15 Pictures of Tibetan Plateau: Get Your First Impression of the Roof of the World

The Tibetan Plateau, the Roof of the World, is the highest place on Earth. Like an unreachable, mysterious land, it attracts many tourists to explore.

While talking about the world’s highest plateau, what comes to your mind? The snow-covered peaks, the vast uninhabited land, the devoted pilgrims with pure smiles...All your imagination about this highland will be a reality after you visit Tibet.

Now, get some impressions about the Roof of the World and find what mostly inspires you to travel to this land.

#1 Picture: Endless Ranges of Snow-capped Mountains

As the Roof of the World at an average altitude of 4,500 meters, the Tibetan Plateau is surrounded by some of the most significant mountain ranges in Asia.

On the southern side of the Tibetan Plateau are the majestic Himalayas, the longest and highest mountain ranges in the world. At the Gawula Pass, on the journey to Everest Base Camp in Tibet, you can see the five highest peaks of the Himalayas lined up in front of you.

The Tanggula Mountains in the middle of the Plateau act as a natural divide between Qinghai Province and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. You can witness the endless mountain ranges on the train to Tibet.

On the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau is the Hengduan Mountains, which separate Tibet from the Sichuan Basin and offer changeable weather along with stunning overland views of deep valleys, towering mountains, winding rivers, and more.

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#2 Picture: Mighty Yaks in the Stunning Landscape of the Tibetan Plateau

Yaks are one of the most representative animals on the Tibetan Plateau. This powerful creature carries not only the nomads' livelihood but also the deep-rooted faith in this sacred land.

While traveling across the grassland on the Tibetan Plateau, you can see groups of yaks move with a calm and steady grace against a backdrop of endless blue skies and mountain ranges.

By crystal-clear holy lakes, yaks adorned with traditional Tibetan decorations stand quietly and gently, waiting for travelers.

Along the rugged paths of Mount Kailash Kora, the strong yaks carry heavy luggage, walking slowly but steadily with silent support.

These mighty yaks, whether roaming freely, standing in serene beauty, or working hard and silently, blend seamlessly into every corner of life on the Tibetan Plateau, creating a unique landscape.

#3 Picture: Vast Uninhabited Lands with Precious Wildlife

The Tibetan Plateau, the highest and largest plateau in the world, is almost no human living in most areas. But this vast land, covered by snow-capped mountains, glaciers, grasslands, and lakes, is a paradise for rare wild animals, such as Tibetan antelopes, snow leopards, wild yaks, Tibetan wild donkeys, and black-necked cranes.

While driving along the road in Tibet, don’t be surprised to see those wild elves on the roadside. Moreover, some smart little guys, such as marmots and plateau pikas, may suddenly appear in front of you on your trekking trails.

When you meet wildlife, remember to stay quiet and keep a proper safe distance. Protecting these creatures and yourself will make your Tibet journey even more memorable.

#4 Picture: Traditional Nomadic Life on the vast grassland of the Tibetan Plateau

Tibetan nomads traditionally live across the vast grasslands and highlands of the Tibetan Plateau, especially in regions like parts of Qinghai, Gansu, northern and western Sichuan, and Nagqu and parts of Ngari in Tibet.

If you travel to Tibet by land, either overland or by train, you may get the chance to witness the black yak-hair tent of the Tibetan Nomads and herds of yaks, sheep, and goats.

#5 Picture: Colorful Prayer Flags flapping wildly in the wind

On the Tibetan Plateau, the five-color prayer flags flying in the wind are one of the most stunning sights. The prayer flags either cross the snow-capped mountain passes, wrap around the sacred sites, or stand like huge colorful tents on the vast grassland or lakeside.

Each prayer flag, with scriptures on it, flutters in the wind, like the sound of Sanskrit chanting, conveying sacred power. Tibetans believe that when the wind blows through the prayer flags, it seems to be reciting scriptures, and wherever the wind goes, it will be blessed.

During your Tibet tour, you can also hang a string of prayer flags for your family and friends to bring blessings to them from the plateau.

#6 Picture: Tibetan Monks in Red Robes Walking Through the Red-and-White Monasteries.

On the Tibetan Plateau, especially Tibetan-inhabited areas, it is common to see monks in red robes and monasteries in white and red.

In Tibetan Buddhism, red symbolizes the power of meditation, transformation, and the severance of worldly attachments, while white represents purity and wisdom.

When you explore a Tibetan monastery, the fluttering red robes of the monks and the white walls of the monastery complement each other, forming a unique picture that not only shows the solemnity of religion but also adds a sense of agility and vitality.

#7 Picture: Prostrating Tibetan Pilgrims on Their Spiritual Journeys across the Tibetan Plateau

Prostrating is the unique and deeply spiritual practice of Tibetan pilgrims. While visiting the Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street, you can see pilgrims from around the plateau prostrating as they kora around the holy Jokhang Temple or in front of the temple.

Even along the rugged trekking trail around Mount Kailash, considered the center of the universe in Tibetan Buddhism, you’ll find devoted pilgrims prostrating along the way.

When you visit places like Ta’er Monastery in Xining (also known as Kumbum Monastery) or other Tibetan monasteries across the Tibetan Plateau, you’ll also have the chance to witness these sacred acts of devotion.

