Planning a trip to Tibet can be an exciting yet daunting task, with so many incredible experiences to choose from. But fret not! We've compiled the top things to do in Tibet based on reviews from our satisfied clients and insider recommendations from our local guides.

Let's delve into these incredible experiences and make your trip to Tibet an unforgettable adventure that won't be wasted.

1. Explore the charming Lhasa city - the center of Tibet

Many tourists only know that Potala Palace is a must-see in Lhasa, and actually it is. But there are more brilliant landmarks to discover in this city. When touring Lhasa, you should also not miss the Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery etc.

Situated at an altitude of 3,700 meters, the Potala Palace is the highest palace in the world, and is the winter palace of Dalai Lama. It has a history of over 1,300 years. You will spend at least half a day exploring this magnificent architecture.

Not far away from the Potala, the Jokhang Temple is the most sacred site in the heart of all Tibetans. Inside it you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of 12. Outside, you can see flow of pilgrims prostrating in front of the temple.

Jokhang Temple is also a must-see attraction in Lhasa Tibet.

While around the holy Jokhang is the bustling Barkhor Street, where you can explore the old market, as well as do kora with locals.

In addition, you can also visit the Sera Monastery, which is one of the “great three” Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The most famous attraction in the monastery is the monk debates.

A classic Lhasa city tour normally needs at least two days, and will let you get the first impression of Tibet. At the same time you can acclimatize yourself to the plateau altitude, before heading to other higher place in Tibet.

2. Visit the majestic Mount Everest on the Tibetan side

Mount Everest has long been the reason why many people visit Tibet. No one can refuse the chance to see the world’s highest peak at real close. And to admire this world summit, you need to travel to Everest Base Camp from Lhasa.

Compared to the southern base camp in Nepal, the Everest Base Camp in Tibetan side is more accessible. It is more ideal for ordinary tourists to visit. The road from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp is mostly wide and flat, following the famous Friendship Highway.

On the way, you can also appreciate the spectacular plateau scenery, while stop to visit some popular attractions and cities, like Yamdrok Lake and Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.

If you have a holiday of one week or so, then a trip to Everest Base Camp could be the second-to-none choice. You can get closer to gaze at the Mount Everest, and may also see the sunset or sunrise of golden Everest peak if weather permits at the lodging area.

3. Experience the spirit-lifting Kora around Mount Kailash

As popular as Mt. Everest, Mount Kailash also attracts a large number of tourists every year. The difference is that it is more of a pilgrimage trip to Mount Kailash, since the mountain is regarded as the “center of the world” and “king of sacred mountains” by many religious believers.

While the most spiritually uplifting activity for a Mount Kailash trip could be the kora around this holy mountain. According to the Buddhists, a single kora around the mountain can wash away a lifetime of sins.

Mount Kailash kora trek is a spiritually uplifting activity one should not miss.

For ordinary traveller, it is also a lifetime achievement to fulfil the Mount kora. Normally taking 3 days to complete the total trek, you will follow the foots of former pilgrims, and marvel at the awe-inspiring mountain vista. It is also a great bonus to encounter local Tibetans who make prostrating on the route.

4. Behold the serenity of Yamdrok and Namtso, the sacred lakes of Tibet

Tibet boasts unparalleled natural wonders, among which the beautiful lakes are those one could not miss during a trip to the land.

And the top two picks we recommend are the Yamdrok Lake and Namtso Lake. They are not only included in the “Three Scared Lakes of Tibet”, but also easy to reach from Lhasa than other remote lakes. If you have a day or two to spare after your Lhasa trip, you can take a short excursion to one of them.

Namtso Lake is also known as “heavenly lake” in Tibet.

Namtso Lake is the highest saline lake in the world, located about 240 km north of Lhasa. The lake is just breathtaking, together with the view of snow-capped Nyenchen Thanglha Mountains in the distance. You will also see nomads herding their yaks and sheep on the grassland. The Tashi Dor Island in the lake is also a good destination for a leisure trek.

