when covered by pure white snow. 

Visiting this palace in winter lets one enjoy a pretty view of Tibetan royal buildings and formal gardens in a quiet, undisturbed environment. 

Practical Travel Tips 

A visitor need to follow some of the rules and some travel tips in order to visit Tibet. In order to have a best Tibet tour you can follow the following tips:

Tibet Tour Permits 

Tibet travel is only possible with a special permit, the Tibet Travel Permit, from the Chinese government. Visiting Tibet requires the applicant to get a Tibetan permit first, which can only be obtained by following the terms and conditions of a tour operator approved for the visit. 

Depending on the restricted areas, a different compulsory authorization (e.g., the Alien Travel Permit or the Military Permit). 

However, contact your tour operator to obtain all the required permissions for your itinerary. 

Altitude Preparation 

Altitude sickness is severe in Tibet, where various parts of the area are at 4000 m (13,123 ft) and above. Acclimatization before reaching high altitudes (to avoid altitude sickness) should also be considered. 

Adequate care and attention must be given to the body when it is needed so that chronic medical problems do not develop. 

You must drink enough water, like 3-4 litres a day, during the trip to Tibet. You can also carry diamox to reduce altitude sickness.

Pack Smart 

Adequate preparation for Tibet is critical, as the Tibetan climatic environment is very severe, and the situation is dramatically worse in the high, sparsely populated areas. 

Multiple layers of clothing should always be on hand, e.g., shell outerwear, thermal (coolness in the heat of the day), and rugged hiking boots.

Do not forget the essential items such as a hat, gloves, sunscreen, and lip balm. Protective sunglasses are also recommended for the eyes.

When walking, one needs a good pack, a drink of water, and, as a last resort, an essential supply for minor injuries. It is highlighted that carrying one’s own equipment in specific remote locations may be necessary. 

Travel Ban Awareness 

Sometimes, travel restrictions can be in Tibet due to political or seasonal considerations. As expected by Chinese government authorities, travel disruptions on special holidays/festivals/periods of disturbance may be possible.  

The most reliable advice is to contact your tour operator, who will share the most current information on the region’s availability and any required modifications to your itinerary.  

Budget-Friendly Trip 

Not everyone has a budget full trip, so in such case you can follow the following budget friendly tips for the Tibet Vacation.

Group Tours 

Joining a group sightseeing tour of Tibet is one of the most economical ways to get there. Group tours also allow you to decrease expenses by splitting the costs of the vehicles, the guides, and the hotels.  

All required permissions and logistics are also ready and planned on these trips without any headache. Travelling with others in the same category is feasible and much cheaper, but it’s also fun and socially enriching.

Many group tours present comprehensive packages that cover popular destinations like Lhasa, Everest Base Camp, and Mount Kailash. 

Off-Season Deals 

Despite the possibility of travel in Tibet (November-February) being off-season to be profitable. It will likely represent significant cost savings. Flights, hotels, and holiday packages could be especially valuable. 

It may be chilly, with fewer visitors and a relaxed quality, but it is pretty rewarding. One can even Travel to Tibet.

Moreover, many places like monasteries and the Potala Palace, with accessible sections, can be better options. During the winter season, the deals for Tibet might be good to go.   

Local Food 

One reason for visiting a Tibetan cafe/market is to eat Tibetan/buy Tibetan foods, and the other is to buy Tibetan foods. Food is both tasty and inexpensive, such as Momos (dumplings), Thukpa (cereal noodles) and Tsampa (roasted barley flour). 

Forget stylish restaurants providing services to tourists and help support small neighbourhood restaurants. Not only can one reduce the cost, but one can also experience authentic Tibetan civilization and Tibetan food.  

Tibet Tour Experiences 

The Tibet Tour presents some of the best experiences from mediating to exploring the locals and the cultures.

