Highest Point 
Many wonder about the magnificence of Tibet, but very few get to explore. For centuries, Tibet was deemed as the Forbidden Land with majestic mountains and sacred lakes. The palaces and the monasteries add on to the wonders of the place.
With its average altitude being 4,000 m above sea level, Tibet has a way of making people get lost in its nature and architecture.
Once an independent country, Tibet Autonomous Region is the birthplace of Tibetan Buddhism. It was annexed by the People's Republic of China in 1951.
Then in the 50s, during the Tibet Uprising, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama fled to India, leaving Tibet in political and spiritual turmoil.
After the widespread destruction of ancient monasteries, temples, palaces, and holy scriptures during the Cultural Revolution, Tibet was closed to the world until 1981.
Today, Tibet welcomes those who wonder about its magnificence. If you want to understand the history, culture, nature, and mysticism of Tibet, this Explore Tibet Tour will give you just the chance that you are looking for.
Potala Palace - The Winter Palace
Potala Palace, the embodiment of Tibetan culture and architecture, sits at the height of 3,700 m above sea level. It was built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, King Songtsen Gampo, and later rebuilt and expanded by the Fifth Dalai Lama.
Located in the heart of Lhasa, the Potala Palace served as the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas, becoming the symbol of power and spirituality.
It has over a thousand rooms and has been divided into two parts: the Red Palace (Potrang Marpo) and the White Palace (Potrang Karpo).
The White Palace served as the living quarters of the Dalai Lamas. Other than that, it had some offices and the printing house.
On the other hand, the Red Palace was used for administrative purposes. It was also used for religious studies and contained numerous important chapels.
Another interesting fact about the Potala Palace is that it houses the tombs of the Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, and Thirteenth Dalai Lamas. This heightens the role of Potala Palace as a structure of religious devotion.
In 1994, Potala Palace was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every year, millions of visitors travel to Lhasa, many of whom are pilgrims.
Jokhang Temple and Ramoche Temple - The Sister Temples
Jokhang Temple and Ramoche Temple are located in close proximity to the Potala Palace. Built in the 7th century, the sister temples house two of the most important sculptures from the history of Tibetan Buddhism.
King Songtsen Gampo, the founder of the Tibetan Kingdom, married Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal and Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty.
As a part of the dowry, each princess brought their own statues of Buddha to Tibet. Princess Bhrikuti brought the statue of an 8-year-old Akshobhya Buddha, and Princess Wencheng brought the statue of a 12-year-old Jowo Shakyamuni.
Both the Queens played an important role in introducing Buddhism to Tibet and establishing it as the central religion. Furthermore, both the queens played an immense role in the construction of these temples.
The Jokhang Temple’s model is based on the mandala. Its layout is based on Chinese geomancy (feng shui calculations) of Princess Wencheng.
It is said that the Jokhang Temple was originally built to house the statue brought by Princess Bhrikuti and that Princess Wencheng’s statue was housed in Ramoche Temple.
Later, during the invasion threats by the Tang Dynasty after Songtsen Gampo’s death, the statues were swapped.
When a major fire affected the Jokhang Temple in 1260, many parts of the temple were destroyed. Then the renowned Nepalese artist Araniko went to Tibet and sculpted the throne back of Jowo.
Today, Jokhang Temple houses the 12-year-old Jowo Shakyamuni, and the statue of 8-year-old Akshobhya Buddha rests in Ramoche Temple.
Although Ramoche Temple is not well-known among tourists, it is an equally important structure for Tibetan Buddhists. You will find devotees walking the Kora around both the temples.
In 1474, the Upper Tantric College was integrated into the temple. More than 500 monks studied there to learn tantric rituals, chanting and drawing mandalas. It is still known as the living institution of tantric education today.
Barkhor Street - The Holy Road
Located in the heart of Lhasa, Barkhor Street circles the Jokhang temple and is used as the circumambulation route by monks and pilgrims.
The street is about 1000 m long and connects to smaller alleyways that lead to smaller streets and houses of the local people. It is known as the oldest street of Lhasa and lies at an elevation of 3,650 m above sea level.
