Tibet Dream Fulfilled: How I Explored Tibet as an Overseas Student in China

As I spent one semester studying in China, I thought that I could not leave the country before exploring Tibet, and it was probably the most memorable trip of my exchange.

The majestic Potala Palace stands proudly in downtown Lhasa.

Why I Chose Tibet Vista and Scenic Tibet Train for My Tibet Adventure

I discovered Tibet Vista on the internet, as they offer quite affordable and diverse trips to Tibet. I chose the most classic 8-day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp itinerary to explore Mount Everest. Looking back, it was absolutely the right decision!

After booking the trip, the contact with the agency was perfect, and communication was smooth and efficient. They also booked my train ticket and adjusted the itinerary and fare to meet my needs.

By the way, I highly recommend taking the train to Lhasa. I took it from Xining, and the landscapes were stunning with many wild animals. It is also a good opportunity to meet people during the long 20 hours of the trip.

The night view of illuminated Potala Palace in Lhasa.

Enjoy the classic Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour and dive deep into the heart of the Himalayas in Tibet.

Stepping into Lhasa: The Heart and Soul of Tibet

Once I arrived in Lhasa, everything went smoothly. Someone picks me up at the train station and drives me to a wonderful hotel. The Lhasa tour was one of my favourite stops on my Tibetan adventure.

There are many monasteries to visit, including the famous Potala Palace. The religion plays an important role here; I have never experienced anything like that before. Every morning, you can see thousands of people walking clockwise around the Potala Palace and even around the city, which is really impressive. We had some free time to explore the city by ourselves, which was really nice.

Marvel at the legendary Potala Palace in Lhasa.

Explore the golden rooftop of the Jokhang Temple.

Local Tibetans walk clockwise around the white sutpa for pilgrimage.

Traveling in Tibet Is Easier Than You Think

When people ask me whether it is simple to travel in Tibet, I always answer that it really is, as long as you book a tour through a recognized agency like Tibet Vista.

Foreigners can't travel by themselves to Tibet according to the Tibet travel policy, but if you travel through an organized Tibet tour, it is really accessible and easy. The Tibet Travel Permit was given free by Tibet Vista a few days before the trip, and the current visa exemption in China for many countries makes it even easier.

Watch the dramatic Tibetan monk debate in Sera Monastery in Lhasa.

Roam over the massive Drepung Monastery in Lhasa.

Enjoy the classic Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour and dive deep into the heart of the Himalayas in Tibet.

An Epic Drive to Everest: Stunning Scenery and a Night Above the Clouds

We had a lot of driving during our trip. Our driver was amazing, and we saw some beautiful Tibetan landscapes. From stunning Himalayan peaks to turquoise alpine lakes, I never got bored with the scenery.

For me, the highlight of this trip was, without any hesitation, the Everest Base Camp. Indeed, we were lucky enough to see the roof of the world without any clouds. The days before were well planned, and we were quite acclimated to the altitude when we reached 5,010m. I really appreciated staying there for the night, as we saw one of the most beautiful Mt. Everest sunsets and were almost alone after this. It was crazy to spend the night that high, but don’t worry, there is Wi-Fi, oxygen supply, and you can even buy delicious food (sausages, corn, etc.) around! Unbelievable.

The snow-capped rolling Himalayan Ranges seen on the way to the Tibet EBC.

The unobstructed north face of Mount Everest at sunset.

Enjoy the classic Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour and dive deep into the heart of the Himalayas in Tibet.

Our Amazing Tibetan Guide Made All the Difference

I was also amazed by our wonderful guide. He was efficient, friendly, interesting, and helpful. He always made sure that we were fine when adapting ourselves to the high altitude, for example, and showed us nice spots to take the best pictures of the top Tibet attractions.

Tibet is a place that has a rich Buddhist history, and having a guide helped us understand better many aspects of Tibet, especially the religious ones. His English was perfect; without him, it would have been really difficult to communicate with the locals.

Our guide explained the history and highlights of Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.

Tibet Left Me Wanting More: Nepal and Bhutan Next!

Would I go back to Tibet? Absolutely. Visiting Tibet also made me want to visit Nepal and Bhutan. If I have the opportunity, I would like to go on a tour with Tibet Vista that combines these regions.

In fact, as Tibet opens more to global travelers, these days, you can see growing international tourists who have journeyed to Tibet from inland China, like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi’an, and beyond. Indeed, it is easy to go there and absolutely amazing.

I usually prefer to plan my trips on my own, but it is not possible in Tibet. However, Tibet Vista was amazing, the itinerary was the best, and we also had some free time to explore by ourselves. The compromise was widely acceptable!

Moreover, it was interesting to see that most tourists visiting Tibet are big travellers, and it was nice to meet these people. We were a small group of nine people, which was perfect. We had a lot of time to get to know each other, and meeting them was one of the highlights of my trip. Another one was that for the first time, I did not get altitude sickness! The acclimation worked just fine on me, and I could not be prouder!

The colorful stone carvings of Buddhas and mantras on the rockface.

Wander through the alleys in the massive Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.

Enjoy the classic Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour and dive deep into the heart of the Himalayas in Tibet.

Before You Go: My Advice for Future Travelers to Tibet

I would definitely recommend anyone to go to Tibet for a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Tibet Vista contributed to the success of my trip there.

If you consider going on a similar tour with Tibet Vista, I recommend you do some prior research on Tibetan Buddhism to have a better understanding, even with a guide, it stays complex!

I would also advise you to come with light and warm clothes. Indeed, in May it was hot in Lhasa but quite cold (around 10 °C) at the Everest Base Camp! And it was also windy.

Also do not hesitate to take some medicines against altitude sickness with you, and do not underestimate the importance of sleeping well as well as drinking a lot of water to acclimate. Thus, I guarantee you that you will enjoy a safe and thrilling Tibet tour arranged by the reliable Tibet Vista!

The awe-inspiring Shigatse Dzong fortress seen from Tashilhunpo Monastery.

Came across a Tibetan yak at the Tibet Everest Base Camp.