As the saying goes: those who have never been to Tibet will not have a true life; Those who have been to Tibet once will find the real meaning of life; And those who have been to Tibet for three times will have the idea of staying in Tibet for their whole life. For those who go to Tibet in July, they are able to see the most beautiful sunrise and sunset in Namtso, enjoy the pure starry sky in Yamdrok, see the marvelous mountains in EBC, and enjoy the delicious fungus banquet in Nyingchi.
Tibet, the last pure land on the earth, is a place that shouldn’t be missed your life. For those who are afraid of getting altitude sickness, they are suggested to go there in July, when the oxygen content is one of the highest throughout the year, so that they are less likely to get altitude sickness.
Kadinggou Valley in Nyingchi
Tourists are able to see Tibet which is truly embraced by summer if they go there in July, when average temperature is between 16 degrees and 20 degrees. Even the highest temperature wouldn't exceed 30 degrees because of the high altitude. However, solar radiation can be the strongest throughout the year. Therefore, tourists need to pay attention to the sunshine, or else they would get a great tan after visiting Tibet. There are still chances that the weather might get cold at nights, and sometimes the temperature can possibly drop to as low as 8-9 Centigrade degrees, so a sweater that can keep warm is necessary during a trip to Tibet.
July is among the rainy season of Tibet, yet thousands of tourists from home and abroad still flock to Tibet during this period, making the month one of the most populated period throughout the year. Thankfully, influence of the rainfall on the tour isn’t very huge, so tourists can still fully enjoy their trip in Tibet in July. As the capital city of Tibet, Lhasa is definitely one of the most popular cities in July, with crowds of tourists going there to explore the unique Tibetan culture and celebrate the special festivals.
Protecting yourself from a sunburn is still the priority for a trip to Tibet in July. You need to dress more properly during this period. Add more clothes when you feel cold and take off some clothes when you are hot, or else you will be more likely to catch a cold, which can be very painful and dangerous for a plateau journey.
In spite of the humid and hot weather, July can still be one of the best time to visit Lhasa, as tourists can not only enjoy beautiful views of the city in the daytime, they can also walk out and wonder around the city at nights. Major tourists are in the center of Lhasa including: the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street.
Jokhang Temple
In July, the Potala Palace is shining under the bright sunshine, allowing tourists to see the most beautiful views of the palace from the square which lies in front of it. Climbing up to the palace along the stairways is the work that requires much energy. Yet once the tourists reach the palace, they will find every minute and each drop of sweat worth.
After visiting the Potala Palace, visitors can then go to the Jokhang Temple, which is called “the eye of Tibet”. They may have the chance to see some important Buddhism events while visiting the temple, as it is the center where major Buddhism activities are held in Tibet.
For those who want to buy some gifts for friends and relatives, they are suggested to go to Barkhor Street, where different kinds of goods are sold by local people. After that, they can pay visits to some other temples nearby the street to explore the mysterious culture shock of different religions.
While traveling to Lhasa in July, you can wear short sleeves in the daytime. Comfortable and breathable long sleeves and trousers would be better, as they can protect you from the sunshine. The temperature will drop down at nights, so you need to add a thin coat at this time. Please don’t wear short pants and short sleeves when you visit the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and other religious buildings in Lhasa, because wearing short pants and short sleeves are forbidden in the temples and monasteries in Tibet.
Even in the hot season of July, Namtso is a little bit cooler than Lhasa, with average temperature ranging from 3 degrees to 15 degrees. The weather is mostly cloudy during this period and it often rains at nights. Located at an altitude of 4718 meters, Namtso is around 1000 meters higher than Lhasa. Therefore, tourists are more easily to get altitude sickness. Besides, there are winds at nights, so those who want to stay in Namtso and see the starry sky in the evenings should pay attention to the weather and keep themselves warm.
Lake Namtso
The wind in Namtso is not only strong but also cold, so thermal clothes is necessary for a trip to Namtso no matter when you go there. If you want to keep yourself warm effectively, you should also put on gloves, scarf, hat and cold-weather mask when you are in Namtso.
Yamdrok Lake is one of the best places for traveling in summer seasons. The best way to enjoy the beauty of Yamdrok Lake is to see it from a far distance, with water shimmering under the sunshine in colors of different layers, which is just like the pearl in the eyes of lovers. Weather in Yamdrok Lake in July is not as bad as people think. Even though nearly half of the days of the month are rainy, it doesn’t rain very heavily. Besides, sunlight in Yamdrok Lake is not weaker than that in Lhasa, so the temperature during this month can still reach up to 18 degrees, which isn’t as low as people think. And equipment such as hats and umbrellas are necessary for a trip to Yamdrok Lake in July.
