2022 Tours in Tibet
NOTE: At this time it looks unlikely that Tibet will be open to foreign travelers in 2022.
Tibet, known as The Land of Snows, is an amazing area of the Himalaya that relatively few foreign travelers get to experience. It has a rich culture, is devoutly Buddhist and is full of stunning natural beauty. Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, is the Buddhist holy city and is filled with numerous sacred temples and monasteries as well as the famous Potala Palace.
One of the biggest misconceptions about traveling in Tibet is that you have to travel on a group tour. This is NOT true. Though all foreign travelers are required to be on an organized tour that only a travel company can arrange, a group tour is not required to visit Tibet. We specialize in high quality private journeys to Tibet as well as unique, small group journeys.
Tibet offers many epic overland journeys such as the route through Central Tibet to Everest Base Camp Region, the remote Northern Route where abundant wildlife can be found, the road trip from Lhasa to Kathmandu and the pilgrimage journey to Western Tibet's Lake Manasarovar and Mt Kailash. All overland adventures have excellent views of the snow-covered mountains and the opportunity to experience Tibet's hospitable culture.
Tibet also offers many great trekking options. The most popular trek is the 5 day hike between Ganden and Samye monasteries. Other good treks in Tibet go to Everest Base Camp Region, the Kangshung Everest Face, Nam Tso Lake and around the sacred peak of Kailash. Here are just some of the journeys we are offering in 2019. Want a customized journey in Tibet? No problem! We arrange those too!
2020 Small Group Journeys:
April 18—30, 2020: Lhasa to Mt Everest and Kathmandu Journey
June 16—July 3, 2020: Lhasa to Mt Everest and Kailash Trek
June 26—July 10, 2020: Kham Eastern Tibet Photo Tour
Private Journeys (allow you to set your own travel date)
20 Day Journey from Lhasa to Everest, Kailash Trek and Guge Kingdom
17 Day Journey from Lhasa to Everest and the Kailash Trek
16 Day Journey from Lhasa to Everest, Mt Kailash and Kathmandu
15 Day Journey from Lhasa to Mt Kailash (trek)
14 Day Journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa and Everest Base Camp
13 Day Journey from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and Kathmandu Valley
12 Day Journey from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and Nam Tso Lake
10 Day Journey from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp
10 Day Journey from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu
9 Day Journey thru Central Tibet and Nam Tso Lake
7 Day Journey from Lhasa thru Central Tibet
5 Day Journey to Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake
Contact us and we will work with you to create the perfect travel route in Tibet! Our email address is: info@himalayajourney.com
We can arrange a private, customized journey in Tibet anytime of year, except the month of March. Our expert sales staff, all of whom have vast travel experience in Tibet, can work with you to create the perfect travel itinerary in Tibet. Here are just some of the many different types of journeys we can arrange:
Small Group Journeys:
February 2019 Tibetan New Year Festival Journey
March 2019 Bhutan Festival Journey
March 2019 Nepal Upper Mustang Trek
April 2019 Overland Journey from Lhasa to Everest and Kathmandu
April 2019 Tibet Base Camps Hiking Adventure
May 2019 Tibet Mount Kailash Trek
May 2019 Overland Journey from Lhasa to Everest and Kathmandu
Private Journeys
20 Day Journey from Lhasa to Everest, Kailash Trek and Guge Kingdom
17 Day Journey from Lhasa to Everest and the Kailash Trek
16 Day Journey from Lhasa to Everest, Mt Kailash and Kathmandu
14 Day Journey from Kathmandu to Lhasa and Everest Base Camp
13 Day Journey from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and Kathmandu Valley
12 Day Journey from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp and Nam Tso Lake
10 Day Journey from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp
10 Day Journey from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu
9 Day Journey thru Central Tibet and Nam Tso Lake
7 Day Journey from Lhasa thru Central Tibet
5 Day Journey to Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake
The itineraries above are just suggestions. If you don't see the route you are looking for, no problem! We will work with you to create a customized travel route in Tibet. Contact us for more tour information at: info@himalayajourney.com
We arrange journeys in Tibet from April thru December. Winter journeys in January are also possible to some areas of Tibet. For a price quotation on a journey to Tibet, contact our sales staff at: info@himalayajourney.com
Our journeys in Tibet are guided by our professional local Tibetan guides. They are experts in their culture, religion and history. They take great pride in showing their homeland to foreign travelers and explaining the uniqueness of their culture.
