As Tibet tour reopened for international tourists in early April, Tibet Vista was embracing its first big group from Lhasa to EBC and Mt. Kailash. The 15-day tour involves the exciting and mesmerizing journey from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp(5200m) and ultimate challenge to walk the kora around holy Mt. Kailash in 3 days. It’s truly an extraordinary journey for the first-timers to Tibet. You can experience the premium alpine scenery on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, esp. lofty mountains along majestic Himalayas and holy pilgrimage from Lhasa, spiritual heart of Tibet to Mt. Kailash, the most sacred mountain in Tibet. Let’s share some of the endearing moments our clients had in Tibet.

The exciting Tibet tour began with the visit of Potala Palace in Lhasa.

Peppered with plenty of historical sites and Buddhist attractions, Lhasa(3658m) is the spiritual heart of Tibet. To better acclimatize to high altitude, normally touring Potala Palace is arranged one or two days after your arrival in Lhasa. Normally, tourists would need to finish the visit in an hour or so. Liquid, sharp objects and flammable objects are forbidden to take inside. Since there is a long walk to the entrance of Potala Palace, do do it slowly and steadily. You can see the residence and tombs of generations of Dalai Lamas, and countless Buddhist relics and treasure. The rooftop of Potala Palace gives you stunning view of Lhasa city and Lhasa valley afar.

Enjoyed the Tibetan cuisine in local restaurant in Lhasa

As an integral part of visit in any places, tasting the local delicacies is a must for the foodies. Tibet Vista would take our clients to reliable and safe restaurants. Never miss the chance to drink the well-known Lhasa beers and distinct Tibetan dishes such as dried yak meat, Tibetan momo, Tibetan pork, Tsampa,etc. For our join-in group tour, you will enjoy a free welcome dinner one or two days after your arrival in Lhasa.

Strolled in the old city part of Lhasa

If you are keen to explore the essence of Tibetan lifestyle and culture. It’s advisable to roam over the old city part of Lhasa, which refers to an area around Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street. You can travel amid the peaceful alleys and enjoy a couple of sweet tea in numerous tea houses. Still, Lhasa is full of places for exploration and photography.

Experienced the folk culture in local tea house

Feel tired after the long walk. Do enjoy the tasty sweet tea in local tea house, filled with international tourists and local Tibetans. It’s a perfect place to experience the folk culture and lively atmosphere in Lhasa.

Watched the dramatic monk debate in Sera Monatery

Watching the “action-packed” monk debate in Sera monastery is a must for Lhasa tour. The debate is held in the debate courtyard. Normally, it starts from 15:00 and last for around 2 hours. By clapping their hands and rolling mala (Buddhist prayer beads), one monk will raise the question to challenge the other monk sitting on the ground. Their topic will center around Buddhist philosophy and their study course.

Toured Drepung Monastery, the biggest Gelugpa monastery in Lhasa

Drepung Monastery is the biggest monastery of “top three Gelugpa Monasteries” in Lhasa. Situated on Gambo Utse mountain, the Drepung literally means “rice heap” and used to used to house over 10,000 monks. “Big” is the biggest feature of this historic monastery. Tourists can enjoy the long scenic hike inside the huge religious compound and see gigantic Thangka unfolding platform and biggest monastery kitchen.

Took a selfie with our guide Pasang in prestigious Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse

Tashilhunpo Monastery is the sacred seat of Panchen Lama. You can visit the world’s biggest gilt–edged statue of “Future Buddha” and travel in the intriguing alleys of this tremdendous Buddhist academy.

Travelled in the alleys in Tashilhunpo Monastery

Following our Tibetan guides’ guidance and introduction, our clients explore the historical Buddhist compound in maze-like alleys. The fluttering door curtain, red walls, and unknown ancient trees, and smiling monks passing echo untold stories of the grandeur of this Gelugpa monasteries in its heyday.

Photographed the Tashilhunpo Monastery on its rooftop

“incredible religious compound, indeed!”

Visited the intricately made fresco on wall of assembling hall

Our clients were completely left in awe by stunning murals on the wall of Tashilhunpo Monastery.

Monks were ready to enter Buddhist chanting hall

As tourists tour Tashilhunpo Monastery, you can enter the Buddhist chanting hall and watch their chanting, a daily routine for Tibetan monks across Tibet.

Be the guest in a local Tibetan’s family in Shigatse

To help our clients better understand the true life of Tibetans, we would take tourists to visit the famiy of local Tibetans. You can closely watch the decoration of typical Tibetan houses and learn more of the customs of Tibet.

