According to the latest official announcement by the Tibet Tourism Bureau, Tibet has been reopened to international tourists in China since May 8th, 2021.
In order to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit, international tourists need to submit the documents listed as below:
Green Cold with Golden Frame
Since the Coronavirus broke out in China, only one person was tested positive. However, he recovered over 500 days ago, and have left Tibet. There is ZERO positive case in Tibet now. As you may have known that China is the safest country in the world now, and Tibet is the safest province in China.
According to a government report, there were 256,000 domestic tourists who visited Nyingchi, an area in Tibet, for the Peach Blossom Festival, which is usually celebrated between late March and middle April. Compared to 2019 (before the Covid-19 pandemic), the number increased by 32.59%. The income generated by the festival was 95.34 million CNY, which was increased by 96.83% compared to 2019.
Peach Blossom in Nyingchi
From these data, it is easy to know that domestic tourists are trying their best to fulfill their travel plans, which were postponed by the pandemic in 2020. It is foreseeable that Tibet will become popular again during the upcoming summer holiday, especially after the college entrance exams, which begins on every June 7th and ends around June 9th (The ending times vary in different places in China).
There are lots of flights from China mainland to Tibet every day. Chengdu, Xian, Xining, and Chongqing are the most popular gateway cities to Tibet. There are usually 20 flights from Chengdu to Tibet, 10 flights from Xian to Tibet, 12 flights from Chongqing to Tibet, and 6 flights from Xining to Tibet. Most tourists fly to Lhasa from Chengdu, because there are more direct flights, so tourists have more options for departure times, and the flying time is shorter (around 2.5 hours).
Besides, it is also possible to take a train to Tibet. Currently, Xining is the best place for a Tibet train tour, because it takes only around 24 hours for the train from Xining to Lhasa, and you will not miss the most beautiful parts of the train tour. If the departure time of your train is at night, you can admire the best sceneries in next morning. However, the tickets of the trains who will pass the most beautiful areas during daytime are usually sold out in a very short time.
Views on a train to Tibet
Potala Palace – The palace was built during the Chinese Tang Dynasty in the 7th century AD and listed as a World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO Organization in 1994. The buildings, artworks, and statues of Tibetan Buddhism are all highlights of this ancient architectural complex. Standing on the mountain where the Potala Palace is located, you will have a bird’s eye view of the city of Lhasa. Of added interest, check out the back of a Chinese Currency 50 Yuan note, and you will see a picture of the Potala Palace printed there!
Potala Palace
Lake Yamdrok - With an altitude of 4,441 meters (1,446 feet), the Lake Yamdrok is the highest fresh-water lake in the world. The color of the lake is sky blue due to the reflection of the blue sky. Sometimes it turns to deep blue when the angle of sunshine changes. The water of the lake comes from the snow on the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain, so local people believe the water can purify their souls.
Lake Yamdrok
Mount Everest Camp – The best place to admire the world’s highest Mount Everest.
Mount Everest
Mount Kailash – The mountain is considered to be the center of the world by many religions, such as Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism and Bonismo. Kailash means the "Mountain of the Immortals" in Tibetan language. Finishing a Kailash Kora Trek shows people’s respect to the immortals. The sceneries during the trek will let you know that your efforts are worthwhile.
Mount Kailash
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