Tibet Tours by Local Experts: Private & Small Group Travel

WindhorseTour has been running Tibet tours since 2007, giving travelers a reliable local option for both private and small group travel across the plateau. Every tour includes an English-speaking local Tibetan guide, all required permits, and full logistics support from start to finish.

From Lhasa‘s Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple to Everest Base Camp, Mount Kailash, Nyingchi, Yarlung Valley, and the remote landscapes of Kham and Amdo, our Tibet tours cover the full range of what the region offers. Choose an overland route from Sichuan or Yunnan, or travel the Friendship Highway from Lhasa to Kathmandu.

Cultural tours, trekking, festival trips, family travel, train journeys — tell us what you have in mind and we’ll put together a trip that fits.

Our Best-Selling Tibet Tours

Our most popular Tibet tours, consistently chosen by first-time and returning travelers. Each itinerary can be run as a private tour or adjusted to your schedule and group size.

Lhasa ⇀ Gyantse ⇀ Shigatse ⇀ Lhasa
6 days
∙ Private ∙
Culture and Heritage

Explore Tibet’s cultural and spiritual heart on this 6-day Lhasa and Shigatse tour. Visit the iconic Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, witness sacred Yamdrok Lake, and explore historic monasteries like Drepung, Sera, Gyantse Kumbum, and Tashilhunpo.

From USD 4,070
USD 3,700
Lhasa ⇀ Tsedang ⇀ Gyantse ⇀ Shigatse ⇀ Lhasa
8 days
∙ Private ∙
Culture and Heritage

Experience the cultural heart of Tibet on this 8-day Central Tibet tour. Explore sacred temples, ancient palaces, and stunning highland landscapes from Lhasa to Shigatse, including the Yarlung Valley, Samye Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, and Gyantse Kumbum.

From
USD 5,200
Lhasa ⇀ Yamdrok Tso ⇀ Gyantse ⇀ Shigatse ⇀ Mount Everest ⇀ Namtso ⇀ Lhasa
10 days
∙ Group, maximum of 12 person(s) ∙
Culture and Heritage

Discover Tibet’s highlights on this 10-day small group journey from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake. Explore sacred monasteries, Himalayan landscapes, northern Tibetan grasslands, and remote holy lakes with expert Tibetan guides.

From
USD 8,500
Lhasa ⇀ Gyantse ⇀ Shigatse ⇀ Sakya ⇀ Mount Everest ⇀ Gyirong Border
8 days
∙ Private ∙
Natural scenery

Take the Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via Everest, following the legendary Friendship Highway across Tibet. Visit Potala Palace, Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse, Shigatse, and Everest Base Camp before crossing the scenic Gyirong Border into Nepal.

From USD 12,075
USD 10,500
Lhasa ⇀ Shigatse ⇀ Mount Everest ⇀ Manasarovar Lake ⇀ Mount Kailash Kora ⇀ Saga ⇀ Gyirong Border ⇀ Kathmandu
14 days
∙ Private ∙
Overland

Take a 14-day Mount Kailash Tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu. Visit Lhasa’s Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, see Everest Base Camp (North face), and trek the 3-day Kailash Kora, and relax by Lake Manasarovar before crossing the scenic Gyirong Valley into Nepal.

From USD 11,660
USD 10,600
Xining ⇀ Qinghai Lake ⇀ Lhasa ⇀ Gyantse ⇀ Shigatse ⇀ Lhasa ⇀ Namtso ⇀ Lhasa
9 days
∙ Private ∙
Culture and Heritage

Begin your train journey in the multinational city-Xining, Qinghai province. This Tibet train tour offers you a once in a lifetime chance to relax in these breathtaking spots including Qinghai Lake, the Potala Palace and more.

From USD 7,810
USD 7,100
Bayi ⇀ Pomi ⇀ Midui ⇀ Ranwu ⇀ Bayi ⇀ Lhasa
9 days
∙ Private ∙
Natural scenery

This 9-day Nyingchi, Ranwu Lake and Lhasa overland Tour combines eastern Tibet’s alpine beauty with Lhasa’s sacred landmarks. Visit Lulang Forest, Midui Glacier, Ranwu Lake, Basum-tso, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and the great monasteries of Lhasa.

