Best time to travel Tibet

Best time to travel Tibet is from May to October in the year. During this time the weather is not very cold averaging above 10°C and the air is also filled with higher oxygen. That’s why this is certainly the busiest travel period in Tibet. Here below we have described travel situation in four seasons in Tibet with recommended best travel activities in each season.

Spring Season (April–May)

During the spring season, the ice melts and the weather becomes warm. At the same time blocked a road in remote places due to snow open up which makes travel outside Lhasa more enjoyable. Tibet reopens for foreigners in early April. Generally, it is closed to visitors in the months of February and March due to local festive time.

Things to do in spring

  • Travel to Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse, Tsedang etc. to visit the different monastery, historic sites and natural scenery in Tibet.
  • Visit base camp of Mount Everest.
Summer (June–August)

In summer the weather is normally warm in daytime and cool in the morning and at the night.  In Tibet, the summer season is the busiest travel term of the year. During this time the air filled with higher oxygen than in other seasons. Occasionally it may rainfall at night and also in the afternoon from mid-July to late August. But, it does not disturb in your travel since the rain does not long hours.

Things to do in summer

  • Travel to Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse, Tsedang etc. to the different monastery, historic sites and natural scenery in Tibet.
  • Visit Namtso Lake, Mansarovar, Mount Kailash and the Guge Kingdom
Autumn (September–October)

Autumn is also a busy travel season in Tibet. During this time the weather is normally always clear and cool. In autumn you can see the much picturesque scenery in Tibet while blue sky, yellow leaves, monasteries and Snow Mountains set each other off beautifully. It’s a perfect time for hiking and trekking in Tibet.

Things to do in autumn

  • Travel to Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse, Tsedang etc. to the different monastery, historic sites and natural scenery in Tibet.
  • Visit Everest Base Camp, Namtso Lake, Mansarovar, Base Camp of Mount Kailash and the Guge Kingdom
Winter (November–March)

From November it’s getting cold gradually, obviously extreme chilly in the evening on high elevation places. But you still have a lot of chance to enjoy warm sunshine in the daytime in central Tibet like in Lhasa. At this time roads to remote scenic spots will be blocked by heavy snows. Lakes will freeze completely with crystal ices. In winter time tourists are fewer than other seasons so if you visit Lhasa at this time you may get discount. Be noted that Tibet is normally closed to foreign travels in February and March.

Things to do in winter

  • Explore around Lhasa and visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Norbulingka, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery under the clear blue sky and warm sunshine.