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Tibet is one of the most mystically amazing places on earth. It’s gorgeous and has become incredibly popular among tourists — and it’s not hard to see why. It is shrouded in mystery, it has an incredible culture and friendly people, and of course, there are many things to do in Tibet.
To get the most out of your time in Tibet, it’s important to plan your Tibet tour properly. Because most of the must-visit destinations are spread out with considerable distances between them, you have to make sure that you plan your trip accordingly.
There are tons of things to do in Tibet, but there are a few that you simply cannot miss out on. Here are those must-visit attractions that you should prioritize when you travel to Tibet.
This is a guest post from Helen Wang from Windhorse Tour. Helen started her travel career in 2005. It not only enriched her knowledge of tourism but also inspired in her a love for traveling. In addition to India, Nepal, USA, Europe, and China, Helen has also traveled to most of Tibet.
Interested in guest posting for A Nomad on the Loose? Send me a message with your ideas — you don’t have to be a travel blogger, you just have to have tips and recs or a story to tell!
Lhasa, the capital of Tibet
You’ll likely kick off your time in Tibet in Lhasa, as it’s the starting point for almost all Tibet tours. Most people stay there for at least 3-4 days so they can acclimatize to the altitude and thin air in Tibet.
As you’re acclimatizing, you’ll want to take things slow. But that doesn’t mean you can’t start exploring!
The Potala Palace, a massive structure that’s spread over a thousand rooms, is arguably one of the first places that you should visit. The palace is a prominent example of Tibetan architecture.
The Old Town is another popular tourist attraction. There, you can find Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple in Tibet. Including it in your Tibet tour can truly be a life-changing experience. There are spinning prayer wheels all around, and you can see the locals chanting mantras and praying to the gods.
Unsurprisingly, there are many other places that you’ll also want to visit when you’re in Lhasa. Make sure you take time for Norbulingka Palace and Park, Drepung Monastery, Ramoche Temple, and Ani Sangkhung Nunnery.
Yamdrok Lake
Not far from Lhasa is Yamdrok Lake.
Often regarded as one of the holiest lakes in all of Tibet, Yamdrok Lake is famous for its turquoise waters. The massive Nojin Kangsang peak, standing at 7,191 meters, juts out strikingly in the background.
To get the best view of the lake, you’ll actually want to be at the top of Kamba La, a gorgeous pass that’s situated around 4,700 meters above sea level. From there, you will get a stunning view of the scorpion-shaped lake.
Everest Base Camp
You’ll also come across Yamdrok Lake if you decide to travel to Mount Everest. If you are in Tibet and have an adventurous flair, you likely won’t want to miss out on Everest Base Camp!
As you trek there, you’ll see many sights and get to visit local villages. The terrain starts changing considerably as you travel closer and closer to the mountain — until finally, you lie in its shadow.
The North Side of Everest is clearly visible from Everest Base Camp, the last stop for many mountaineers who want to climb Everest. Each year around May, there’s a small window of ideal climbing conditions. If you’re present at Everest Base Camp around this time, you may even get to meet these mountaineers in person!
Leave the summiting to the experts, though, as the death rate atop Everest is very high. Many who try to ascend have failed to return.
Mount Kailash
While Mount Everest may be internationally-known, the most sacred mountain in all of Tibet is Mount Kailash.
Due to its religious sanctity, Mount Kailash has never been climbed and is perfectly conserved. Each year, Buddhists and Hindus complete a 52 km pilgrimage around the mountain. It’s truly a humbling sight to see people bowing, praying, and trekking and gives you an idea of just how spiritual the people of Tibet are.
A trip to Mount Kailash is a must-do when you visit Tibet both because of its spiritual significance and because of the stunning scenery. The countryside near Mount Kailash is a sight to behold, as is the nearby Lake Manasarovar.
Plus so many more things to do in Tibet
The previous suggestions are just a glimpse into what Tibet has to offer.
There are so many other places that you can visit on your Tibet tour. For example, the villages of Gyantse and Shigatse are idyllic and relatively untouched by tourism. There, you can enjoy peaceful afternoons strolling through the markets and streets of the villages.
Traveling to Tibet is going to be one of the most unique experiences you’ll ever have in your life, so you should cherish it!
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