When
to Visit Tibet
Although
Tibet may be visited easily year-round, Dec-Feb remain the off season due to
cold, dry weather. Coordinating trips with festival dates is a popular practice
so the current information is provided below. These are just a sampling of many
local events.
Climate
Basically, the Tibetan climate is not as harsh as many people imagine it to
be. The best time of year to be in Tibet is from April to the beginning of November,
after which temperatures start to plummet.
The central Tibet, including Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and Tsedang, generally
has very mild weather from April to November, though July and August can be
rainy - these two months usually see around half of Tibet's annual rainfall.
October and November often bring some dazzling clear weather and daytime temperatures
can be quite comfortable at Tibet's lower altitude.
The coldest months are from December to February. It is not impossible to visit
Tibet in winter. The low altitude valleys of Tibet (around Lhasa, Shigatse and
Tsedang) see very little snow.
Spring does not really get under way until April, though March can have warm
sunny days and is not necessarily a bad month to be in Tibet. More specific
information in different areas:
Lhasa - the border of Nepal/China: The Friendship highway is basically
in good conditions year around. But from December to February, the thawed road
could make some trouble Besides, try to avoid August - landslide could happen
in the rainy season.
Mt. Everest Region: Early May and early October are the best time to
visit Mt. Everest. Due to the clear weather, you have great chance to see Mt.
Everest's true face. From December to February, it's too cold to go to this
region. But the magnetism of Mt. Everest always attracts people anytime of the
year.
Ali (Mt.Kailash): Even without climate restrictions, this area is already
inhospitable. Big rain and snow could make the journey worse. However, for those
determined tourists, the appropriate time is May, June, July, September and
October.
Eastern Tibet: Don't touch this area in July or August, the rain could
ruin the road, and make terrible landslides. While in winter, the road could
be frozen.
Northern Tibet: With the average altitude of 4,500m, this area offers
very limited time for tourists. Summer is the prime time to enjoy the great
plain in northern Tibet.
Click here for Reservation/More Information
Nights
Lhasa - 8 Days
