As a traveler and mountaineer, I have already visited many lands and mountains, always accompanied by at least one person or group of hikers. But when I saw Mount Kailash, I felt something like a call and soon realised I would have to go there alone.
Took photos with holy Mount Kailash during the pilgrimage trek.Journey to holy Mt. Kailash and keep traveling to vibrant Kathmandu with our smooth border transfer service.
Choosing Tibet Vista: A Trustworthy Local Tibet Agency for My Spiritual Odyssey
Guided by desire and calling, everything started happening step by step. And of course, one of the first steps was to find a reliable local Tibet travel agency that could take me to places where I wanted to go.
I found Tibet Vista agency on the Internett, and after the usual security checks, I decided to give them my trust, which wasn't difficult because the friendly, expert travel consultant, Mr. Liam Jiang, did an excellent job, promptly answering my many questions cleverly and satisfyingly, instilling confidence in me with each new answer. In communicating with him, it was really much easier to decide on the journey.
I wanted to stay as long as possible in Tibet, see and experience everything I could, and also do the Mount Kailash Kora, so I chose the 13-day Mt. Kailash tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu. It is great that the agency is very flexible and offers so many destinations and possibilities.
I like to think of myself as an experienced traveler and mountaineer, so I didn't have many worries about preparing things and clothes for the trip.
Embraced the snowy land on the Roof of the world.
Took photos surrounded by a vibrant sea of colorful Tibetan prayer flags.
Paused for photos at the iconic Gyatsola Pass on the way to Mount Everest.Preparing for the Altitude: My Journey's Biggest Challenge
One of my biggest concerns was the altitude, because the average altitude of the Tibetan Plateau is about 4,000 meters above sea level. Before Tibet, the highest altitude I reached was 4600 meters, so I know how challenging the altitude can be.
I live in a city, which is 158m above sea level, so before Tibet, I hiked regularly to at least 2600 meters altitude, which was only possible for me in terms of time and finances. It is possible that it helped me, because I had no significant difficulties when landing directly from the EU to Lhasa.
The main thing is that the Tibet Vista has an excellent acclimatisation plan, so when I saw it, I knew it could be done.
My trip started in Lhasa, which is 3650 meters above sea level. I stayed there for 3 days. Then, gradually in the next few days, we drove higher and slept lower, so before arriving at the Tibet Everest Base Camp, we already reached the altitude of 5200m several times, which was great because our bodies had an opportunity to adjust.
We were welcomed with an auspicious white ceremonial scarf in Lhasa.
Explored the fortress-like Potala Palace at the heart of Lhasa City.
Visited the dormitory of Tibetan monks in the huge Drepung Monastery in Lhasa. Journey to holy Mt. Kailash and keep traveling to vibrant Kathmandu with our smooth border transfer service.
Two Essential Travel Tips for Tibet: Oxygen Support and Easy Access to Medicine
2 cool things about traveling in Tibet are:
First: you can buy little oxygen bottles in many stores, especially at high altitudes. Also, my travel agency provides them for free. I didn't use them, but I saw many people did, also some members of my group, and it helped them. In some hotels, oxygen supplies were provided in rooms.
Second: in pharmacies in Tibet, you can buy the medicines needed. That saved me, because I came to Tibet with inflamed sinuses and needed a corticosteroid spray, which I just bought in the pharmacy.
Also, Tibet Vista provided bottled water for us, and our guide gave us tasty ginger tea every day during our long rides. Drinking water is one of the essential things in the acclimatisation process, so that was very precious and I am very grateful for that. Hotels in which we stayed were all fine and comfortable, some of them extra fine.
Enjoyed a leisurely hike in the Drepung Monastery, one of the biggest in Tibet.
Walk up the long stone steps of the awe-inspiring Potala Palace. My Experience with Tibetan Food and Tips for Dining and Toilets
The food in Tibet is good. It's not Western, but it is tasty and nutritious. They have many dishes with eggs, many vegetables, and also meat. You have to remember to ask for no spicy food if you can't stand hot spices.
In my experience, if you ask for no chili food, you will get no chili food (unlike some other countries). Our guide always took us to good restaurants during our day ride, and the hygiene of the food was great.
Only, there is no toilet paper or soap in public toilets. You have to take your own with you. I always carried a small hotel bar of soap in my pocket.
Wander through the bustling Barkhor Street in Lhasa.
Savored the local Tibetan food with fellow travelers in Lhasa. Journey to holy Mt. Kailash and keep traveling to vibrant Kathmandu with our smooth border transfer service.
Shopping in Tibet: Sweet Surprises, Fair Bargains, and Warm-hearted Local Tibetans
Also, there are no Western products in stores, which is ok, but for sugar addicts, it seems like the Chinese concept of sweets is different from what we are used to in the West.
And, for some reason, they like everything to be jellied. Still, you can find Snickers bars and Coke almost everywhere. It is very useful during the Mount Kailash Kora. And they have great compotes. Still, if it happens that you find West sweets somewhere, check the expiry date. I didn't, and I regretted it. People obviously don't buy them often.