Why I believe Himalaya Journey was the perfect tour operator for us.
1) Flexibility – many tour operators have a schedule and stick to it religiously, but appropriate travel doesn’t work that way. When we wanted to leave Everest early because we had spent such an amazing morning at EBC and preferred to break up the long drive back to Shigatse, our guide and driver were happy to oblige. The ability to create our own group of 4 and build our own schedule was ideal.
2) Pacing – we met several groups along the way that seemed to be racing through Tibet. While the distances in Tibet are not immense in km they are long in time. The pacing your recommended allowed us to EXPERIENCE Tibet, not look at it. Strolling virtually alone in the back alleys of Gyangtse, having my son ‘chat’ with a monk in Sakya, and watching the monks debate in Lhasa were experiences we will never forget.
3) Off the beaten path – the recommendation you and your staff had got us to places where we were literally the only tourists. The hike above the monastery in Shegar (yes, we did glimpse the peak of Everest), the kora in Shigatse, and path above Sakya felt remote and special.
4) Tibetian businesses – the impact of China on Tibet cannot be overstated. Knowing that in our small way we were supporting the Tibetians by staying at their hotels and visiting their restaurants was VERY important to us.
5) You and your staff – Throughout the process you have been so available that I thought there must be two of you! Our driver managed to make the long, bumpy drives comfortable and safe. And our guide was so knowledgeable, kind, spiritual and loving that we all openly wept of joy at our departure.
6) Value – All foreign travelers to Tibet encounter the high cost of visiting Tibet and can’t help but be lured by idea of “saving a few $$” here and there. Somehow you managed to provide an extraordinary trip at a comparable price. You were not the least expensive, nor were you the most expensive. But I can say without hesitation that you provided by far the best value.
And you did a nice job of “under-promising” on our accommodations as they were all high quality, clean, comfortable, and welcoming.
Please feel free to direct any travelers “on the fence” about your services to me and I’ll happily answer any questions they might have.
Tom—USA—June 2017
I just returned from a wonderful trip to Nepal that was organized by Himalaya Journey. They did a fantastic job of making sure that every detail was taken care of and did a wonderful job of planning and organizing everything. I would strongly recommend this company to anyone planning a trip to Nepal. Ashok and Dipesh were both attentive to all my needs and were so extremely helpful. Thanks guys for a great job.
Ed—USA—February 2017
All I can say is I feel VERY fortunate to have found Ashok and Himalaya Journey before I traveled to Nepal and Bhutan. I only had 3 weeks from the time I booked my ticket until the day I landed in Kathmandu – this was a last minute trip to a place I had never been to and had very little knowledge of. Turns out it was one of the best trips, if not THE best trip, I have ever taken (I’ve been to 20+ countries).
Ashok listened to my every request and delivered great results in a very short amount of time, gave sound advice and accommodated last minute changes I requested. EVERYTHING was managed for me – flights, hotels, taxis, permits, passes, tours, treks, safaris, etc. in both Nepal and Bhutan. For my 30 days there he put together the right mix of various types of locations, durations and activities – from various cities to remote villages to the jungle along with days with nothing planned which were needed and appreciated.
All of this was done professionally, with courtesy, at a very fair price. What more can you ask for? Do yourself a favor and save yourself some time and contact Ashok and tell him what you are looking to get out of your trip of a lifetime… and let him help you achieve your travel goals.
Tim—USA—January 2017
Did a tour with them for Bhutan! Excellent service. Information was really clear and my trip was amazing. I always got fast responses when I asked them questions and they did the most to make my stay and trip amazing.
Maura—Netherlands—January 2017
My husband and I recently returned from an absolutely amazing journey through Tibet and briefly to Nepal with Himalaya Journey. We really could not speak highly of the wonderful service provided by Jamin’s team, particularly our fabulous guide Nyima who taught us so much about the Tibetan culture. We would highly recommend Himalaya Journey to anyone who is considering a trip to Tibet/Nepal. From the first contact made, we found the communication very prompt, professional and we were confident that our holiday was in good hands! Our journey went just as smooth and we cannot thank Jamin and his team enough for all their hard work to make our trip a memorable one. Thanks again!