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#8 Picture: Shinning smiles on the faces of local Tibetans living in the Tibetan Plateau

People living on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau are exposed to strong ultraviolet rays all year round, and their skin is always dark. The nomads live in a harsh natural environment, and their faces are full of wrinkles, but they also have the purest smiles in the world.

This is an untamed wild beauty, a satisfaction with a simple life in a harsh environment, and a piety to nature and beliefs.

The red cheeks of the plateau, white teeth, and moving smiles have become the most touching scenery of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

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#9 Picture: Rivers cross Vast Lands, Carving through Mountains to Nourish Regions far beyond the Plateau.

The Tibetan Plateau is also known as the tower of Asia, as it holds and feeds the sources of many of Asia’s major rivers.

The Yangtse River, Yellow River, and Lancang River originated from there with turbulent waters, running through the snow-capped mountains and canyons, while the Yarlung Zangbo River roars into the world’s deepest canyon. The Nujiang River and the Indus River cut deep river valleys on the plateau, with magnificent momentum.

If you take a train to Tibet, you will pass through the core area of the Three Rivers Source. From the train window, you can see lakes and winding braided water systems, such as the Chumar River and the Tuotuo River. The rivers branch and merge in the open valleys, like the blood vessels of the earth, gleaming silver in the sun.

#10 Picture: Crystal-blue and Pure-white Glaciers Shimmering on the Tibetan Plateau

The Tibetan Plateau is the area with the most concentrated glaciers in the mid-latitude and the low-latitude regions on Earth, with a total glacier area of more than 49,000 square kilometers.

The most famous glacier on the Tibetan Plateau is no doubt the Rongbuk Glacier, which is on the climbing route on the northern side of Mount Everest.

For ordinary tourists, some more glaciers in Tibet can be visited by general tours, such as the Karola Glacier on the roadside from Lhasa to Gyantse near the Yamdrok Lake, the Midui Glacier next to the G318 National Highway from Chengdu to Lhasa, and the Laigu Glaciers, the largest glaciers in the Tibetan Autonomous Region in Nyingchi.

#11 Picture: The ever-changing holy lakes nestled in the mountains

Lakes on the Tibetan Plateau are unlike any other in the world. They are spread across the vast plateau, surrounded by endless mountain ranges, creating breathtaking landscapes.

There are around 1,500 to 1,700 lakes of various sizes on the Tibetan Plateau. Some of them stretch out like oceans with white waves rolling under the sky, while others sit silent like mirrors.

The water of lakes on the plateau displays a spectrum of blues, changing with the light. The famous Yamdrok Lake, for example, transforms into different shades of blue with the shifting weather and sunshine.

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#12 Picture: The Lonely Roads Leading to the Roof of the World

Recently, there are five highways leading to Tibet, namely the Sichuan Tibet Highway, the Yunnan Tibet Highway, the Qinghai Tibet Highway, the Xinjiang Tibet Highway, and the Friendship Highway, which connects Kathmandu to Lhasa.

The roads heading to the plateau are always solitary. Sometimes they wind across mountain passes, sometimes they stretch straight ahead.

While taking the overland journey to Tibet, it feels as though there is yourself in the entire world, fully immersed in the vastness and silence of nature.

This is a unique and challenging way to visit the Tibetan Plateau, offering an unforgettable experience of the plateau’s grandeur and beauty.

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#13 Picture: The Tibet Train on the Legendary Qinghai-Tibet Railway through the Tibetan Plateau

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the world’s highest railway. Starting from Xining in Qinghai Province, the railway passes by the stunning Qinghai Lake, crosses the majestic Tanggula Mountains, stretches through the vast grassland, and finally reaches the holy city of Lhasa.

Along the ‘Heaven Road’, you will be amazed by the snow-capped peaks, endless grasslands, and remote valleys and enjoy the landscape that shifts from arid wilderness to Tibetan villages.

Nowadays, you can take a Tibet train tour from several cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Chongqing.

However, the most essential part of a Tibet train journey is from Xining to Lhasa. So, if you are short on time, you can take the Xining to Lhasa train, which takes only around 22 hours.

#14 Picture: Magnificent Views of the Himalayas from Flights to Tibet

There are no other views that can be compared with the view from the top of the world’s highest plateau.

Taking a flight to Tibet is more than just a way of transportation. It’s a scenic flight over the towering snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Nothing compares to the breathtaking views from above the world’s highest plateau.

You can even see the summit of Mount Everest from a Kathmandu to Lhasa flight. Remember to take a window seat on the left side of the plane for the best views.

#15 Picture: The Majestic Mount Everest looks like a pyramid on the Plateau

When talking about the Tibetan Plateau, it is impossible to ignore Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth. Located on the border between China and Nepal, Mount Everest looks different in China and Nepal.

Many tourists travel to Tibet specifically to visit the Everest Base Camp to witness the world’s highest peak. Surprisingly, from the base camp at around 5,000 meters, the summit of Everest, towering at over 8,000 meters, just looks like a giant pyramid rising in front of you.

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Conclusion

These photos of the Tibetan Plateau showcase some of the well-known parts of this Roof of the World. But the largest plateau on Earth offers much more to explore.

Whether you want a highlighted journey to Tibet, the most charming part of the plateau, or looking to connect your journey with nearby regions, we’re here to help. From your itinerary arrangement to the necessary travel documents application, we’ve got you covered.

Feel free to share your travel ideas with us and we will help you explore the wonders of the Tibet Plateau just the way you imagine.