Tibet is a land full of mysticism and natural beauty. There are plenty of remote Buddhist monasteries and an incredibly hospitable environment. It is one of the unique travel experiences that you are going to have, so it’s an excellent idea for people who want to visit remote places.
Nestled on the top of the Tibetan Plateau, Tibet is an autonomous region that is accessible from Nepal as well as China (you can get a train from Beijing as well). There are hundreds of things to do and see. When we asked our fellow tour agencies about their customer’s experience, this is the answer that we usually get: Many travelers who went on a Tibet Tour are immediately amazed by the simplicity and satisfaction of the people who live there.
Most of the people in Tibet are incredibly religious, and Buddhism is the most popular religion here. They are incredibly helpful and peaceful people who are very welcoming. Needless to say, your Tibet tour is going to be incredibly amazing. But, if you are interested in visiting Tibet, you should consider making an itinerary. There are several places that you might be interested in visiting, so you need to decide accordingly.
Here are the top 5 attractions that you should visit on your Tibet tour.
1. Mount Kailash
The most sacred peak in all of the Himalayan Mountains, Mount Kailash, is widely regarded as the number one destination in all of Tibet. People from all over the region take pilgrimages to this holy site. It is situated in the western Ngari’s prefecture, almost 1,200 km from the capital of Lhasa. Compared to other peaks in the Himalayas, it certainly doesn’t rise as high, but it is still regarded by many as an incredibly holy site.
Every year, thousands of Hindus and Buddhists undertake the 52 km pilgrimage around the mountain. While a journey to Kailash may take a few days, it’s definitely worth it. You can feel the spirituality radiating from the mountain. The mountain is situated near Lake Manasarovar and Lake Rakshastal. It’s one of the only unclimbed peaks in the Himalayas and has been described as utterly “unclimbable” due to its geology. If you want to feel the real Tibetan Buddhism, include Kailash trek in your Tibet tour.
2. The Everest Base Camp
The North Side of Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, is accessible from Tibet. Each year, hundreds of mountaineers and tourists include visiting the Everest Base Camp as part of their Tibet tour. Some want to take on the challenge of climbing the mountain, while others want to simply stand in awe at the majestic views of the peak extending above them, casting a shadow in another country.
Everest can be climbed from two sides: the North and the South. The North is widely regarded by many as a more difficult attempt, and it was the choice for George Mallory’s expedition, which lost its way back in 1924. Quite a few deaths have occurred on the mountain over time. But, the 8 to 10-day journey to Everest Base Camp from Lhasa is one of the most rewarding journeys you will ever undertake.
3. Namtso Lake
Nam Tso Lake is situated around 5 hours away from the capital city of Lhasa. It’s at an elevation of 4,718 meters, so when you first land in Lhasa, you will need a day to rest and acclimatize. It is the largest lake in all of the Tibetan autonomous region and is arguably one of the most beautiful lakes that you are going to see. During the summer months, you can see nomads moving around the lake as they travel from one part of the area to another.
4. Guge Kingdom
The far west side of Tibet is home to the Guge Kingdom. It’s an astonishing place that many people who go on Tibet tour completely fail to see. And it’s a crying shame too because it’s such a beautiful sight.
The Guge Kingdom was established in the 10th century and was a major Buddhist center for almost 700 years. The Tsaparang Citadel is the most popular place here, which is just 20 kilometers outside of the main town. There is an intricate set of caves running near the base of the mountain. You can explore the Guge Kingdom, and it’s highly recommended that you take a guide along with you who can show you the many beautiful places and explain to you the significance.
5. Lhasa
Lhasa is your landing destination on your Tibet tour. From the capital city, you will begin your once in a lifetime experience in Tibet. It is advisable to explore the city in full. No trip to Tibet is complete if you don’t visit and explore Lhasa. Home to the Potala Palace (which is one of the most prominent things you will notice on the skyline), Lhasa is the cultural capital as well. There are many monasteries here as well, such as Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and others. Other attractions include Barkhor Street and the Old City of Lhasa.