Everyday, devotees walk around Barkhor Street in a clockwise direction with prayer wheels or prayer beads in their hands. Traditionally, after completing the kora, the pilgrims enter the Jokhang Temple and pay their respects to Jowo Shakyamuni.
Many tourists who have visited previously say that the best time to visit this street is early in the morning when the aroma of juniper incense blankets the streets.
The street comes alive during festivals. Today, you will find numerous restaurants and souvenir shops on Barkhor Street. There, you can even peek into various Tibetan, Chinese, Indian, and Nepalese art and handicrafts.
Always try to bargain before buying souvenirs at Barkhor Street because there will be many stores selling the same items for different prices. And if you are planning to buy a Tibetan knife, please check the consignment regulations of the airlines you will be flying with.
You will also find plenty of choices when it comes to food. Based on your preference, do taste the Tibetan, Indian, Chinese, and Nepalese cuisine.
Norbulingka - The Treasure Palace
At an elevation of 3,650 m, Norbulingka consists of 3 palaces built over the centuries. Its construction was initiated by the Seventh Dalai Lama, Kelsang Gyatso. After that, Norbulingka Palace served as the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lamas.
The 3 palaces within the premises of Norbulingka are:
- Kelsang Potrang: This palace was named after the Seventh Dalai Lama, Kelsang Gyatso. It is said that there used to be a spring with healing properties where he used to bathe whenever he got sick. Later, Kelsang Potrang was built on the same site.
- Tsokyil Potrang: Also known as the Lake Palace, Tsokyil Potrang is built in the middle of a lake inside the Norbulingka garden. This palace was built by the Eighth Dalai Lama, Jamphel Gyatso.
- Takten Mingyur Potrang: The name Takten Mingyur Potrang, when translated, means the New Summer Palace. This palace was the last edition in Norbulingka, built during the reign of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso.
There is also a small zoo inside Norbulingka. Make sure to visit here if you have time, as you will get the chance to see different animals like snow leopards, alpacas, and Tibetan wolves.
The Three Great Gelug Monasteries
Founded by Je Tsongkhapa, the teacher of the First Dalai Lama, Gedun Drupa, the Gelug school is the biggest and the most influential school of Tibetan Buddhism. The other schools of Tibetan Buddhism are Nyingma, Kagyu, and Shakya.
Also known as the school of Yellow Hats, the Gelug school is based on the teachings of the Sutra and Tantra by Shakyamuni Buddha. This school was established by Tsongkhapa as a religious reform.
There are three main Gelug Monasteries in Lhasa, also known as the greatest Gelug monasteries. They are:
Ganden Monastery
Founded in 1409 by Je Tsongkhapa himself, Ganden Monastery is the first and oldest monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Located at the top of Wangbori Mountain, the altitude of this monastery ranges between 3,800m - 4,300m.
This monastery was built on the spot where Tsongkhapa used to meditate. The building at the entrance is called Ngachokhang. It is the chapel where he used to give lessons.
Then there is the Tsokchen Assembly Hall, which was established later in 1417. It is said that this hall used to house over 5000 monks in its prime days.
The monastery becomes lively during the Ngachen Chenmo Festival. On this day, devotees light butter lamps to commemorate Je Tsongkhapa.
Drepung Monastery
The second monastery of the Gelug school, Drepung Monastery, was founded in 1416. The construction was initiated by Jamyang Choje, a senior disciple of Je Tsongkhapa.
Built on the slopes of Gambo Utse Mountain, also known as Mt. Gephel, this monastery stands at an elevation of 3,800 m. In the 1930s, this monastery housed around 7,700 monks.
The Dalai Lamas used to study in this monastery. They also exercised their power from Drepung Monastery until the Fifth Dalai Lama shifted the centre of power to Potala Palace.
This monastery is highly revered by Tibetan Buddhists, as the tombs of the Second, Third, and Fourth Dalai Lamas are located here.
In 1518, the Ganden Palace was built in its vicinity by the Second Dalai Lama, Gedun Gyatso. It served as his chief residence and governmental palace until the construction of the Potala Palace.
Known as one of the largest monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism, it can take an entire day to visit the monastery.
Therefore, if you have limited time in the monastery, we recommend checking out the main assembly hall, Ganden Palace, and a few of the main chapels around.
