Have You Ever Been to Tibet? Come to See the Real Tibet with Us

Have you ever been to Tibet? What does it look like in your mind? For many travelers, Tibet is a mysteriously unique place different from the rest of the world. With the purest air and bluest sky, it is the dream land to experience the finest alpine sceneries and strong Buddhist culture. But what does the real Tibet look like? Check the following guidance to have a clear image of Tibet before your trip there.

A Brief Introduction to Tibet

Located on the southwestern edge of China, Tibet covers the major part of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the highest and largest plateau in the world. Due to its high elevation of more than 4000 meters on average, Tibet is also known as the “the roof of the world”. Tibet is famous for its imposing scenery and mysterious customs. There are numerous mountain peaks above 5000 meters, including the world’ highest mountain, Mount Everest. Rivers and lakes are densely distributed there. And it is the head source of four famous rivers in Asia, including Ganges, Indus, Mekong and Irrawaddy.

Tibet has a long history and has long been inhabited by humans. Lhasa, the provincial capital of Tibet, is a cultural city with a history of more than 1,300 years, retaining many historical relics that represent the essence of Tibetan culture. And the people living there are unconstrained, and are good at singing and dancing. Kind of traditional activities like wresting, tug-of-war, horse racing prevail, and celebrations of various religious Tibetan festivals are held all the year round.

Top Destinations to Experience the Real Tibet

Across the vast land of Tibet, there are many popular attractions and destinations alluring arrays of tourists every year. To help those new visitors who have never been to Tibet, or are currently planning a trip to Tibet, we have listed some top destinations where you will most likely experience the real and charming Tibet.

Lhasa – the Center of Tibet

Lhasa, the holy place of Tibetan Buddhism, also known as the “City of Sunshine”, is located in the middle of Tibetan Plateau. It is the provincial capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, and the political, economic, cultural and religious center with an altitude of 3,658 meters.

Photo with Tibetan monks on the rooftop of Jokhang Temple

Lhasa is a gathering place for devout believers. Countless pilgrims make the kowtows all the way to the holy city from miles away. There are many revered palaces and monasteries both in and around Lhasa, such as the Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery and Jokhang Temple. Here you can see the lama and believers wearing red cassocks making sacred pilgrimages. The strong and mysterious religious atmosphere here can infect every traveler who came to visit.

Lhasa is also a fast-growing city. If you imagine Lhasa is the original world, then it may give you different expectations. There are also high-rise commercial areas and dazzling streets. Hotels, banks, and shopping malls can be easily found there.

What should experience most in a Lhasa tour is the slow life. Here, you will unconsciously slow down your pace, and casually follow the local Tibetans on the kora trail of Barkhor Street to make some wonderful blessings and wishes. Or, just sit down and drink a cup of sweet tea, or soak up the sun in front of the Jokhang Temple, then you will be fully satisfied.

Shigatse – Home to the World’s Summit

Located in the south of Tibet, Shigatse is currently the second largest city in Tibet. The former capital of the Tsang has an altitude of 3,900 meters. It is also the place where the Panchen Lama was stationed in the past. The beautiful natural scenery and distinctive traditional life make Shigatse get the praise of “the best and most beautiful manor”.

Appreciate the stunning view of Yamdrok Lake on the road to EBC

The region has many unique attractions. Following the upstream of Yarlung Zangbo River from Lhasa, one will pass through Yamdrok Lake, one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, and then enters Shigatse region. From Shigatse, tourists can continue to the south to reach the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, and then go west to the main road leading to Nepal via Gyirong Border.

This gorgeous place is also the home to several grand monasteries in Tibet, including famous Tashilhunpo Monastery and Pelkor Monastery. With ancient culture, majestic temple architecture, magnificent natural scenery, Shigatse becomes one of the most popular destinations in Tibet.

Ngari – Pilgrimage Destination in Tibet

Ngari Prefecture is located in the northwest of Tibet, with an average elevation of over 4,500 meters. It is known as the ridge of Tibet, and is sparsely populated and surrounded by snow-capped mountains and holy lakes. Countless Tibetan antelopes, Tibetan wild ass, and wild yak are running freely here. The region boasts amazing landscapes, like the famous Mount Kailash, which is regarded as the “center of the world”, holy Lake Manasarovar, ancient Guge Kingdom, and Zhada Earth Forest with unique landforms etc.

Take a kora around the holy Mount Kailash

For plenty of pilgrims and tourists from afar, the greatest motivation to visit Ngari or Tibet is to experience a lifetime Kora around Mount Kailash. It is said that a sin of a lifetime can be eluted if one circle around the holy mountain is done. Therefore, during the trekking around Mount Kailash, tourists can always find prostrating pilgrims on the way.

Nyingchi - Switzerland of Tibet

Meaning the “Throne of the Sun” in Tibetan language, Nyingchi is located in the southeast of Tibet. The Yarlung Zangbo River passes through this area and forms the noted Yarlung Zangpo Grand Canyon, which is known to be the deepest canyon on earth. This area is provided with well-preserved original natural features, primitive and mysterious original folk customs and religions, making itself one of the remaining pure land disturbed by few human beings.

Enjoy the view of Yarlung Zangbo River Bank

The most representable attractions in Nyingchi include the Lulang Forest, known as a fairyland where gods live in with scenic beauties; the Namcha Barwa, which is praised as the most beautiful snow mountain in China; Basum Lake, the holy lake of Red Sect; and the Midui Glacier, the lowest glacier in the world.

In most areas of Nyingchi, there is humid climate. For those who suffer from altitude sickness in Lhasa, it is recommended to descend to Nyingchi at lower altitude to help ease the symptoms. Or, it is suggested to arrange Nyingchi as the starting point of your Tibet tour, so that you can get well adapted to the high plateau before ascending to other higher regions of Tibet.

Join Us for a Lifetime Tibet Tour

It is widely believed that one should go to Tibet as least once in a lifetime. And only when you actually step foot on Tibet, you can get the real feeling about this holy land. Tibet is a place worth discovering for more than once. If you have never been to Tibet yet, here is your chance to join us for an unforgettable lifetime journey. As the leading tour operator in Tibet, we offer both private and group tours well-designed for people with different needs. With years of experience and sincere attitude, we believe you will enjoy a wonderful trip to Tibet with us. Just contact us for more details.