Regional deep dives

Tibet

Start with Lhasa’s city guide to understand the plateau, religious sites and local etiquette before exploring farther afield.

Göran Höglund (Kartläsarn) · CC BY 2.0

GoTerraVoya · 2026

Intercity: Lhasa is the hub. Entry is mainly by flying to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (about 65 km from downtown, with airport buses and taxis) or by Qinghai–Tibet Railway trains to Lhasa Station (trains from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Xining and elsewhere take tens of hours; onboard oxygen and other arrangements are subject to official announcements). Lhasa to Shigatse, Nyingchi and elsewhere is served by rail and road; long-distance travel within the region mostly uses coaches or chartered cars.
In cities: Lhasa downtown mostly uses buses, taxis and ride-hailing; the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street area is mainly walked. Highland-city roads differ from lowland roads — avoid fatigue driving and slow down in rain and snow.
Rural and highland areas: Namtso, Yamdrok Lake and Everest Base Camp are far from Lhasa and mostly reached by chartered car or tour; roads are high and weather changes quickly. Foreign visitors must arrange a Tibet Travel Permit and related formalities in advance through a licensed travel agency, as specified by official announcements; do not travel alone into restricted areas.
Tickets and payment: Rail tickets are real-name via 12306; bus fares are typically a few yuan, accepting transit cards and mobile QR. Prices and fines are given only as magnitudes and are subject to official announcements. On highland itineraries, ascend slowly, drink water, and descend and seek care promptly if unwell.

Red Line: At religious sites such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Tashilhunpo Monastery, follow on-site rules, do not photograph in no-photography halls, and do not touch Buddha images, scriptures or offerings. For circumambulation, pilgrimage and other religious activities, follow on-site signs and guide instructions, do not cut against the flow, and do not interrupt pilgrims. Do not enter border or military-managed areas without permission (subject to official announcements).
Taboo: Two pitfalls outsiders most often hit: (1) strenuous exercise, drinking alcohol, or prolonged hot showers on the first day in Tibet, risking altitude sickness — Lhasa is about 3,650 m; (2) photographing inside temples or homes without permission, or commenting presumptuously on religious customs. Also, do not enter monks' living quarters at will, and do not point at Buddha images (unverified: rules vary by monastery, follow on-site guidance).
Good Manners: Walk quietly and slowly in temples and dress modestly. Greet local residents first and ask permission before photographing. At meals and lodging, respect local customs, avoid wasting food and water, and conserve water especially in highland areas.

Source leads are being checked individually; confirm travel details with local official notices.