Yamdrok Lake in July
A thick sweater would be enough for a one-day trip to Yamdrok in July. But if you have the plan to stay overnight there, you need to prepare clothes such as down coats and fleece jackets to against the cold at nights.
Gyantse is a county in Shigatse and located in the east of the city. Although it enjoys monsoon climate, Gyantse is not that windy in July because of the protection from the mountains around. Even though it rains during the month, the rains are less heavy than the center of Shigatse. Besides, temperature during this period can be as high as 18 degrees, which is comfortable for a tour here.
Gyantse is one of the famous historical and cultural counites in China, and it is also an emerging tourism county in Tibet. Though small in size, there are several famous tourist attractions in Gyantse. Topping the list are: Gyantse Fortress, Palcho Monastery, and Pala Manor, which are all of great importance to the history of the county. Gyantse Fortress is a war site which had played an important role in the battle between the Tibetan people and the British invaders in 1904. Palcho Monastery is the only temple where the three major sects of Tibetan Buddhism harmoniously get along with each other. And Pala Manor is the only well-preserved manor of ancient nobility in Tibet, showing two totally different life between the rich nobility and the poor slaves in ancient times.
Palcho Monastery
Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet, only behind the capital city Lhasa. In Tibetan Language, “Shigatse” means “fertile land”, which can be exactly used to describe the city. Because of the full sunshine and sufficient water supply, the agricultural industry in Shigatse is the most developed in Tibetan region. Therefore, Shigatse is also known as “the granary of Tibet”. Average temperature during this period in Shigatse is between 9 Centigrade degrees and 17 Centigrade degrees, which is a little bit cooler than Gyantse. The rains here are heavier than Gyantse, so raincoats should be prepared in advance.
You will pass through the Gangbala Mountain Pass and Karola Mountain Pass before you get to Shigatse. You can spent half an hour having a look at the holy Yamdrok Lake at the Gangbala Mountain Pass, and Karola Glacier at the Karola Mountain Pass respectively. As these two mountain passes are both 5,000 meters above sea level, the wind can be very strong at these two places, Therefore, you need to put on an extra coat to keep warm when you stay in these two places.
Karola Glacier
EBC is a must-visit destination in this summer season, as the weather is not as cold as it was in the previous months. Temperature differences between day and night in EBC are getting smaller in July. Average temperature during this period is between 5 degrees and 18 degrees. July is also the peak of rainy season of EBC, with average rainfall increasing to 170 mm. The good news is that it often rains at nights, so a tour to EBC in the daytime is less difficult. The weather is mostly windy and cloudy. However, in spite of the high speed, the winds in July are less strong than that of spring. As the nearest spot to heaven, EBC is a good choice to take picture of not only Mt. Everest, but also the clear and bright sky and pure-white clouds.
Mount Everest Stone Tablet
A sweatshirt or a fleece jacket would be enough for a trip to EBC in July. But if you plan to stay overnight there, you still need to prepare a down coat to against the coldness at nights.
Mt. Kailash is universally acknowledged as a holy mountain in the world. Though different in belief, disciples of different religions have recognized the mountain as the center of the world. It is a mysterious mountain which is totally different from other mountains. For a normal mountain, there is no snow on the side which faces the sun and there is always snow on the other side. However, things are just the opposite in Mt. Kailash: there is always snow on the side which faces the sun and there is no snow on the other side. Even when the latter side is covered with snow, it will melt quickly when the sun comes out.
Mt. Kailash is such a holy and mysterious mountain that attracts thousands of disciples every year. They walk around the mountain circle after circle, believing that their sins can be washed away by doing this. In addition, Tibetan people have the tradition of making pilgrimages in Mt. Kailash in the Chinese zodiac Year of Horse. They make pilgrimages by walking around the mountain circle after circle. It is said by walking one circle, people can wash away the sins of their whole life; walking ten circles, people can get rid of the 500-hundred years’ suffering in hell; walking one hundred circles, people can become a Buddha after their death. Therefore, in the Year of Horse, tourists can see countless pilgrims walking around the mountain.
Mount Kailash Trekking
Mt. Kailash is also a perfect place for trekkers. Yet trekking in July in Mt. Kailash can be challenging, as the weather is a little bit hot (22 degrees) and it often rains during this period. Therefore, in addition to equipment for trekking, raincoats and water-proof boots are also suggested for a trip to Mt. Kailash in July.