Sera Monastery
Sera Monastery was built in 1419 by Janchen Chojey Shakya Yeshe, another senior disciple of Je Tsongkhapa. It is built at a height of 3,700 m above sea level at the base of Pubuchok Mountain.
This monastery has 3 colleges: Sera Je Trantsang, Sera Me Trantsang, and Ngakpa Tratsang. The first two colleges train monks on philosophical knowledge, which takes up to 20 years. Ngakpa Tratsang, on the other hand, is for learning tantric rituals.
On the same mountain, you will find the Sera Utsé Hermitage. This hermitage has several nunneries and temples. Like most of the Sera Monastery, the heritage was also destroyed after the bombing of 1959.
The best time to visit Sera Monastery is in the afternoon, around 3:00 PM (except on Sundays). At this time, the monks of the monastery engage in a monastic debate, an important part of learning in Gelug schools.
Travel Tip: Make sure to attend the celebration of the Shoton Festival at Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery, which takes place around late summer.
Monks’ Debate - A Must-Watch Debate
In the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism, engaging in a debate is a part of the monks’ learning curriculum. Every day, except on Sundays, the monks gather around in their monastery’s courtyard and engage in debates to sharpen their understanding of Buddhist doctrines.
Engaging in such debates gives them the opportunity to remember Buddha’s doctrines. The two parties who participate in a debate sharpen their knowledge by questioning, applying, and reasoning with the doctrines.
The two parties in the debate are the challenger and the defender. Throughout the debate, you will see the monks performing different gestures. Each gesture holds various meanings.
The possible meanings of some common gestures are explained below:
- Clapping hands: While monks clap hands to awaken compassion within them, they also clap their hands to urge the defender to answer. It is also done to catch the defender’s attention or to cue the end of their statement.
- Yelling: Monks yell to drive away ignorance. They also yell to shake the other party’s confidence.
- Moving prayer beads: Monks are often seen moving their prayer beads to their left arm. They do this in order to stay calm and centered in the argument.
- Stomping their foot: When monks stomp their left foot and end it with a clap, they are either demanding a response from the other monk or grounding their argument.
Overall, the monks’ debate is an interesting display of logical reasoning and critical thinking. It plays a great role in promoting camaraderie and a sense of community.
Drak Yerpa - The Meditation Caves
Located between the altitude of 4,400 m and 4,800 m, Drak Yerpa is about 30 km away from central Lhasa. It is a must-visit site for those who are interested in meditation.
The meditation caves of Drak Yerpa have been associated with many respected figures of Tibetan Buddhism.
It is said that King Songtsen Gampo used to meditate here with his queens, Princess Bhrikuti and Princess Wencheng. The cave where he used to meditate is called Chogyal Puk.
Dawa Puk, a cave in Drak Yerpa, was where Padmasambhava used to meditate. Today you will find the main statue of Padmasambhava in this cave.
After monk Lhalung assassinated King Langadharma, who was against Buddhism, he came and meditated in Lhalung Puk. It is the first building that you will find after you enter Drak Yerpa.
The main building is called Jampa Lhakhang. In this building, you will find the statue of the Future Buddha.
There is also a statue of Atisha, who was the founder of Kadam School. The cave where he used to meditate is called Drubthuk Puk, which is on the top of Drak Yerpa. Several caves around Drubthuk Puk have been dedicated to Vajrapani.
In the east of Drak Yerpa, you will find a sky burial site which is no longer used. There is also a path around the mountain which leads you to Yerpa Lhari.
If you have time, make sure to take the path to see a beautiful view of the mountain ranges and the surrounding valley.
Namtso Tso - The Heavenly Lake
Namtso Lake is known as one of the Great Three Holy Lakes in Tibet. The other two lakes are Manasarovar Lake and Yamdrok Lake.
Sitting at the altitude between 4,350 m and 4,718 m above sea level, Namtso Tso is also the highest altitude saline lake on earth.
Covering an area of about 1,920 sq km, Namtso Lake is surrounded by Mt. Nyechen Thangla Ranges. Since its formation, the lake has decreased in its size due to the slow rise of tectonic plates. Its water comes from the melted snow and ice of the mountain range.
