16-Day Ali, Yamdrok Lake, Guge, Mount Everest and Mount Kailash Tour from Lhasa

Additional Notes

• Foreign nationals and Taiwan compatriots must apply for the Tibet Permit in advance:

  • Foreign nationals: Submit application documents at least 15 working days prior (20 working days for groups visiting Ngari). Documents for Foreigners'Tibet Permit

  • Taiwan compatriots: Submit application documents at least 20 working days in advance. Documents for Taiwan Compatriot's Tibet Permit

• In addition to the Tibet Permit, foreign nationals and Taiwan compatriots must register at the Shigatse Exit-Entry Administration. The guide will adjust the itinerary accordingly. Please follow the guide’s arrangement and cooperate.
• Some areas require a Border Permit. As local regulations in Tibet may change, Chinese nationals are advised to obtain the Border Permit at their local public security bureau before departure.

• Potala Palace Ticket Booking Instructions

  • Real-name reservation required. Valid ID (ID card, household register, Taiwan Compatriot Permit, or passport) must be provided. Once booked, tickets cannot be reserved again within 7 days from the visit date. The travel agency is not liable for entry failure due to incorrect information provided by the visitor.

  • The original valid ID must be presented before entry. If the name or ID number does not match, entry will be denied and the ticket fee is non-refundable.

  • Visit times are randomly assigned by the Potala Palace management; specific times cannot be chosen. The actual tour order may differ from the reference itinerary.

  • During peak season, group booking quotas are limited. To secure entry, the agency may use different channels, and visitors are asked to follow the guide’s arrangements. The following are normal:

    • Groups may be split into smaller groups, sometimes combined with other visitors.

    • Different subgroups may have different visit times/dates.

    • Subgroups may be led by different guides.

  • The palace is closed on Mondays; the itinerary will be adjusted accordingly if a Monday falls on the visit day. Please confirm the final itinerary with your sales contact.

  • Visit duration: up to 1 hour.

• Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple Visit Tips

  • Due to the real-name reservation system for both Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, please bring your original valid ID, follow your guide’s instructions, and enter strictly at the reserved time.

  • Wear flat shoes for easy stair climbing. Dress modestly and appropriately - no shorts, short skirts, revealing clothes, or open-toed sandals. Remove hats and sunglasses before entering the halls.

  • Do not shout, chase, climb, lie down, spit, litter, or touch cultural relics. Photography and video recording are strictly prohibited inside Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, and all sites within the Snow City area. Do not bring liquid beverages inside, and no smoking or open flames.

  • Potala Palace has high elevations—walk slowly when going up or down. The halls are cool, so bringing a jacket is recommended even in summer. The main visit is limited to one hour, and guides are not allowed to stay inside for extended periods or give loud explanations; guiding will be done outside. Please be a responsible visitor and follow the rules set by the cultural relic authorities.

  • Both Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple are ancient structures with narrow passageways and many wooden stairs, often shared for both ascending and descending. Large crowds may create safety risks, so please exit promptly after your visit. Always walk in an orderly manner, stay safe, and avoid crowding.

• Tibet Travel Tips

  Tibet, with its history, culture, ethnic traditions, snowy landscapes, and Tibetan Buddhism, is attracting more travelers from around the world. Please note the following:

  • High altitude – Travelers and their guardians must be aware of the risks. Those with heart, lung, brain, liver, kidney conditions, severe anemia, hypertension, or serious colds are not eligible to join. The agency has provided this reminder; do not conceal any medical conditions when booking.

  • Before departure – Get good sleep for 2–3 days prior. If concerned, take Rhodiola, Gaoyuan’an, or American ginseng 6–7 days in advance (reduce or skip if discomfort occurs). Continue on arrival day if needed. In severe cases, seek IV fluids or oxygen. Most travelers adapt within 1–1.5 days. Altitude symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, and insomnia. Relax – anxiety worsens it.

  • Arrival day – Rest at the hotel. Do not shower to avoid catching a cold or aggravating altitude sickness. Avoid strenuous activity, alcohol, and smoking.

  • On the plateau – Speak softly, walk slowly. Drink plenty of water, eat fruit, and avoid overeating (stop at 70% full). Carry high-energy snacks (chocolate, beef jerky, biscuits). Those in suboptimal health may keep American ginseng tablets in the mouth for energy.

