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Pioneer of Tibet Tourism for Overseas Travelers since 1984!
I travelled with Tibet Vista on my trip of a lifetime to Mount Kailash in October 2025. It was my third attempt at making the trip. I had planned to go in 2008. The company I was going with could not get travel permits because of the Beijing Olympic Games. I planned to go again in 2020, enough said!
So, third time lucky and lucky it was. I had just turned 58 when I ventured to Tibet, and I was glad I didn’t leave it any longer. In fact, I doubted whether I had left it too late and whether I was already too unfit to make the journey, especially the Mt. Kailash Kora (pilgrimage trek). My mother’s passing on September 24 and my inheritance, meant that I could afford the trip. It was her last gift to me.
On an epic journey across central Tibet to Mt. Kailash with our expert local Tibetan guide.
Journey to holy Mt. Kailash and keep traveling to vibrant Kathmandu with our smooth border transfer service.
In Lhasa: Beat Altitude Sickness and Experience the Magic of Potala Palace
Upon arriving in Lhasa, I was impressed by the well-developed roads and infrastructure. I experienced mild altitude sickness, which is normal and easily manageable at this elevation. It seemed to go on the third day, but then returned as soon as I lay my head down at night. Drinking lots of water helped, and even then, odd aspirin, given to me by a kindly fellow traveller.
Tibet is a challenging place, and covering my face, wearing good sunglasses, as well as drinking lots of water and getting plenty of rest, helped me deal with the altitude sickness and fatigue.
The advice given to me right at the beginning (to not shower for the first three days aside) was that a calm mind would help with altitude sickness. Worrying and fretting will make it feel worse if not actually worse, and I found that to be true.
Seeing the magnificent Potala Palace has been a lifelong dream. As a child, I saw an old photo of the Potala Palace in a 1950s encyclopedia.
I decided then that I had to see it for myself. It was not disappointing. It is a truly magnificent and, dare I say it, sacred sight. Climbing the steps to the Palace and stopping to see the view across Lhasa was the fulfilment of my childhood wish. To even see inside and watch the tapestries on the palace windows billow in the wind was truly magical.
Excited to explore the majestic and mysterious Potala Palace in Lhasa.From Lhasa to Shigatse: Marvel at Yamdrok Lake and Feel the Warmth of Tibetan Hospitality
From Lhasa, I got to visit the viewpoint of the sacred Yamdrok Lake, a turquoise scorpion-shaped wonder. Being over 5,000 metres above sea level for the first time was an experience I’ll never forget.
I was dizzy and unable to take more than a few paces before I had to rest. The light and the colour of the land, water, and sky lifted my spirits as nothing else has before or since. Sitting in contemplation at the site filled me with a profound sense of peace.
Next, I enjoyed simple home-cooked food at a farmhouse by the lake, where we were welcomed so kindly by a Tibetan family.
We were even allowed into the shrine room of the family with beautiful Buddhist images. The kindness and welcome of the Tibetan people that we saw is such an important part of visiting Tibet. They seem to have some kind of secret that makes them so easy to get along with, even if we do speak different languages; their smiles are universal.
Marveling at the holy and turquoise Yamdrok Lake on the way from Lhasa to Shigatse.
Journey to holy Mt. Kailash and keep traveling to vibrant Kathmandu with our smooth border transfer service.
Chasing the Golden Summit: My Unforgettable Journey to Everest Base Camp
Leaving Shigatse, we headed straight to the Tibet Everest Base Camp. The Everest in Tibetan was known as the “Mother Goddess of the Earth”. This part of the adventure turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
I experienced euphoria at the sight of Mount Everest turning golden at sunset. It was as if Qomolangma was telling me that I was good enough. It also told me that I'd better buy some gloves before we start the pilgrimage at Kailash.
In the Rongbuk Monastery at the Everest Base Camp, we were honoured to hear the monks' evening chanting and to see the imposing statue of Guru Padmasambhava (Lotus-born Buddha, an Indian Buddhist master) there. I couldn’t resist bowing.
I had an ethereal experience when seeing the golden summit of Everest at sunset.Embark on My Challenging and Unforgettable Three-Day Mount Kailash Pilgrimage
By the time we reached Mount Kailash for the three-day Kailash pilgrimage trek, I began to feel nervous. Would I, a 58-year-old British man, be fit enough to complete it? As I soon discovered, I just barely managed.
Thankfully, Sonam, our wonderful and patient guide, made sure I got through safely. I am deeply grateful to him. His warmth, kindness, and incredible patience carried me through the journey.
To move at all at that altitude, I had to go slowly and to take standing rests whenever I felt it to be too much for me. I saw a hare on the first day, near the beginning of the trek, and it reminded me of the hare and the tortoise story.
Walking through the day was tiring, but the joy at being on that wonderful mountain was always there. I didn’t want to come down off the mountain in the end. I was tired but happy as I ended the 52-kilometre trek three days later.
Trekking the rugged pilgrimage trails around sacred Mt. Kailash.
Colorful Tibetan prayer flags fluttering in front of the sacred Mount Kailash.
Behold the awe-inspiring pyramid-shaped south face of Mt. Kailash.
Journey to holy Mt. Kailash and keep traveling to vibrant Kathmandu with our smooth border transfer service.
From Tibet to Nepal: Reflecting on an Unforgettable Himalayan Journey with Tibet Vista
After the Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar pilgrimage, I was dropped at the Gyirong Port, the China-Nepal border, and crossed the border to Nepal’s side. Then, I enjoyed Tibet Vista’s hassle-free border transfer to my guest house in Kathmandu at the Bound Stupa, where I could rest and enjoy the unrivalled view of the stupa.
Looking back on my journey from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp, and then on to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, I am filled with awe at the landscapes, spirituality, and cultural richness I experienced along the way.
Every moment, from the golden sunset over Everest to the serene turquoise of Yamdrok Lake, and the sacred trails around Kailash, was unforgettable.
Tibet Vista made the entire adventure seamless and stress-free, with professional guides, comfortable transfers, and thoughtful attention to every detail. Their expertise allowed me to fully immerse myself in Tibet’s magic without worrying about logistics, making this pilgrimage both deeply inspiring and effortlessly enjoyable.
I am especially grateful to our local Tibetan guide, Sonam, whose friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable guidance made every step of the journey safe, enlightening, and unforgettable.
Passing through a charming Tibetan village at the China-Nepal border.
Boudhanath Stupa with fluttering prayer flags under a clear sky in Kathmandu.
"Mount Kailash Pilgrimage: My Unforgettable 13-Day Adventure to Tibet’s Holiest Mountain and Lake "