Tibet – The Roof of the World
If you have been planning a trip to the exotic land of Tibet with its wild and natural beauty, a land consecrated by Buddhism and the Lamas, then this article is just for you.
What is the right time to go to Tibet? What are the travel formalities to be done? What are the top attractions I should not miss?
You shall get answers to all your questions in the course of this post, for a hassle free trip to Tibet you can check out Tibet Travel.
How to travel to Tibet – The Roof of the World?
It is very important to note that independent travel is not allowed to Tibet. Travelers must book an organized tour through authorized travel agencies of Tibet. The Travel Agency takes care of organizing the Tibet permit as well as the services of a guide and vehicle. One has the option of going in for a group or private tour.
How to get a travel permit for Tibet – The Roof of the World?
A Chinese Visa along with a Tibet travel permit is mandatory for entering Tibet. In the absence of a Tibet permit, you will not be allowed to board a plane or a train to Tibet. You will also not be able to secure other permits required for traveling across Tibet.
For a start, you must get a Chinese Visa from the Chinese Embassy in your home country and only then will you get the Tibet Travel Permit issued in Lhasa, Tibet.
Once you have the Chinese Visa, the tour company shall take care of all your Tibet Permit needs.
When is the best time to visit Tibet – The Roof of the World?
The summer and autumn months are ideal for traveling to Tibet. This is the time when the sun is up and the snow has melted, clearing many of the blocked roads. Oxygen content is also relatively higher, facilitating trips to high altitudes for some spectacular views.
Some tips and tricks to tackle Altitude/Mountain Sickness
- Avoid catching cold before you go to Tibet
- Drinking plenty of water is a must as it will prevent dehydration
- Eat light food rich in carbohydrates
- Avoid alcohol and smoking during travel to avoid dehydration
- Ascending slowly is the best way to avoid altitude sickness and avoid strenuous activity
- Get prophylactic (preventive) medications
What are the Must-See Attractions in Tibet – The Roof of the World?
Mt. Everest Base Camp
No trip to Tibet would be complete without a visit to the Everest Base Camp. The Tibet side of the Everest Base Camp affords a wonderful view of the Everest summit, the highest peak in the world. It is heartening to note that one can reach the base camp without undergoing the rigors of an arduous trek. You are driven straight to the Base camp in the comfort of a Bus.
Waking up in the morning to the magical beauty of the mountains with the Sun casting its golden glow on the silver crest of the Himalayan peaks is a moment of sheer ecstasy. This is an experience that you would cherish for a lifetime.
Potala Palace
This is one of the highlights of the Tibetan trip. This is a UNESCO world heritage site and the former residence of the Dalai Lama. The Stupas, Statues, Murals and other artifacts of the Palace shall take you on a fascinating journey into the rich history and culture of the land of Tibet.
Jokhang Temple
This is another UNESCO world heritage site and is considered as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Tibet. The temple is a harmonious blend of Indian, Tibetan and Nepalese architectural styles. You are sure to be immersed in an aura of Spirituality in the temple as you watch devout pilgrims prostrating on the ground with a prayer on their lips.
Lake Namtso
This is a spectacular lake hemmed by snow clad mountains. This lake is the second largest salt water lake in China. The name of the lake literally translates into ‘Heavenly Lake’ and indeed the beauty of the lake with its turquoise water renders it a heavenly halo.
Sera Monastery
Sera Monastery is one of the biggest monasteries in Lhasa. The biggest attraction is to watch the Monks debating from 3.00 pm to 4.30 pm. It’s an interesting place and makes for a wonderful and unforgettable experience.
Tibet is an experience that one must have once in a lifetime. It is a land of mystery and wonder, a land of snow clad mountains and magical lakes, a land immersed in the beauty of Nature, a land where spirituality whispers in your ears.
Tibet may not be heaven, but it is close to it!
After reading this article, do you feel like planning a trip to Tibet – The Roof of the World?
Wow, a true highlight!
It must have been a wonderful experience, yet sad at the same tim.
