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7 Days Join-in Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour
7 Days Private Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via Mount Everest
7 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Private Tour via Mount Everest
8 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa with Mount Everest Adventure by Flight
Tibet Travel Permit - A Must for Tibet Tour
According to regulations of Tibet Tourism Bureau, all travelers without Chinese passports must travel in Tibet with a travel agency and let the agency provide tour services and arrange essential Tibet travel permits. Tibet Travel Permit is the most important travel document to be obtained in advance. It is a mandatory travel document for any Tibet tour, and indispensably needed when you take train, flight to Tibet from other cities in China, or get to Tibet from Nepal by overland driving or flight, even when you travel around Tibet. If you travel with us, it’s actually much simpler and easier to get the permit than you think. You only need to send us required documents, we will get it for you to make sure you enjoy trip to Tibet hassle free.
Tibet Travel Permit or Tibet Entry Permit is a regional travel permit issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau in Lhasa, Tibet, which approves non-Chinese passport holders’ traveling to Tibet. It has 2 separate pages, marking your scheduled tour itinerary, travel date and companions, personal basic information, etc.
- All non-Chinese passport holders planning to visit Tibet are required to get a Tibet Travel Permit, including: foreign passport holders (like US, UK and Canadian citizens…), Taiwan citizens and overseas Chinese.
- Note: Hong Kong and Macau residents holding SAR passport or Home Return Permit can travel to Tibet independently without the permit.
- According to official regulation, only licensed travel agencies can apply for Tibet Travel Permit on behalf of foreign tourists. You just need to email us simple materials, and we do all the following work.
- Step 1: Book a Tibet tour package. Contact our travel consultant and plan a detailed Tibet itinerary based on your needs and interests.
- Step 2: Send scanned copies of your valid passport and Chinese Visa (visa required). (passport copy only if getting to Tibet from Nepal)
- Step 3: We apply for the permit from Tibet Tourism Bureau, collect and deliver it to the address you provided in China's other regions.
- Step 4: Take Tibet Travel Permit and leave for Tibet.
Tibet Travel Permit can NOT be applied separately without booking a Tibet tour. There is no application fee collected by Tibet Tourism Bureau. We also don’t charge extra service fee though we spend lots of time and labor, since it’s already included in your Tibet tour package services.
After emailing us required documents, it usually takes about 20 working days to receive your Tibet Travel Permit. We will arrange your tour guide and other details, submit application to Tibet Tourism Bureau, wait for its processing and issuance, and then collect and deliver to you. It needs about 1 month if you plan to visit Ngari. So, better plan your Tibet tour as early as possible.
Tibet Permits for Different Destinations in Tibet
Tibet is a vast land divinely bestowed with countless natural wonders, impressive religious faith and distinctive ethnic culture. If you travel beyond Lhasa to remote and border areas, such as Mount Everest, Mount Kailash, Nyingchi, etc., you will need some extra permits, such as Aliens’ Travel Permit and Tibet Military Permit. Please rest at ease, Tibet Discovery will obtain all required Tibet permits for you.
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Julie from France visited Potala Palace, Lhasa- Tibet Permits for Lhasa Tour: Tibet Travel Permit
- If you simply want to tour Lhasa, so Tibet Travel Permit is the only travel permission you should get. It usually takes about 15 working days to get it. With it, you can fly to Lhasa from Nepal or get to Lhasa from Chinese domestic cities, Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu and so on by train or flight. And you can take it to tour all scenic spots in Lhasa, visit majestic Potala Palace, view unique religious monasteries and pilgrimage, and even make a side trip to beautiful Namtso Lake in northern suburb of Lhasa.
