The Best Time To Visit

The main characteristic of the Tibetan climate is the enormous difference in temperatures on the same day. The nights are cold, with temperatures below 0 ° C, but it may warm up to 38 ° C in the middle of the day. Snow is rare except on the Himalayan border, but the winters are very harsh. July and August are the rainiest months. The center of Tibet has a milder climate. The best time to visit Tibet is May and June, then September and October when the weather is dry and sunny with mild temperatures during the day.

The invasion of Tibet by China in 1950 has only reinforced the aura of legend that surrounds this country has always: reopened to tourism since June 2008, it is fascinating on several counts. Lhasa is not the slightest wealth: the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, the market, countless pilgrims, all this will leave you with unforgettable images. A little later, in Shigatse, you can admire the wonderful Buddha statue Tashilhunpo Monastery. From there a bus you can drive to Sakya, with its monasteries where many religious relics. You will spend the night before reaching the base camp of Mount Everest: a favorite destination for lovers of trekking, it allows you to look fabulous panoramas of the Everest. Then the pretty town of Gyantse seduce you by its Tibetan identity still very strong despite the Chinese presence and its stupa surrounded by chapels. Whatever your itinerary, you will inevitably affected by the beautiful scenery, the permanent presence of spirituality in everyday life, the original architecture of the buildings and the character both welcoming and well-tempered its population.

You can of course go to Tibet by air, but also through the road from Kathmandu.

A visa for China is necessary, then a special permit issued by the Office of Tourism in Tibet, you will only get if you travel in groups of more than 5 people. Finally you also need a travel permit for access to certain areas.

The currency in circulation is the RMB (renminbi, or yuan). Beware, there is little exchange services within the country. In contrast, the eu is more often accepted in big cities.

You can get food and shelter for about 10 € per day.

A double room will cost you comfort correct under 30 €.

For food, do not expect haute cuisine, meals are often simple, but some Tibetan specialties are delicious, for less than 5 € per meal.

Regarding health, it is advisable to be in good shape before you go: the altitude is the main risk that may cause acute mountain sickness. Take time to acclimatize, Lhasa is at 3700 m.