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Generally, Tibet is known as the Roof of the World. It is a vast land – over two-thirds of India and half the size of Austria, Denmark, France and Germany.
Tibet is surrounded by high snow-capped mountain ranges and numerous lakes. It’s also the source of many great rivers, such as the Yar Lung Tsangpo, also known as the Brahmaputra, Senge Khabab (Indus), Dri-Chu (Yangtze), Za chu (Mekong), Ma chu (Yellow), Gyalmo Ngulchu (Salween), and many more.
Moreover, covering an area of 2.5 million square kilometres, Tibet borders India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Burma in the south, Turkistan in the East and north, and China to the east. Therefore, Tibet has the highest strategic location in Central Asia. It’s also located in the Tibetan Plateau, where the highest Mountain, Everest, is on the southeast border of Nepal.
On the other hand, Tibet is not only completely dry and barren – it has some extensive lands rich in woodlands. In addition, it has pasturelands suitable for animal farming and vast productive valleys. Moreover, it is rich in minerals and has integrated with flora and fauna.
Culturally, it is a land saturated by its ancient Buddhist culture. Therefore, travellers will experience spiritualism during their journey. But they will also experience and see colourful cities, mysterious hidden valleys, isolated villages and monasteries, centuries-old caravan trails and spectacular and unspoiled mountain ranges. So, travelling to Tibet is a different experience, unlike other tourist destinations.
Moreover, until 1949, Tibet was an independent Buddhist country in the Himalayas with little connection to the rest of the globe. Due to the Chinese invasion in 1951, Tibet became an autonomous region within the People’s Republic of China. Nevertheless, Tibetans have kept their unique and ancient culture alive. They have lovingly and beautifully restored many monasteries.
There are many tourist attractions in Tibet. However, Lhasa is a special and spiritual city on a snow plateau. It is also known as “the City of Sunlight” as it relishes considerably more sunshine than most places around the globe. Moreover, as the sacred land of Tibetan Buddhism, Lhasa boasts numerous well-preserved Buddhist structures. Most of which are mysterious castles and monasteries.
Devout people have well-safeguarded and carefully sustained all the holy sites. Therefore, after a thousand years of alterations, the ancient palaces, temples, relics and streets wide with spiritual history can still maintain pace with modern civilization.
One of the must-see attractions in Lhasa is Potala Palace, the most iconic place in Tibet. People also know it as the Winter Palace. It is the residence of the former Dalai Lama. Another tourist attraction in Lhasa is Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart and holiest religious site in Lhasa. Besides, Barkhor Street, which surrounds Jokhang Temple, is the most bustling place in Lhasa.
Lhasa is also home to the “Great Three” Gelugpa Monasteries: Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Ganden Monastery.
Drepung Monastery is the biggest Gelugpa monastery in Tibet, while in Sera monastery, you should not miss the dramatic monk debate. Finally, Ganden Monastery has the most beautiful view of Lhasa Valley.
Do you have more days in Tibet? Then, it is recommended that you visit the heavenly Namtso Lake. It is the largest saline lake in Tibet, and its sublime view is definitely beyond your imagination.
Similarly, if you have one week, visit the Everest Base Camp by Jeep. It’s about 600 km away from Lhasa. Again, you will experience Tibetan Buddhist culture and see most of the stunning views of the Tibet Plateau. En route, you will visit Shigatse and finally reach the Rongbuk valley, where the base camp is situated.
In addition to the tourist attractions cited above, if you drive southward to Gyantse, you will enjoy the glorious turquoise Yamdrok Lake and the Karola glacier view.
When you are in Gyantse City, visit Pelcho Monastery, Kumbum Stupa, and Gyantse Fortress. Then, when you arrive in Shigatse (3830m), visit the historical Tashilhunpo Monastery, the home of successive Panchen Lama.
The most significant interest in Shigatse is visiting Everest Base Camp (5200m). On the way, you will relish the top 5 highest mountains along the glorious Himalayan Range at Gawu La Pass (5198m). Then, you will traverse the world’s most elevated monastery, Rongbuk Monastery (5150m).
Finally, from the Rongbuk monastery and EBC, you will witness Mt. Everest (8848m), an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Do you want to experience a more religious trip? Or do you want to visit the authentic wilderness and explore ancient Tibetan civilization and wildlife? Then travelling to Ngari, western Tibet is perfect for you.
With a moderate altitude above 4500m, the Ngari region is considered the world’s roof. Tourists can do kora around one of the top holy lakes, Manasarovar Lake, and follow the greatest pilgrimage route around Mt. Kailash. It’s an absolute challenge, both mentally and physically.
A tour of the Guge Kingdom and Zanda Clay Forest, Tholing Monastery, will offer some ideas of Tibet’s extinct, ancient culture and the entirely different wilderness of absolute western Tibet.
