In July 2023, I set off on a year-long journey across the globe. From the icy shores of Antarctica to the vast plains of Tanzania, I saw some truly incredible places, but one place stood out above them all, literally and figuratively… Tibet!

Barkhor Street.

I’d always dreamed of visiting Tibet, so during a month-long trip around China, I made it happen. When researching the logistics, Tibet Vista kept coming up as the go-to source.

Tibet's Stunning Natural View.

Their 10-day Mt. Everest and Namtso Lake tour (the Heavenly Lake), seemed perfect. The planning felt daunting, but the Tibet Vista team handled all the permits, train bookings, and logistics, keeping me updated at every step.

Typical Tibet Landscape.

Before I knew it, I was on the train to Lhasa, excited for the adventure ahead!

Arrival

I opted for the train from Xi’an to Lhasa, seeing it as an experience in itself. Sharing a cozy four-bed room with a Chinese family and another traveller on the same tour was a fun way to start the trip!

Tibetan Monk in Red Robe.

There was a small restaurant carriage, which worked well to have a proper meal, but I’d definitely recommend bringing your own snacks too.

Drepung Monastery.

The final few hours approaching Lhasa offered breathtaking scenery, making the journey well worthwhile. Upon arrival, we were greeted with traditional Khata scarves, and a little local boy even offered us bottled water.

Jokhang Temple.

At first I was thinking, what sort of scam is this? Does he want money? Still on edge after my time in other countries. But, it was just the first glimpse into the culture here, one that seemed to heavily focus on honesty and kindness.

Altitude sickness

Tibet is all about high altitudes, from Lhasa at 3,650m to Everest Base Camp at 5,150m. Altitude sickness is an inevitable part of the experience, and it can hit anyone, randomly.

Karola Glacier.

If you fly into Tibet, it hits you like a brick the second you get off the plane. If you take the train in, it is a little more gradual, but still a rough adjustment.

Manla Reservoir.

On the train to Tibet, they pump oxygen into the carriages, which helps, but you still feel it. I woke up around midnight with a headache and used the personal oxygen supply at each bed to try and get back to sleep.

Sea Birds hunting for Food.

Luckily, I had some altitude sickness tablets (Diamox) left over from my trip to Peru, which I started taking. In hindsight, I wish I’d begun taking them the day before, but either way, they turned out to be a lifesaver!

Lake Namtso.

In Lhasa, I was okay, just some heavy breathing and a bit of difficulty with stairs. However, as we moved to higher elevations, my symptoms intensified. If I walked too much, I’d feel a little dizzy, and I experience pins and needles in my hands and feet.

Potala Palace's Stunning Nigt View.

Thankfully, our van was equipped with an oxygen tank, and we always had a portable oxygen cans for when we went outside.

Journey

Our journey began in Lhasa, where we spent a few days exploring iconic sites like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and the historic Drepung and Sera Monasteries. Watching monks passionately debate at Sera and taking in the grandeur of Potala Palace were early highlights that immersed us in Tibet’s unique culture and history.

Potala Palace Under Tibet's Blue Sky.

From Lhasa, we set out on stunning drives through Tibet’s landscapes, passing Yamdrok Lake and the majestic Karola Glacier en route to Shigatse and then Everest Base Camp. Arriving at Base Camp was unforgettable, with clear skies offering a spectacular view of Mt. Everest.

Yamdrok Lake.

A yak even strolled by, making for the perfect photo! We spent the night in a cozy tent with heating, where our host cooked us meals and served hot drinks. In the final days, we visited the stunning Namtso Lake, serene even on a cloudy day, and stopped by a few more local monasteries on our return to Lhasa.

Decorated Yak along the Shore of Namtso Lake.

People, Transport, Accommodation, and Food

The Tibetan people were some of the friendliest I’ve encountered on the planet. Everywhere we went, locals showed genuine warmth, interest, and respect. From Tashi, our guide, to local restaurant owners and shopkeepers, the people of Tibet remain as my fondest memory of the trip.

Praying Wheels outside Tibet Monastery.

We travelled by a comfortable minivan with oxygen supplies and bottled water onboard. Though some drives were long, the roads were well-maintained. I heard they opened a new highway soon after I left, which should make future trips even quicker!

Tibetan Monastery.

In Lhasa they have a bus system, but I never used that. You can get the local version of Uber just fine too.

Our accommodations were comfortable. The Gang-Gyan Hotel in Lhasa was a fantastic base, and the tent at Everest Base Camp was a pleasant surprise. It was warm, and well-equipped.

Yamdrok Lake.

Food in Tibet was a memorable mix of Chinese, Nepalese, and Tibetan cuisine. I especially loved the Momos! Lhasa had several great restaurants, and in smaller towns, our guide directed us to the best local spots.

Tips and Recommendations

The best time to visit Tibet is between April and November. I went in June, and the weather was perfect! That said, the idea of visiting in winter and seeing the snow is dreamy too.

Mt.Everest.

Lhasa is a typical big city. It has ATMs, markets, supermarkets, pharmacies, and all sorts. You can buy supplies after you arrive.

The data network in Tibet is as reliable as anywhere else in China. In other words, perfect. I had better signal at Everest Base Camp than I would in central London!

Me and Mt.Everest.

If you’re taking the train, make sure to bring enough drinking water. Hot water is provided, but if you prefer drinking cooler water, the bottled water can be expensive. And you want to stay very hydrated!

Lastly, altitude sickness can hit you harder if you have a cold or any kind of illness. If you’ve ever flown while sick, you know what I mean. Try to stay healthy before your trip!

Reflection

When I started this trip around the world, I didn’t plan on visiting Tibet, but I did plan on visiting Nepal, and it was possibly the place I was most excited about.

I envisioned towering mountains, a rich culture, yaks roaming about, religious sites everywhere, the friendliest people, and an overall magical atmosphere. But when I arrived in Nepal, my experience didn’t quite match those expectations, leaving me a bit disappointed.

Picture of Mt.Everest Taken from Rongbuk Monastery.

But, after visiting Tibet, I realized that the dreamy place I had imagined wasn’t Nepal, it was Tibet. It took the best parts of Nepal, removed the challenges, and added its unique charm, with a mix of modern Chinese infrastructure.

The people were so lovely, the culture and religion was fascinating, and the scenery was stunning. At times it felt like a whole new planet, and quite literally when you saw some walking around, struggling with the thin atmosphere!

Do I recommend it? Yes! It is a perfect addition to any trip around China.

Would I go back? Yes! Next time, I’d love to explore different areas, like a tour heading out to Mt. Kailash. There’s just so much to see, and Tibet is too vast and diverse to cover in one visit.