Spring Holidays in Tibet 2027
Spring comes to Tibet in April. The days get longer and warmer, the peach trees flower in Nyingchi, the barley is sown in the valleys, and Everest stands clear above the plateau. If your holidays fall in late April or May, this is one of the finest times of the year to see Tibet.
Is Spring a Good Time to Visit Tibet?
Yes. From mid-May to the end of June is one of the two best seasons to visit Tibet; the other is the autumn. There is little rain, the skies are clear, and the views of Everest are among the best of the year — a favourite time for photographers. April is quieter and still cold at night, and May is warm and sunny, before the summer rain starts in late June. Tibet is open to foreign visitors all through the spring.
Weather in Tibet in the Spring Holidays
| Place | April | May |
|---|---|---|
| Lhasa (3,650 m) | about 17°C by day, 2°C at night | about 21°C by day, 6°C at night |
| Shigatse (3,840 m) | about 17°C by day, −1°C at night | about 20°C by day, 4°C at night |
| Everest Base Camp (5,200 m) | about 5–10°C by day, well below freezing at night | about 10–14°C by day, below freezing at night |
| Nyingchi (2,950 m) | about 16°C by day, 3°C at night | about 20°C by day, 8°C at night |
Spring is dry and sunny, with about eight to nine hours of sunshine a day. It can be windy in the afternoon, and the sun at altitude is very strong. For more, see Tibet weather in April and May.
Is Spring the Best Time to See Everest?
Yes. Spring and autumn are the two best times for Everest. From April the road is open and the skies are clear, and from mid-May to the end of June the weather at Everest is warm enough and stable, with the north face in view on most days. This is also the climbing season, so you will see the expedition tents of the climbers below the mountain. Nights at Everest Base Camp are still below freezing, so bring a warm down jacket.
What Is Special About Tibet in Spring
Peach blossom in Nyingchi. The peach trees in the valleys of Nyingchi flower from late March to mid-April, below the snow peaks. Nyingchi is lower and milder than Lhasa — a much easier start to a trip. For the blossom, choose our Peach Blossom departure on 10 April.
Spring ploughing and sowing. In April and May farmers plough and sow the barley fields — some with tractors, some still with yaks dressed in coloured ribbons — with prayers for a good harvest. Spring is the season of ploughing, and autumn, the other best season, is the season of harvest: come back in September to see the same fields turn gold. See Autumn Holidays in Tibet.
Saga Dawa. The holiest month of the Tibetan year, usually from late May into June. Thousands of pilgrims walk around the Barkhor and the Lingkor in Lhasa, and the full moon day is the busiest. The dates follow the Tibetan calendar and change every year; in 2027 the full moon is expected around 18 June. Read more about Saga Dawa.
The grassland wakes up. In May Namtso Lake melts, and nomad families move back to the grassland with their herds.
Where to Go in Tibet in Spring
- Lhasa: the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery and the Tibet Museum.
- Nyingchi: peach blossom in early April, fresh green forests in May.
- Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse and Shigatse: open all spring, with farmers at work in the fields.
- Everest Base Camp: clear skies and the climbing season.
- Namtso Lake: may still be partly frozen in April, usually open in May.
- Mount Kailash: late May and June are among the best times for the kora.
Crowds and Booking in Spring
April is quiet, with few visitors and good hotel prices. May is busier, and hotels in Lhasa can sell out weeks ahead. We advise booking two to three months ahead for May, and at least one month ahead for April, so there is time for your Tibet permit. Our small groups of 3–8 travellers keep the trip personal.
There is no deposit to hold a seat. If your Tibet Travel Permit is not issued, you get a full refund — see our terms and conditions for the details.
Our Spring Holiday Departures 2027
Small groups of 3–8 travellers, assembling in Chengdu or Xining. Every date can also run as a private trip — for a family, a group of friends or a photography trip.
- Saturday 10 April 2027 — Peach Blossom Departure: 9 Days Nyingchi · Lhasa · Yamdrok · Shigatse (farewell 19 April, from US$915) or 12 Days Lhasa · Nyingchi · Everest · Namtso (farewell 22 April, from US$1,141).