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- Top Places to Visit: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkor Street, Sera Monastery, Namtso Lake…
- Recommended Travel Time: about 2 ~ 3 days
- Best Time to Visit: all year round
- Popular Lhasa Tours:
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Tibet Discovery’s Customized Mount Everest Tour for Joe- Tibet Permits for Mount Everest Tour: Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit
- Mount Everest (elevation: 8,848 m /29,029 ft - the highest mountain in the world) is located at China-Nepal border area. For traveling to its north face and EBC in Tibet side, tourists must get both a Tibet Travel Permit and an Aliens’ Travel Permit. The former needs to be got before your departure while the latter is applied after your arrival in Lhasa. But, it’s no bother at all, because your Tibet tour guide will take your original passport and related material to get it quickly. You don’t have to spend any time or effort to handle it by yourself.
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- Top Places to Visit: Mount Everest, EBC (Everest Base Camp), Rongbuk Monastery
- Recommended Travel Time: about 1 ~ 2 days
- Best Time to Visit: April to Mid-May, July to October
- Popular Mount Everest Tours:
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Silva and Her Group Friends Went to Tashilhunpo Monastery- Tibet Permits for Shigatse Tour: Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit
- Shigatse Prefecture is situated in south Tibet, bordering India, Nepal and Bhutan in the south. If you solely visit Gyantse and Shigatse City (the capital, Tibet’s second largest city) in central area, Tibet Travel Permit and another Aliens’ Travel Permit are two compulsory permits you must get. For visiting border counties in Shigatse Prefecture, including Gyirong (pass of Nepal Tibet overland ride), Zhongba, Saga, Nyalam, Tingri (Mount Everest), Dinggye, Kamba, Yadong and Kangmar, Tibet Discovery will also help you go through relevant procedures as well.
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- Top Places to Visit: Tashihunpo Monastery, Palcho Monastery, Sakya Monastery, Pala Manor…
- Recommended Travel Time: about 1 ~ 2 days
- Best Time to Visit: April to October
- Popular Shigatse Tours:
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Mount Kailash Trekking Trip Tailor-Made by Tibet Discovery- Tibet Permits for Kailash Tour: Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, Tibet Military Permit
- Mount Kailash is located in Ngari, western border area of Tibet, is one of the world’s sacred destinations for pilgrims. Whether you plan to have a holy Kailash Mansarovar Yatra or trekking trip or take a sightseeing tour in Ngari, you must get two extra travel documents besides Tibet Travel Permit, namely Aliens’ Travel Permit and Tibet Military Permit. It costs approximately 1 month long to get all of them. Tibet Discovery will get them in advance to let you travel smoothly, your only task is to contact us as early as possible, leaving enough time for applying for those documents.
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- Top Places to Visit: Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar…
- Recommended Travel Time: about 3 ~ 5 days
- Best Time to Visit: May, June, Mid-September to Early October
- Popular Kailash Tours:
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Richard (USA) and Hamad (Arabia) Enjoyed Nyingchi Tour with Visit of Lulang Forest- Tibet Permits for Nyingchi Tour: Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, Tibet Military Permit
- Lying in southeast Tibet and adjoining India and Myanmar in the south, Nyingchi owns the most colors in Tibet and best famous for “Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival” and “Swiss Style” natural scenery. Non-Chinese passport holders can visit Nyingchi with a Tibet Travel Permit and an Aliens’ Travel Permit. Those who intend to capture lovely peach blossom in Bomi during early spring should still get a Tibet Military Permit. 15 working days and more time is demanded before starting your Nyingchi Peach flower tour.
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- Top Places to Visit: Basumtso Lake, Lulang Forest, Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival…
- Recommended Travel Time: about 3 ~ 4 days
- Best Time to Visit: March to April, September to October
- Popular Nyingchi Tours:
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Yale University Tour Group Stayed beside Yamdrok Lake- Tibet Permits for Shannan Tour: Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, Tibet Military Permit (flexible)
- For a Lhasa tour with the famous holy Yamdrok, Tibet Travel Permit and Aliens’ Travel Permit are completely enough. If your itinerary covers Samye Monastery, Yumbulakang and other attractions in unopened areas in Shannan, you need to get Tibet Military Permit before departing to Tibet.
