Is Tibet Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Tibet is an autonomous region of China.

The traditional Tibetan culture remains active and central to the region despite the economic development and migration of other Chinese ethnic groups to Lhasa.

It is like a different world.

Tibet spans the world’s most extensive and, with average heights of over 4,000 m, also the world’s highest plateau.

Consequently, Tibet is often referred to as the “Roof of the World.”

Parts of the region (northwestern region) are so remote they remain uninhabited to this day.

People come here to enjoy the unique scenery, ride the highest-riding train in the world (the Tibet-Qinghai Railway is the highest in the world. In some sections, the trail rises to a height of 5400 m).

Also, travelers come to see Buddhists and Buddhist monasteries.

Warnings & Dangers in Tibet

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The overall crime rate in Tibet is meager compared to other countries. There is no need to worry too much about your safety. Severe punishment is imposed for thefts in Tibet, so you can even leave your things unattended - something is unlikely to happen to them. In general, Tibet is a very safe travel destination.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transport is safe, but not always convenient and rarely runs on schedule. Taxis are, reliable and you can always hire a driver with a car for the whole day of your trip. You can also find buses and jeeps for traveling with fellow travelers, which helps to reduce the cost of the trip.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

For thefts in Tibet, a vast penalty is imposed, so there are practically none. You can safely leave your things even without supervision and know that they will remain in the same place where you left them.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Disasters caused by drought are one of the main types of accidents in the Tibet region. The region is also prone to seismic hazards and glaciers. Melting glaciers cause snow avalanches that can cover entire villages. Explore the area before your trip here.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

There are practically no severe robberies and attacks in the Tibetan region. This is due to strict laws and religion in Tibet. Therefore, in any city of Tibet at any time of the day or night, you can feel relaxed and walk. However, do not forget about the usual security measures. Simple caution will suffice.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

In fact, terrorism in Tibet is unlikely. However, due to the political differences between China and the Territories of Tibet, conflicts, and terrorist attacks in this region are likely. Before you travel to Tibet, study the political environment.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Fraud is not common in Tibet. However, isolated cases may occur when locals try to deceive tourists by overestimating the price of goods or travel by taxi. Also, be sure to purchase services (such as excursions) at licensed locations.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

There will be no problem for women traveling alone in Tibet. It is safe enough, and you are unlikely to show unwanted attention. Wear modest clothing, especially near religious sites. Follow standard precautions to avoid problems.

So... How Safe Is Tibet Really?

Tibet is a safe region due to its historical culture.

The people here are friendly, welcoming, and open to communication.

Say hello and exchange a couple of phrases with travelers for them for granted.

When visiting monasteries in Tibet, it is customary to give alms, the size of which you determine yourself.

The money will undoubtedly be accepted with gratitude and will bring only positive emotions.

Do not give money to children – it is traditionally believed that this leads them astray from the True Path.

The left hand in Tibet is traditionally considered “unclean.”

Do not touch her Buddhist shrines, do not transfer money, and, most importantly, do not spin prayer drums – this will be perceived as an insult.

An essential Buddhist tradition is to go around the statues of saints, religious stupas, temples, and others like them clockwise.

Do not mistake!

In Tibet, it’s customary to bargain, here it is a standard seller-buyer interaction line and, at the same time, a real performance.

With plans to visit Tibet, it is necessary to prepare the body for altitude sickness in advance.

To do this, you need to gradually, giving yourself time, get used to the height, and rise higher.

You need to lay enough time to travel.

How Does Tibet Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

To visit Tibet, all tourists must obtain permission to visit this area (permits). Permits in Tibet come in two forms: Permit to enter Tibet - Tibet Entry Permit and Permit entering certain closed areas of Tibet - PSB Permit. According to the current legislation of China, receiving permits for foreign citizens is possible only when buying a travel package from licensed travel agencies in Lhasa. Getting licenses to Tibet without purchasing a tour is impossible. A valid passport is a must.

Currency

Rénmínbì or yuán is the official currency in Tibet. The distinction between renminbi and yuan is that the renminbi is the name of the currency and yuan refers to its primary unit. One yuan is subdivided into 10 jiao.

Weather

The rainy season runs from June to October, with most of it falling in July and August. The best time to travel to Tibet is in April and May, or September and October – either side of the peak of the summer rains and the winter snow.

Airports

Tibet has several airports. Lhasa Gonggar International Airport is the largest and most important airport in Tibet Autonomous Region. Nyingchi Mainling Airport (IATA: LZY, ICAO: ZUNZ) is located in the Yarlung Zangbo River Valley. Shigatse Peace Airport, about 43km to the downtown Shigatse City, is the fifth civil airport in Tibet and the fifth-highest airport in China.

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Tibet Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

China - Safety by City