From
USD 6,500
Lhasa ⇀ Ganden ⇀ Samye Trekking ⇀ Tsedang ⇀ Lhasa
9 days
∙ Private ∙
Trekking & Biking

Trek from Ganden Monastery to Samye, Tibet’s most famous trekking route. Cross alpine valleys, high passes, and nomadic camps while exploring ancient monasteries and Tibetan culture along the way.

From USD 6,820
USD 6,200

Tibet Tours by Destination

Find Tibet tours by the regions and landmarks that matter most to you, from Lhasa and Central Tibet to Everest Base Camp, Nyingchi, Mount Kailash, and overland routes from Sichuan and Yunnan.

Small Group Tibet Tours

Joining a small group is the most cost-effective way to travel Tibet, particularly for solo travelers and couples. Our group tours are limited to 12 travelers, led by experienced local Tibetan guides, with guaranteed departures and all permits included. Book with 3 or more and save 5%.

Lhasa
4 days
∙ Group, maximum of 12 person(s) ∙
Culture and Heritage

Join our Lhasa City Group Tour to discover the highlights that Lhasa has to offer. You will have two full days to explore the key sites of Lhasa, including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung and Sera monasteries.

From
USD 3,400
Lhasa ⇀ Gyantse ⇀ Shigatse ⇀ Mount Everest ⇀ Gyirong Border
7 days
∙ Group, maximum of 12 person(s) ∙
Overland

Join a 7-day Lhasa to Kathmandu group tour along the Friendship Highway. Explore Lhasa’s Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and monasteries, admire Yamdrok Lake and Shigatse, stand before the world’s highest peak at Everest Base Camp, and finish your journey at the Nepal border.

From
USD 6,650
Lhasa ⇀ Gyantse ⇀ Shigatse ⇀ Mount Everest ⇀ Shigatse ⇀ Lhasa
8 days
∙ Group, maximum of 12 person(s) ∙
Overland

Join our 8-day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp group tour. Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery, then follow the Friendship Highway via Shigatse to the North Face of Mt. Everest. Small groups, expert Tibetan guides, weekly departures, it’s perfect for solo travelers or couples.

From
USD 6,300
Lhasa ⇀ Shigatse ⇀ Mount Everest ⇀ Saga ⇀ Mount Kailash Kora ⇀ Manasarovar Lake ⇀ Gyirong Border ⇀ Shigatse ⇀ Lhasa
15 days
∙ Group, maximum of 12 person(s) ∙
Overland

Join a 15 day Mount Kailash group tour with and Everest from Lhasa. Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Everest Base Camp before journeying to Lake Manasarovar and completing the sacred Kailash Kora trek with local Tibetan guides.

From
USD 14,600

Tibet Tours by Themes

Find a Tibet tour built around your interests, from trekking, festivals, and train journeys to family trips, overland adventures, and cultural discovery.

Tibet Tour FAQ

1. Do I need a special permit or visa to enter Tibet?

Yes. All international travelers need both a valid Chinese visa and a Tibet Travel Permit to enter the Tibet Autonomous Region. The permit cannot be arranged independently — it must be obtained through a licensed Tibet travel agency as part of a guided tour. Citizens of many nationalities can now enter China visa-free for up to 30 days, but the Tibet Travel Permit is still required regardless.

2. Can I travel to Tibet by myself?

No. All foreign travelers must book through a registered agency and travel with a licensed guide and driver at all times within the Tibet Autonomous Region. You can choose a private tour for flexibility or join a small group tour to keep costs down. Independent travel is only permitted in Tibetan cultural areas outside the TAR, such as parts of Sichuan, Qinghai, and Yunnan.

3. Is Tibet safe to travel?

Yes. Tibet has low crime rates and welcoming locals. The main concern for most visitors is altitude sickness rather than safety. Traveling with a licensed agency ensures you have permits, guidance, and support throughout.