Being one of the most famous pilgrimage sites of Tibetan Buddhism, the lake is clean and uncontaminated, boasting its turquoise and deep blue colors. It has five islands that are uninhabited. These islands are used as spiritual and meditational retreats.
Apart from going in a private vehicle, you can also trek or cycle to Namtso Lake. You are more likely to find nomadic Tibetan scenes around Namtso Lake. It is the second largest lake in Tibet, which holds immense natural and religious value.
Yamdrok Tso - The Turquoise Lake of Tibet
Another one of the Great Three Holy Lakes of Tibet, Yamdrok Lake, is located on the southern edge of Nyenchen Tanglha. You can visit it on your way to Gyantse and Shigatse from Lhasa.
Located about 150 km away from Lhasa, this lake is at an altitude of 4,441 m above sea level. It has 21 small islands that are used by the local herders as pastures.
In Tibetan Buddhism, it is believed that doing Kora around one of the Great Three Holy Lakes will erase the sins of a lifetime. It can take about 3 months to finish a kora around the entire lake. For those who do full body prostrations, it can take at least 6 months.
Senior monks used to come here after the death of the Dalai Lamas. It is said that Yamdrok Lake gave them guidance in knowing about the next reincarnation. Countless devout Buddhists do Kora around the lake on horseback every year.
In this particular package, as you drive from Lhasa to Gyantse, you will notice the breathtaking view of Yamdrok Lake while crossing Kamba La Pass. The lake is surrounded by small Tibetan villages and is known as a place of healing among the locals.
Samding Monastery is one of the most renowned monasteries in the area. It is one of the most important monasteries of the Kagyu sect. It is the only monastery headed by a female abbot who is believed to be a reincarnate of Dorje Phagmo, a deity of Tibetan Buddhism.
Shigatse - The Fertile Land
Located at an altitude of 3,800 m above sea level, Shigatse is the second largest city of Tibet. It is a fertile place which is a major part of Tibet’s history, culture, and trade.
It houses Tashilhunpo Monastery, which is the seat of the Panchen Lama, who is known as the second-highest spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism.
The most popular road to Shigatse from Lhasa is via the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway, which connects Kathmandu to Lhasa. You will be taking the same route, as Yamdrok Lake is accessible through this way.
You will enter Shigatse by entering Gyantse County, making a stop at Pelkor Chode Monastery. As it is the hub for those travelling to North Everest Base Camp (EBC) in Tibet, you will have plenty of choices for hotels, ranging from 3-star to 5-star hotels.
Gyantse Monastery, aka Pelkor Chode Monastery
Also known as Pelkor Chode Monastery or Palcho Monastery, Gyantse Monastery is located in Gyantse town of Shigatse, western Tibet. It is the main monastery of Shigatse and is located at an elevation of 3,900 m above sea level.
Gyantse Monastery is known as a unique monastery in Tibet for many reasons. Firstly, it houses three different schools of Tibetan Buddhism: Shakya, Gelug, and Kadam. This monastery is an example of religious tolerance between the schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
Secondly, it houses the Kumbum Stupa, the only one of its kind in Tibet. Devotees and visitors enter the Kumbum Stupa by taking a clockwise route. They walk in the same direction to visit the chapels within the stupa. There are different chapels on each floor.
The murals in the monastery have been preserved well over time despite the political turmoil it went through.
Many parts of the monastery were destroyed during the British invasion in 1904, and in 1959, during the destructive political campaigns of the Cultural Revolution that would begin later in 1966.
Tashilhunpo Monastery - The Seat of The Panchen Lama
Leaning towards the Nyiseri Mountain of Shigatse, Tashilhunpo Monastery was built in 1447 by the First Dalai Lama, Gedun Drupa. Then in the 17th century, the Fifth Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, declared it as the seat of Panchen Lama.
Apart from the 3 Great Gelug Monasteries of Lhasa, the other great Gelug monasteries outside Lhasa are Tashilhunpo Monastery, Kumbum Monastery, and Labrang Monastery. It is also one of the few monasteries that survived the Cultural Revolution.
The monastery has a scenic Kora route from where you can get proper views of the monastery, Shigatse city and Shigatse Dzong. It has a unique architecture and is an important historical site of Tibetan Buddhism.