  • Luggage – Each passenger is limited to one 26-inch suitcase plus a small backpack. Any excess luggage must be stored at the Lhasa hotel front desk as instructed by the guide.

  • Temperature & clothing – Large temperature differences (around 13°C). Bring a thick coat or sweater. In high-altitude areas (Tingri, Everest), August nights drop to 0–5°C; down jackets and thermal underwear are essential. Remote areas may have power cuts after midnight; bring a flashlight and toilet paper for adventure routes.

  • Long driving hours – Tibet is vast; some routes involve more driving than sightseeing. Be mentally prepared and enjoy the scenery along the way.

  • Medications – Long journeys and climate changes may cause discomfort. Bring basic medicines such as bandages, cold medicine, and stomach remedies.

  • Facilities – Local infrastructure is less developed than in other parts of China. Hotels, vehicles, and restaurants may have lower standards. Please be understanding.

  • Time difference – Tibet uses Beijing time, but the actual daily schedule is about two hours later due to the time zone. Adjust accordingly, especially for meals and wake-up times.

  • Photography – Tibetans are friendly, but always agree on a price before taking photos to avoid misunderstandings.

  • Safety – Do not leave the group or change the itinerary on your own. If going out at night, go with others and return by midnight.

  • Sun & dryness – b sunlight and dry climate. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, and a sun hat.

  • Local customs – Respect Tibetan traditions. Walk clockwise around temples and inside them. No photography, hats, or short skirts inside temples. Avoid political topics. Do not eat dog, monkey, horse, or donkey meat. When offered tea or alcohol, try to accept; if you cannot, politely decline. Keep the ceremonial white scarf (hada) away from unclean places.

  • Temple schedules – Temple attractions are managed by their own administrative offices, not the tourism bureau, so opening hours may vary. Please be understanding if closures or delays occur.

• Mount Kailash Kora – Practical Guide
  Best Season
  • Recommended: Late April – October
  • Avoid: November – March (extreme cold, harsh weather)
  Gear & Packing List
  • Backpack & hiking boots
  • Disposable slippers, rain jacket / waterproof shell
  • Trekking poles, windproof headscarf, gloves, sun hat, sunglasses
  • High-SPF sunscreen, basic toiletries (toothbrush, face wipes), moisturizer & lip balm
  • Water bottle / thermos, high-energy snacks (chocolate, energy bars)
  • Insect repellent, small personal first-aid kit (band-aids, cold medicine, etc.)
  • Power bank
  Accommodation
  • Local guesthouses along the route have improved. Each bed usually comes with a blanket and a quilt.
  • Sleeping bag is optional – only needed if you are very particular about cleanliness.
  Food & Drinks
  • Several (supply stops) along the trail offer instant noodles, snacks, tea, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot water.
  Safety & Wildlife
  • Wild dogs and other animals may appear but generally do not attack humans.
  • Do not feed or approach them.
  Emergency Rescue (paid)
  • Rescue vehicles available from the tourist service center. Can reach Zhiresi / Gangga (Day 1 stop) or Bukkading (a stop after Drolma La Pass).
  • Fees subject to local rates.
  Paid Rental Services (2025 prices – for reference only)Note: 2026 is the Year of the Horse – a peak pilgrimage year. Prices will rise. Check official rates.
  • Horse rental (3 days, full 54km circuit)
    – 2,370 RMB per horse + one horseman
    – Overtime: +790 RMB/day
    – Rider weight limit: under 90 kg (180 lbs). Horse cannot carry heavy loads. Rider may carry a small backpack ≤1.2 kg (essentials & medicine only).
  • Porter (3 days, 54km)
    – 990 RMB per person per circuit
    – Weight limit: 7.5 kg per person
    – Overtime: +330 RMB/day
    – Note: Porter ≠ guide. They walk fast; keep daily essentials with you.
  • Yak rental
    – Yak: 340 RMB / head / day
    – Yak handler: 380 RMB / person / day
    – Each handler can lead up to 3 yaks. Minimum rental: 2 yaks + 1 handler
    – Typical 3-day circuit cost: (340×2 + 380) × 3 = 3,180 RMB