Probably now you are googling forthe attractions of Tibet or preparing a once-in-a-lifetime journey in Tibet. Congratulations! You got it! I can help you fulfill your long-awaited dreams. Not only will you expand your footprints to other parts of the world, most importantly you will be able to challenge yourself and set your foot on lofty Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, literally known as the roof of the world and third pole of our planet.
I’m Sonam Tenpel, a Tibetan tour guide working with Tibet Vista.
Hi, my name is SonamTenpel, a local Tibetan guideborn and raised in Kham, eastern region of Tibet where exuberant pristine forests and dense ravines dominate this region. My carefree childhood was spent in this idyllic pasture accompanied by sheep, Tibetan yaks and endless laughter. I love Tibet so much and no one knows than me about this holy land.
Welcome to Tibet
Soon, I follow my uncle, a Tibetan business man, to Lhasa(3658m), the capital of Tibet and highest city of the world. From then on, my life is completely changed since it is the very beginning of my guide career that has lasted for 20 years. Throughout my career, my footprints have been left in every corners of Tibet. I’ve received and served over 3000 tourists worldwide. It is the pure passion, dedication and expertise that pave my way for being an excellent guide.
Introducing the history of Drepung Monastery to our clients
I assume that you must be keen to enjoy the epic mountain vistas of majestic Himalayas, eager to explore the magnificent Tibetan monasteries and temples, and excited to explore the exotic Tibetan life and enigmatic Tibetan Buddhism on the soaring plateau, etc. If it is so, I can’t help sharing with you the Top 10 Reasons for Visiting Tibet.
1. Appreciate the Highest Peaks of the World
If you long for the best mountain vistas, you will be having a real treat in Tibet. The Great Himalayas would grant you the ultimate visual ecstasy. Great Himalayas, the spine of the world, consists of over 110 lofty mountains, each with an average altitude of above 7300m. Incredibly, amid the 14 highest mountains (all above 8000m) in the world, 10 find their home on Himalayas.
Appreciate the Highest Peaks of the World at Gawu La Pass
When touring Tibet, not only will you appreciate the awe-inspiring Himalayan range, but alsoenjoy the awesome road trip along the Himalayas. You can even trek to the foot of Mt. Everest (8844.43m), the world’s highest summit, and closely observe its full grandeur. It’s the highest place a tourist can reach, one of the bucket lists for all travelers.
Most Recommend Tour Itinerary: Tibet Everest Base Camp Tour
2. Stroll along the Stunning Alpine Lakes
Roam along Yamdrok Lake in Tibet
Though lying miles away from big oceans, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is well-adorned by over 1500 amazing alpine lakes dotted across Tibet. These enchanting lakes and rivers make Tibet the most beautiful place on our planet. What makes Tibetan lakes so special is their unbelievablehues of water, dazzling with turquoise and sapphire colors. Besides, each lake is surrounded snow-capped towering mountains. In Tibet, all mountains and lakes are believed to be holy and worshipped by Tibetans.
Most Recommended Tour Itinerary: 5 Days Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake Small Group Tour
3. Enjoy the Tibet Train, the World’s Highest Railway
Tibet train to Lhasa
Tibet train, also known as Qinghai-Tibet Railway, stretches as far as 2000km and it bridges inland China with Tibet Autonomous Region. Running on the plateau at an extreme altitude(4000m-5000m), Tibet train is crowned as the “Celestial Road”, one of the greatest man-made wonders of all times. The train ride gives tourists a rare chance to grasp the unparalleled plateau scenery along the way:snowy craggy peaks, vast prairies and steppes, alpine lakes,grazing Tibetan yaks, etc. much more for exploration. Ever since the opening of the Tibet train, it has never failed to attract global tourists.
Most Recommend Tour Itinerary: Tibet Train Tours
4. Walk the Kora around Holy Mt. Kailash
Revered as the center of world by Tibetan Buddhists, Hinduists and Bonists and Jainists, sacred Mt. Kailash is taken as the holiest mountain in the world. With an altitude of 6656m, Mt. Kailash stands as the main peak of the Gandise Mountains in western Tibet. For centuries, Mt. Kailash has been the ultimate destination for pilgrims and adventurers. However, no one so far has summited this holy mountain, or even dares to do so.
Getting so close to the holy Mount Kailash
Prostration is a unique way for Tibetan pilgrims to worship this holy mountain. In the pilgrimage season, pilgrims of different religions from Tibet, India, and Nepal form endless streams along the ancient kora routes. It is said that going one circle round the holy mountain can wash away all sins in an entire year.
