From landscape, wildlife to Tibetan Culture, you can always find something that touch your heart in Tibet. I have lived in Tibet Region for over 7 years from 2005, and led photography tours and expeditions since 2012.
1 When is best time to visit Tibet
For Landscape Photography, the best time is from April to June and end of September to beginning of November, when temperature is warm and a good chance of seeing majestic mountains. From end of June to the end of September, it’s raining season, even though the precipitation isn’t high compare to other places, but more likely you will not be able to photography mountains because of the cloud cover. Winter is best for Shangri-la region, you will have best chance to see all the majestic mountains in this time of the year. and you can almost without doubt to reach most locations because the good road condition unlike the remote and higher altitude of Sichuan, Qinghai, and Tibet autonomous region where the road can be blocked because several snow weather.
2: Fitness and photography
Carry a camera or rucksack can be very energy consuming when you are at 3600m above, it’s all about acclimatise slowly and take easy for the first few days – carry light gear, go for short walk, rest plenty and stop for water and some food regularly.
Photography is forbidden inside the monastery, some places allowed but it also have price written on the paper that you should be able to see when you walking around. Please be aware, only take photo when you are sure that it’s allowed and you are willing to pay the price afterward. Using tripod is not allowed when you walk around streets of Jokhang Monastery
Low light pollution once you away from the main city, perfect place for night photography.
3: Location Knowledge
Tibet Autonomous Region – located on the Tibetan Plateau, the highest region on earth, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Kailash, Naqu grassland. all the foreigner visitors need to obtain Tibet Entry permits, Alien’s travel permits and some remote places require military permits
Other Tibet region distributed as part of Yunnan ( Shangri-la ) , Sichuan ( Ganzi and Aba ), Qinghai Province which foreigner do not need to apply for such permits to travel.
4: High altitude treks or expeditions
Pre-existing medical conditions do not predispose to altitude sickness. diabetes, Epilepsy, heart related problems and Lung conditions including Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and moderate to severe asthma. Pregnancy women should consult your doctor regarding your own circumstances.
Trekking in the remote valleys or mountain high passes can be challenging and rewarding, you need to plan well in advance and prepare carefully and train yourself at least a few months prior to the trip.
Good medical insurance can cover help you evacuate or repatriate when you are unwell either health issues or altitudes. There are many things you can do to help your well being:
Acclimatise slowly, by start around 2500m and slowly increase to higher altitude every few days, if increase altitude level gradually isn’t possible, then you want to make sure to stay in different stages for a few days before move to above 4000m. It’s likely you can exhausting yourself too much and that can also contribute towards you not feeling well and more risk of developing attitude sickness.
Maybe it is difficult to find clean toilets on your journey, but drink plenty of water is certainly essential and avoid alcohol.
5: Other considerations
Protection agains UV light is very important, wearing clothing that covers the skin. Sunscreen to protect your face and exposed part of your body; you need to constantly put SPF 30+ lip barn on your lip. It will too late if your skin got burned or uncomfortable pain on because your lip to dry.