Traveling in Tibet
Traveling in Tibet is different from traveling in most other parts of the world. Due to regional travel regulations, international visitors are generally not permitted to travel independently within the Tibet Autonomous Region (Central Tibet) and must arrange their trip through a licensed travel agency. This is also widely true for other areas of the Tibetan Plateau including Amdo and Kham.
Most travelers are required to obtain special travel permits and bookings in advance and travel with an authorized guide and private transportation throughout their journey. While these requirements may seem restrictive at first, they help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience, allowing visitors to focus on Tibet’s incredible culture, landscapes, and spiritual heritage without worrying about complex logistics. At Tibetan Trails, we handle all necessary permits, transportation arrangements, and travel documentation, while our experienced local Tibetan guides provide cultural insight, language assistance, and on-the-ground support to help you make the most of your journey across the Tibetan Plateau.
All you need to do is show up in the designated airport or train station and we take care of the rest, taking the worry and hassle out of your travel experience.
What’s Included
Your Tibetan Trails journey is designed to provide a seamless and authentic travel experience across the Tibetan Plateau. The tour price includes:
- Accommodation in carefully selected Tibetan boutique hotels, guesthouses, or luxury lodges throughout the itinerary.
- For trekking and backpacking expeditions, all camping arrangements including tents, cooking equipment, pack animals (horses or yaks where required), and support staff. Guests are welcome to bring their own sleeping bag and sleeping pad, though these can also be provided upon request.
- Cultural experiences and nomadic activities as outlined in the itinerary.
- All meals during the tour, typically beginning with lunch or dinner on the first day and continuing through the conclusion of the trip. (Many other travel agencies cut out lunch and dinner for guests to make the prices seem lower, but we believe every traveler should experience the true culinary richness of Tibet and include a generous food budget inside our tours).
- One professional English-speaking Tibetan guide throughout the journey. Our guides have over 15 years of experience with foreigners.
- Private transportation in a comfortable van, SUV, or bus, including all ground transportation specified in the itinerary.
- All entrance fees and permits for attractions, monasteries, parks, and sites included in the itinerary.
- Accommodation and meals for guides, drivers, and support staff.
- Local mountain guides where required for specific trekking routes.
- All required travel permits, legal paperwork, and group insurance required for travel within Tibetan regions.
- Unlimited bottled drinking water throughout the tour.
What’s Not Included
The following items are not included in the tour price:
- International or domestic flights and train tickets.
- Personal travel insurance. We require all travelers to obtain their own travel insurance for the duration of their trip. We
- recommend purchasing coverage through World Nomads or a comparable provider.
- Visa fees, passport fees, and any related travel documentation costs.
- Optional activities or excursions not specifically listed in the itinerary.
- Alcoholic beverages, specialty drinks, and personal snacks.
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and support staff (recommended for excellent service).
- Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and telephone charges.
- Costs resulting from itinerary changes, flight delays, weather conditions, altitude-related issues, government restrictions, natural disasters, or other force majeure events beyond our control.
Booking & Payment
To confirm your reservation, we typically require a 20% deposit at the time of booking to confirm your booking and reserve your seats and secure the best vehicles, guides, and limited hotel rooms. The remaining 80% balance is due prior to the start of your journey.
We currently accept:
- WeChat Pay
- Domestic Chinese Bank Transfer
- PayPal
If you have any questions regarding inclusions, payment methods, permits, or travel preparation, our team will be happy to assist you.
Custom Tours & Pricing
Every Tibetan Trails journey is customized based on your travel dates, group size, accommodation preferences, activity level, and desired travel style. Because of this, we do not publish fixed prices for most itineraries. Instead, we create personalized quotations that allow us to design the best possible experience for your budget and interests.
To receive a custom quote, simply contact us with:
- Your preferred travel dates
- Number of travelers
- Desired itinerary or destinations
- Preferred accommodation standard
- Special interests such as trekking, photography, culture, wildlife, festivals, luxury travel, or family travel
Our team will then prepare a customized itinerary and detailed quotation tailored specifically to your needs. This personalized approach ensures that every Tibetan Trails journey delivers exceptional value, authentic experiences, and the highest level of service available on the Tibetan Plateau.