Your current position: Home > Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit Tibet

When is the best time to visit Tibet? This is one of the most frequently asked questions by people planning to travel to Tibet.

We may get different views from different person because Tibet is such an attractive place for lot of people, presenting its breathtaking landscape and unique Tibetan culture of all year round. Travelers have different interests and purposes, so every single month can be the best time to visit Tibet .

Generally speaking, the best time to visit Tibet is from April to November. 

July and August are the warmest months in Tibet, with highest concentration of oxygen and the most beautiful natural scenery. It's widely regarded as the best time to Tibet travel, it's also the summer holidays in China so these two months are the busiest months and have the most tourists crowds. 

May, June, September and October are the ideal months for traveling to Tibet as their weather is typically warm and sunny with clear blue skies and they tend to be less crowded compared to July and August when many visitors head over.

During the winter months - December to March, the weather in Tibet can get extremely cold, with temperatures drop to below freezing. Some places/attractions with higher altitude may not be accessible, such as Namtso Lake and Mt. Kailash. However, most of highlights in Lhasa and surrounding areas are still accessible, and it's a great opportunity to have a cultural experience in winter as the tour cost is significantly lower.

Some travelers prefer to travel to Tibet in autumn when the landscape of Tibet is most colorful. While some tourists love to go to Tibet in winter which is the best time to experience Tibetan pilgrims' religious life.

Hence, what's the best time to visit Tibet depends on each tourist's interests and what are in their consideration, such as climate condition, Tibetan festivals, monthly highlights of Tibet and the cost of tour.

Best Time to Visit Tibet for Ideal Weather - Summer & Autumn

If we only take weather into consideration, April to October or summer & autumn is the best time to visit Tibet, when the Tibet's weather is not too harsh and most areas of Tibet are accessible. In addition, it is also the best time to visit well-known tourist sites in Tibet, such as Mount Everest and Lake Namtso.

Best Time to Visit Tibet for the Lowest Cost - Winter

Cost on a tour is also a key concern for travelers and may be different in low and peak season. Logically, the prices of hotels, air tickets and tour services would be decreased in the low season and increased in the peak season.

If you are a shoestring traveler, you are highly recommended to travel to Tibet in winter which is the cheapest season to visit Tibet, with great discounts on kinds of fees. Besides, you will witness flocks of Tibetan pilgrims in Lhasa, especially in front of Jokhang Temple.

Best Time to Visit Tibet for Mt. Everest

The best time for a clear view of the Mt. Everest summit are April, May, early June, September, October and November. You will have a great chance to see the peak of Mt. Everest from the Everest Base Camp due to the stable weather condition and high visibility during these months. From December to February is considered as another good season for seeing Mt. Everest, if you don't mind the severe cold. 

Best Time to Visit Tibet for Mt. Kailash Kora

The best time to visit Mt. Kailash and do the Kailash Kora (3-day trekking) is from May to mid June, and from mid September to mid October, avoid the monsoon rain and snowfalls in winter. With an average altitude of over 4,500 meters, travelers must keep in mind that weather changes rapidly in Mt. Kailash area. Snow may fall at any time on mountain passes and temperatures can drop below freezing during the night even in summertime. 

A great time to meet the pilgrims at Kailash Kora is during the Saga Dawa festival, it's normally scheduled in May or June (the 15th day of the fourth month in the Tibetan calendar). The most important religious ceremonies is taking place at the starting point of Mt. Kailash Kora. 

Best Time to Visit Tibet for the Overland Tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu

The overland journey from Lhasa to Kathmandu along the Friendship Hwy is one of the most popular tours in Tibet. This route connects several tops sites including Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse Kumbum, Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse and Mt. Everest Base Camp. Benefit from the good road conditions of Friendship Hwy, this route is accessible all around the year. As the road from Tibet-Nepal border to Kathmandu could get muddy during the summer months, so the best time to take this overland tour is from April to June and September to November.   

Best Time to Visit Tibet for Trekking

In general, the best times to trek in Tibet are from May to mid June and from mid September to mid October. Just to avoid the rainfalls during the monsoon season (late June - early September), and the trekking path might be blocked by snow in winter months. However, it's still possible to experience some interesting short day hikes if you're visiting Tibet in summer/winter.

