Tibet Tour in January 2024/2025

Being located on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the highest plateau of the world, Tibet develops a typical plateau climate. In this climate, the January weather in Tibet is very harsh and unbearable. In some areas, incessant snowfalls and strong wind are normal in this month. Thus many travelers would think Tibet is inaccessible in January. However, it is not entirely true. In most time of January, many parts of Tibet is usually sunny and dry, without heavy snow. Good weather in the daytime makes it possible for tourists to do many outdoor activities like winter trekking . Not only that, January is also a good time for cheapest Tibet tour. For more detailed view of January tour in Tibet, you can read this article.

Tibet in January

Part 1: Tibet Weather in January 
Part 2. Great Discount on Accommodation, Air, Entrance Fee
Part 3:  What to See & Do in Tibet in January
Part 4: Tips for Visiting Tibet in January

Part 1: Tibet Weather in January

January is the coldest time of the year in Tibet. Almost every part of Tibet is shrouded in cold air, particularly in some high altitude areas or mountains. Due to its complex landscape and complex weather system, the temperature is varied from area to area and from time to time. In general, the temperature in high elevations is lower than that in low elevations. High mountains are usually colder than canyons. And nighttime temperature is often lower than the daytime.

In some low altitude areas like Lhasa, Nyingchi, Shigatse and Shannan, the average temperature usually ranges from 1℃-4℃. The average daytime temperature in these low elevations often hover around 7℃-10℃, which is warmer than many northern Chinese cities. But nighttime temperature drops below zero, often around -8℃.

Tibet weather in January

Recommended Itinerary : 4 Days Lhasa Holy Landmarks Express >

In some lake areas like Yamdrok lake and Namtso lake, the weather in January is rather cold. Strong wind and snows are normal. When the temperature is sufficiently below freezing, the lake surface freezes to solid ice crystals. Namtso temperature in January ranges from -10°C - 7°C. Situates at 4718m above sea level, Namtso has a cold weather all year round. If you are planning a Namtso tour , remember to bring enough warm clothes. Being similar to the weather of Namtso lake, the Yamdrok Lake weather is also snowy and very cold. Usually, the temperature of Yamdrok lake ranges from -12°C -3°C. Due to the huge difference between day and night in lake areas, Yamdrok lake’s temperature at nigh is rather cold.

Yamdrok Lake in January

Recommended Itinerary: 6 Days Holy Sky Lake Tour >

In some mountain areas like Mt. Kailash and Mt. Everest, the weather conditions are more complex. As we all know, the higher the altitude is, the colder the weather is. So, the mountain weather is usually colder than low altitude areas. In general, the EBC weather ranges from -15°C--5°C and the Mt. Kailash weather ranges from -21°C--8°C.

Mt. Everest in January

Recommended Itinerary: 8 Days Tibet Mt. Everest Base Camp Group Tour >

Part 2. Great Discount on Accommodation, Air, Entrance Fee

Recently, Tibet official released three great news. First good news is that some of Tibet’s scenic spots of 3A category and above will be opened for free from 15 October, 2024 to 15 March, 2025. And tourists can also enjoy a more than 50% discount on scenic spots that are rated below 3A-level or not yet rated. Moreover, accommodations, flights, and travel bus, almost all tourism-related fields offer tourists a huge discount. The second good news is that the Potala Palace will cancel its admission fee from 15 October, 2024 to 15 March, 2025. During this period, tourists can visit the Potala Palace for free. The third good news is that Tibet Airlines reopen its airline from HongKong to Lhasa. It is very convenient for Hong Kong travelers to fly to Lhasa.

Part 3: What to See & Do in Tibet in January

Tibet charms the tourists with its enigmatic culture and history, mesmeric scenic beauty and the exotic feel. For tourists who are fascinated by Tibet’s culture, the iconic Potala Palace  is a must-see attraction. It is more than a palace, but also a museum of Tibet’s culture and history. Exquisite fresco, mysterious Buddha statues, precious scripture, gold treasures and many other precious cultural relics, all of these relics will tell you the past of Tibet.

The Potala Palace

If you are a Buddhist or Buddhist lover, some holy temples and monasteries like  Jokhang Temple ,  Drepung Monastery , and Ganden Monastery  are available for you. Filled with pilgrims, these temples are the symbol of Buddhism. Pilgrims from every corner of Tibet to make a kora in these temples, some of them walk, some of them prostrate along the side of the road towards their next holy destination. Never miss holy temples, you will be deeply touched by the ritual act of the Tibetan Buddhists.

The Jokhang Temple

In addition to immerse yourself in Tibet culture, you can also relax yourself by shopping in Barkhor Street , taking a bath in Yangpachen spring , or  taking a winter trekking . If these activities are mild for you, you can also challenge yourself by traveling to Mt. Everest . There are so many other things to see and do in Tibet in January, what are you waiting for?

The Barkhor Street

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Part 4: Tips for Visiting Tibet in January

1. Packing enough warm clothes, otherwise you will freeze to death, especially at night. Warm clothes can also protect you from catching a cold.
2. Skin care products like sunglasses, glacier caps, sunscreen cream, lip protectors are necessary. These items can protect you from over exposed to intensive sunshine and snow blindness.
3. Take some medicines for high altitude sickness. Check this guide  to learn about how to prepare for high altitude sickness.
4. Bring a camera with the ultraviolet filter, which will help you record the beautiful moment of your journey!