4. How can I prevent high-altitude sickness in Tibet?

Rest on your first day in Lhasa, stay hydrated, eat light, and avoid alcohol. Avoid strenuous activity for the first two days. Some travelers use Diamox — consult your doctor beforehand. Tell your guide immediately if you experience headache, nausea, or shortness of breath.

5. When is the best time to visit Tibet?

April to November is generally the best time. May, June, September, and October offer the clearest skies and most comfortable weather. July and August are warm but busier and wetter. Winter keeps Lhasa open at lower prices but limits access to remote areas.

Tibet Travel Guides and Tips

Best Time to Visit Tibet

Wondering when is the best time to visit Tibet? The answer depends on what you want most from your journey. Known as the “Roof of the World,” Tibet sits on the world’s highest plateau, where sunshine is strong, the air is thin, and the landscapes shift dramatically with each season. The overall best time to visit Tibet is from April to November, when the weather is more stable and temperatures are generally comfortable. Among these, May, June, September, and October are considered the most favorable months. During this time, travelers can expect clear blue skies, mild daytime temperatures, excellent visibility for mountain views and…

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Tibet Travel Permit and How to Apply

The Tibet Travel Permit, also known as Tibet Entry Permit, is an essential document required for all non-Chinese passport holders, including foreign tourists, residents of Taiwan, and overseas Chinese, who wish to visit the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). It’s issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and will be checked at airports, train stations, and even some attractions during your trip in Tibet. While some mistakenly refer to it as a “Tibet visa,” this is not accurate. Tibet is a part of China, so a separate visa for Tibet is not required. Instead, you’ll need a valid China visa (or qualify…

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How Many Days to Spend in Tibet

Are you planning a trip to Tibet and wondering how many days you should spend there? Determining the right amount of time is a crucial part of your travel planning. With Tibet’s dramatic Himalayan landscapes, rich spiritual traditions, and unique cultural experiences, it’s important to ensure your itinerary allows enough time to fully appreciate this extraordinary destination. In this guide, we’ll help you decide how many days to spend in Tibet based on your interests, preferred routes, and activities, so you can make the most of your journey to the Roof of the World. Table of Contents1. Factors helping you decide…

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Group Tour vs. Private Tour in Tibet: Which Is Right for You?

Quick Answer: 1–3 travelers → group tour is more cost-effective 4+ travelers → private tour offers better value and flexibility Group tours: fixed itinerary, lower price, standard highlights Private tours: flexible itinerary, customizable routes, higher comfort Since independent travel is not permitted in Tibet, all foreign travelers must book through a licensed Tibet travel agency. Your two options are a small group tour or a customized private Tibet tour. Group tours follow fixed itineraries covering Tibet’s most popular highlights. Private tours are fully customizable — you choose the route, the pace, and the focus. Both include your Tibet Travel Permit,…

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Tibet Trekking Guide 2026: How to Plan Your Trek Step by Step

Trekking in Tibet is suitable for travelers who are comfortable hiking at altitudes above 4,000 meters and prepared for basic accommodation and remote conditions. Most Tibet treks run from late April to early October and must be arranged through a licensed local agency to comply with regional permit requirements. Trekking in Tibet takes place on the world’s highest plateau, with an average elevation of approximately 4,500 meters (14,764 ft). Depending on the route, trekkers experience turquoise alpine lakes, open meadows, glacial valleys, and snow-capped mountain passes, providing access to ancient monasteries and authentic Tibetan culture in some of Earth’s most…

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How to avoid high-altitude sickness in Tibet

When planning a trip to Tibet, many travelers worry about altitude sickness, and for good reason. Often called “the Roof of the World,” Tibet sits on the planet’s highest plateau, averaging 4,500 meters (14,764 feet) above sea level. Even Lhasa, the capital city and one of the lowest points in Tibet, is at 3,650 meters (12,000 feet). Destinations like Mount Everest Base Camp rise even higher, reaching over 5,200 meters (17,060 feet). At these altitudes, the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) is real and can affect anyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or prior high-altitude experience. In this guide,…

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