Best Time to Visit Tibet for Tibetan Festival Experiences

Travelers interested in traditional festivals and customs of Tibet should not miss interesting Tibetan festivals. For them, the best ones to visit Tibet are the famous Tibetan New Year (in February), Saga Dawa Festival (in May/June) and Shoton Festival (in August). 

Most Tibetan festivals are celebrated according to Tibetan calendar which is quite different from western ones. Therefore, travelers should first check the updated Tibetan lunar calendar's festival when making a tour plan to Tibet.

Conclusion

Tibet can be visited year-round. Certain months may be more suitable depending on your goals and desired activities. Planning your trip to Tibet involves understanding where you want to visit and the types of activities that interest you. For regular sightseeing tours, the best time should be from April to November. For trekkers, the best time is from May to June and from September to October for the warm weather with less rainfall. For those who want to avoid tourists crowds and reduce cost, travel in winter (December to March) is a great choice. No matter when or why you visit Tibet, its breathtaking landscapes, rich Tibetan culture, and unique atmosphere will leave an indelible mark in your memory.

Related articles

Best Places to Visit in Tibet - the must-see attractions for Tibet tours
Best Places to Visit in Tibet - the must-see attractions for Tibet tours There are numerous attractive places in Tibet, and we are thrilled to show you the top attractions in different regions of Tibet.
Tashi Delek in Tibetan
Tashi Delek in Tibetan Tashi Delek is commonly used in Tibet for greetings, congratulations and blessings. It means blessings and good luck.
Is It Safe to Travel to Tibet?
Is It Safe to Travel to Tibet? Tibet is definitely a safe place to visit as long as you travel with respect and plan ahead. Here’s some tips address to the most common safety concerns about traveling in Tibet.
Is Tibet Worth Visiting? – Top 10 Reasons to Visit Tibet
Is Tibet Worth Visiting? – Top 10 Reasons to Visit Tibet Ever wondered if Tibet is worth visiting? Check out the top 10 reasons to travel to Tibet.
How Can Foreigners Go to Tibet under Travel Restrictions
How Can Foreigners Go to Tibet under Travel Restrictions Foreigners can travel to Tibet without any problems, just plan ahead and follow the Tibet travel restrictions. Working with a qualified agency like us to obtain all necessary permits for you.
Tibetan Festival Calendar 2024
Tibetan Festival Calendar 2024 There are many different festivals in Tibet, such as Tibetan New Year, Saga Dawa Festival, and Shoton Festival, etc. In the article, you will find the list of the major festivals in Tibet as well as the corresponding calendars.
Have a question?
Full Name *:
Email Address *:
Your message to Us :

Recommend other popular Tibet tours

North Everest Base Camp Tour in 8 Days
North Everest Base Camp Tour in 8 Days Lhasa / Gyantse / Shigatse / EBC Most popular Everest Base Camp adventure tour begins in Lhasa with its historic architectural monuments and monasteries. This tour includes all of the best sights, sounds, and smells Tibet has to offer. The expedition to the great Mt. Everest, one of earth’s most remote corners, could also give you a chance to view the sunrise and sunset there. You can do nothing but feel marvel for the nature’s masterpiece. 8 Daysfrom: $800
Overland Tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu in 7 Days
Overland Tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu in 7 Days Lhasa / Gyantse / Shigatse / EBC / Kathmandu Travel from Lhasa to Kathmandu via Everest Base Camp adventure tour includes featured historic sites and natural beauty in Tibet. Taking a ‘heart beating’ walk at the Everest Base Camp, gazing at the mysterious north face of mighty Mt. Everest, watching the snowcapped majestic Himalayan mountain range passing by, you will feel the power of the nature and your spirit will be cleansing. That’s the meaning of travelling in Tibet! 7 Daysfrom: $950
Mout Kailash Pilgrimage in 15 Days
Mout Kailash Pilgrimage in 15 Days Lhasa/Gyantse/Shigatse/EBC/Lake Monasarovar/Kailash Mt. Kailash is the most sacred place in Tibet, every year, many people make a pilgrimage here, they believe circumambulating it will bring good fortune. This group tour covers all the must seeing places and scenic spots in Tibet, which is very similar to our 8 Days’ Mt. Everest tour, but it drives further to the wild northern part. Join this spiritual tour to follow the pilgrim to experience a different Tibet! 15 Daysfrom: $1850
Plan your Tibet tour with our travel consultants We will get back to you within 24 hours INQUIRE NOW