All foreign visitors have to travel in a tourist car arranged by the local Tibetan travel agency. There are 2 exceptions to this rule. First, you can travel on a taxi within Lhasa and Shigatse. Second, you can take a train between Lhasa and Shigatse, although you still have to travel with a guide. However, if you are traveling outside of the cities, including airport transfers, you will need a tourist car.
All tourist vehicles with drivers in Tibet require government operating authorization.
Transportation in Tibet
While in Tibet, you will be traveling in a tourist car with one of our experienced driver. Depending on a group size, season and your destination, we will use one of the following types of cars or buses.
Traveling in Tibet involves long driving days, high-altitude roads, mountain passes, and remote areas. Comfortable and reliable transportation is an important part of the journey.
Starting from 2025, tourist vehicles in Tibet have been updated, and the older 4WD vehicles are no longer used for regular tourist tours. As always, we use licensed tourist vans, minibuses, and buses, depending on the group size and route.
For private tours and small groups, we usually arrange 7-seat or 9-seat minivans. For medium-size groups, we use 17-seat minibuses. For larger group tours, we arrange tourist buses with more passenger space and separate luggage storage.
The exact vehicle may vary depending on availability, group size, luggage, season, and road conditions. However, we always arrange a suitable licensed tourist vehicle with a local driver who is familiar with Tibet’s roads.
Most vehicles have seat belts, curtains, and comfortable seating. Larger buses also have separate luggage compartments, which makes longer overland journeys more comfortable for passengers.
7-seat minivan
For private tours and small groups, we use comfortable 7-seat minivans. They are easy to travel in on mountain roads, with soft seats, seat belts, and enough space for a smaller group. This type of vehicle works well for couples, families, small groups, and private journeys across Tibet.
Luggage space is limited, so it is best for travelers with moderate luggage.
9-seat minivan
9-seat minivan
For private tours and smaller group tours, we use comfortable tourist vans with wide seats and enough space for long driving days. They are a good choice for families, couples, and small groups as a relaxed way to travel across Tibet.
They also offer more luggage space than a 7-seat minivan.
15-seat minivan
15-seat minivan
The 15-seat tourist van is a good option for small and medium-size groups that need more space than a 7-seat or 9-seat minivan. It has comfortable seats, seat belts, curtains, and space for luggage at the back. This vehicle works well for private groups, families, and smaller group tours with moderate luggage.
17-seat tourist minibus
17-seat tourist minibus
This 17-seat minibus is a good option for medium-size groups in Tibet. It gives the group more space than a van, while still being smaller and easier to manage than a large coach. It works well for group tours and overland routes with a moderate number of travelers.
Tourist bus
Tourist bus
29-seat tourist bus
We use new, comfortable tourist buses for our larger group tours in Tibet. They have spacious seating, good luggage storage, and are suitable for long overland journeys across the plateau. For remote routes such as Everest Base Camp, Western Tibet, and Mount Kailash, having a reliable and comfortable vehicle makes the travel days much easier.
Spacious 1+1 seating bus
Another bus option has less seats, but a more spacious seating layout, with one seat on each side of the aisle. It gives travelers more personal space during long drives and makes the journey feel more relaxed. It is a good option for group tours with longer overland routes in Tibet.
Larger tourist buses have separate luggage compartments underneath, which keeps the passenger area more open and comfortable during long drives.
Scenic Area Shuttle Buses: Everest Region and Namtso
Scenic Area Shuttle Buses: Everest Region and Namtso
In some protected scenic areas in Tibet, regular tourist vehicles cannot drive all the way to the final viewpoint. This currently applies to places such as the Everest region and Namtso, where travelers may need to change to an official scenic area shuttle bus for the last part of the journey.
For Everest Base Camp, all tour vehicles stop at the designated transfer area, and travelers continue by the local eco-bus toward Rongbuk Monastery and the Everest viewing area. At Namtso, travelers also need to use the local sightseeing bus after entering the scenic area.
These shuttle buses are operated by the scenic area, not by individual travel agencies. Your guide and driver will help with the transfer and explain where to get on and off.
How We Choose the Vehicle
We choose the vehicle based on the group size, route, season, luggage, road conditions, and vehicle availability. Smaller private groups usually travel by 7-seat or 9-seat minivan, medium-size groups use 17-seat minibuses, and larger groups travel by tourist bus. The exact model may vary, but we always arrange a suitable vehicle for the journey.
Licensed Vehicles and Local Drivers
All tourist vehicles in Tibet must be officially arranged through a licensed travel agency. We use licensed tourist vehicles with local Tibetan drivers who are familiar with the roads, mountain passes, speed limits, and travel routes across Tibet.
Comfort, Seat Belts, and Luggage Space
Most tourist vehicles have seat belts, curtains, and comfortable seating for long driving days. Minivans and minibuses are suitable for smaller groups with moderate luggage, while larger tourist buses have separate luggage compartments underneath. This keeps the passenger area more comfortable during long overland journeys.
Vehicle Insurance
All licensed tourist vehicles in Tibet are required to have vehicle insurance. This is part of the official requirements for tourist transportation and helps make sure vehicles are properly registered and prepared for passenger service.
We arrange licensed tourist vehicles with local drivers, and the vehicle insurance is already included as part of the transportation arrangement. Travelers do not need to arrange separate vehicle insurance for the tour, but we still recommend having personal travel insurance for medical needs, trip delays, cancellations, and other unexpected situations.
Road Conditions in Tibet
Road conditions in Tibet have improved a lot in recent years. Most main routes, including the roads to Lhasa, Shigatse, Everest, Namtso, and Mount Kailash, are paved and regularly maintained.
However, travel in Tibet can still take time because many roads pass through mountains, valleys, and high-altitude areas. Some sections have sharp curves, zigzagging mountain roads, and strict speed limits, so driving times may be longer than the distance suggests.
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