Meaghan and Matt—Australia—December 2016
All I can say is I feel VERY fortunate to have found Ashok and Himalaya Journey before I traveled to Nepal and Bhutan. I only had 3 weeks from the time I booked my ticket until the day I landed in Kathmandu – this was a last minute trip to a place I had never been to and had very little knowledge of. Turns out it was one of the best trips, if not THE best trip, I have ever taken (I’ve been to 20+ countries).
Ashok listened to my every request and delivered great results in a very short amount of time, gave sound advice and accommodated last minute changes I requested. EVERYTHING was managed for me – flights, hotels, taxis, permits, passes, tours, treks, safaris, etc. in both Nepal and Bhutan. For my 30 days there he put together the right mix of various types of locations, durations and activities – from various cities to remote villages to the jungle along with days with nothing planned which were needed and appreciated.
All of this was done professionally, with courtesy, at a very fair price. What more can you ask for? Do yourself a favor and save yourself some time and contact Ashok and tell him what you are looking to get out of your trip of a lifetime… and let him help you achieve your travel goals.
Joseph—USA—December 2016
Almost without exception, travels have both an objective and certain expectations that need be met for the outcome to be judged successful. For me a ‘journey’ implies somewhat more than this….there is a sense of challenging the unknown, including one’s own inner self. And then if you add to ‘journey’ the word ‘Himalaya’, one of the world’s most majestic and inspiring regions with landscapes that are often beyond belief, then you have something very, very special indeed.
Prior to October 2016 I had travelled solo, with a guide and transportation, on all my journeys, including the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR), giving me the flexibility and freedom to stop at will, modify plans and so on. But having vowed to go back to the far west of the TAR (Ngari) to do the kora of Mount Kailash and visit the Guge Kingdom I was faced with exorbitant costs if travelling alone. I knew I had to find an alternative, and that alternative proved to be Himalaya Journey.
I had been in touch with Jamin York, Himalaya Journey’s Owner and Lead Guide, several times previously with general questions about travelling in ‘Greater Tibet’ and so it somehow seemed natural to approach him regarding making my Kailash dream materialize. One thing led to another and by the time 2015 melted into 2016 I was committed to joining Jamin’s small (10 person) group embarking on a 23-day journey in October which would take us across the TAR from Lhasa slowly westwards via Everest and Shishapangma Base Camps to Lake Manasarovar, Mount Kailash and the Guge Kingdom, and then back…a total land journey of around 4,000km.
My initial concerns about being in a group and having to keep to a strict schedule proved groundless. Jamin was only too willing to stop for sudden photo ops—the appearance of a Tibetan fox, a glorious view, a nomad encampment and so on. He also actively encouraged us to explore on our own when the itinerary permitted: in my case that meant spending special moments wandering through the Barkor in Lhasa and watching sunrise on the shore of Manasarovar. Only once were we ‘chivvied’ in any sense, and that was during the Kailash kora on top of the Drolma-la. Jamin, with his vast experience of the mountains, was aware not only of the time constraints that day but more importantly that staying too long at that altitude (5,630m/ around 18,400’) was not to be recommended.
From a practical standpoint, everything throughout the journey was seamlessly arranged: we travelled in a small bus which gave us space to spread out and with a driver whose skills made going over 5,000m+ high passes again and again seem effortless! The hotels and guest houses, especially once we got beyond Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse, were always the best available: I had paid a single room supplement, fully expecting to have to share in these remote areas, so I was delighted that there were only two nights on which I could not have some much appreciated privacy. The meals were generally of a high standard, and even in Ngari Jamin managed to rustle something tasty up for us or produce snack bars and packets of instant oatmeal out of his proverbial hat.
What also emerged strongly throughout our journey was Jamin’s love for and commitment to Tibet and its people, not to mention his in-depth knowledge. His assistant on our journey, Nordrup, was himself Tibetan; we frequented Tibetan-owned restaurants, hotels and guesthouses whenever possible; and Jamin, fluent in Tibetan as well as Mandarin, regaled us while we were on the road with both incidents from Tibetan history and his own personal experiences of living there.
