In the early morning, Namtso Lake.
The first ray of sunlight falls on the snow mountain, golden light reflecting on the lake surface. The lake water is azure blue, reflecting the snow peaks of Nyainqêntanglha Mountains. Prayer flags flutter in the wind, mani piles stand quietly by the lake. A Tibetan grandmother turns prayer wheels by the lake, chanting the six-syllable mantra, steps faltering yet determined.
This is Tibet’s most sacred scene.
Tibet is a place that purifies the soul.
Province Profile#
- Location: Southwest China, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
- Best Travel Season: May-October
- Highlights: Roof of the World, Tibetan Buddhism, snow mountains and sacred lakes, plateau scenery
Must-Visit Attractions#
Potala Palace: Snowy Holy Temple#
Potala Palace is Tibet’s symbol, a World Cultural Heritage, a holy site of Tibetan Buddhism.
The palace is built against Red Mountain, 117 meters high, 13 stories, with 999 rooms. The Red Palace is the stupa hall of successive Dalai Lamas, the White Palace is where successive Dalai Lamas lived and worked.
Climb the palace, overlook Lhasa city, see devout believers prostrating on the prayer wheel path, feel the power of faith.
Best Experience: Reserve tickets in advance, enter as the first group in the morning. Hire a guide to hear the stories hidden in the palace.
Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street: Lhasa’s Heart#
Jokhang Temple is the most sacred temple of Tibetan Buddhism, “First Jokhang Temple, then Lhasa City.”
Inside the temple is enshrined the 12-year-old life-sized statue of Sakyamuni, brought by Princess Wencheng from Chang’an. Every day, countless believers prostrate before the temple—a shocking scene.
Barkhor Street is the prayer wheel path surrounding Jokhang Temple, Lhasa’s liveliest place. Lined with Tibetan-style buildings, shops selling thangkas, Tibetan incense, and turquoise. Follow believers turning prayer wheels, feel Lhasa’s earthly vitality.
Best Experience: Come to Barkhor Street in the early morning, see believers prostrating. In a sweet tea shop on the street, drink a cup of sweet tea, eat a bowl of Tibetan noodles, feel Lhasa people’s daily life.
Namtso Lake: Heavenly Lake Holy Realm#
Namtso Lake is one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes, 4,718 meters above sea level, meaning “Heavenly Lake.”
The lake water is azure blue, reflecting the snow peaks of Nyainqêntanglha Mountains. Tashi Peninsula by the lake has caves, stone pillars, and prayer flags—the starting point for believers’ lake circumambulation.
Best Experience: Stay overnight by the lake, see sunset, sunrise, and the starry sky.
Mount Everest: Top of the World#
Mount Everest is the world’s highest peak, 8,848.86 meters above sea level.
Everest Base Camp is the highest point ordinary people can reach, 5,200 meters above sea level. Here, you can look up at the top of the world from close range. At dusk, watch the sunset dye Everest golden; in the morning, watch sunrise illuminate the snow peak.
Best Experience: Stay overnight at base camp, see Everest’s sunset, sunrise, and starry sky. If you’re lucky, you might see banner clouds.
Special Experiences#
Yamdrok Lake#
Yamdrok Lake is one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes, “Coral Sea.”
The lake water presents a dreamlike blue-green color, like a giant sapphire. Standing at Gampala Pass, overlooking Yamdrok Lake—breathtakingly beautiful.
Nyingchi Peach Blossoms#
Nyingchi is Tibet’s Jiangnan, at lower altitude with mild climate.
Every March-April, peach blossoms bloom, with pink and white flower seas contrasting with snow mountains and canyons. Gala Peach Blossom Village and Bomi Peach Blossom Valley are the best viewing spots.
Manasarovar and Mount Kailash#
Manasarovar is the first of Tibet’s three sacred lakes, “Western Heavenly Pool.”
Mount Kailash is a sacred mountain shared by Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, and Bon, “Center of the World.” Circumambulating the mountain once can wash away a lifetime of sins.
Tibetan Cuisine#
Tibetan cuisine is mainly yak meat and tsampa. Butter Tea is Tibetan people’s daily drink, salty and fragrant. Tsampa is the Tibetan staple, roasted barley flour with butter tea—simple but filling. Tibetan Noodles are Lhasa people’s breakfast, with rich soup and chewy noodles. Yak Meat is tender and delicious—dried yak meat is a good souvenir.
Travel Tips#
- Transportation: Lhasa has airport and train station—you can fly or take the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Tibet. Tibet is vast—recommend chartering a car or joining a tour.
- Accommodation: In Lhasa, stay near Barkhor Street; at Namtso and Everest, stay in tents or prefab houses.
- Note: Tibet is at high altitude—watch for altitude sickness, take rhodiola in advance. Strong UV radiation—watch for sun protection. Respect local customs, don’t photograph believers and temples without permission.
Tibet’s sacredness lies in the power of faith.
The solemnity of Potala Palace, the devotion at Jokhang Temple, the holiness of Namtso Lake, the majesty of Everest… each place makes you feel awe.
Come to Tibet, purify your soul, rediscover faith.
Tomorrow, we begin our Northeast journey, starting with Liaoning to see the Qing Dynasty relics at Shenyang Imperial Palace and the seaside scenery of Dalian.