Tibet vacations 2020 & 2021
Despite the controversy surrounding its sovereignty, a vacation to Tibet has much to reward the curious visitor. Our specialists have a deep respect and a passion for this enigmatic land — its multi-faceted, pervasive Buddhism, its outpost-like towns, and its Himalaya landscapes. They’ll plot a course that can take you to Lhasa to visit the long-empty white-and-gold wedding cake of the Potala Palace. And then there are even less developed places such as Gyantse’s old town, a living repository of traditional Tibetan architecture.
They’re also brimming with ideas for how to see Tibetan culture at its most undiluted, suggesting experiences that you can easily weave into your own Tibet itinerary. You can watch monks debate with unexpected vociferousness at some of Tibet’s most beguiling and oldest monasteries. You can camp and stargaze by isolated ice-blue lakes. Or, you can make the short-day trek from Rongbuk Monastery for a back-door view of Everest few people will ever see.
Creating tailor-made journeys for over 20 years
Suggested itineraries for Tibet
These itineraries give you a starting point for what your trip to Tibet could entail. They cover routes we've found work particularly well and feature some of our favorite places to stay. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.
Classic Tibet tour
This 13 day trip takes in the Lhasa and the key towns of Tibet, where you'll visit the most important monasteries and sights.
Journey through the Himalayas: Lhasa to Kathmandu along the Friendship Highway
Travel overland from Lhasa to Kathmandu across the Tibetan Plateau and through the Himalayas along the Friendship Highway.
Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made journeys
- Fully protected travel
- Established for 20 years
Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Tibet.
Tibet in pictures
-
![Views from Yambulagang Palace, Tsetang]()
Explore the remote wilderness -
![Road to Everest Base Camp]()
Enjoy breathtaking scenery -
![Rongbuk and Everest Base Camp Region, Tibet]()
Travel to Everest Base Camp -
![Samye Monastery]()
See Samye Monastery in Shigatse -
![Tashilunpo Monastery, Shigatse]()
Visit the Tibetan monasteries -
![Yamdrok-Tso Lake]()
Visit Lake Yamdrok-tso -
![Nechung monks, Lhasa]()
Learn about Tibetan Buddhism -
![Lhasa to Beijing Express, Lhasa]()
Travel on the Lhasa Express
Tell us your travel plans and a specialist will be in touch
Our expert guides to traveling in Tibet
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to Tibet. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate Tibet at its best.
Spirituality in India: witnessing India’s major faiths
India specialist Sophie explores one captivating facet of India: its spirituality. She suggests where to witness India’s faiths, and outlines a journey that could take you from the mosques of Delhi to Himalaya foothills and the banks of the Ganges.
India to Nepal: where to go in the Himalaya
Spanning six countries and the world’s highest mountain range, the Himalaya isn’t a region you usually tackle in one go. We compare and contrast the best Himalayan journeys, which include seeking out rhinos in Nepal, visiting remote dzongs in Bhutan and riding railways in India.
Visiting monasteries in Tibet
Buddhism is the lifeforce of Tibet, so visiting its monasteries will probably form the crux of your trip. But why are monasteries so rewarding to visit, and where exactly should you go? Tibet specialist Duncan shares his thoughts.
Ask the expert: how to experience Tibet
It’s remote, its politics is an imbroglio, and there are strict rules governing Western visitors — but Tibet still rewards in spades. Tibet specialist Duncan explains why Tibet’s monasteries, capital and its portion of Everest are so fulfilling to visit.