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What makes Tibet so special?
Lying in the shadow of the Greater Himalaya, Tibet is a barren, high-altitude plateau of brown rolling hills, pierced occasionally by enormous peaks, and covering an area the size of Western Europe. Sealed off from the outside world for many years, holidays to Tibet offer a fascinating chance to explore this beautiful and reclusive country.
Much of the appeal of taking a Tibet tour or trekking holiday or lies in the mystery of the region. When Tibetans enjoyed self-rule they preferred isolation and shunned contact with the outside world. Reaching Lhasa was one of the last great challenges during the era of exploration in Empire days. It is a country that personifies all that is mysterious, and its red and yellow hat sects of Tibetan Buddhism are growing in strength again after the shock of the Chinese Cultural Revolution.
The exiled Dalai Lama encourages Westerners to take trips to Tibet and to experience its unique culture - we also believe a journey to ‘the Roof of the World’ to be a worthy and fascinating goal.
Mountain Kingdoms have been specialists in Tibet trekking tours for more almost four decades. We improve and refine our Tibet trekking holidays and in-depth cultural tours every year, researching new routes and adapting to changing conditions, so you can be certain that you have the best time possible when you visit Tibet with us.
Tibet trekking holidays & tours
A breathtaking high-altitude landscape pierced with sacred mountains and ancient towns where Tibetan culture is fiercely preserved.
Show me:
3 Holidays
- Trek in the company of pilgrims around Mount Kailash, the holiest mountain in the Himalaya
- Drive across the vast Tibetan Plateau from Nepal to Tibet
- Join the celebrations at the famous Saga Dawa Festival at the foot of Kailash
- Enjoy a spectacular acclimatisation trek in Nepal's Langtang Valley
- Take a three day acclimatisation trek in the Himalayan foothills of Nepal
- Tour the fascinating sights of Lhasa and visit the cave hermitage of Drak Yerpa
- Explore the mysterious kingdoms of Guge and Shangshung
- Enjoy walks to visit cave dwellings, remote monasteries and ruined castles
- Drive past sacred Mount Kailash across the vast Tibetan Plateau
Flight inclusive from £6270, Land only from £4695
- Enjoy a well-paced itinerary with ample time for good acclimatisation
- Attend a Tibetan festival
- See all the major sights of Lhasa together with Shigatse, Gyantse and Sakya
- Stay in comfortable accommodation throughout
Flight inclusive from £4425, Land only from £2975
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Introduction
Lying in the rain shadow of the Himalaya, there are exceptional touring, walking and trekking opportunities during the summer months in Tibet. Trekking tours in the rarefied air require excellent acclimatisation so it’s not possible to rush a holiday to Tibet - just as well with so many wonderful sights to see.
Culturally, Tibet still packs an impressive punch. In Lhasa, the Potala Palace is the landmark sight with its towering white walls and prostrating pilgrims. The Jokhang and surrounding streets of the Barkhor Market form both the spiritual and commercial heart of the old city. Outside of Lhasa, the old towns of Gyantse, Shegar and Shigatse provide a glimpse of life in old Tibet with their monasteries and forts. Our Definitive Cultural Tour of Tibet provides an in-depth exploration of these significant religious and cultural sights.
Away from the cultural centres, the Tibetan mountains and endless plateau form a dramatic landscape that is its crowning glory. The sacred mountain of Kailash is one of Tibet's most impressive natural sights attracting both trekkers and pilgrims alike. But it is probably the endless, high-altitude plateau of brown rolling hills, pierced occasionally by enormous peaks, that best characterises Tibet and leaves an indelible impression on all visitors. Travel on our Ancient Kingdom of Tibet trekking adventure and you'll discover the timeless landscapes and fascinating cultural remnants of the vast Tibetan plateau, far from any modern-day centres of population. In fact all of Mountain Kingdoms holidays in Tibet, are guaranteed to take you deeper into the rich culture and history of this remarkable region of the world.
All of our Tibet holidays include the services of an expert local guide, a good standard of accommodation and all meals. If travelling to Tibet with us via Kathmandu we will also arrange for your Chinese visa to be obtained on your behalf whilst you relax and enjoy some time in Nepal.
If you would like to visit Tibet on a private departure of one of our group tours - arranged at dates to suit you - or would like us to use our years of knowledge and experience of travelling to Tibet to help create your perfect holiday, then talk to our friendly travel team today about your very own Tailor Made holiday to Tibet.
Key Facts
- Capital city: Lhasa
- Population: 3,145,000 (est 2015)
- Size of country: 474,300 km sq
- Currency: Renminbi
- Power supply: 220v / 50hz
- Sockets: Round-three pin variety, but can also be European or British type sockets
- Language: Standard Tibetan and Mandarin Chinese
- Time difference: GMT +7 hours
- Visas: British nationals require a Chinese visa to visit Tibet.
- Religion: Tibetan Buddhism with a small minority of Muslims and Christians
- Popular dishes: Tukpa, noodles with meat
- Popular drinks: Yak butter tea
- Did you know: The Tibetan Plateau is roughly 4 x the size of France with an average altitude of 4,500m.
- FCDO link for holidays to Tibet from the UK: FCDO travel advice China (Tibet)
Climate
When is the best time to travel to Tibet?
Our climate charts will give you a guide as to the weather conditions and therefore the best time of year for holidays to Tibet.
Late spring-early summer and autumn are considered the best time to visit Tibet, particularly if you would like to go on a trek. The days are usually dry and bright and the nights are likely to be cool. Remember that at altitude the temperatures will be lower.
In the summer months, the region experiences monsoon rains. This can cause travel problems on Tibet holidays - especially for treks, and in the winter, temperatures can be extremely cold.