Top best things to do in Tibet

Tibet is a unique and fascinating destination, with a rich culture and stunning natural scenery. Here are some of the top things to do in Tibet:

Top 1: Visit Polata Palace

Nestled in the embrace of the Tibetan Plateau, there stands a majestic and magnificent palace, overlooking the entire city from the summit of Lhasa's Red Hill. This world-renowned structure is the Potala Palace, a sacred site of Tibetan Buddhism. Standing in Potala Palace Square, gazing up at this awe-inspiring edifice, one cannot help but be overwhelmed by its grandeur.

Inside the Potala Palace, numerous halls house statues of Buddha, each distinct in its design, some stern and solemn, others kind and approachable. Visitors can quietly worship and pray in these halls, absorbing the tranquility and peace that permeate the atmosphere.

From the highest point of the Potala Palace, one can take in a panoramic view of Lhasa. Distant snow-capped mountains gleam under the sunlight, while the nearby city appears serene against the backdrop of a clear blue sky and white clouds. In this moment, you will be captivated by the unique charm of this highland city and awed by the stunning beauty of the land.

Top 2: Circumambulate in Barkhor Street

Circumambulation, or "kora" in Tibetan Buddhism, is a religious practice involving walking and praying along a specific route. In the spiritual center of Buddhism, Lhasa's Barkhor Street around Jokhang Temple, one can frequently see devotees engaging in this practice. Tibetans believe that circumambulation is the best way to repent past actions, avert disasters, and accumulate merit. Participants typically hold prayer wheels, recite the six syllable Mantra, and walk at varying paces. Along the way, they will also spin the rows of prayer wheels they encounter, leaving none untouched. As you stroll through the streets of Lhasa, you may find yourself joining a procession of circumambulating pilgrims, becoming part of this sacred practice and receiving a sincere spiritual cleansing.

Top 3: Make a Kora around Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash, regarded as the "center of the world" by Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, Yongzhong Bonism, and ancient Jainism, is revered as the "King of Holy Mountains". Every year, besides Tibetan pilgrims, numerous Indian and Nepalese devotees visit Mount Kailash for the ritual of circumambulation, or "kora". Kora, prevalent in Tibet and other regions, is believed to cleanse one's lifetime sins, prevent falling into the hellish realms of samsara, and even enable one to attain Buddhahood in the next life.

Kora around Mount Kailash is an essential part of experiencing Tibetan religious culture, offering a unique opportunity to witness the vast landscapes of Tibet. The kora typically takes around two days, challenging one's physical endurance and ability to adapt to high altitudes. During the kora, numerous supply points are available to support travelers. Additionally, services such as off-road vehicle rides and horseback riding are provided, making the journey accessible to those who may lack the physical stamina for the entire trek, experiencing the spiritual and cultural significance of circumambulating the holy mountain in another way.

Top 4: Watch the Sunrise of Mount Everest

Many people long to visit Mount Everest, to witness its sacred visage, and to marvel at the starry skies and the golden rays of sunrise. Surrounding Rongbuk Monastery is the Everest Base Camp, which essentially consists of a cluster of tent lodges. The base camp is the best place in the world to view the full majesty of Everest. If you're lucky, you can see the diamond-like brilliance of Everest shining under the Tibetan blue sky. As the sun rises, the clouds, tinged with the hues of dawn, drift across the pure blue sky, and Everest stands tall, radiating its sacred glow accumulated over billions of years, as if life itself has been renewed.

Viewing the golden sunrise on Everest requires good fortune, as the weather is the deciding factor for the scenery. Given the variable weather in Tibet, any spot can offer breathtaking views as long as there are no clouds. It is recommended to visit during the drier seasons of spring and autumn for the best chance of clear skies and stunning vistas.

Top 5: Listen to the Debate of Sera Monastery

Debating Buddhist scriptures is an auxiliary method for lamas to learn Buddhism. Lamas of different grades must participate in debating ceremonies after completing a major text or at the end of the academic term to prove their understanding of the Buddhist scriptures. Debating has two main purposes: first is to resolve one's doubts through challenging questions, and second is to dispel the opponent's misconceptions through counterarguments. Every afternoon from 3 to 5 PM, lamas at Sera Monastery engage in these debates. During the debates, lamas often move and clap their hands, making it an engaging spectacle even for those who do not understand Tibetan. It offers a unique window for tourists and devotees to observe the educational practices of Tibetan Buddhism.

Top 6: Cycle on G318

The 318 National Highway, spanning across Tibet, is known as "Chinese Scenic Avenue". Among its stretches, the Sichuan-Tibet Highway is the most beautiful and exciting section, making it a dream destination for cycling enthusiasts. The ever-changing, colorful landscapes begin to unfold from the moment you start your journey, offering unforgettable beauty. It is a paradise for travel adventurers and photographers. A complete cycling trip typically lasts nearly a month, but you can also rent a mountain bike for a shorter tour to experience the joy of cycling.