Generally, I really enjoyed shopping in Tibet. Everywhere I went, traders didn't have a cunning evaluative attitude toward customers, so it was really nice to buy things. They are fair, and they bargain normally, that is, you feel good when you buy, and they feel good when they sell.
And they laugh when they drop the price, they don't almost cry (like I had experience with some other nationalities and countries). Generally, Tibetans are joyful, friendly, calm, and peaceful people. I really enjoyed being among them when I had a chance.
It is also worth mentioning that I was a single woman traveler, sometimes went alone to the city, and also during Kailash Kora, and I felt very safe all the time and very well treated by literally every person I met in Tibet.
Felt so thrilled before entering the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve.
Experienced unforgettable moments and great company with our group of travelers.
Visited the majestic Karola Glaciers on the way from Lhasa to Shigatse. A Great Group Experience: Bonding with Fellow Travelers
For our small group tour, Tibet Vista made a group of 12 people, very cleverly combined by origin, nationalities, and languages.
We were a multicontinental and multigenerational group, but still, group members had a lot in common. We all became friends, and it was great to talk and share time with them. They all made my journey very special. It wouldn't be so great without them.
Our very experienced, reliable, knowledgeable, and calm guide, Mr.Kelsang Dorjee, led the group in a friendly and unobtrusive manner, strictly according to the time schedule, but also in a relaxed way, so everybody felt welcome, comfortable, and cheerful, even when it was a little difficult for us due to the altitude or tiredness.
He is a very good English (and Chinese) speaker. He also gave us good advice about the trip, altitude, food, and chose good restaurants during our trip, told us many interesting stories, and showed us interesting pictures. He himself is a photographer, so he also made and shared with us beautiful pictures, which is a total cool bonus for a guide, and I am very grateful for that.
I didn't have much personal contact with other guides from other groups, but every time I did, they also seemed very professional, kind, and really genuinely and actively interested in helping and solving any problem. It was also nice to see that the Tibet Vista has a female guide. Personally, I really appreciate that and consider it positive for the agency.
We visited many places and drove a lot almost every day. The buses that the Tibet Vista uses are nice, clean, and comfortable enough for a long trip. Our driver, Mr. Sangye, was very professional and capable. Tibetan roads are generally very well-paved and maintained, but sometimes there were demanding conditions, and our driver did everything perfectly. He was also very kind and helpful in many other situations.
When you sleep every night in another place for 13 days, it can be very exhausting. Luckily, we had good hotels during the trip. I paid extra for a single room, and I think it was a great decision because I could totally freely relax after a whole day of running around. Hotels were nice, clean, with good food choices and helpful staff. They are situated in places where you can find shops or restaurants nearby.
Meet our friendly Tibetan driver, guiding us through Tibet with a warm smile.
A solo female traveler, I truly enjoyed exploring Tibet with our amazing group.
Took photos with our attentive and helpful Tibetan driver in western Tibet. Journey to holy Mt. Kailash and keep traveling to vibrant Kathmandu with our smooth border transfer service.
The Most Impressive Moments of My 13-Day Mount Kailash Adventure
I totally enjoyed every minute in Tibet,, and it was one of the best trips of my life. Everything was beautiful, calm, special, and new. Since I went there mostly because of Mount Kailash Kora (pilgrimage trek), that was the most impressive experience for me, specially Dirapuk monastery that is situated opposite the north face of Mt. Kailash.
Also, I would highlight a visit to Shigatse and Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, which is really special. Tibetan nature is also extra beautiful, and a visit to Yamdrok and Manasarovara lakes was very motivating. I would like that we could stay more by the water, but that is my task for the next visit.
Our group gathered at the trailhead, ready to embark on the Mount Kailash pilgrimage.
Enjoying the challenging and spiritually enriching Mt. Kailash kora.
Enjoying the serene, crystal-clear Lake Manasarovar, with its holy vibes.My Final Verdict: Tibet is a Must-Visit for Adventurers, Plus Tibet Vista's Superb Service
I would recommend visiting Tibet to every mountain lover and far traveler, but be prepared for high altitude acclimatisation, occasional headaches, sometimes maybe an upset stomach, and similar symptoms.
I would also recommend Tibet Vista to everyone, because they are organized, professional, quick, and expert. They know, and they care. Tibet itself is a great experience, but also because of the good treatment by the Tibet Vista, I want to come back. So, see you soon!
Took photos with the Mount Everest marker at the Tibet Everest Base Camp.
Gearing up to embark on the Mt. Kailash pilgrimage with fellow travelers.
Reflecting in reverence at Mt. Kailash, surrounded by colorful Tibetan prayer flags.
Capturing memories at Dirapuk Monastery opposite the holy north face of Mt. Kailash.
Elegant black-necked cranes in Tibet’s serene wetlands.
Soak in the vast, serene landscape of Tibet with snow-capped peaks.
Capturing the remote and mystical wilderness in western Tibet.
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"My 13-day Spiritual Odyssey from Tibet to Nepal with Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Adventure"