Tibet Winter Tour: Must-Do Seasonal Experiences in December
In December, Lhasa gradually steps into deep winter. However, due to the constant sunny days and strong sunlight in winter, the average temperature during the day can still reach between 8 and 15 degrees Celsius. After nightfall, the temperature ranges from minus 10 degrees to minus 5 degrees Celsius. The average temperature throughout the region ranges from -7 to 10 degrees Celsius. In high-altitude areas such as the Everest Base Camp, the temperature range is from -18 to 6 degrees Celsius, which poses certain challenges but can be overcome. So, in general, it is completely feasible to travel to Tibet in December, but it is also necessary to be cautious about catching a cold.
Witness the Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival in December
The Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival is held as scheduled on the 25th day of the 10th month according to the Tibetan calendar every year. This year, it falls on December 3rd of the Gregorian calendar in 2026. As the name implies, this festival is mainly to commemorate the wisdom and dedication of Master Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism. At that time, all Gelugpa monasteries across Tibet will be filled with burning lamps, among which the Jokhang Temple and Ganden Monastery will be the brightest. These two monasteries will attract a continuous stream of believers to hold religious ceremonies and chant sutras for blessings due to the extremely high religious influence. No other time does religious culture reveal itself more vividly than during festivals.
The Potala Palace Is Even More Solemn and Dignified in Winter
Except for the off-season, the Potala Palace is always crowded with tourists and has long queues of visitors inside. In December, with fewer tourists, you can better find shooting angles. When visiting the interior, you can also calm down more to feel the depth of history and listen to the patient explanations of your tour guide. Some tourists might be worried that the background of the Potala Palace would be a grey sky. But at this moment, such concerns can be completely dispelled. December is the dry season with scarce precipitation and a high rate of sunny days. Coupled with the fact that Lhasa is at an altitude of 3,650 meters and the air is thin, beautiful blue skies are the norm in winter.
Visit One or Two of the Three Sacred Lakes
One of the three sacred lakes, Manasarovar Lake, is located in the remote Ngari Prefecture, far away and with extremely low temperatures. Therefore, it is not suitable for the vast majority of ordinary tourists who come for sightseeing. The remaining two sacred lakes, Yamdrok Lake, have an altitude of 4,441 meters and a milder altitude and temperature. Namtso Lake, at an altitude of 4,718 meters, has a higher altitude, lower temperature and stronger wind, but its scenery is remarkable. The common feature of these two sacred lakes is that you can enjoy the spectacle of blue ice in December, as it is in the freezing period.
Head to Yangbajain to Soak in the Hot Springs That Are Beneficial to Body
The Yangbajain Hot Spring is only 90 kilometers away from the urban area of Lhasa, which takes about 2 hours by car. On the way to Damxung County, you can also make a easy detour to Yangbajain. In winter, the air is dry, and the minerals in the steaming hot spring water help relax muscles and relieve the fatigue of the journey.
Conclusion
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39 Comment ON "Tibet Winter Tour: Must-Do Seasonal Experiences in December"
Asked by Jacob Keis** from N/A
Train booking
We are a group of 15 (perhaps 17) who need to take the June 8th 15:27 train from Xining to Lhasa. We need to book this soon so prompt reply would be helpful. We are getting our permits from an agent and should have them in 6-8 days.
Asked by Nirm** from Australia
Hi, I’m interested in doing the Mount Kailash tour. I only have holidays from 20/09 to 4/10 this year. Do you have a tour that includes these dates? How much would the tour be? Are the flights, visas, passes and permits included in your prices? Thank you kindly. Regards, Nirmala (Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26) Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26
Asked by An** from N/A
Best time to travel for the Linka festival
Hey, I'm looking to travel to the Linka festival with my partner. When is the best time to go this year? Thanks!
Asked by Goldliam Soo** from N/A
lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June
Hi, lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June? And approximately how much would would the airfare be round trip? Thank you
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.