China and Tibet Tours
Great Tibet Tour is specialized in arranging Tibet travel for foreigners, as well as other parts of China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Xining, Chengdu, Guilin, Lanzhou, Yunnan, Hongkong, Chongqing, and Sichuan Tour, etc.
Among a great number of gateways, you may consider the following questions - Which city is the best gateway? Where's worth going? What to do in these cities? The answer to those questions depends on your interest and budget. Whether you are interested in history and culture or natural scenery in China or Tibet, we can arrange a suitable trip for you. In addition, if you book tours to China and Tibet with us as a whole package, you don't have to consult many agencies for different parts of tours to consume your energy and time. We can help you once and for all. Last but not least, booking a Tibet and China tour package with us makes your tour cost-effective.
Most Popular China and Tibet Tour Packages
Entry from Major Gateway Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get to Tibet from China?
Travelers can reach Tibet from China by flight, train, or overland routes.
By Flight: Flying remains the fastest and most convenient way to enter Tibet. Direct flights operate from major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chongqing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong.
By Train: The Qinghai-Tibet Railway offers a scenic and gradual journey onto the plateau, helping travelers acclimatize to high altitude. Trains run from cities including Xining, Lanzhou, Xi’an, Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Travel times vary from around 21 to 50 hours depending on the departure city, so booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
By Overland Routes: For adventurous travelers, several highways connect mainland China to Tibet, such as the Sichuan-Tibet Highway (G318), Yunnan-Tibet Highway (G214+G318). These routes offer stunning natural scenery, cultural experiences, and gradual altitude gain, though travel times are long and road conditions can be challenging.
What's the best time to visit China and Tibet?
China can be visited year-round, with each season offering different travel experiences across the country. Tibet, however, has more specific seasonal considerations due to its high altitude and local administrative arrangements.
In general, Tibet is not fully open to foreign travelers from February to April, as travel permits may be temporarily restricted around the Tibetan New Year period. These closures are subject to local government arrangements and can vary slightly from year to year.
Because of its high elevation, Tibet is cooler than other regions at the same latitude. Winters are cold and dry, while summers remain mild rather than hot. The best time to visit Tibet is from May to October, when weather conditions are more stable, roads are accessible, and sightseeing is most comfortable. This period allows travelers to avoid both the harsh winter cold and the peak summer heat experienced in many other parts of China.
What can I expect during my China and Tibet tour?
Before entering Tibet, it is recommended to spend several days exploring two or three cities in mainland China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, or Chengdu. These cities offer a deep introduction to China’s long history and rich culture, reflected in its architecture, traditions, cuisine, customs, and religious heritage. Traveling through China often brings unexpected discoveries and helps travelers better understand the country before heading to the plateau.
In Tibet, the experience shifts to both natural grandeur and spiritual depth. You will encounter vast grasslands, clear blue skies, snow-capped mountains, and a landscape shaped by high altitude and open space. At the same time, daily life in Tibet reflects a strong sense of faith and devotion, visible in monasteries, prayer rituals, and the lives of local Tibetan people. Together, these elements create a journey that is not only visually striking but also emotionally and culturally meaningful.