Had simple yet nutritious breakfast in the hotel in Shigatse

In most of cases, our clients can have free breakfast in the canteen of the hotel. You can enjoy fresh milk, porridge, eggs and pieces of toast and other nutritious food.

Explored the meditation cave inside the Rongbuk Monastery

The meditation retreat in Rongbuk Monastery(around 5100m) is probably the highest meditation cave in the world. Tourists need to jump into a tiny and mysterious cave to reach the actual medication place where the master Guru Rinpoche used to meditate here.

A pack of wild Tibetan gazelles happened to pass Everest Base Camp

Due to the unspioled natual environment and vast unpopulated regions, Tibet is a safe haven to a variety of wildlife. One of the frequently seen wildlife in Shigatse is the Tibetan Gazelles. One notable difference between Tibetan Gazelles and Tibetan antelopes is the white fur on Tibetan gazelles’ butt.

Our clients rushed to closely observe these lovely creatures

Stunning sunset over the holy Mt. Everest seen at Rongbuk Monastery

In fact, one of the amazing scenery around Mt. Everest is the “Golden Summit” of Mt. Everest. With weather permits, you can enjoy it from the Rongbuk Monastery and view platform at EBC.

Getting ready to visit Ngari, highest region in western Tibet

With an average altitude of above 4500m, Ngari, the western region of Tibet, is known for its extreme altitude and ultimate pilgrimage destinations for Tibetan pilgrims and Hinduists. Undoubted, Mt. Kailash kora and visit of holy Manasarovar Lake and Guge Kingdom, etc are some of the biggest draws in this regions.

Black-necked cranes flying around by the riverside in Ngari

Covering an area of over 300,000 sq km, Ngari is one of the handful places in Tibet with the least human presence. The extreme altitude and boundless wilderness make Ngari the paradise for a variety of wildlife on the plateau. The most common ones are black-necked cranes, foxes, Tibetan antelopes and Tibetan gazelles,etc.

A pious Tibetan pilgrim worshipping the holy Mt.Kailash

Mt. Kailash is widely believed to be the “Mountain King” of Tibet. On the way to the holy mountain, devoted Tibetan pilgrims making prostration and extraordinary topography give you a palpable sense of holiness in this region.

One of our clients knelt down and prayed for blessings towards sacred Mt.Kailash

Normally, A Tibetan pilgrim will take three steps and kneel down. Then stretch his body to the ground with his forehead touching the ground and later pray for blessings. Tibetan pilgrims will repeat the same move numerous times as they circle the holy mountain and rivers.

Played snowball fight and made a snowman by the roadside

A sudden heavy snow blanketed the Ngari. Our clients took delight in playing with the snow.

Visited the Chiwu Monastery to the northwest of holy Manasarovar Lake

Touriststs can visit this mysterious small monastery believed to be built by Guru Rinpoche. You can find the footprint of Guru Rinpoche in the main hall. Much of the electrical power is provided by solar power system.

Erected prayer flags pole in the wilderness

Fluttering colorful Tibetan prayer flags are the most common scenery seen on lofty mountain pass and around holy lakes in Tibet. Hanging prayer flags are believed to bring and spread blessings and good luck to the infinite space.

Trekked through majestic Ser Shong Valley

The long-awaited 3-day Mt. Kailash kora begins in Darchen. You will be trekking around holy Mt.Kailash with an average altitude of above 4675m. Trekking at such altitude, so close to sacred Mt.Kailash brings you incredible spiritual experience. Undoubtedly, it’s a true test of your mind and soul.

Trekked in the wilderness

Took a break and drink some water to avoid dehydration

It’s advisable to bring some high-calorie snacks and enough water to replenish energy. Trekking poles and comfortable trekking boots and sunglasses and sun screen, warm clothes, etc are also needed.

Couldn’t stop documenting the stunning alpine scenery around you

Do bring your battery recharger and extra batteries, memory cards if you do not want to miss the awesome landscape shots.

Truly a divine experience in Ngari

Finally, arrived at a small village where you can buy some food, water and tissues, etc.

Bags to carry the waste and extra shoes

Given the fragile ecosystem of Tibet, it is of primary importance to travel responsibly in Tibet and minimize the human impact on the natural environment here.

Got back to Lhasa and celebrated one of group members’ birthday

As a common practice, our guide will hold a birthday for our clients if he or she happen to spend birthday during their stay in Tibet. The tour ends with having a bunch of international friends.

So if you’re ready to a Lifetime Tour to Tibet, our dedicated and professional teams are expecting you in Tibet! Please feel free to reach us, sharing your great ideas. We would like to offer the most useful Tibet tour advice, For Free!