Tibet has long been a dream destination for me, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’ve always wanted to check off my bucket list. Its unique culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history have always captivated my imagination.
Me under the blue sky of Tibet.
I already had an Asia trip planned for spring 2024 (Kyrgyzstan etc.) with some free time afterwards, and I initially researched Tibet as a destination after China changed its visa policy with a new 15-day visa free visit offer in March 2024. I needed a tour that would max out my 15 days in China while also visiting Xinjiang and Xian.
Feel the power of nature.
Tibet Vista was one of the first operators I found while researching, and I liked about them that they have been operating for more than 30 years, while also offering tours that mixed cultural sights with nature, including Mount Everest which was on top of my bucket list, at an affordable price and in smaller groups. I ended up choosing the 8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour.
My wonderful trip to Tibet is off to a great start
After initially getting in touch with Tibet Vista, I was impressed by the sales manager who facilitated my tour booking and who was available on WhatsApp at any time of day whenever I had additional questions or concerns.
The Tibet travel permit and my train tickets from Xian were organized quickly and reliably as well. While I was on the 30-hour train to Lhasa, the sales manager also checked in on me if everything was OK during the journey.
The stunning views of Mt.Everest.
I also highly recommend Tibet Vista for arranging the Xian to Lhasa sleeper train, as it is difficult to do this by yourself and it is a very beautiful and scenic journey. However, I did arrange my own return flight from Lhasa which was easy to do online.
At the Mt.Everest base camp.
Upon arrival at Lhasa train station, I was greeted by a friendly guide, and later at the hotel, I was welcomed by the tour guide. The tour guide provided all the necessary information and was overall very good at making the whole trip easy and changing itineraries slightly to smooth out the trip for the guests. I was also happy to have been paired up with a woman of similar age for the shared twin rooms.
Riding a yak at Yamdrok lake.
The vehicle we travelled with was on the smaller end due to the smaller group size, which made it easy to move around. In general, I felt that the guide was always preparing us well for the next scheduled stops in the itinerary, explaining to us the cultural facets in Tibet, Tibetan local customs, Tibetan history, as well as Tibetan dishes.
The entire journey through Tibet is full of unforgettable highlights
The first highlight of the trip was already in Lhasa, and seeing the historic monasteries, including Drepung Monastery which was impressive due to its size and location, as well as Sera Monastery, where we observed the fascinating Tibetan monk debates. On the next day, we also visited the famous UNESCO World Heritage site Potala Palace, which contained many spellbinding treasures.
Photo of Potala Palace.
After traveling from Lhasa to Shigatse, a scenic journey, another highlight was the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, which was impressive due to its size, which felt like walking around in a whole city. The next morning, we set off to Mount Everest, driving through an incredible landscape on the way to Tingri.
Me sitting on the stairs of Drepung Monastery.
Seeing Mount Everest so close from the Tibetan base camp was incredible, and definitely a culmination of the whole tour. Switching to the eco-buses that go up to the base camp from the entry point was well organized and comfortable.
Even though we ended up choosing the tent option for the base camp stay, the EBC tents were more like constructed houses with heating and hot water inside, and as such were very comfortable at an altitude of 5,000 meters in June weather.
Monks debate at Sera Monastery.
I also enjoyed the nearby Rongbuk monastery visit, which felt special since it is the highest monastery in the world. Upon returning from Everest base camp to Shigatse, we visited a langma hall, where the whole group enjoyed a delicious Tibetan hot pot and a show of Tibetan dance together.
Me, yak and Mt.Everest.
The visit to the farmer’s family home at the Yamdrok Lake on the next day also felt very special, and it does not get more authentic than that as the family was very hospitable and cooked a delicious traditional dinner which we ate in their living room. This reinforced my view that Tibetans very hospitable and friendly towards foreigners, and overall I think the culture is very accessible.
Family visit near Yamdrok Lake.
The drive from Shigatse back to Lhasa was also very scenic, not only alongside the lake, but also since we stopped at Karola glacier and enjoyed incredible views of the Himalayas on the whole way back.
Tibetan hotpot in Shigatse.
My feedback on this Tibet trip: safe, amazing food and outstanding hospitality
From a female solo traveler’s perspective, Tibet is also very safe, even at night when walking around the towns. Tibetan people are very open and friendly and will smile when you greet them in Tibetan. All the food I ate was great, and no one on the tour had any issues with food or water-related illness.
Prayer pagoda at Karola glacier.
In addition, the first few days in Lhasa will allow you to acclimatize well to avoid high altitude sickness, and I did not really need the altitude sickness medication I had brought with me or the oxygen tanks the guides brought along.
Viewpoint of Mt.Everest.
In sum, this was a memorable and spectacular tour that I enjoyed every day, full of memorable Tibetan experiences, sights and incredible nature. I am hoping to return another time for a more extensive journey in the Himalayas as it is one of the most unique and welcoming places to visit.
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