When there is sunshine in the daytime, Ngari is pretty warm during this period. But the temperature will drop down quickly after the sunset. Therefore, if you plan to do kora around Mt. Kailash in July, you need to prepare a down coat to keep warm at nights. But if you only want to go to have a look at this magnificent mountain in the daytime, a wind-proof jacket wound be enough.
Nyingchi is one of the places which boasts the richest kinds of fungus. July is the best time for foodies, as fungus will spring up after rains and tourists can enjoy a banquet of fungus while travelling in Nyingchi. One of the dishes which is called the Stone Pot Chicken and made of fungus shouldn’t be missed.
Nyingchi is one of the lowest places in Tibet, located at an altitude of around 3000 meters and boasting marvelous mountains, holy lakes, and virgin forests. In spite of the rainfall, the scenery of Ningchi is still worth a visit during this period. The weather is comfortable, with temperature ranging between 12 degrees and 23 degrees on average. For those who don’t want to get bad altitude sickness in Tibet, Nyingchi is a perfect choice.
Midui Glacier Nyingchi
You need to pass through some mountains when you go to Nyingchi from Lhasa, and the temperature in those mountains might be low. In addition, the temperature difference between day and night is large in Tibet, so you still need to prepare some thermal clothes such as down coats and sweaters when you go to Nyingchi in summer. Besides, as there is strong sunshine in Tibet the whole year, equipment such as sunglasses, sunscreen and hats are necessary as well.
If you don’t have the plan to go to other places in Tibet except Nyingchi, long sleeves and long pants would be enough for this journey. But if you want to stay overnight in Nyingchi, you still need to prepare a coat to against the cold in the evenings.
July sees the beginning of rainy season of Shannan, with both rainfall and temperature increasing during this period. Flowers along the valleys of Shannan blossom and compete with each other. Because of the Indian Southwest Monsoon and the Asian Northwest Monsoon, winds during this period in Shannan are much stronger. Temperature is favorable for travelling, being as warm as 10 degrees to 23 degrees.
There is still large temperature difference between day and night in Shannan during this period. So in addition to summer clothes, you should also prepare sweaters and fleece jackets for the journey. If you plan to place of higher altitude, a down coat is necessary to against the cold at nights.
The Sino-Nepal Highway, also known as the Friendship Highway, is believed to be one of the most unique and fantasy highways in the world. 8 out of the world’s 10 highest mountains are situated on the border between China and Nepal, and tourists are able to see at least 5 of them while driving along the Friendship Highway. What’s more, tourists can see landscapes of different kinds along the way as well, including the snow-covered mountains, vast grasslands, desert lands, and countless rivers and lakes in various sizes. Yaks and sheep grazed on the grasslands can also be seen in July.
The Chinese part of the highway is from Lhasa to Lazi County, after which the highway is divided into two lines: the west line (Lhasa - Shigaze - Lazi - G219 - Kuala Lung County - Kuala Lung Port - Nepal) and the east line (Lhasa - Shigaze - Lazi – Dingri - Nyalamu County - Zhangmu Port - Friendship Bridge - Kathmandu). Because of the 2015 Nepal earthquake, Zhangmu Port has once closed and it is now only accessible for freight. Therefore, tourists can only choose the west line to get to Nepal from Tibet.
Travelling from Lhasa to Kathmandu in July via the Friendship Highway can be pleasant, as the temperature is comfortably warm. However, July is also among the rainy season of Kathmandu, so tourists are more likely to arrive to the exotic Nepali capital in a rainy day.
Gyirong Port is the last stop in China on the journey from Lhasa to Kathmandu. Tourists need to go through exit formalities before crossing the Resuo Bridge. Once getting into Nepal, tourists have to apply for their visas in the authority agency of the country. After that, they may begin their trip in Nepal by enjoying the lush and spectacular valleys and forests along the way from the border to Kathmandu. Tourists can get transfer service from Gyirong Port to Kathmandu offered by our company, and the fee is 60 USD/person.
Tips: For visitors who want to travel from Kathmandu to Lhasa via overland, they will have to apply for both the Tibet Permit and China Group Visa in Kathmandu. With the help of our staff, visitors can get their documents done quickly. One thing to remember is that visitors have to apply for the visa at the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu at least 3 days before their tour starts, as it will take 3 working days to finish the process. If possible, tourists are suggested to get to Kathmandu 5 days in advance to the day leaving for Tibet. So that they can have enough time to deal with their documents. After handing in the passports, out travel consultants will help you get all the details done.
