Tibet, often referred to as the "Roof of the World", is a mystical and enchanting land that offers a unique cultural and spiritual experience. Located in the heart of the Himalayas, Tibet is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique Tibetan Buddhist culture. If you're planning a trip to this remote and fascinating land, here are some top things to do in Tibet to make your journey truly memorable.
1. Visit Lhasa, the Holy City
Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, is a city steeped in religious and cultural significance. The iconic Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit. This magnificent palace, perched atop the Red Hill, is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. Home to successive Dalai Lamas, the Potala Palace is a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. Another significant religious site in Lhasa is the Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple in Tibet, and an important pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists. Take a stroll around the Barkhor Street, a bustling market surrounding the Jokhang Temple, to soak in the local atmosphere, and shop for unique Tibetan souvenirs.
Tips: 2 or 3 days sightseeing is suggested for a
Lhasa tour, which can include all the major highlights of the city.
Potala Palace is the landmark of Lhasa city
2. Experience Tibetan Cuisine
Tibetan cuisine is distinct and influenced by the area's high altitude and harsh climate. Trying traditional Tibetan dishes can be a culinary adventure. You can savor yak butter tea, a popular Tibetan beverage made with black tea, yak butter, and salt, which is known for its unique flavor and high energy content, making it a staple for locals in the harsh Tibetan climate. Tsampa, roasted barley flour, is another traditional Tibetan dish that is often mixed with butter tea to form a hearty and nutritious meal. You can also try momos, which are Tibetan dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, and thukpa, a savory noodle soup that's perfect for warming up in the chilly Tibetan weather.
Tibetan cuisine has a diverse range of dishes reflecting its highland landscape
3. Discover Tibetan Monasteries
Tibet is known for its numerous monasteries that dot the landscape, each with its own unique charm and significance.
Tibetan monasteries are an essential part of Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition. These monasteries serve as centers of learning, meditation, and spiritual practice for monks and nuns. They are also important places of worship for the Tibetan people and attract visitors from all over the world who are interested in learning about Tibetan Buddhism. Here we list some most visited monasteries in Tibet:
Drepung Monastery, one of the largest monasteries in Tibet, is known for its stunning architecture and houses precious Buddhist scriptures and art collections. It is located in the Lhasa Valley in Tibet, near the city of Lhasa, and was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choje, one of Tsongkhapa's main disciples. At its peak, Drepung Monastery was home to more than 10,000 monks and was the largest monastery in the world. It was also a major center of learning and attracted scholars and students from all over Tibet and other parts of Asia.
Drepung Monastery is a collection of Buddhist chapels and colleges
Sera Monastery, located in Lhasa, is one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries in Tibet and is famous for its unique tradition of monks' debating sessions. You can witness this fascinating spectacle where monks engage in animated debates on Buddhist philosophy, clapping their hands and stomping their feet to make their points. It's an extraordinary display of intellectual rigor and religious practice that offers insight into Tibetan Buddhist culture and philosophy.
Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the most important and largest monasteries in Tibet, is located in the city of Shigatse. It was founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the first Dalai Lama, and has since become the traditional seat of the successive Panchen Lamas, who are the second most important spiritual leaders of Tibetan Buddhism after the Dalai Lamas.
Tips: When visiting Tibetan monasteries, it is important to be respectful of the culture and customs of the Tibetan people. Visitors should dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the temple. Photography may be restricted in some areas, and it is important to ask permission before taking pictures.
4. Marvel at the Beauty of the“Three Holy Lakes”
Tibet is home to some of the most beautiful and sacred lakes in the world. Known as the Three Holy Lakes of Tibet, these lakes are an important part of Tibetan culture and religion, and are considered to be among the most sacred places in the region. The three holy lakes are Lake Manasarovar, Lake Yamdrok, and Lake Namtso. Each of these lakes has its own unique beauty and significance.
Lake Manasarovar, located in the western part of Tibet, is considered to be one of the most sacred lakes in the world. It is believed to be the place where Lord Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, meditated before creating the universe. The lake is also an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. The water is crystal clear and reflects the surrounding snow-capped mountains, creating a stunning and peaceful environment.
The sacred Lake Manasarovar is the world's highest fresh-water lake
Lake Yamdrok, located in the southern part of Tibet, is known for its beautiful turquoise color and unique shape. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is believed to have healing powers. Tibetan Buddhists believe that the lake is home to a protective deity and that circling the lake is a form of spiritual practice.
