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Pioneer of Tibet Tourism for Overseas Travelers since 1984!
So far, I’ve traveled to many places, but my trip to Tibet has undoubtedly been the most special. I’ve been fascinated by Tibet for a long time, influenced by one book which describes how Tibetan monks live long, healthy lives and how certain practices can help us do the same.
When I decided to attend an academic conference in Hohhot, China from July 14 - 17, 2025 (I’m a professor at Ozyegin University in Istanbul, Turkey), I began exploring the possibility of combining this event with a tour to Tibet.
I reached out to three companies, and Tibet Vista was the most responsive. After a few discussions, we finalized the tour for July 20 - 27, and I was so excited that I immediately booked my flight to Lhasa for July 20.
Join our 8 days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour to uncover the essence of Tibet!
A 21-Hour Train Journey to Lhasa: New Friendships and Altitude Adjustment
Following the advice of our sales agent, our trip to Tibet began with a 21-hour Tibet train journey from Xining to Lhasa. On the train, we shared a compartment with a young couple. The journey was pleasant, with stunning views, especially once we entered Tibet Autonomous Region.
One unforgettable moment was meeting a little Chinese girl on the train. She was adorable and talked non-stop throughout the trip. Although we couldn't understand each other, we formed a sweet, unspoken friendship.
The train staff were incredibly kind, and they were happy to have us onboard. As we neared the end of the journey, they asked for our feedback and even took a photo with us.
During the ride, the train reached altitudes of over 5,000 meters multiple times, and I felt fine, which made me feel like a hero. However, as soon as we arrived in Lhasa, I suddenly didn’t feel well. (I later learned that the train had provided extra oxygen, which helped me avoid the altitude sickness.) That feeling lasted for about three days.
The little girl I met during the Tibet train journey from Xining to Lhasa.Exploring Lhasa: Potala Palace, Tibetan Buddhism, and a Funny Lhasa Beer Moment
The hotel in Lhasa was quite good, and we were lucky to have a room with a view of the Potala Palace. According to the itinerary, we spent the first three nights in Lhasa, which was a smart choice to help us acclimate to the altitude.
During these days, we visited several significant Buddhist temples in the city, including the Potala Palace. We witnessed locals praying on the streets near the temples and the palace. Our guide, Samsara, was fantastic, providing detailed explanations about Tibetan Buddhism.
Having traveled to over 350 cities worldwide, I can confidently say that Lhasa is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen, perhaps in my top 5 alongside Istanbul, Rio de Janeiro, Stockholm, and Sydney. The city’s beauty lies in its original architecture and the clean streets that give it a unique charm.
However, I also had a funny and somewhat strange experience in Lhasa. On the third evening, feeling better, I wanted to try the famous Lhasa beer. While walking around the hotel neighborhood, we found a shop selling alcoholic drinks, and right in front of the shop was a park where we could sit and enjoy our beer.
I picked out the beer from the fridge and signaled to the shopkeeper to open it for me. He didn’t understand, so I used Google Translate on my phone to show him my request. He went inside a small room, came back with a metal saw, and started cutting the bottle cap with it until it fell off, saying, “Here you go.” It was definitely a memorable and unexpected moment!
The stunning view of the Potala Palace, the most iconic landmark of Tibet.
The clean streets of Lhasa, bustling with tourists and vibrant energy.Journey to Everest Base Camp: Scenic Views and the Unforgettable Sunrise
In the second part of our Tibet tour, our destination was Everest Base Camp. Our guide mentioned that on the way to and from EBC, we would stay in Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city. Although a highway now connects Lhasa and Shigatse, he suggested we take the old road for better views.
The first day of travel was spectacular. We passed through stunning landscapes, including lakes, villages, and glaciers, some of which were above 5,000 meters. On the second day, we continued our journey to EBC from Shigatse, and the scenery was equally breathtaking. As we got closer, we began to see the Himalayas, which was incredibly exciting.
When we arrived at EBC in the evening, we were greeted by cloudy weather. Unfortunately, Mount Everest was obscured by the clouds, and the summit was not visible. We took several photos, but none of them captured Everest clearly. Despite this, we remained hopeful for a better view the following morning.
Our Tibetan tour guide suggested that we usually leave the camp at 9:00 am, but if Everest wasn’t visible, we could wait until 10:30 am. Since the sunrise would occur at 7:30 am, he recommended waking up at 7:00 am to catch the best view.
We did, and when we woke up, the view was perfect. The clouds had cleared, and Everest stood tall and clear before us. I went around knocking on all our group members' doors to make sure no one missed the sight. We were all as happy as children, overwhelmed by the satisfaction of being so close to the world’s tallest mountain.
Once our mission was complete, we left the camp before 9:00 am and headed back to Shigatse. There, we visited the largest and oldest temple in Tibet and enjoyed a farewell dinner in the evening. The dinner was accompanied by a musical show of local songs and dances, which gave us even more insight into the rich Tibetan culture.
The close-up view of the world’s highest mountain from Everest base camp.Final Day in Lhasa: Visiting the Tibet Museum and a Thoughtful Travel Tip
The next day, we returned to Lhasa for one more night. We had about half a day of free time to explore Lhasa, so we took another stroll around the beautiful city and visited the National Museum of Tibet, which was both informative and enjoyable.
My advice to anyone planning a trip to Tibet is to visit at least once in your lifetime, but it’s better to do so before getting older. Older travelers may have more difficulty adjusting to the altitude. At the start of our tour, our group had 13 members, but sadly, two of the older participants could not complete the program and missed seeing Mount Everest.
The Tibet Museum we visited on the last day before we leave Lhasa.
Join our 8 days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour to uncover the essence of Tibet!
"Tibet Dreams Become Reality: An Unforgettable Journey with Tibet Vista from Lhasa to EBC"