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- Top Places to Visit:Yamdrok Lake, Samye Monastery, Yumbulakang Palace…
- Recommended Travel Time: about 2 days
- Best Time to Visit: April to October
- Popular Shannan Tours:
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Tibetans Were Dancing in Nagqu Horse Racing Festival- Tibet Permits for Nagqu Tour: Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit
- Nagqu in northern Tibet is one of the Tibet destinations off the beaten track but has splendid landscape and local customs. If you are interested in the famous Nagqu Horse Racing Festival held in summer (usually in August), you only need to get Tibet Travel Permit and Aliens’ Travel Permit. Before driving to Nagqu, your tour guide will apply the Aliens’ Travel Permit for you, and take you to see many local activities and view vast plateau scenery along the ride journey.
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- Top Places to Visit: Namtso Lake, Nagqu Grassland, Nagqu Horse Racing Festival…
- Recommended Travel Time: about 1 ~ 2 days
- Best Time to Visit: May to September
- Popular Nagqu Tour:
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Turquoise Ranwu Lake in Chamdo- Tibet Permits for Chamdo: Tibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit, Tibet Military Permit
- Known as “A Pearl in Eastern Tibet”, Chamdo (or Qamdo) is a mysterious region keeping original nature and extreme tranquility. Tourists usually drive from Lhasa to Chamdo via Nyingchi, to see the fantastic Ranwu Lake, which requires Tibet Travel Permit and another two supporting travel approvals - Aliens’ Travel Permit and Tibet Military Permit.
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- Top Places to Visit: Ranwu Lake, Galden Jampaling Monastery, Karuo Cultural Ruins, Laigu Glacier
- Recommended Travel Time: about 2 days
- Best Time to Visit: April to October
- Popular Chamdo Tour:
Travel from China Gateway Cities to Tibet
Getting from other cities in China is one of the two available transportations to Tibet, and it is considered to be the most convenient and popular tour route. Travel by this way, you can not only have more flexible choices, which city to depart from, by train or by flight, but also enjoy good chance to tour top destinations presenting different type of charm and culture of China.
Chinese Visa and Tibet Travel Permit are the two necessary documents you should have to travel from other cities in China to Tibet. Before we help you apply for Tibet Travel Permit, you must firstly get a valid Chinese Visa, such as a China Tourist Visa, China Work Visa, based on your purpose of visiting China.
How to Get to Tibet from China Gateway Cities
Currently, there are over 20 cities in China running direct flights and trains to Tibet. Air travel is fast and comfortable taking only a few hours, best fits for travelers with a tight schedule. The Qinghai-Tibet Train journey is quite a long travel but offering scenic landscape and unique experience, strongly recommended to leisurely-paced travelers.
Plan Your China Tibet Tour
Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu are the best three gateway cities with frequent schedules and iconic Chinese cultural attractions. You may firstly take a few days to hike Great Wall in Beijing, see adorable Giant Pandas in Chengdu, or explore other charming cities in vast China and then step into holy Tibet full of impressive religious features. More Popular China Tibet Tours >
Tibet Discovery still provides combined tour to Nepal and Bhutan, whose travel destinations, time, theme and budget can be flexibly customized according to your requirements.
Travel from Nepal to Tibet
Bordering Tibet in the north, Nepal is another popular gateway to travel to Tibet either by overland or flight. To realize a Himalayan adventure from Nepal to Tibet, all foreign travelers are required to book a Tibet tour package, and obtain a Chinese Group Tourist Visa (often called Tibet Group Visa) in Kathmandu via an authorized agency, together with the must-have Tibet Travel Permit.
Useful Tips You Should Know:
1. Nepal to Tibet travelers must book a Tibet tour package and entrust the agency to apply for Tibet Group
Visa in Nepal.
2. Your already obtained Chinese Visa will get expire (even a 10-year Chinese Visa) once applying for the
Group Visa.
3. The Group Visa allows a Tibet trip and extended tour in other Chinese cities. All tourists share one visa
and need to travel together.
