Lhasa & Tibet Tours 2026: Permits, the Classic Itinerary & How Many Days

Updated 2026 · 11 min · by NebulaTrip local experts

Tibet is one of the most extraordinary places on earth - the Potala Palace rising above Lhasa, monasteries echoing with chanting, turquoise lakes and the road to Everest Base Camp. It is also the one part of China where independent travel is not allowed for foreign visitors: you must travel on an organised tour with a licensed guide and a Tibet Travel Permit. That sounds restrictive, but in practice a good operator handles all of it for you. This guide explains the permit rules, how many days you need, a proven Lhasa-and-beyond itinerary, and how to handle the very real challenge of altitude.

Permits & Rules: What Foreigners Must Know

Every foreign tourist needs a Tibet Travel Permit (issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau) in addition to a Chinese visa, and you cannot apply for it yourself - it must be arranged by a registered Tibet travel agency, which is why all foreign visits go through a tour. You also must have a licensed Tibetan guide with you for sightseeing, and travel by a pre-arranged vehicle for trips outside Lhasa. To get the permit, your agency needs scans of your passport and China visa well in advance (typically at least two to three weeks), so plan ahead. Areas beyond Lhasa, such as Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash, require extra permits (military and border permits) that the agency also arranges. The paperwork is real but, handled by a good operator, it is invisible to you - you simply book, send documents and arrive.

How Many Days You Need

Plan a minimum of four days for Lhasa itself, and ideally six to eight days to venture beyond. The first rule of Tibet is acclimatisation: Lhasa sits at about 3,650 metres, so your first day or two should be deliberately gentle to let your body adjust before any strenuous activity. A four-day Lhasa trip covers the city's essential monasteries and palaces at a sensible pace. Six days lets you add a stunning high lake such as Yamdrok or Namtso. Eight days or more opens up the overland drive toward Shigatse and on to Everest Base Camp, one of the world's great road journeys. Flying into Lhasa is easiest on the body if you come from low altitude; the famous train from Xining climbs gradually and is an experience in itself, though it does not fully prevent altitude effects.

The Classic Lhasa Itinerary

A proven Lhasa core looks like this. Day 1: arrive and rest - take it very easy, drink lots of water, and do nothing strenuous while you acclimatise. Day 2: the Potala Palace, the iconic former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, a vast white-and-red fortress of chapels and golden tombs (entry is by timed ticket, arranged by your guide), followed by the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet, where pilgrims prostrate themselves in the square outside. Then walk the Barkhor, the devotional circuit and market that loops the old town. Day 3: the great monasteries on the city's edge - Drepung, once the largest monastery in the world, and Sera, famous for the monks' lively afternoon debating sessions in the courtyard. This rhythm gives you Tibet's essential sights while respecting the altitude.

Beyond Lhasa: Lakes, Shigatse & Everest

With more days, Tibet opens up dramatically. A day trip or overnight to Yamdrok Lake, a sacred turquoise lake about three hours from Lhasa over a high pass, is one of the most beautiful short excursions in the country. To the north, Namtso is a vast, even higher holy lake set against snow peaks - spectacular, but its altitude (over 4,700 metres) means it is best attempted once you are well acclimatised. For a bigger journey, the overland route to Shigatse (home of the Tashilhunpo Monastery) and onward to Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side rewards you with the north face of the world's highest mountain, ideally at sunrise or under the stars. These extensions need extra permits and careful altitude planning, both handled by your operator.

Altitude & Practical Tips

Altitude is the single most important factor in enjoying Tibet. Ascend slowly, rest on arrival, stay well hydrated, eat lightly and avoid alcohol for the first couple of days; mild headaches, breathlessness and poor sleep are common at first and usually ease. Many travellers consult their doctor about preventive medication before the trip, and your guide can help if symptoms are serious. Best seasons are roughly April to October, with the lakes most beautiful in summer and autumn; winter is cold but clear and quiet, with some high routes closed. Pack warm layers even in summer, as nights are cold and the sun is fierce at altitude, so bring strong sun protection and lip balm. Respect monastery etiquette: dress modestly, ask before photographing people, and never photograph inside chapels where it is forbidden. Carry your passport and permits at all times, as there are checkpoints.