Christmas & New Year in Tibet 2026–27
Christmas Day falls on Friday 25 December 2026 and New Year’s Day on Friday 1 January 2027. Tibet in winter is quiet, sunny and good value — and you can still book a trip for this Christmas.
Is Christmas a Good Time to Visit Tibet?
Yes, if you like quiet places and clear skies. Winter is Tibet’s dry season: about eight hours of sunshine a day, deep blue skies and some of the clearest mountain views of the year. The crowds have gone, hotels and tours cost less, and pilgrims from all over the plateau come to Lhasa. The nights are cold, and a few remote places such as Namtso Lake and Mount Kailash are not possible in winter.
Like at Easter, the cold is not what most people expect. In the sun the days feel mild, which is why most homes in Lhasa have no heating. Nights are well below freezing, and Everest Base Camp is very cold and windy.
Our Recommendation for a Winter Trip
For a trip you can count on in winter, we recommend a culture tour in and around Lhasa, adding Tsedang in the Shannan region, Gyantse and Shigatse — and, if you like, the green, mild valleys of Nyingchi. The roads to these places are not affected by snow. We do not recommend Namtso Lake in winter, and we only go on to Everest with guests who don’t mind a change of plan if snow blocks the road.
Last-Minute Christmas Trips to Tibet
Many of our guests book only a few weeks ahead, and winter is a good time to do it: seats are easy to get and hotels are not full. We usually ask for at least one month before you arrive, so there is time for your Tibet permit. If your plans are later than that, write to us anyway with your dates — we will tell you honestly whether we can still make it. There is no deposit. If your Tibet Travel Permit is not issued, you get a full refund — see our terms and conditions for the details.
Weather in Tibet at Christmas
| Place | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Lhasa (3,650 m) | about 8–9°C | about −8 to −9°C |
| Shigatse (3,840 m) | about 5–7°C | down to about −12°C |
| Everest Base Camp (5,200 m) | around freezing | down to −20°C or lower, strong wind |
| Nyingchi (2,950 m) | about 10°C | about −5°C |
There is almost no rain or snow in December and January. The difference between day and night is large, and the wind makes it feel colder, especially on high passes and at Everest. For more, see Tibet weather in December and Tibet weather in January.
Is Everest Base Camp Open in Winter?
It depends on the weather each year. The tent camp at Everest is closed in winter. Visitors sleep at the Rongbuk guesthouse, at the one star-rated hotel near Everest — it has oxygen supply and heating in the rooms, but is more expensive — or further back in Shegar or Tingri. It is very cold at night, but the air is clear and the north face of Everest is often in full view.
On New Year’s Day 2000 we stood at Everest Base Camp with Kim’s group — one of the guests in our real tours. There was a big wind, but not a sign of snow. Two winters ago it was different: heavy snow blocked the road. So we say it honestly: Everest in winter cannot be guaranteed. Choose an Everest trip in winter only if you don’t mind a change of plan if the road is blocked — we then spend the days at Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse and Shigatse instead. If you need a fixed plan, choose 5 days in Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake.
What Is Open in Winter — and What Is Not
In Lhasa, the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street and Sera Monastery are all open. Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse, Shigatse with Tashilhunpo Monastery, Sakya and the Yarlung Valley around Tsedang are open too. The road to Everest depends on the snow. Nyingchi, lower and milder than Lhasa, is beautiful in winter. Namtso Lake and Mount Kailash are usually not possible in winter.
What Is Special About Tibet in Winter
Pilgrims in Lhasa. After the harvest, farmers and nomads have free time, and many come to Lhasa on pilgrimage. The Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor circuit are full of pilgrims in their best winter clothes, turning prayer wheels and prostrating in front of the temple. It is Tibetan Buddhism at its most alive, and one of the most memorable things you can see in Tibet.
Clear winter light. With dry air and long sunny days, winter is a good season for photography: snow mountains in every direction, and monasteries almost to yourself.
Where to Go in Tibet at Christmas
- Lhasa: the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street and Sera Monastery, full of winter pilgrims and with few other visitors.
- Yamdrok Lake: the turquoise lake under a clear winter sky, an easy day from Lhasa.
- Tsedang and the Yarlung Valley: Yumbulakhang, the first palace in Tibet, and Samye, the first monastery.
- Gyantse and Shigatse: Tashilhunpo Monastery and the old town of Gyantse, almost to yourself.
- Nyingchi: lower and milder than Lhasa, and green even in winter.
- Everest Base Camp: clear views of the north face — but only if you don’t mind a change of plan if snow closes the road.
- Not in winter: Namtso Lake and Mount Kailash.
Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve in Lhasa
Christmas is not a holiday in Tibet, so on 25 December Lhasa is simply itself: butter lamps in the Jokhang, pilgrims on the Barkhor, the Potala in the winter sun. It is a very different way to spend Christmas. If you would like a special dinner on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve, tell us when you book and we will help you find the right place.
Crowds and Prices in Winter
Winter is the quietest time of year. Most Chinese tourists have left after the October holidays, and there are few foreign visitors. Hotels in Lhasa, Shigatse and Tsedang give winter discounts, and tours cost less too. Tibet also often runs winter promotions for visitors; ask us what applies this season.