Top 7: Overlook Lhasa by Helicopter

The beauty of Tibet is undeniable and often leaves visitors in awe. However, most people experience it by traveling on foot or by road. Now, there's an exciting new way to explore Tibet: taking a helicopter tour over Lhasa. From the Tibet Cultural and Tourism Creative Park, you can board a helicopter and, as the rotor blades roar, watch the breathtaking scenery unfold beneath you. As the helicopter ascends over Lhasa, the view becomes increasingly magnificent, with snowy mountains, pristine lakes, the golden roofs of Jokhang Temple, and the majestic Potala Palace all visible in their full splendor.

Top 8: Paraglide above Yanmdrok Lake

Paragliding is a daring adventure, offering a unique perspective as you soar through the sky. Viewing Yamdrok Lake from above, with its seamless connection between the lake, mountains, and sky, provides an extraordinary experience. The Yamdrok International Paragliding Base is located in Gonggar County, Shannan City, and is currently the world's highest paragliding experience project. Each participant can glide over Yamdrok Lake at an altitude of 4,441 meters, feeling like a gentle breeze. The lake's ripples beneath you, combined with the play of light and shadow, create a mesmerizing scene. This experience allows you to immerse yourself in the harmony of water and sky, making the dream of soaring through the heavens a reality.

Top 9: Birdwatch in Winter

Despite the slight chill of winter, the skies in Tibet remain as blue as ever. Over the Yarlung Zangbo River, flocks of migratory birds are freely soaring and playfully fluttering under the white clouds and blue sky. This is the best season for birdwatching in Tibet. You can head to the Lalu Wetlands in Lhasa, the Lurang Forest in Nyingchi, or Yamdrok Lake in Shannan for a fascinating birdwatching experience. Observing various migratory birds resting and playing will bring you a sense of peace and joy, making you feel one with nature.

Top 10: Appreciate The Princess Wencheng

Princess Wencheng is the most famous and beloved queen in Tibetan history. The Princess Wencheng is a stunning performance set against the natural landscape of Lhasa, depicting the historical story of Princess Wencheng's marriage alliance with Songtsen Gampo over 1,300 years ago. The show is renowned for its magnificent scenes, grandiose momentum, and gripping storyline. It delves into Han and Tibetan history and culture, exploring ethnic customs and natural landscapes. By integrating an artificial stage with the natural scenery, the performance uses high-tech methods to present intangible cultural heritage, blending drama, music, dance, and modern stagecraft into a splendid symphony. The entire show lasts 90 minutes and you can experience it at the Tibet Cultural and Tourism Creative Park in Chengguan District, Lhasa.

Top 11: Learn to Cook Tibetan Cuisine

High altitude of Tibetan plateau has a significance influence on both its culture and cuisine, giving it a unique character. Due to the mountainous and harsh environment, Tibetan cuisine has the dominance of meat and dairy products. Although there are also noodles and dumplings here, but the flavor is significantly different from typical Chinese dishes and is heavily influenced by the neighboring countries such as India, Bhutan and Nepal. In a half-day cooking class, follow the chief to a local wet market and try your hand at preparing four authentic Tibetan dishes in one of the local restaurants in Lhasa. Dishes include Tsak Sha Momos (Tibetan beef dumplings) and Beef Slices Fried with Pickled Radish. Some may find Tibetan cuisine peculiar but give it a try and it will leave you a brand new experience.

Top 12: Experience nomadic life

For centuries, nomads have ranged across vast grasslands and dramatic landscapes of the Tibetan plateau with their grazing herds of sheep, goats, yaks and cattle. When the summer comes, they head for the hills and back to the land of their ancestors where their yaks have new grass to eat. In summer pastures also have medicinal flowers which the yaks need to eat in order to stay healthy. As these nomads get back to the old way of living, we will have the chance to visit a herding family near Ganden Monastery, learning how to ride a horse, milk those yaks, and chase the livestock on horseback. You will see the host calling and whistling to keep his livestock moving as you travel across verdant plains.

Customize Your Unique Tibet Tour

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Tibet tour, please visit our Tibet Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

Informative Articles for Your Tibet Trip

Prayer wheel, Tibet

• Tibet Travel Guide: attractions, weather, food, culture, tours, etc.
• Tibetan Culture: rich and unique
• Travel itinerary: various itineraries for your reference
• Weather: the best time and seasons to visit Tibet
• Attraction: well-selected top attractions
• Activities: Tibetan cultural immersions
• Where to Visit: top places to visit in Tibet
• Unique Perspective: top things to do in Tibet
• Food and Restaurants: what and where to eat while traveling in Tibet
• Accommodation: handpicked hotels for you
• Tibet Tours: tailor-made Tours for your reference