Travel to Tibet in May: Tibet Tours in May 2025

We used Asia Odyssey to arrange a tour (just for two) to Tibet, including train from Xi'an to Lhasa, hotel and transfers in Lhasa, a car + driver + guide there for a day, flight back to Chongqing and, of course, the vital Tibet Entry Permit. There was a little initial difficulty in making our bespoke requirements clear to them (worth checking the draft itinerary carefully) but once our needs were understood, everything went extremely well. Jasmine was our co-ordinator. Communications were clear, our trip went according to plan, costs were as initially stated and payable by international credit card, our Tibet Entry Permit was delivered by post to our hotel in Xi'an. In addition, Asia Odyssey proved flexible and agile. Firstly, they were happy to delay agreement of the contract while I consulted my doctor about altitude sickness issues. Secondly, the train tickets we wanted from Xi'an to Lhasa were unavailable but the company sought alternatives, got round a quirk in the China Rail booking system, and bought tickets for the same train but from a previous station (at no extra cost to us) - which worked fine. And our guide in Lhasa was more than helpful, accommodating our unusual photographic requests, taking us exactly where and when we wanted, and answering all our questions. I would use their services again.

What an awesome experience we had on our 15 day tour of China ! Thank you to Mandy of Asia Odyssey Travel for your professional service , prompt response to queries and tips prior to our visit, Your advice before the trip and keeping us updated throughout the tour was greatly appreciated. The tour guides in every city we visited were amazing, knowledgeable and helpful and gave 100% to ensure our comfort and happiness. This tour of Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Lhasa, Shigatse, Everest Base Camp and Shanghai far exceeded my expectations. I cant wait to book my next tour !

We recently returned from a 21-day trip to Hong Kong, China, and Tibet, organized through Asia Odyssey Travel (asiaodysseytravel.com). From the moment we landed in Hong Kong until our departure from Shanghai, the level of care, assistance, and coordination provided by the Asia Odyssey team was simply outstanding.

Though our time in Hong Kong was short, the organizers managed to fit in a number of key highlights, including a sampan boat tour and a visit to a Michelin-starred dumpling restaurant that felt more like a palace. From there, we took a high-speed train to Shenzhen, followed by a trip to Guilin—a charming town famous for its rice noodles. Our journey continued with a river cruise to Yangshuo, where we explored a picturesque village, soaked in the local culture, and rode e-bikes through rice paddies, streams, and winding paths.

Next, we took a train to Kunming, a vibrant city with incredibly friendly people. After enjoying the city, we flew to Lhasa, Tibet—a long-held dream of ours. Asia Odyssey took care of the necessary permits and flights, making the experience seamless. Tibet exceeded every expectation. Lhasa was clean, organized, and safe. We spent nine days in the region visiting Shigatse, Basum Tso Lake, Yamdrok Lake, and even a Himalayan glacier. The natural beauty—snow-capped peaks, endless lakes, and lush landscapes—was breathtaking.

One of the highlights of our trip was the 18-hour train ride from Lhasa to Xining. It was a peaceful, scenic journey through untouched nature—something everyone should experience. Oxygen was provided on the train, buses, and even in hotels, ensuring a comfortable trip. Though we didn’t spend much time in Xining, we found it charming and refreshingly cool, even in summer.

Our final destination was Shanghai, where we spent four days enjoying luxury, modernity, diverse cuisine, efficient high-speed trains, immaculate metro lines, and countless attractions. It was the perfect finale to our incredible journey.

From a traveler’s perspective, China is a remarkable destination. The infrastructure is world-class—we visited remote areas in Tibet without experiencing a single power outage or mobile network issue. All taxis were electric, the air quality in Shanghai was comparable to Florida, and greenery was abundant in every city. Cleanliness and safety stood out. We never once felt unsafe, and we didn’t see homelessness or begging anywhere we went.

A special thanks to the local guides in each city—they were knowledgeable, hospitable, and always one step ahead of our needs. And most importantly, a huge thank you to Jojo, our dedicated agent and point of contact throughout the trip. She was always in touch, ensured smooth transitions between destinations, and even upgraded our hotels to 4-star or better accommodations.

We wholeheartedly recommend Asia Odyssey Travel for anyone planning a trip to Asia. Go with an open mind—you’ll be amazed.