last edited Dec 11, 2019
Overview of Tibet
Location Map of Tibet
Tibet
Open the interactive map
Quick overview
Located north of the Himalayas, Tibet is a region of (very) high desert plateaus surrounded by towering mountain peaks.
Key facts
- Type of place: region.
- Location: in southwestern China, on the northern border of Nepal.
- Latitude/longitude:
- Local time:
- "Capital": Lhasa.
- Nature of "the state": autonomous region of the People's Republic of China.
- Official language:
- Currency: yuan.
- Population: 3,180,000 inhabitants (2014).
- Area: 1,221,600 km².
- Density: 2.6 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Everest (8,848 m).
- Lowest point:
- Coastline: 0 km; no maritime access.
- Driving: on the right.
Tourism
For decades, this autonomous region of China, with its complicated history with the country, has fascinated Western travelers. Beyond any passing "trend," its unique culture, vast wilderness, breathtaking landscapes, towering peaks, and fantastic trekking opportunities attract travelers—even though access to the region is highly regulated (and sometimes even prohibited) depending on the period, and unsupervised stays (including solo travel) are not allowed.
Travel essentials
- Destination: for beginner travelers due to mandatory supervision.
- By air:
- Entry requirements: in addition to those specific to China, a special permit and the presence of a guide/agency (including for solo travel) are mandatory.
- Currency to bring:
- Exchange rate:
- Daily "backpacker" budget:
- Best for accommodation:
- Best for getting around:
- Risks:
- Best time for climate/crowds/prices:
- Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation/holidays