It was an unforgettable journey…indeed, although I left Tibet many weeks ago now, my journey is still on-going as I look back at my photos and notebook and try to weave it all into a story on my laptop.
I have the greatest respect and admiration for Jamin both as a person and journey-leader and have no reservations at all in recommending him and his company. Indeed, I hope to join him again in the future on a journey to Ladakh, ‘Little Tibet’: I believe that is the strongest recommendation of all.
Lesley—UK—October 2016
The trip far exceeded my expectations and I will definitely use Himalaya Journey again. I highly recommend Himalaya Journey to others who want to experience this hauntingly beautiful place called Tibet!
Sue—USA—October 2016
I meet Jamin a couple of years ago at Xining, after I had to resign one of their trip at 2013, because I had to back home early from China. After our meeting at 2014, and talking about my trips to Tibet, I told him that I would love to join some group to Kailash Mountain. And in the end of 2015 I wrote him to join a group on a long trip to Kailash and Guge Kingdom in 2016. After a big change at my life, I decide to go, and really was a very special trip for me due the past months. To do the Kailash Kora or Pilgrimage was a long dream and this was the year, and Jamin was our tour leader. Everything was perfect!!!! And really you can feel that how he loves the Tibetan people and all the knowledge that he has about it, and share with you when you are traveling with him.
Thanks a lot for to do of that trip the best of my life in Tibet !!! and I had been five times before at Tibet. Hope to back again in some groups, but….. do not forget Patagonia, is waiting for you!!! All the best!!!
Alex—Chile—October 2016
I’d have to use a ridiculous number of superlatives to honestly describe the quality of my recent journey with Jamin York and Himalaya Journey. In the interest of being believable, I’ll try to rein it in, but it will be a task I’m not sure I can manage! For me, this was a journey that I (and a couple friends) have spent many years and two failed attempts trying to accomplish. The permits were just not to be had, and we were beginning to feel that the idea must be abandoned. Then we discovered Jamin’s excellent website and, after a number of emails with him, began to feel confident that it could become a reality. I just completed a 23-day journey, led by Jamin and his wonderful guide Ngodup, that not only fulfilled my hope to complete the kora of Mt. Kailash and a visit to the lost Guge Kingdom, but took us across the length of the Tibetan Himalaya from Everest Base Camp to nearly the Indian border in far west Tibet. He even threw in Shishapangma Base Camp at the request of our group.
Each day, every step of the way, revealed such wondrous gifts, some expected and others a complete surprise. This journey, and the itinerary designed by Jamin and Ngodup, had it all, from monasteries and lost citadels, to landscapes beyond imagination: mountains, badlands, sand dunes, vast plateaus, and sacred lakes. And then there were our “Tibet 101” talks: Jamin and Ngodup each have a deep and personal knowledge which was shared each day as we traveled or walked; they taught us so much about the culture, geology, and history of Tibet and its people; and each shared many personal stories as well. Jamin has a heartfelt love for the Tibetan people that was evident in every way. Jamin cares genuinely and deeply about the quality of the experience his journeys provide, and he makes it his responsibility to see that both the physical and emotional needs of his travelers are met. His attention to detail in all matters was clear to see. I have never before joined a group that was not organized by myself, and I have to say that this was a pleasant surprise. I never felt that we were being herded around and there was, for the most part, enough flexibility in the days and the schedule to allow personal time and space.
I imagine that every traveler in our group felt “heard” and “seen” and that his or her unique expectations for this journey had been fulfilled. I can say that for me, the experience was transcendent. I would recommend Jamin’s Himalaya Journey without reservation to anyone wanting to travel in Tibet – or anywhere he offers to travel!
Karla—USA—October 2016
Jamin York leads a fantastic trip beyond the usual (and including!) sites of Lhasa. He takes great pains to preview routes, lodging and restaurants in person and is careful to limit his group to a comfortable ten. His attention to detail has him preparing contingency plans for any circumstance he can think of. His knowledge of the Chinese and Tibetan languages eased our way through the expected and unexpected. Nothing is sugar-coated as the journey can be rough and uncomfortable at times, but if there was comfort in the area, we had it! Jamin also has the uncanny ability to arrange for perfect weather and the tastiest of Tibetan cuisine.