Plan Your Nepal Tibet Tour
In terms of currently Travelling Documents Application situation, we strongly suggest you travel from Tibet to Nepal instead of from Nepal to Tibet, because: 1) the Tibet Group Visa (from Nepal to Tibet) is only issued for groups with at least 5 members; 2) Tours from Nepal to Tibet usually cost more than tours from Tibet to Nepal. It doesn't mean that you can't travel from Nepal to Tibet. If your group has 5 members or more, or don't mind the cost difference, you can of course travel from Nepal to Tibet.
Tibet Permit Worry-free Travel Stories of Our Customers
As a Tibet travel agency continuously won Certificate of Excellence of TripAdvisor, Tibet Discovery have managed to help thousands of guests obtain travel documents for their tours in Tibet during past years. We commit ourselves to offering professional and cost-effective permit application assistance before your Tibet tour plus outstanding tour service during your entire travel. You only need to focus on the sightseeing journey itself, because we know the permit policy very well and will solve all your concerns! Below are awesome travel stories shared by some of our valuable guests, who obtained Tibet permits successfully and made unforgettable Tibet trips with our help. Check the following most recommended stories or read more Tibet travel stories to get inspired for your Tibet trip planning!
Five Times Charity Travel in Tibet
--Charitable Contributions of Jack to Tibet in 5 Years
In 2013, Jack started his first travel to Lhasa and Namtso. He found there were still some people in remote village without basic necessities, and even consistent electricity was a luxury in some areas. Jack felt sad and decided to try his best to help them. In 2014, Jack came back to Tibet with his group members (Joseph, Lyle, Michael) in ResoringTouch. They distributed many solar lights to the villagers outside Lhasa. When they saw that their gifts were really helpful for the people, they planned to travel back every year and bring more items.
- Exprience & Story Shared by Jack (USA)
- Tour Route: Lhasa -> Namtso -> Gyantse
- Tour Length: 5 days
8 Days Loved Counple's Trip to Mount Everest
--Great Adenture to the Highest Mountain in the World
"We decided to do this trip at the last minute and Tibet Discovery was great at getting us all set up. Jack Li got all our permits in order in a short time. Our hotel in Lhasa was in a very central location. Our guide was very knowledgeable and our driver, Tiley, was excellent. He made me felt absolutely safe and at ease!!! We went to many beautiful monasteries and the scenery along the way was just spectacular! At Everest Base Camp, I recommend staying in a tent rather than the Monastery. It was a delightful experience!! If you stop at the barley mill, buy yourself some of the homemade barley beer.....it was delicious! On the way back, make a stop at the incense place. The powdered incense is amazing!! A truly Tibetan gift!"
- Exprience & Story Shared by Ines (USA)
- Tour Route: Lhasa -> Gyantse -> Shigatse -> Everest
- Tour Length: 8 days
Everest and Mt. Kailash Adventure Tour
--15 Day In-depth Tibet Discovery from Lhasa to Kailash
"I did the 15-day Lhasa, Everest Base Camp and Mt. Kailash tour from 4th-18th June, and had a fantastic time. It was very well organised and everything went to plan. Wonder Wang at Tibet Discovery was very helpful and always answered by email queries very quickly and efficiently. Tibet Discovery got my permit couriered to me in Shanghai one day ahead of my trip. Our Tibetan guides and drivers, both in Lhasa and on the road, were excellent, helpful and good fun. The weather was great, so we had fantastic views of the mountains. As well as the mountain views, I found the wildlife and alpine flowers fascinating. Hotels were good, food became more basic and choices more limited, but it was fine. I'd always recommend people to bring Diamox with them, and to do a bit of hiking and preparation before coming."