The first one is the Universal Prayer Day, which is called Dzam Ling Chi Sang in Tibetan language. It is one of the biggest Buddhism festivals in Tibet. There are two such festivals in Tibet throughout the year, respectively falling on the 15th day of the first month and the same day of the sixth month of Tibetan lunar calendar. When the festival comes, Tibetan people will go to the tops of local mountains to burn incense and Juniper branches, and hang prayer flags. That’s why the Universal Prayer Day is also called the World Incense Festival. Besides, local people will also set up bonfires to worship the Buddha and gods during the festival.
Yushu Horse Racing Festival is one of the most important festivals for Tibetan people held in Qinghai Province. It was inscribed on the Second Batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2008. Yushu is a Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province, with vast grasslands as its main topography, which can be used as a perfect spot for horse racing. The festival is so popular that attracts thousands of tourists from home and abroad every year. Tibetan people from outside Yushu will also come to the prefecture and take part in the horse racing together with the local Tibetans to show their skilled horsemanship. In addition to the horse racing, a lot of other activities are also held to celebrate the festival, such as yak racing, Tibetan wrestling, archery, shooting, singing and dancing, and some other activities with national characteristics.
The most significant things that visitors must not forget to bring with them before getting to Tibet include passport, Tibet Travel Permit as well as Chinese Visa. Temperature in July is not that cold, so tourists just need to bring some sweaters or jackets for the low temperature at nights. However, visitors had better not underestimate the rainfall and winds in Tibet in July, so clothes such as raincoats and wind-proof jackets are also of great importance. Besides, umbrellas and hats are not only useful in rainy days, they are also helpful in sunny days, when UV rays are very strong on the plateau. Unless you want to get a great tan during the trip in Tibet, do bring with you sunglasses and sun protection equipment such as High SPF sunscreen. Besides, skin cream, hand cream and lip balm are also necessary to against the windy weather there.
A pair of good boots are also of great significance for a trip to Tibet in July. Because of the rainfall, the grounds in Tibet can become soft and muddy, which is not good for the shoes. Even though the weather is a little hot in the daytime, fancy short dresses and shorts are still not recommended. For one thing, it is because that the strong sunshine in the daytime will more likely do harm to your skin if you wear short dresses or shorts. For another thing, it is inappropriate to wear them in this holy land, as it will go against the religious belief of Tibetan people. Just as the saying goes, do as the Romans do. By following the customs of Tibet, you are able to enjoy a relaxing trip in Tibet.
Besides, travelling in Tibet is an activity that requires much energy. Tourists can prepare some high-energy snacks in case their energy should be consumed. In addition, as the scenery in Tibet during this period is so beautiful that you should prepare as many as batteries for your cameras.
Even though the oxygen content in summer on the plateau is higher than in winter. People are still more likely to get altitude sickness when they arrive in Tibet in July. And one interesting thing is that those who are in better health conditions are more likely to get altitude sickness than normal people. To avoid of such situation, visitors had better take Rhodiola 7 to 15 days in advance before they get to Tibet. Medicine like Rhodiola Compound Capsule and Gaoyuan’an that can relieve the symptoms of altitude sickness should also be prepared.
July is among the peak season of Tibet tourism, so a tour to Tibet during this period can be expensive, with prices of airline tickets, rooms of hotels, and tickets of tourist attractions being increased greatly. Yet, there are still thousands of tourists flocking to the region to explore the mysterious culture of this holy land during this period. For those who don’t want to get into Tibet in winter season, they are recommended to get there in July, as the weather is the warmest throughout the year and they don’t have to pack too many thick clothes in their travel case.
July is one of the best seasons to travel to Tibet. As it often rains in Tibet during this period, tourists must prepare rain gear such as umbrellas and raincoats for a rainy day. Fortunately, the rainfall always comes at nights, so it won’t have huge influence on your journey in the daytime. In July, the weather in Tibet is relatively comfortable, neither too hot nor too cold. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare thick clothes for the journey. Outdoor sports clothes would be a better choice for a trip to Tibet in July. If you have the plan to go to high-altitude areas such as EBC and Ngari, we suggest that you bring thick clothes or wear multiple layers of clothes. Protecting yourself from a sunburn is the top priority for a trip to Tibet in summer, so products such as sunscreen, hat and sunglasses are necessary.
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