Our Christmas and New Year Departures
Small groups of 3–8 travellers, assembling in Chengdu — or join from Xining on the Tibet train and meet the group in Lhasa. No deposit to hold a seat. Every date can also run as a private trip — for a family, a group of friends or a photography trip.
- Saturday 26 December 2026 — Christmas & New Year in Lhasa: 5 Days Lhasa & Yamdrok Lake (farewell 31 December, from US$560) or 7 Days Lhasa & Everest Round Trip (farewell 2 January 2027, from US$775) — Everest if the road is open.
- Saturday 2 January 2027 — New Year Departure: 5 Days Lhasa & Yamdrok Lake (farewell 7 January, from US$560) or 7 Days Lhasa & Everest Round Trip (farewell 9 January, from US$775) — Everest if the road is open.
Prices are our current “from” prices, shown for reference; ask us for the winter price for your dates. See all dates on our small group departures page.
Which Tour Fits Your Christmas Holiday?
- About one week free: 5 days in Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake, or a private culture tour of Lhasa, Tsedang, Gyantse and Shigatse — plans you can count on. 7 days to Everest Base Camp only if you don’t mind a change of plan when snow closes the road.
- About two weeks or more: add Nyingchi, mild and green even in winter — ask us for a private trip.
What to Pack for Tibet in Winter
- A warm down coat — essential outdoors, and many hotels and restaurants have little heating.
- Thermal underwear, a fleece, warm gloves, a scarf and a hat.
- Sunglasses and sun cream — the winter sun is still very strong.
- Lip balm and moisturiser for the dry air.
Families and Children in Winter
We advise not to bring children under three years old to the Tibetan plateau — read children and altitude in Tibet. As for every traveller: please do not come to Tibet with a cold, which is easy to catch in winter and can become very dangerous at high altitude.
How to Book Your Christmas Trip to Tibet
Send us a free inquiry with your dates and how many people are travelling. We answer within 12 hours, Monday to Saturday. Planning for spring instead? See Easter in Tibet 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas a good time to visit Tibet?
Yes, if you like quiet places and clear skies. Winter is Tibet’s dry season, with about eight hours of sunshine a day, few tourists, lower prices and pilgrims from all over Tibet in Lhasa. Nights are well below freezing, and Namtso Lake and Mount Kailash are not possible in winter.
Is Tibet open to foreign visitors at Christmas and New Year?
Yes. Tibet is open to foreign visitors in December and January, and all the main sights in Lhasa, Shigatse and Gyantse are open, and the road to Everest Base Camp is usually open, though heavy snow can close it.
Can I still book a last-minute Christmas trip to Tibet?
Often, yes. We usually ask for at least one month before you arrive, so there is time for your Tibet permit. If your plans are later than that, send us your dates and we will tell you honestly whether we can still make it. There is no deposit.
How cold is Tibet at Christmas?
Lhasa is about 8–9°C in the day and about −8°C at night. Shigatse is a few degrees colder. Everest Base Camp is around freezing by day and can drop to −20°C or lower at night, with strong wind. Nyingchi is the mildest, at about 10°C by day.
Is Everest Base Camp open in winter?
It depends on the weather each year, so it cannot be guaranteed. On New Year’s Day 2000 we took a group to Everest Base Camp in a big wind but with no snow; two winters ago heavy snow blocked the road. Choose an Everest trip in winter only if you don’t mind a change of plan if the road is blocked. If you need a fixed plan, choose 5 days in Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake. In winter the tent camp is closed. Visitors sleep at the Rongbuk guesthouse, at the one star-rated hotel near Everest — it has oxygen supply and heating in the rooms, but is more expensive — or further back in Shegar or Tingri.
Is Tibet cheaper in winter?
Yes. Hotels in Lhasa, Shigatse and Tsedang give winter discounts, and tours cost less. Tibet also often runs winter promotions for visitors; ask us what applies this season.
Can I spend Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve in Lhasa?
Yes. Christmas is not a holiday in Tibet, so Lhasa is simply itself on 25 December, with pilgrims on the Barkhor and butter lamps in the Jokhang. If you would like a special dinner, tell us when you book and we will help you find the right place.
Are Namtso Lake and Mount Kailash open in winter?
Usually not. Namtso Lake and Mount Kailash are high and remote, and are not possible on a normal winter trip. Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse, Shigatse and Nyingchi are all open; Everest Base Camp depends on the snow.
What should I pack for Tibet in winter?
A warm down coat, thermal underwear, a fleece, gloves, a scarf and a hat — many hotels and restaurants have little heating. Bring sunglasses and sun cream for the strong sun, and lip balm for the dry air.
Where should I go in Tibet at Christmas?
We recommend a culture tour in and around Lhasa, adding Tsedang in the Shannan region, Gyantse and Shigatse, and Nyingchi if you like. The roads to these places are not affected by snow. We do not recommend Namtso Lake in winter, and Everest only if you don’t mind a change of plan if snow blocks the road.
How many days do I need for Tibet over Christmas and New Year?
With about a week, choose 5 days in Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake, or a culture tour of Lhasa, Tsedang, Gyantse and Shigatse. With two weeks or more, add Nyingchi, or ask us for a private trip on your own dates.
We answer within 12 hours, Monday to Saturday.