Yamdrok Lake is much nearer to Lhasa and has a lower altitude. Folklore has it that the lake was transformed by a fairy. When driving to south from Lhasa, you will climb up the Gambala Mountain Pass, where you can see the gorgeously beautiful view of Yamdrok Lake, winding to the distance like a ribbon.

5. Discover the unique monasteries and temples of Tibet

Tibet is one of the regions where Tibetan Buddhism has flourished, with different sects creating its representative monasteries in different regions. Over the centuries, these monasteries have survived intact, and some have been maintained in modern times.

In Lhasa, besides Jokhang Temple, there are also famous Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Ganden Monastery. The latter three are all located halfway up the hill on the outskirts of Lhasa, large in size, and representatives of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Gyantse Kumbum is a popular and important religious site in Tibet.

When touring Shigatse, the monasteries one should not miss include the Tashilhunpo Monastery, where Panchen Lama live; the Palcho Monastery, which is famous for the giant Gyantse Kumbum; Rongbuk Monastery, lying close to the Mt. Everest; and Sakya Monastery, known for its large number of historical and precious artifacts.

Besides, there are also many other famous monasteries, like Samye Monastery, Trandruk Temple in Shannan. If you are interested in Tibetan culture and Tibetan Buddhism, you should not miss these great Buddhist architectures.

6. Trek through the thrilling and scenic trails in Tibet

Many people don't know that Tibet is actually an excellent place to trek. There are a variety of trekking routes that can cater for people of different trekking needs. You can have a wonderful trek tour here.

For trekking beginners, you can try some short routes, such as 2-day Shalu to Nartang trek, 4-day Gandan to Samye trek, and 4-day Tsurphu to Yangpachen trek. These routes mostly pass through lower valleys and local Tibetan villages, and are suitable for all levels of fitness.

For trekkers wishing to do some challenges, you can try the Everest Base Camp trek from Old Tingri, or Mt. Kailash kora trek, or the world-class Gama Valley trek. These routes will let you cross those celebrated peaks, and encounter overwhelming mountain landscapes.

7. Challenge an adventurous cycling journey in Tibet

Cycling in Tibet could be a lifetime rewarding experience for anyone who make it. And in fact, the roads in Tibet are mostly smooth and well-paved, especially if you ride from Lhasa to Gyirong Port, or from Lhasa to Namtso Lake.

Taking a bike tour in Tibet allows you to fully absorb the nature scenery and culture of the land. And the best time could be from April to June and September to November, when the climate is stable and mild, with clear sky, and less rains and snows.

Cycling in Tibet is a rewarding experience.

All foreigners need to join in a tour when travel in Tibet, so does your bike tour. While we can provide customized cycling tour for you in Tibet. With a professional local Tibetan guide, an experienced driver and a back-up vehicle, you can enjoy your cycling trip more safely and securely without any worries.

8. Experience an authentic traditional Tibetan festival with locals

Tibet has a variety of big and small festivals throughout the year, and if you have the opportunity to attend one of their traditional festivities, you will dive deeper into the highlight of Tibetan culture and Tibetan's daily life.

And the most important festivals in Tibet are: Tibetan New Year, Saga Dawa Festival and Shoton Festival. Tibetan New Year, also known as Losar, is just like the Chinese New Year in mainland. It is an occasion for the family reunions and many prayer activities.

Locals are celebrating the Saga Dawa Festival in Tibet.

As the most significant religious festival in Tibet, Saga Dawa Festival falls on April 15th in Tibetan calendar, which will be May 23rd in 2024. During the celebration, which always lasts half a month, you will see unique monks chanting, cham dancing etc.

Shoton Festival is one of the most popular traditional festivals in Tibet. The festival will fall on August 4 in 2024. And the festivities include the famous Tibetan opera performing and unfolding of giant Buddha Thangka.

Conclusion

If you want your Tibet tour to be fulfilling, meaningful, and rewarding, it's essential to make careful choices regarding activities and attractions. We can assist you in customizing your ideal Tibet trip, based on your preferences and conditions. Feel free to contact us with any questions or ideas you may have.