On advance request he added a side trip to Shishapangma Base Camp which ended up being a popular highlight on a stunning day. The extension to the lost citadel of the Guge Kingdom was the holy grail of photographic opportunities. On second thought, most of the trip was like this!
Even though it can be close to impossible to deviate from “The Plan” due to restrictions, Jamin and Nordrup facilitated spontaneous interactions with Tibetans along the way, from the barley harvesters and millers to the nomads and their yaks.
Nancy—USA—October 2016
I contacted a number of different tour companies about my trip through Tibet last year and Jamin from Himalaya Journey was by far the most professional with his responses and organised a fantastic trip for us. When you first start organising a trip to Tibet the paperwork can seem a little daunting but with Himalaya Journey everything went very smoothly and everything was organised faster and easier than I expected. Once in Tibet we had great guides, drivers, vehicles and a trekking team. I would highly recommend Himalaya Journey for anyone planning a trip to Tibet or other Himalayan regions.
Stuart from Rough Guide/Lonely Planet Guidebooks—UK—September 2016
Himalaya Journey is run by Jamin, a very friendly and knowledgable American who has spent years living and travelling around Tibet, China, Nepal and the Himalayas. He has plenty of stories to tell, has insights into history and culture of the region and is an all-round great guy. You’ll be in safe, good hands with Jamin and Himalaya Journey!
Shawn from Lonely Planet Guidebooks—Singapore—June 2016
Our safety, health, and happiness were always a top priority and Jamin is a top notch tour leader in every sense of the word. I can’t imagine a better person in this role!
I took my dream trip to Tibet and Mt. Everest with Jamin and Himalaya Journey this April. From the minute we landed in Lhasa to the birthday banquet in a Tibetan home restaurant on the last day, his staff and friends surrounded us like a big family. He is truly their brother.
The photography time was not just for the magnificent and mystified monasteries. It included Himalaya mountain ranges, glaciers, rivers, and villages, etc. We even stopped by a farming field one time and participated in their plowing and seeding activities.
The Mt. Everest sunrise photo experience was a well thought-out plan. Spending the night before in a nearby Tibetan home and mingling with the entire family was quite an experience. We played hide and seek with the neighboring children on the street. We chatted with village shepherds in the field herding their sheep home and showing off their baby sheep. When we headed out to catch the sunrise, the full moon lit up the entire village.
Jamin is a natural when it comes to telling stories. He preps us on the history, religion, culture and politics of Tibet. But what really connects us to this land and its people are his stories of his Tibetan friends, their struggles and triumphs. We also engaged in questioning and debating with gusto, Sera Monastery monk style, ha, ha, ha.
Ruth—USA/Taiwan—April 2016
I highly recommend travelling with Jamin and his Himalaya Journey team to Tibet. He cares about Tibetans and and he cares about Tibet, a country which has an inherent fascination for many. Jamin has lived in Tibet for many years and has visited the iconic attractions on numerous occasions. He willingly shares his knowledge and insights about their history and cultural significance. Despite his familiarity he brings a fresh approach and willingness to engage. His team are a credit to him, particularly the exuberant Jampa. His staff member Woaber helped me ensure Lhasa has forever a place in my heart and …… our bus driver was safe and considerate. And let’s not forget the energetic Will, assistant guide on this trip. I didn’t expect to eat as well as I did when visiting Tibet nor did I expect to experience the comfort in the hotels that were used. These aspects were of course a pleasant surprise. The memories of this trip from Lhasa to Everest base camp will be long lasting and thought provoking.
Richard—UK—April 2016
A wonderful, wonderful experience !!!! 5 Stars !!!
I have traveled in most areas of the world during the last forty years; traveling in over thirty countries. I have traveled as a solo and with guides. My tour with Jamin was absolutely exceptional in every way.
Jamin is a thorough and thoughtful guide who is completely familiar with every facet of the journey. He is personable, knowledgeable, and gives great attention to every detail from first contact to the final bus back to Lhasa airport. He and his excellent staff are well known and can “get things done” in a way that gives the traveler security, insight and intimate access into the people and culture.
