Planning Tibet Tours 2025–2026: Tibet continues to draw travellers with its towering mountains, sacred lakes, and centuries-old monasteries. Whether someone dreams of walking the kora around Mount Kailash, standing before Everest Base Camp Tibet, exploring the spiritual corridors of Jokhang Temple, or wandering the ancient Barkhor Street, planning ahead makes the journey smoother. Here’s the latest update for anyone considering Tibet tours in 2025 and 2026.
Potala Palace Weekly Closure
As per the latest notice, the iconic Potala Palace in Lhasa will remain closed every Monday starting from December 1, 2025. This closure applies to all visitors—foreign travellers, locals, and pilgrims. If you’re planning a Lhasa tour, make sure your itinerary avoids Mondays so you don’t miss the opportunity to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site.
China’s Visa-Free Policy Valid Until December 31, 2026 – Planning Tibet Tours 2025–2026: Visa-Free Entry, Potala Palace Schedule & Permit Guide
China has extended its visa-free entry policy for travellers from a long list of countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Holland, Singapore, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Russia, Kuwait, and many more.
Travellers from these countries, holding valid ordinary passports, may enter China—including Tibet—for tourism, business, family visits, cultural exchange, or transit, with stays of up to 30 days without a visa.
This update simplifies travel for those planning to explore top highlights such as Shigatse, Gyantse, Rongbuk Monastery, Namtso Lake, Yamdrok Lake, and the historic Tashilhunpo Monastery. It also eases travel arrangements for overland journeys from Lhasa to Kathmandu, spiritual pilgrimages to Lake Manasarovar, and longer adventures such as Tibet trekking, guided Tibet tours, and high-altitude acclimatization programs.
Entry Requirements for Travellers Without Visa-Free Privileges – Planning Tibet Tours 2025–2026: Visa-Free Entry, Potala Palace Schedule & Permit Guide
For travellers whose countries are not included in the visa-free list, entry into Tibet remains straightforward. If you obtain a China individual visa in your home country, you may enter Tibet from Nepal using this visa alone. No additional “Tibet visa” is required from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.
However, all foreign travellers must still secure the Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) before travelling. This permit is arranged through registered travel agencies and is mandatory for travel outside Lhasa.
Tibet Remains a Transformative Journey – Planning Tibet Tours 2025–2026: Visa-Free Entry, Potala Palace Schedule & Permit Guide
From the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake to the vast plains surrounding Namtso Lake, Tibet is a landscape where spirituality and raw nature merge seamlessly. Monasteries hum with ancient rituals, pilgrims circle sacred sites whispering “Tashi Delek,” and vibrant Tibetan festivals keep age-old traditions alive.
Whether you’re planning a short cultural visit around Lhasa or preparing for the sacred Mount Kailash kora, Tibet promises a journey that is powerful, meaningful, and unforgettable.
With clearer entry procedures and improving logistics, travellers can confidently plan their 2025–2026 Tibet adventures – one high-altitude experience at a time.
Tibetan Culture: People, Festivals, and the Rhythms of Life – China Visa-Free Policy, and Entry Options from Nepal – Planning Tibet Tours 2025–2026: Visa-Free Entry, Potala Palace Schedule & Permit Guide
Tibetan culture is one of the most spiritually rich and deeply rooted traditions in the Himalayas. The Tibetan people are known for their warmth, resilience, and strong sense of community, shaped by centuries of life on the high plateau. Daily life revolves around Buddhism, with families starting their mornings by lighting butter lamps, chanting simple mantras, and spinning prayer wheels for good fortune. Respect for elders and hospitality to guests are an essential part of every household.
Tibetans celebrate many vibrant festivals that blend devotion, dance, and ancient rituals. Losar, the Tibetan New Year, is the most important festival, marked by family gatherings, blessings, and traditional performances. Saga Dawa, honoring Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death, is considered a sacred time for pilgrimages and offerings. Shoton Festival brings the dramatic unveiling of giant thangkas at monasteries and lively Tibetan opera shows.
Life events are also closely tied to spiritual beliefs. At birth, monks often bless the newborn and consult astrology for an auspicious name. Weddings are joyful community events filled with music, butter tea, and ceremonial scarves. At death, Tibetans focus on guiding the soul’s transition through prayers and specific rites, reflecting their belief in rebirth. Write to us for your Mt. Kailash and Tibet Travel planning.