The must-visit parts of Tashilhunpo Monastery are the Coquen Hall, Chapel of Jampa, 4 Great Dratsangs, 64 Kamcuns, and 56 Sutra Halls. Many followers of Tibetan Buddhism visit this monastery to pay respect to the tombs of the Fourth and Tenth Dalai Lamas.
You can also observe the monks’ debate here if you missed it at Sera Monastery and Ganden Monastery. It also houses the remains of the First Dalai Lama and other sacred monks of Tibet. Lastly, don’t forget to check out Kelsang Temple and the palace of Panchen Lamas.
Everest Base Camp - Tibet’s North EBC
The North Everest Base Camp is at the altitude of about 5,150 m above sea level. It is known for the clear view of Mt. Everest, which is not possible from Nepal’s South EBC, as Mt. Lhotse and Nuptse block the view.
It is the best option for those who wish to see Mt. Everest without having to go through a strenuous trek. You can drive all the way to the base camp by taking the road from Old Tingri. The sunset and sunrise at the north EBC are breathtaking and a must-watch.
To avoid altitude sickness, the best option is to stay at Shigatse the night before heading to the base camp. Acclimatizing at Shigatse will reduce the likelihood and severity of altitude sickness after reaching EBC.
On the drive from Tingri, you will pass by the Gawula Pass. This place is considered to be the best viewpoint to watch the panoramic scene of the five mountains above 8,000 m.
The mountains that you can see from the Gawula Pass are Mt. Everest (8,848.86 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Makalu (8,463 m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188 m), and Mt. Shishapangma (8,027 m).
Rongbuk Monastery - World’s Highest Monastery
Located at an altitude of more than 5,000 m above sea level, Rongbuk Monastery is known as the world’s highest monastery. It was founded by Dzatrul Ngawang Tenzin Norbu in 1902.
Belonging to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism, it is one of the very few monasteries where monks and nuns stay and learn together.
The monastery also has a guesthouse where visitors are advised to stay during harsh weather at the North Everest Base Camp. You can enjoy butter tea with authentic Tibetan cuisine here.
After the reconstruction of the guesthouse, the monastery now has facilities like underfloor heating, humidifier, and oxygen cans.
Rongbuk Monastery is divided into 2 parts: the old monastery and the new monastery. The old monastery is a little far from the north EBC and closed for international visitors.
The footprint and handprint found here are said to have belonged to Padmasambhava. It is located near a cave where he used to meditate.
The new monastery is right at the drop-off point for the north EBC. It has more than 20 halls. You will find a serene environment here with chantings and prayer flags surrounding you.
Before this monastery was built, it used to be a meditation retreat. To this day, you will find hermit caves around the cliffs.
Kyirong - The Road to Nepal
More than 300 km away from the North Everest Base Camp, you will find the town of Kyirong, also known as Gyirong. It is close to Nepal and currently remains the only open border between Nepal and China for tourists.
The drive that will last between 6 to 8 hours will be a scenic one as you will pass by Mt. Shishapangma.
As the town shares its border with Nepal, Kyirong is known for being culturally vibrant. At an altitude of 2,700 m above sea level, the town boasts lush green forests, earning its name as the ‘Backyard Garden of Mount Everest’.
It is an important point for tourists entering Tibet from Nepal as roads to famous destinations like Lhasa, North EBC, and Kailash Mansarovar are connected here.
The weather in Kyirong is not as cold as in Lhasa, and the monsoons are marked with light rain, happening mostly at nighttime.
Staying here is the best option for those wishing to drive to Kathmandu, as you can reach the border with convenience before it closes at 04:00/05:00 PM CST (06:15/07:15 NPT).
Kyirong itself has many tourist sites. If you have enough time in Kyirong, make sure to visit Kyipu (Jifu) Canyon, ruins of Gongtang Kingdom, Phakpa Monastery, and Pelkutso Lake.
As you can see, we have included all the best locations of Tibet in this 10-day Explore Tibet Tour. This is the chance for you to witness Tibet’s natural magnificence along with its architectural and cultural wealth.
Walk amongst the spirituals around the monasteries, soak in the beauty of Namtso Lake and Yamdrok Lake, and meet the brave ones who have come to see the glory of Mt. Everest.
3600m