Visiting Tibet in October

Visiting Tibet in October can be your last chance to see the attractions and sites you want. November to February is a cold winter in Tibet, not that you can’t go, but the weather is much harsher than the other periods of the year.

Tibet experiences mild and dry weather, with clear blue skies. Average temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F), making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like trekking. Nights can be chilly, so warm clothing is recommended.

So, let’s dive into the things that you need to know before going on a Tibet tour.

Here, you can see when is the best time to visit Tibet. 

Weather in Tibet in October

October in Tibet offers clear and sunny days ideal for travel and trekking in Tibet, temperatures can vary widely, especially between day and night. Rainfall is generally low, but appropriate clothing and preparations for cold and potential UV exposure are necessary.

Lhasa

The weather in Lhasa in October is pleasant with average High temperatures of 17°C (62.6°F) and a low of 2°C (35.6°F). There is plenty of sunshine and an average of 6 days of rain this month.

Shigatse

Shigatse has relatively the same weather as Lhasa, with average temperatures of a High of 12°C and a low of 3°C. There is sun all around the day, with very Precipitation/Rainfall, around 1-2 days in the month.

Gyantse 

The autumn in the valley starts in October, but still has warm weather, with an average temperature of 15°C at day and around 0°C at night. There are small chances of rain, the average days with rain are 1-2.

What to pack for Tibet travel in October

Packing for a trip to Tibet in October requires preparation for a range of weather conditions due to the variation in temperature and altitude. Here’s what you should consider bringing:

Clothes

Layered Clothing: The temperatures can vary widely, especially between day and night. Include base layers (thermal tops and bottoms), fleece jackets or wool sweaters, and a down jacket for colder days and evenings.

Windproof and Waterproof Jacket: A good quality, waterproof jacket will help protect against unpredictable weather, including sudden rain or snow.

Comfortable Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential if you plan to do any trekking. Also, pack comfortable walking shoes for easier days.

Accessories for Warmth and Protection

Hats and Gloves: A warm hat and a pair of gloves are crucial for keeping warm, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Scarves or Neck Gaiters: These can help protect against wind and keep you warm.

Sun Protection

Sunglasses: High UV protection sunglasses to protect against intense sun at high altitudes.

Sunscreen: A high SPF sunscreen is necessary to protect your skin from strong UV rays.

Lip Balm with SPF: To prevent chapped lips due to the cold and wind.

Personal Medications and Health Supplies 

Include any personal medications, altitude sickness medication (if recommended by your doctor), and a basic first aid kit.

Daypack: A comfortable daypack is useful for carrying water, snacks, extra layers, and other essentials while exploring.

What to visit in Tibet in October

Lhasa

With every Tibet tour, you will visit Lhasa and its attractions. It is recommended to stay at Lhasa (at that High altitude) for about three days to get acclimatization and then to continue with your journey across Tibet.

In Lhasa, you must visit Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, and Jokhang Temple, and near Lhasa Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery.

Potala Palace was the winter home of the Dalai Lamas. It was first built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo and rebuilt in the 17th century by the 5th Dalai Lama. Located atop Marpo Ri Hill, it towers over Lhasa, providing a panoramic view of the area. The palace has two main parts: the White Palace, which was used for administrative purposes, and the Red Palace, used for religious activities and ceremonies. Inside, the palace is filled with ancient Buddhist art, intricate murals, and religious scriptures. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its deep religious and cultural significance.

Barkhor Street is a lively market street that surrounds the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet. It serves as both a spiritual route for pilgrims and a shopping area. The street is packed with small shops and stalls that sell traditional Tibetan items like prayer wheels and handmade jewelry. Pilgrims often walk around the street in a clockwise direction while turning prayer wheels. This street is a great place to experience the daily life and culture of Tibet, as it is always bustling with a mix of locals and tourists.

Jokhang Temple is a significant religious site located in the center of Lhasa, Tibet. It was established in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo to house sacred Buddha statues, gifts from his brides. The temple showcases a blend of architectural styles from Nepal, Tibet, and the Tang dynasty, reflecting its rich history.

Jokhang Temple holds a central place in Tibetan Buddhism and is a major pilgrimage spot. Pilgrims come from all over to walk around the temple in a ritual known as kora and to prostrate themselves in worship. One of the temple's most sacred treasures is the Jowo Rinpoche statue, representing the Buddha at twelve years old, which draws devotees from across the globe.

Gyantse

Situated on an ancient trade route between India and Tibet, Gyantse has always been a key stop for traders and pilgrims crossing the Himalayas. It was once the third largest city in Tibet, after Lhasa and Shigatse. However, it has been overtaken by faster-growing towns like Bayi and Tsetang in recent years. This slower growth has helped Gyantse maintain its quaint, relaxed feel. The town is famous for the Gyantse Kumbum, the largest chörten in Tibet and a highlight of Tibetan architecture. Gyantse is also a great place to spend an extra day, thanks to its good hotels and restaurants, and it provides opportunities to visit nearby monasteries or stroll through its charming alleys.

One of the must-visit sites in Gyantse is the Gyantse Kumbum, a stunning tiered stupa that is part of the Palcho Monastery. This stupa is renowned for its many chapels and rooms filled with intricate murals and statues. Another key attraction is the Gyantse Dzong, an ancient fortress that offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding Nyangchu Valley. The fortress also houses a museum that provides insights into the history of the area and the 1904 British invasion of Tibet. Gyantse's historical significance and unique cultural attractions make it a fascinating stop for travelers exploring Tibet.

Things to do in October

Trekking 

Trekking in October is the last chance for the year, in November trekking in Tibet is not so recommended. So, if you are planning a trekking tour to Tibet, October is your last chance to see everything that this high-level plateau has to offer.

The best view over Tibet is on the foot. If you want to feel the natural beauty and to be mesmerized by the stunning views that Tibet has, then you must prepared to do that with trekking.

Choose the route that is best for you. That means what you want to see, and how physically you are prepared to trek on high level altitude.

Visit the Skeleton Wall near Nagchu

Skeleton Wall, located near Nagchu in Tibet, is a unique site where the skulls and bones of various animals, like yaks and sheep, are displayed. These bones are arranged in detailed patterns on the wall and are an important part of local traditions. People in the area believe these walls are offerings to the mountain gods. They hope that by creating these walls, they will receive protection and blessings. This practice shows the deep connection between the community, their animals, and their religious beliefs. The Skeleton Wall near Nagchu is a powerful symbol of how the local nomadic herders respect and adapt to their challenging environment. 

Final words

Visiting Tibet in October is a great opportunity to visit all the attractions that this land has to offer. You will enjoy the autumn colors in the valleys, and also the pleasant weather during the day. At night in some areas in Tibet, the temperatures can go below freezing, so be prepared for that type of condition.