- Thursday 29 April 2027 — Spring Departure: 5 Days Lhasa & Yamdrok Lake (farewell 4 May, from US$560) or 7 Days Lhasa & Everest Round Trip (farewell 6 May, from US$775).
- Saturday 15 May 2027 — Mid-May Departure: 9 Days Everest & North Tibet Grassland Loop (farewell 24 May, from US$915) or 12 Days Lhasa · Nyingchi · Everest · Namtso (farewell 27 May, from US$1,141).
See all dates on our small group departures page.
Which Tour Fits Your Spring Holiday?
- Five days to one week: 5 days Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake, or 7 days Lhasa and Everest Base Camp.
- Nine or ten days: start among the peach blossom of Nyingchi and go on to Lhasa and Shigatse, or take the grassland loop to Everest and Namtso Lake.
- Two weeks or more: 12 days Lhasa, Nyingchi, Everest and Namtso, or ask us for a private trip with Mount Kailash in late May.
Families in the Spring Holidays
Spring is a good season for families: dry, sunny and not too crowded, especially in April. Nights are still cold, so pack warm clothes for the children. We advise not to bring children under three years old to the Tibetan plateau — read children and altitude in Tibet and our family tours page.
What to Pack for Tibet in Spring
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket for the day, and a medium down jacket for mornings and evenings.
- A warm down jacket, hat and gloves for Everest and Namtso.
- A windproof jacket for the windy afternoons.
- Sunglasses, a sun hat and strong sun cream — the spring sun at altitude is very strong.
How to Book Your Spring 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. Coming earlier, in late March? See Easter in Tibet. Or see Summer Holidays in Tibet and Autumn Holidays in Tibet.
Frequently asked questions
Is spring a good time to visit Tibet?
Yes. From mid-May to the end of June is one of the two best seasons in Tibet; the other is the autumn. There is little rain, the skies are clear and the views of Everest are among the best of the year. April is quieter and still cold at night, and May is warm and sunny.
Is Tibet open to foreign visitors in April and May?
Yes. Tibet is open to foreign visitors all through the spring, and all the main sights in Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse and Nyingchi are open. The road to Everest Base Camp is open, and Namtso Lake usually opens in May.
Is May a good month to see Everest?
Yes. Spring and autumn are the two best times for Everest, and mid-May to the end of June is a favourite time for photographers. The skies are clear and the weather is stable, and it is the climbing season, so you will see the climbers’ tents below the mountain. Nights at Everest Base Camp are still below freezing.
How cold is Tibet in spring?
In April Lhasa is about 17°C by day and 2°C at night. In May it is about 21°C by day and 6°C at night. Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake are much colder, with nights below freezing, so bring a warm down jacket.
When is the peach blossom in Tibet?
The peach trees in Nyingchi flower from late March to mid-April. By May the blossom is mostly over, but the forests are fresh and green. Our Peach Blossom departure on 10 April starts in Nyingchi.
What is Saga Dawa?
Saga Dawa is the holiest month of the Tibetan year, usually from late May into June. Thousands of pilgrims walk around the Barkhor and the Lingkor in Lhasa, and the full moon day is the busiest. The dates follow the Tibetan calendar and change every year.
Is Tibet crowded in spring?
April is quiet, with few visitors. May is busier, and hotels in Lhasa can sell out weeks ahead. Our small groups of 3 to 8 travellers keep the trip personal.
How far ahead should I book a spring trip to Tibet?
Two to three months ahead for May, and at least one month ahead for April, so there is time for your Tibet permit. There is no deposit to hold a seat.
How many days do I need for Tibet in the spring holidays?
With five days to a week, choose 5 days Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake or 7 days Lhasa and Everest Base Camp. With nine or ten days, add Nyingchi or Namtso Lake. With two weeks or more, take 12 days Lhasa, Nyingchi, Everest and Namtso.
What should I pack for Tibet in spring?
Layers: a fleece or light jacket for the day and a medium down jacket for mornings and evenings, plus a warm down jacket, hat and gloves for Everest and Namtso, and a windproof jacket. Bring sunglasses, a sun hat and strong sun cream.
We answer within 12 hours, Monday to Saturday.