It is clear from the love and camaraderie demonstrated by the locals, that his long commitment to the Tibetan people has touched many. I highly endorse and recommend Jamin and his company. Thank you for a life changing experience.
Scott—USA—April 2016
I’ve been a follower of Jamin on Instagram since 2013. Initially, it was my mom’s dream to see Mt Everest, but ended up doing this trip on my own because I knew that Jamin was a professional, trust worthy expert on Tibet. I usually never join small group tours, as I always travel on my own. But, joining this journey made me realize that not all group tours are the same after all. I met people on this journey that I will call my friends for life. Jamin is indeed the best travel coordinator that I have ever met. I went to Tibet to just see Mt Everest, but I came back home not just with great photos and videos, but with a person I can always look up to who is making a huge impact in Tibet by promoting and showing it to the world in an ethical way. I also work in the travel industry, but am still quite young. I am not sure if I can ever be quite like Jamin who does this business not just to make money for himself, but to help the Tibetan people in every possible way he can. He is an inspiration. I finally found my hero in this crazy competitive travel industry.
Angely from Access Tours and Travels—Phillippines—April 2016
Two years ago, I almost gave up my life-long dream of going to Tibet. But it is completely revived when I discovered Jamin’s blog (The Land of Snows) and his Instagram page.
Jamin is a fantastic leader right from the beginning of the trip, when I emailed him, till the very end of this incredible journey. His passion and vast knowledge about the Tibetan culture, history, religion, and the careful planning of the trip, has made this journey an enriching one. And I truly admire his support for the Tibetan community, where we stay and dine in Tibetan-run hotels/restaurants. Last but not least, his great sense of humour and captivating life stories always add colour to every day of our trip!
Our Tibetan guide, Jampa, is also a fantastic guide who passionately shares a lot of knowledge about Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism with us. As a Buddhist, I have learned so much about Tibetan Buddhism from her. She’s just a wonderful, kind and fun person to be with! I am grateful to have her as our Tibetan guide for this trip.
All in all, Jamin and Jampa are two wonderful guides/friends/teachers that I met through this trip. And they are definitely two people that I am glad to have crossed paths with in life.
The ten days spent in Tibet have been truly an adventure of a lifetime, and a spiritually enlightening experience for me. The stunning landscape and unique culture of Tibet is a feast for the eyes, while the devotion of the Tibetans feels like a comforting prayer for the soul. The resilience, devotion and compassion of the Tibetans will stay and go far with me in life. I highly recommend Jamin and his Himalaya Journey team to lead your trip to Tibet. And I already can’t wait to go for another adventure with them! Thank you once again for the most amazing journey of my life.
Adhianto—Indonesia—April 2016
Going on a journey with Jamin, Champa, Tashi or any of his other incredible and highly professional staff is an experience of a lifetime. As an intern, it was an endless learning opportunity for me.
This is their everyday life. They welcome us all into it and leave you feeling like a part of the family longing to return. Every action comes from a loving place and the utmost consideration is put into making the challenging geography of Tibet as hospitable and safe as humanly possible. Everything from the brilliantly arranged itinerary to the random stops and detailed information being shared all along the way demonstrate this.
While on the road between destinations hours turn to minutes with tear-jerking, harrowing, and awe-inspiring stories from Jamin. I can not imagine a leader with more kindness, strength and flexibility than Jamin. I owe you my deepest thanks and gratitude Jamin (and Himalaya Journey), thank you for everything.
Will—Canada—April 2016
Having visited almost all of Asia over the years, Tibet was for me the ‘last frontier’ and I found that I had pretty much left the best till last. And I reckon that with Himalaya Journey (Jamin, his offsider Ben and local guide Jampa), I travelled with the best! Firstly, Jamin’s travel planning and attention to detail was exemplary, ensuring not a single snag on the whole trip. Secondly, with all three being long-time Tibetan residents, their knowledge of the Tibetan people, their culture, customs, history, religion etc was second to none, and was often recounted in a most entertaining way. Finally, they were just fun people to be around and made the whole trip most enjoyable. Thanks guys, and good luck with your future endeavours!
Neil—Australia—October 2015