- Exprience & Story Shared by Mjpinder (Britain)
- Tour Route: Lhasa -> Gyantse -> Shigatse -> Everest -> Mount Kailash
- Tour Length: 15 days
China Tibet Nepal Highlights Tour
--20 Days Wonderful Himalayan Trip via Ancient Silk Road
"Thank you for a wonderful trip. It was great, we had a good time. Nepal was great and food was very good. China and Tibet was beautiful. It was a very memorable trip, and we thank you for arranging it for us. Tour guides service was great. They did more for us than were expected, they are very good and friendly people, Drivers were great, never seen better ones very good, safe and courteous. Food would be better if it had more varieties of different foods on each day. Overall it was great & very memorable, we will never forget this trip. Thank you very much for all your gifts everyone loves them. Till next time, wishing you and entire office stuff all the best always. "
- Exprience & Story Shared by Bogusia (USA)
- Tour Route: Beijing -> Xian -> Xining -> Lhasa -> Everest -> Kathmandu
- Tour Length: 20 days
Recommended Permit Worry-free Tibet Tour Packages
Tibet has too much to offer. And our aim is to bring you the best experience in Tibet. Following are some other recommended Tibet tour packages that you may be interested in. All of our Tibet tour packages are customizable to meet your personal requirements. Click here to get more Tibet tours and you can also contact us to customize a trip if you want.
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Lhasa / Gyantse / Shigatse / Everest / Lhasa
8 Days Lhasa to Mount Everest Private Tour
Highlights: Potala Palace, Yamdrok Lake, Tashilhunpo Monastery, Mt. Everest
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Lhasa
4 Days Lhasa City Private Tour - Heart of Tibet
Highlights: Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery
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Kathmandu - Gyirong - Everest - Shigatse - Gyantse - Lhasa
7 Days Kathmandu to Lhasa Private Tour via Mount Everest
Highlights: Mount Everest, Tashilhunpo Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, Potala Palace
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Lhasa / Gyantse / Shigatse / Mount Everest / Gyirong
7 Days Lhasa to Gyirong Border Overland Tour via Mount Everest
Highlights: Potala Palace, Yamdrok Lake, Palcho Monastery, Mount Everest
Prefer to tailor a trip that totally suits your requirements and interests? Our 20+ professional, helpful and friendly travel experts are ready to help! Tell us your needs, and one of our experts will get to you with trip details within 0.5~23.5 hrs. You can also call us at 86-28-85227275 / 86-28-85223672.
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Wonder
Jack
Rita
Johnson
Vivien
Wing
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Questions & Discussions
Following are latest questions and answers from our webusers and customers. You can learn many useful information from the discussion and cases. You can also join in the discussions or ask your own question. Our experts will help you ASAP.
I trust you are well,
I would like to get information on what paperwork I will be needing, my plan is to transfer with the company that I am workin for to America from South Africa I will be staying with my uncle that is currently living in America, I would like to know also how the working visa works.
Thank you and kind regards
Michelle
Thanks for your inquiry.
The Chinese Tourist Visa is a Multiple Entry "L" Visa. If you plan to travel to Tibet from mainland China, you need to obtain the Tibet Entry Permit (or called TTB Permit), an essential Single Entry document. It is needed when you board train/flight to Tibet. If you will travel to Tibet from Nepal, you should get a Group Visa, which is a single entry visa. The Group Visa requires all tour members in and out in the same port and time.
Hope the information helps. Enjoy your Tibet Travel and have a nice day!
Thanks for your message. The Tibet permit can't be extended. Travelers have to entry and leave Tibet exactly as the date issued on the permit.
Thanks for your help! :)
Thanks for your question. If you don't have to change to another flight during your stopover in Lhasa, you don't need to have a Tibet Permit(Visa). If you have to change to another flight in Lhasa, you will have to have a permit. So you'd better check seriously and book a flight without plane changing.
How will yoy send the permit to us? Are u able book the train to us from Chengdu or Xinning too as we understand ww need tibet permit for booking train. Tq
Thanks for your question. If you travel with us, we will apply for the Tibet Permit for you. Once we get the permit from Tibet Tourism Bureau, we will mail it to your hotel in China. You can also come to our branch-office in Chengdu to take it. Yes, we can book tickets of trains to Lhasa from Chengdu and Xining. And you don't need the original copy of Tibet Permit if you take a train to Lhasa from Chengdu or Xining. Currently, you can book train tickets on dates 30 days before your departing date. The train tickets are often in short supply, so you'd better confirm your trip plan as soon as possible. If you have any other question, feel free to contact us.
