Tibet: The Gateway to Heaven! My Lifetime Tibet Travel Plan and Advices

In January 2017 I've experienced one of the most challenging adventures of my whole life. It all started in Brazil, a few months before, when a colleague from work showed me some pictures of his family travel through Tibet during summertime. I got completely amazed by the nature landscapes and the culture experience he had told me about. That’s why I could easily give you a hundred unique reasons to visit some of the most stunning Buddhist Monasteries and ways to be inspired by Dalai Lama stories, but the best way to experience it is to do exactly what I’ve done since I heard about it: don't hesitate and take a guided tour straight to Tibet, the highest region on Earth!

For many, here is still a mysterious land where religion has a strong influence over all aspects of the Tibetans lives. Lhasa is an urban and political center, the heart of Tibet, and also known as the 'Place of the Gods'. It's a wish list destination of many travelers, especially those interested in the ancient Tibetan tradition. So, what is so attractive about this place and why have I chosen here for my vacations break?

Travel as a Solo Female Traveler to EBC in Tibet

As a solo female traveller I decided to join in a small group tour to go to Everest Base Camp, so I could visit Lhasa, with it’s world-renowned Potala Place, a few temples and monasterys and the highlight point of the trip: Mount Everest, the highest peak on the summit of the Earth. My initial idea was to combine a destination where I could be fascinated by the landscapes and, at the same time, enjoy an ancient culture.

From the moment I arrived at Lhasa airport I was greeted by a Tibetan colleague from Tibet Vista Travel Company and received my first white khata: a Tibetan scarf as a welcomeand wish of happiness. The well-known custom of presenting a white khata is a positive start to any relationship and indicates the good intentions of the giver. So by that time I was sure that I had choosen the right place to be for the next eight days.

The religion in Tibet was one of the most fascinating points during my travel experience. According to estimates from the International Religious Freedom Report, most of Tibetans are bound by a form of Mahayana Buddhism, stemming from the latest stages of Indian Buddhism.

During the tour we’ve visited Jokhang temple, the holiest destination for all Tibetan pilgrims, built in 1300 years ago; the Sera monastery, known as one of the "great three" Gelug university monasteries of Tibet; the Drepung monastery, the biggest one in the world and the most important in Tibetan Buddhism. With the help of my guide, I could understand this religion better, which has being over the years strongly influenced my life by increasing my productivity, happiness, satisfaction, and overall wellbeing.

The Tibetan costums was the second highlight point about my travel experience. It was only when I travelled all the way there that I could explore such a rich ancient tradition. In my tour I started to understand the Thangka painting, an rimmed by colorful silk art form that has been practiced in Tibet since from 7th century; the prayer flags, originally used as talismans to protect Tibetans during the war; the folks songs and dances.

And what can I tell about the delicious food in Tibet? I tried such different dishes like Tibetan noodle and momo, traditional dumplings filled with meat or vegetables and a variety of soups that reflects the Tibetan landscape of mountains and plateaus and includes influences from neighbours, like India and Nepal. Definitely trying Tibetan food will satisfy your taste buds.

The amazing part of traveling to Tibet is to see whole dignifies mountains surrounded with amazing natural scenery, and be able to understand how the Tibetans lives at the highest point of the world.

Travel Tips for Future Travelers

So, if you’re planning to come visit this amazing land, here are a few tips I can give you: plan on which season you want to come, because the weather varies a lot from region to region and you’re going to need really warm clothes during fall and wintertime.

From May to October is the best time to travel in Tibet, when the weather is not very cold. Prepare your body to aclimatize by drinking a lot of mineral water and avoiding physical efforts in the first days. Ascend slowly and get plenty of rest! Also, eat appropriately. There are certain kinds of foods that you should eat to get ready for your trip and prevent altitude sickness. These few simple steps will definitely prevent high altitude sickness.

I highly recomment you try one of Tibet Vista Travel’s tours, even if you’re a solo traveller as me. I made friends for life in Tibet, lovely and warm people that are in my life since then. Also, my guide and driver were very friendly and genuine persons, who are fun and resourceful and full of passion for their jobs. For the eight days hitting the road, all I can say is that my group became a family!

Tibet is about monks, monasteries, mountains, an unique food - a spiritual place that had the power to exceed my expectations. Well, if you’re prepared to be amazed by nature landscapes and an ancient culture, you can’t miss one of the Tibet Vista Travel experiences. It’s one of the best tour agencies for you to experience the most challenging adventure of your life!