How to Plan Yunnan Tibet Tours

Yunnan Tibet Tours mainly involve in the popular cities in Yunnan and Tibet, such as Kunming, Shangrila, Lijiang, Lhasa and Shigatse and provide the recommended Yunnan Tibet Tour Packages provided by Yunnan Exploration that are most suitable for your Yunnan-Tibet Travel.  Of course, Yunnan Exploration can customize the most reasonable Yunnan Tibet Tour according to your requirements, which will give you the best Yunnan Tibet Travel Experience.

Planning a Yunnan Tibet tour involves several key considerations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey through these diverse and culturally rich regions. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your Yunnan Tibet tour effectively:

1. Entry Requirements and Permits

  • Tibet Travel Permit: Essential for all foreign travelers visiting Tibet. It’s issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau and requires booking through a licensed tour operator.
  • Chinese Visa: Obtain a Chinese tourist visa before entering China, as you’ll need it to apply for the Tibet Travel Permit.

2. Best Time to Visit

  • Weather: Consider Tibet’s climate, which varies from region to region. Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season with milder temperatures. Avoid the harsh winter months unless you’re interested in unique winter experiences.

3. Choosing Your Route

  • Popular Routes: Decide on your starting point in Yunnan (e.g., Kunming, Lijiang, Shangri-La) and your endpoint in Tibet (e.g., Lhasa). Common routes include:
    • Kunming → Lhasa: Through Chamdo (Eastern Tibet)
    • Lijiang → Lhasa: Passing through Shangri-La and scenic spots like Tiger Leaping Gorge
    • Shangri-La → Lhasa: Exploring the northern part of Yunnan and eastern Tibet

4. Transportation

  • Flights: Direct flights are available from Kunming to Lhasa. Ensure to book early due to high demand.
  • Overland Routes: Consider road trips through scenic routes like the Friendship Highway from Lhasa to Kathmandu (Nepal), passing through Everest Base Camp.

5. Accommodation

  • Booking: Reserve accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons. Options range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels.
  • High Altitude: In Tibet, choose accommodations that help you acclimatize to the high altitude.

6. Sightseeing and Activities

  • Cultural Sites: Plan visits to iconic landmarks like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery in Lhasa.
  • Natural Wonders: Explore scenic spots like Namtso Lake, Yamdrok Lake, and Everest Base Camp (if included in your itinerary).

7. Altitude Acclimatization

  • Gradual Ascent: Allow time for acclimatization upon arrival in Tibet, especially in Lhasa (3,650 meters above sea level).
  • Symptoms: Be aware of altitude sickness symptoms and consult with your tour operator for medical advice.

8. Guided Tours and Local Operators

  • Licensed Tour Operators: Book your tour through a licensed agency familiar with local regulations and conditions.
  • Local Guides: Hire knowledgeable guides who can enhance your cultural and historical understanding of the region.

9. Health and Safety

  • Insurance: Obtain travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency medical evacuation.
  • Medical Kit: Carry a basic medical kit for minor ailments and altitude sickness.

10. Respect Local Customs

  • Religious Sites: Respect local customs and traditions when visiting monasteries and religious sites.
  • Photography: Ask for permission before taking photos of locals, especially monks and religious ceremonies.

11. Budgeting

  • Costs: Consider costs for permits, transportation, accommodation, meals, and souvenirs.
  • Currency: Use Chinese Yuan (CNY) for transactions in both Yunnan and Tibet.

12. Environmental Awareness

  • Leave No Trace: Practice responsible tourism and minimize your environmental impact, especially in sensitive natural areas.

By carefully planning your Yunnan Tibet tour with these factors in mind, you can maximize your experience while respecting local cultures and environments. It’s an adventure that combines stunning landscapes with rich cultural heritage, offering memories that last a lifetime.

The Most Popular Yunnan Tibet Tours

Yunnan Tibet Overland Tours

Yunnan Tibet Tours Including Mount Everest

Yunnan Tibet Tours including Mount Everest are the combination of Yunnan highlights and Tibet Mount Everest Adventure. In the Yunnan Tibet Tours including Mount Everest, you will first explore the top attractions ranged from natural wonders to ethnic villages in Yunnan and Tibet.

Yunnan Tibet Cycling Tours

If you’re angling for astonishing scenic beauty, wild mountainous adventures, riveting displays of ethnic culture and the irresistible allure of the immense outdoors, Yunnan Tibet Cycling Tours are your best choices.

Yunnan Tibet Tours Travel Tips

Necessary Permits for Yunnan Tibet Tours

Tibet Entry Permit

Tibet Entry Permit is foremost and compulsory for foreign passport holders to enter Tibet. Issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau, it is also called TTB permit.

Tibet Border Pass

If you aim to visit some remote destinations, like Mount Everest, Mount Kailash, ect. located in the border area between Tibet and other countries, You need to prepare Tibet Border Pass.

Aliens’ Travel Permit

If you want to explore places outside Lhasa such as Mount Everest, you need to obtain both the Tibet Travel Permit and Aliens’ Travel Permit.

Chinese Visa

If you want to travel to China, you have to obtain a Chinese Visa first. The Chinese Visa will also be used to apply for Tibet travel permits before your Yunnan Tibet Travel.

Independent Travel Is Impossible

For people who are foreign travelers, Hong Kong citizens, Macau citizens and Taiwan citizens, they not only need the related permits as above, but also the travel services from an authorized travel agency, such as My Mysterious Tibet.

High Altitude Sickness

In your Yunnan Tibet travel, you need to pay special attention to high altitude sickness before and in your Yunnan Tibet Tour due to the highland area of Yunnan and Tibet.

Packing Tips

In the areas of Yunnan and Tibet, the temperature difference  in day and night and different season is very large. Therefore, you should bring some warm clothing. What’s more, the needed medicine, and other stuffs like sunscreen cream, gloves, rain gears, solar flashlight etc are necessary.