Most Recommend Tour Itinerary: 15 Days Kailash Pilgrimage Small Group Tour
5. Explore the Highest & Grandest Palace in the World
Potala Palace, the landmark of Tibet
To our Tibetans, Potala Palace is indisputably our most revered palace and the pride of Tibetans. As the landmark of Tibet, Potala Palace was officially written in World Cultural Heritage List in 1994. It used to be the residence and meeting place of supreme Dalai Lamas. Perched on the Red Hill, Potala Palace juxtaposes the architectural features of palace, castle and Buddhist monastery. It is the best-preserved and largest religious complex in Tibet. A variety of dazzling treasure, Buddhist fresco, Thangka, tombs of generations of Dalai Lamas, etc can be seen inside. Unequivocally, Potala Palace serves as the treasure house of Tibetan Buddhism and culture.
Most Recommend Tour Itinerary: 4 Days Lhasa Impression Small Group Tour
6. Experience the Palpable Sense of Holiness
Sincere pilgrim prostrating along Barkhor Street
Practice of Tibetan Buddhism, unlikely other failing culture and religion, has developed and prevailed in the snow land for thousands of years. Tibetans are deeply religious and the belief of Tibetan Buddhism takes root in the every aspects of Tibetans’ daily life. What you see and experience in Tibet is not the lifeless man-made attractions, but the epitome of Buddhist kingdom. Worshipping, and praying, etc are integral parts of Tibetan Buddhists’study and practice. Though globalization and urbanization are transforming the world in ways we could never possibly expect, Tibet is probably one of the handful places where pure religion reins. We, Tibetans, live and do things in line with Tibetan Buddhism. Probably, these are whattruly set us apart from other peoples around the world.
7. Roam in Myriads of Buddhist Monasteries and Temples
Observe the boisterous monk debate in Sera Monastery
Although, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is notoriously known for its inhospitable environment, one thing Tibet never falls short of is the Buddhist temple. No mattermassive Buddhist academy that can accommodate thousands of monks or tiny Buddhist retreats and caves hanging on the rock face, it won’t be difficult to spot a Buddhist site steps away. They are not the attractions. Instead, they offer a sanctuary for Buddhist study, a place free from theintervention from the outside world. As you travel in Tibet, I’m sure you will be deeply impressed by the pervasive influence of Tibetan Buddhism.
Most Recommend Tour Itinerary: Tibet Monastery Tours
8. Venture into the Haven of Wildlife
Watch birds in Lalu Wetland
Places too harsh for human's survival are actual the safe haven for the wildlife. Qinghai-Tibet Plateau boasts the largest prairies in the world, esp. in its northern and western region. The boundless regions with little human presence are home to diverse wild animals. The inhospitable environment acts as the best shield from human interference. The wildlife and Tibetan nomads coexist harmoniously in these regions. When you visit places like Qiangtang Prairie in Nagqu or wild Ngari, you will be likely to see intriguing creatures like Tibetan antelope, Tibetan wild ass, wolf, black-necked crane, vulture, musk deer and marmot, etc. If you are lucky enough, you can even spot a snow leopard running in the wilderness.
9. Photograph the BreathtakingYarlungTsangpo Grand Canyon
YarlungTsangpo Grand Canyon
In Tibet, you can fully enjoy the spectacular YarlungTsangpo Grand Canyon, the deepest ravine on the continent. The sheer drop of the canyon measures 2258 meters on average, with the deepest area reaching 6009 meters. Covering504.6km, YarlungTsangpo Grand Canyon is undoubtedly the most magnificent one of its kind, no inferior to Colorado Grand Canyon in the US. Diverse flora and fauna scattered around the vertical face of the canyon with snow-capped peaks above and raging torrent below will leave you in great awe.
10. Document the Multiple Forms of Tibetan Arts
When it comes to art, Tibet will also never disappoint you. The exotic religious dancing, bizarre murals in the monasteries, exquisite handicrafts, artistic architecture, skillful Thangka making, lively Tibetan operas, etc all give away the profound history and unique charm of Tibetan arts. Imaginably, the moment you step into the Tibetan monasteries, Thangka making workshops, etc, you will be blown away by the fine marriage of modern art and Tibetan Buddhism. While closely appreciating the craftsmanship of local craftsmen, you are acquiring new ideas of Tibet and its secular and religious life.
Sand Mandala in Tibetan Art
And that is the snow land I love. I guess you may also want to know more of mysterious Tibet. Please feel free to let me know. Tell me where you want to visit or what to see. I will share more about Tibet with you, my friend.
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Pioneer of Tibet Tourism for Overseas Travelers since 1984!
"Top 10 Reasons to Visit Tibet"