My friend and I traveled to Tibet in July 2024 with Tibet Vista. We chance upon the Tibet Vista website through Google search. After comparing it with other companies we decided to go ahead with Tibet Vista as both the itinerary and cost aligned with what we wanted to see/ experience whilst still maintaining within our budget.

Photo in front of Potala Palace.

While planning my friend and I were a bit apprehensive as Tibet is not as widely travelled to as compared to other regions in China and the difference in altitude scared us. We did a lot of research on the prevention of altitude sickness and the common group of people it might affect - there wasn’t really a trend, which scared us even more.

However, we only live once so we just plodded on for the plot. Thankfully it was not as scary as it seems, the idea of altitude sickness may seem daunting but we survived - shoutout to our acetazolamide.

Seamless Adventures in Tibet: A Flexible Tour Experience with Scenic Wonders and Cultural Insights

The itinerary we settled on was the Lhasa Everest and Namtso Lake Tour. Our tour was carefully planned with a bus fetching us from point to point so we had to worry about anything. Our driver was incredibly professional and made our tour truly enjoyable. He not only navigated the route expertly but also brought us through various stunning scenic spots in Tibet.

Decorated Tibetan Yak to photo with along the shore of Namtso.

There were also ample toilet stops along the way which was great as it allowed us to stretch our legs and gave the driver ample rest time. One perk of the tour was how flexible our tour guide was, we could shift some sightseeing around according to the route and timing which allowed us to catch some good views and also experience some rare experiences like listening in to the chanting of the monks.

Tibetan monasteries are vibrant centers of spirituality and culture, where monks engage in meditation, rituals, and the study of ancient texts.

That is only one of the strengths of our tour guide, apart from spectacular photography skills he was also humorous and kept us highly entertained throughout the tour. He was also not stingy with his knowledge and did not gatekeep anything he knew. He was willing to share and even sent us pictures so we were able to understand better.

Discovering Lhasa: A Relaxed Journey of Cultural Exploration and Culinary Delights

The tour was not rushed with ample time for us to explore Lhasa city on our own after each day (applicable when we were in Lhasa and not travelling to Everest etc.). We also had a sufficient amount of sleep throughout the tour as we mostly could wake up around 7 am to 8 am, as well as unlimited nap time on the bus, which really made the trip more enjoyable. The beautiful scenic landscapes, along with our guide, driver, and fellow tour mates, made the entire trip unforgettable for us.

Our welcoming diner upon arrival at Tibet.

They say that a good way to understand a culture is by trying the local food and this resonates so well with Tibet. Before going to Tibet I only knew that they were famous for the yak but Tibet is so much more than that. Don’t get me wrong we love the yak meat and yak products there (personally, I would recommend trying yak tongue, my friend loves the yak milk candy) however local Tibetians do not eat yak on a day-to-day basis.

Tibetan food during the family visit.

The most common food in Tibet would be Tsampa, momo and butter tea which is an acquired taste but recommended to try. As a non-beer drinker, I’ll have to say their barley beer is delightful, it's smooth with a light hint of barley that cleanses your palate and does not have a very strong aftertaste.

Overcoming Hurdles: Navigating the Journey to Tibet with Resilience and Support

Of course life is not always smooth sailing, we had hiccups along the way as well. Our original plan was to take a train from Chengdu straight to Lhasa; however, as July was China’s Holiday period, we were unable to get the ticket.

Yamdrok Lake, one of the four holy lakes in Tibet, revered for its serene beauty and spiritual significance.

Hence we bought train tickets from Chengdu to Xining and Xining to Lhasa however due to bad weather our train from Chengdu to Xining was cancelled and we only found out 1 hour before our train was scheduled to set off (subsequently, I went on REDnote to see apparently many trains from chengdu to Xining was affected the whole of July).

The Karola Glacier is a breathtaking expanse of ice nestled among the rugged peaks of Tibet.

Thankfully we had a flight from Chengdu to Xining the following day in the morning and we were able to reach before our train set off from Xining to Lhasa. We liaised with our agent, Liam from Tibet Vista as there were some issues regarding the cancellation of tickets and Tibet travel permit etc.

The Tibet train we took from Xining to Lhasa.

We are very thankful for his prompt reply and even offered alternatives while being patient which alleviated our anxiety. Although it did not happen in Tibet, it was part of the trip there and it was relieving to know that Tibet Vista was there to help us troubleshoot.

Some Advice I Would Like to Share That I Got from the Locals/Personal Experience

I would highly recommend taking the train to Lhasa instead of flying if possible (if you are not on a budget you could opt for a soft sleeper for maximum comfort, if you are on a budget or just one of the adventurous ones try sitting the hard seat - thats the real Tibetan culture)

Mt.Everest towers above the landscape, covered by clouds that add to its majestic beauty.

Pros: Prevents bad altitude sickness (among our tour group the ones with really bad altitude sickness mostly flew in - this doesn't mean you wont get altitude sickness if you take train in but by taking train it is a more gradual increase in altitude so your body can have time to react to the altitude change) Cost-saving (if you are on a budget)

Namtso Lake, with its striking blue waters and tranquil beauty, is a mesmerizing gem nestled in the Tibetan highlands.

Cons: Time-consuming - it's a 22 hours train ride. It might be taxing on your body if you have never ridden 22 hours on a train. People generally smoke in the train especially in the toilet, if you are unable to take the smell of cigarettes for 22 hours, wear a mask.

Yak yogurt is a creamy, tangy delicacy made from the milk of yaks.

DO NOT WASH YOUR HAIR for the first 2 - 3 days, best if you skip the shower on the first day as well (to wipe your body with wet wipes). It's a terrible feeling but it really prevents altitude sickness to a certain extent. (It is said that showering causes your blood to circulate so under the circumstance that you already have a lack of oxygen in your blood making that blood circulate is gonna cause you to feel nauseated)

Majestic mountains grace every corner of Tibet, painting the landscape with their breathtaking beauty.

STAY HYDRATED - because Tibet is generally a dry place especially with the high altitude keeping your body hydrated is a good way to help your body acclimatise better and reduces risk of symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

Take the advice and TRAVEL NOW!

Tibet: A Soul-Stirring Journey of Reflection and Cultural Awakening

Everything aside, the entire tour was a breathtaking tapestry of experiences, from the views to the culture, each thread leaving its mark upon our soul. Personally, the sky burial etched a deep imprint on me. Hearing our guide explain the process opened my eyes to a profound tradition rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. It inspired me to reflect on the fragility of life and the teachings that guide our existence.

Mani stone piles line the shores of Yamdrok Lake.

Safe to say Tibet trip really opened my eyes to a new culture and belief. Living in the 21st century where most of us are quite fortunate and may overlook things in life as we are forced to be fast, quick and efficient in our daily lives. However, travelling in Tibet really makes you stop and think even if you do not believe in Buddhism; specifically Tibetan Buddhism teachings and stories will make a good conversation during dinner after the day as everyone will discuss their insights.

Birds search for food along the shores of Namtso Lake.

It probably sounds like a school field trip where we discuss and reflect after - but I assure you, it is so much more than that. The lessons and relaxation from your time away will really resonate when you return home, where the hectic pace of work and daily life can leave you feeling exhausted.

While it is unsure if everyone has the same eye-opening experience as us, one thing is for sure: we will definitely be back. Like the famous saying “one has to visit Tibet at least twice in their life, once to leave their heart there and the second time, to search it back”.