Have a nice day!
Thanks for your message. It's a good idea to take a train to Tibet because you can not only save money, but also can enjoy amazing high plateau landscapes along the railway. Other than the Xining, you can also take a train to Tibet from Chengdu, Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Langzhou. I think Chengdu is a great option. As you know there are a lof flights connecting Chengdu and Singapore. And yes, if you book our tour package, you will be warmly wecomed at the Lhasa Train Station by our tour guide in Lhasa. We have private and customizable tour packages, also budget group tours, all of which can take you to explore the best highlights of Tibet. Feel free to ask us questions.
Best regards,
thanks
Thanks for your message. So far, all the borders are not open yet for tourists. The Zhangmu border was closed for earthquake. The Kiyrong(Jilong) border is supposed to open soon but a collapse damaged the road from Kathmandu to Kiyrong. We believe it won't take long time to open. So please wait patiently. The most recommended solution currently is to get into Tibet from other cities in China, such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Beijing, Shanghai, etc.
We are two European citizens, with a business Chinese Visa, We want to travel to Tibet on October during National Holidays,
We would like to know if the tours are in group or they can be booked for just the two of us.
We would also like to know which is the best way to travel to Tibet from Shenzhen and whether it is a good time for visiting it.
Thanks for your message. We can provide you both private tour package and group tour package. If you choose private tour, you can customize the trip to your specific needs and go leisurely and flexibly. If you choose a group tour, you will travel with other group members(max 12 pax) at a lower price.
October is good time to visit Tibet as the peak season for Tibet travel. It may be a little crowding during National Holiday but not as much as in Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, etc. You can take a flight from Shenzhen to Lhasa with stopover in Kunming, Chongqing, or Xian. You can also get to Chengdu, Xian or Beijing, then transfer to Lhasa by flight or train.
Last, please tell us the specific Chinese Visa you are holding. Because only several Business visa allow you to travel to Tibet. To help deal with your plan quickly, I have delivered your plan to our sales team. One travel specialist will reach you as soon as possible.
Have a nice day!
Thanks for your commenting. According to Tibet Tourism Bureau policies, you can arrange flights and hotels on your own, but still have to contact a travel agency to apply for the TTB Permit and arrange a tour guide and vehicle driver accompanying with you. I have delivered your proposal to our sales team. One of travel specialist will reach you soon.
Thanks for your message. Yes, you have to hire a tour guide with you. Besides, you still need to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit which is can only be issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau on application made by a Tibet Travel Agency on behalf of traveler.
Chengdu is the best hub for traveling to Tibet. You can transfer to Tibet both by flight and train. If you need, we can arrange a valuable customizable tour package for you. Let us know if you have any questions.
I was told I had to obtain the visa before I can get the Tibet Travel Permit. Can yo help me?
Thanks for your message. I am so sorry to hear that you failed obtaining Chinese Visa. I suggest you apply for again, and this time you can try not to mention Tibet in your application, which i think will increase the chance to get the visa. After your visa is issued, we can apply for the Tibet Travel Permit with your visa and passport from Tibet Tourism Bureau. Any question, please feel free to let us help you.
Have a nice day there!
2016 what are the procedure to get visas respective countries like to travel through nathula pass Sikkim
Can you suggest me the way and how much will cost me. I am prepared to join with any group since I am
Only the traveller
Thanks for your question. To obtain Tibet Travel Permit is not difficult for you since you are US citizen. You only have to let a Tibet Travel Agency to apply the permit for you, but you needed to travel with a agency in Tibet according to local laws. And so far, the Nathula Pass is not available for tourists. You have two choices: fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa, or transfer from mainland China cities, such as Chengdu, Beijing, Xining to Tibet, and then travel to Mount Kailash. You can find more details including the Kailash itinerary in the email you will receive soon from our travel specialist. Please check it in time.