Meditation Retreats (Tsurphu Monastery) 

A meditation retreat at the Tsurphu Monastery is proposed to achieve a calm and rocking effect. It is about 70 km from Lhasa, regarded as the centre of the Karmapa tradition and an ideal location for meditation activities. 

With an amazing setting and inspiring spiritual thought, guests are encouraged to visit this place and have the chance to meditate, talk with the monks, and learn about Tibetan Buddhism. This experience is a great opportunity to make contact with oneself and experience the soul of Tibet. 

Stay with Locals (Homestays in Tibetan Villages) 

Visiting a family homestay around Shigatse or Nyingchi is a good way to express gratitude to the Tibetan population. Homestays can create the setting to be part of the community provided through eating, living, and being together with Tibetan families. 

These houses people have information on the history of the old Tibetan culture and Tibetans’ habits and daily life. You will get to try the Tibetan local foods and learn about the history while staying with the local homestays in Tibet.

Sky Train to Tibet (Qinghai-Tibet Railway) 

Transport to Tibet is one of the most unique used via the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the Sky Train. On this unique railway journey, one of the world’s more ancient and most extended rail itineraries.

It has spectacular views of the highest-elevation landscapes, shots of snowy-peaked peaks, open landscapes, and even more distant Tibetan settlements. It is cheaper than flying, and the experience is stunningly memorable.

Photography Expeditions 

With panoramic views, celebrations, and iconic buildings, Tibet is a photographer’s fantasy for anyone who wants to shoot photographs.

The view of the golden hues of Mount Everest at dawn, the colourful flapping of prayer flags in the wind, the peace of the blue waters of Yamdrok or Namtso, etc., is left to the observer in every part of Tibet. 

After snow in spring, the vision of peach blossom is most appropriate in Nyingchi, and in autumn, after the blue-sky colour, the tone film environment of the landscape is bright and sunny.

Cultural photography is a special way of recording Tibetan folk traditions, such as wearing Tibetan costumes such as the Saga Dawa and Losar. Furthermore, the scale of attractions to visit in Tibet is increasing, so spare batteries and memory cards should always be kept. 

Best Itineraries Based on Timing 

We have made a list of best itineraries for the Tibet tour based on the seasons and timings:

Spring Itinerary (7 Days) 

A journey to see what Lhasa has to show us and experience Tibetan culture and thought, visiting the famous Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. One can explore the supernatural Namtso Lake, the flash of snow-covered peaks out the back of it and the natural beauty of it all. 

The Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival, when the stunning landscape becomes every variety of pink and white flowers, is the dream of a photographer and nature lover. 

Summer Itinerary (10 Days) 

The Summer journey begins in Lhasa, where cultural heritage can be experienced, and continues to the spectacular Yamdrok Lake. 

An experience begins in Lhasa, where cultural richness can be enjoyed. It proceeds to the spectacular Yamdrok Lake. Then, it takes us to Shigatse, a big distant city in Tibet famous for its Tashilhunpo Monastery. 

You can explore the awesome Everest Base Camp and behold the most beautiful scenery on the top of the world, the summit of Mount Everest. This is the spiritual Kailash Pilgrimage, which, for most pilgrims, will become an intimate part of their tour as the trekking tour ends. 

Autumn Itinerary (8 Days) 

Tibetan autumn season, for example, travelling to Lhasa and, more broadly, to Gyantse to visit the Kumbum Stupa. 

Visit Shigatse and sample its historical heritage before going on the Mount Kailash trek. Since there is a clear sunny sky and a good autumn climate, it is easy to go out for photography.

Winter Itinerary (5 Days) 

Tibetan culture can be explored by visiting Lhasa, the site of the Potala Palace, the Temple of Jokhang, and village markets. You can also visit the Ganden Monastery, which sits on a hill above a valley and presents a spectacular view from every angle. 

After reaching Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, one can recover for a while in the waters of the location. Winter is quiet, has a low tourist rate, and is peaceful and serene.