Lake Namtso, located in the northern part of Tibet, is the largest saltwater lake in Tibet and the highest saltwater lake in the world. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is known for its stunning natural beauty. Tibetan Buddhists believe that the lake is home to a goddess and that circumambulating the lake can help purify one's karma.
All three of these holy lakes are important pilgrimage sites for Tibetans and visitors from around the world. They are not only beautiful but also deeply significant to Tibetan culture and religion, making them a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring Tibet's rich spiritual heritage.
5. Take a Journey to Mount Everest Base Camp
Mount Everest, the tallest peak in the world, is a bucket-list destination for many adventurers. Tibet offers an opportunity to visit the North Base Camp of Mount Everest, which is located at an altitude of 5,150 meters (16,900 feet). The journey to the base camp is an awe-inspiring experience, with panoramic views of the Himalayas and the stunning Rongbuk Glacier. You can also interact with the local Tibetan nomads and learn about their way of life.
The stunning views of the Everest Base Camp in Tibet
The
Tibet Everest Base Camp tour typically takes about 8 days (stating from Lhasa, including sightseeing in Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse), and doesn’t need any climbing or professional expertise. It’s a road trip along the famous Friendship Highway, which means you can just sit in the car till you reach the base camp.
6. Embark on a Pilgrimage to Mount Kailash
A pilgrimage to Mount Kailash is a spiritual journey undertaken by followers of various religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. Located in western Tibet, Mount Kailash is considered sacred by these religions and is believed to be the center of the universe, a place where the heavens meet the earth.
Mount Kailash is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Tibet
The
trip to Mount Kailash is not just a physical journey but also a spiritual one. Pilgrims believe that completing the journey will bring them closer to their gods and help them attain spiritual enlightenment. The pilgrimage is an opportunity for individuals to cleanse their souls, seek forgiveness for their sins, and pray for blessings and good fortune.
7. Engage in Trekking and Adventure
Tibet offers excellent opportunities for trekking and adventure enthusiasts. The pristine wilderness of Tibet is perfect for trekking, with various routes offering stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, high-altitude lakes, and traditional Tibetan villages. The famous
Ganden to Samye Trek is a challenging yet rewarding trek that takes you through picturesque valleys, high mountain passes, and remote Tibetan settlements. The Kora trek around Mt. Kailash is another popular trek that offers stunning landscapes and a chance to immerse yourself in Tibetan culture. For adrenaline junkies, Tibet also offers opportunities for mountain biking, river rafting, and camping in its rugged terrains.
8. Attend Festivals and Celebrations
Tibetan festivals are colorful, vibrant, and deeply rooted in their culture and traditions. If you're lucky enough to visit Tibet during a festival, it's a unique opportunity to witness the rich cultural heritage of Tibet up close. The Tibetan New Year, known as Losar, is a significant festival celebrated with religious ceremonies, traditional dances, and feasts. The Saga Dawa Festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha, is another major festival celebrated with grand processions, mask dances, and cultural performances. The Shoton Festival, also known as the "Yoghurt Festival," is a unique celebration where locals offer yoghurt to monks, and traditional Tibetan opera performances are held.
Tibetan opera performances at Norbulinka Park during Shoton Festival
9. Enjoy the Tranquility and Serenity
One of the most remarkable aspects of Tibet is its tranquility and serenity. The pristine landscapes, the majestic mountains, and the peaceful monasteries offer a serene and meditative ambiance that is perfect for relaxation, reflection, and self-discovery. Take the time to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Tibet, meditate in an off-the-beaten-path hermitage, or simply enjoy the silence and solitude of the Himalayan landscape. The peaceful and serene atmosphere of Tibet provides a unique opportunity to connect with yourself and find inner peace.
10. Take a Ride on the Tibet Train
The Tibet train, also known as the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, is a remarkable feat of engineering that connects the cities of Xining in Qinghai province to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. As the world's highest railway, it traverses breathtaking landscapes, soaring over snow-capped mountains, crossing high-altitude grasslands, and winding through deep valleys. Taking the Tibet train is not only a convenient way to travel to Tibet but also a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a rare opportunity to witness some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau.
The Qinghai-Tibet train holds the record for the world's highest train
Conclusion: From ancient temples and monasteries to stunning natural beauty, there are plenty of things to do in Tibet that will leave you awe-struck, and what we listed above is only“the tip of the iceberg”. You can also try Tibetan medicine and wellness practices, Tibetan hot spring and its massage, horse riding, bird watching, and many other more. Whether you're interested in history, adventure, culture, or spirituality, Tibet has something to offer. This wonderland is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. So, pack your bags, set off on a
trip to Tibet, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.