I do feel for the Tibetan people in exile all across the world…
Thank you especially for the tips and tricks on tackling Altitude/Mountain Sickness, definitely would not have thought of those. The Potala Palace looks incredible.
Thank you. 🙂
wow!!! Looks amazing 🙂
Thank you Kacey. 🙂
Lake Namtso looks like one to add to the ever-growing list! What a stunning sight. I can’t believe just how tough it is to travel there. Did you find that aspect to be frustrating?
Lake Namtso is indeed splendid! The tour agency makes the travel easy.
WOW!!! Especially the “Heavenly Lake” looks almost like a beach, right?!
Fantastic photos, envy you!!
Thank you Matt.
Wow, Tibet looks absolutely amazing. And who knew you could just bus it to Everest Base Camp, I would love to do the hike but now that I know there is a bus….. haha
Yes, Tibet side is so convenient to reach the base camp!
Looks amazing what views what scenic natural wonders. This really is one of those once in a lifetime experience that i would tell everyone about.
It indeed is!
Great post! I have just visited Nepal and I loved it. Tibet is still on my list! After reading your post I am sure that one day I will visit Tibet. Would love to do the Mount Eerst Basecamp trekking and all the others things you described. Thanks For sharing this useful information.
Great to know about your Nepal trip. It must have been lovely. Thank you. 🙂
Yet another place to add to my list. Do a lot of people go to Everest Base Camp without going further? It looks beautiful!
Thank you Paige. It all depends upon one’s resources and fitness.
This is so cool! I wish I could go to Tibet right now. It has been high on my bucketlist for a while. Great tips!
It is beautiful. Thank you. 🙂
Oh my gosh, love your post! Your pictures are stunning! Will have to add Tibet to the bucket list.
Thank you Carrie. 🙂
Hmmm, perhaps my comment earlier didn’t work…
What an amazing place, however it must also be a little sad.
I think I would find myself thinking of all the wonderful Tibetan people living in exile who have lost their home…
True.
What an amazing trip! Looks like a great time!
Thank you Kim. 🙂
What incredible pictures. I can’t get over them. Thank you so much for sharing. A trip to remember for life!
Thank you Dom 🙂
Beautiful images. It looks quite surreal actually 😉 But seriously, Tibet has been on my radar for a while and your pictures confirmed it again that I should go now!
Yes, you should. Tibet is beautiful. 🙂
Wow, such beauty there, it looks surreal. I’ve never seen photographs of that first image before, it looks almost like a place I love in New Zealand. I hope to get to Tibet one day!
Thank you Stephanie. 🙂
What an adventure! Such a great learning experience, plus your pictures are great. Thanks for the great post!
Thank you Lisa. 🙂
Incredible photos! I would love to go to Tibet. Your article gives a lot of good advice in case I ever get to make the journey. 🙂
Thank you Amy. 🙂 Hope you get to go to Tibet.
What a fantastic post with stunning pictures. Have always had Bhutan on my list — will have to add Tibet to the same journey. Thanks for laying it out so well.
Thank you Scott. 🙂
Tibet looks incredible. Thanks for the tips on avoiding altitude sickness – I was hit hard in Bolivia!
Thank you Michele. Travel tips definitely help avoid some things in a new and unknown territory!
Wow, Tibet looks absolutely amazing – the temples and palaces are breathtaking! I’d love to go someday.
Thank you Claire. 🙂 Hope you plan to go soon.
This is a wonderful post that does make me want to visit Tibet. I hadn’t realized how much red tape is involved in going there. Thanks for the heads-up! This is obviously a destination that one must plan for well in advance. I would be very interested in visiting the Potala Palace.
Thank you Doreen. Tibet is really beautiful and a must visit place.
I have no words to thank you for publishing such a helpful article. Tibet is my dream destination. This post is more than helpful to me. Lake Namtso looks undoubtedly like a heaven.
Thank you. 🙂 Glad this is helpful to you.
I recently watched the movie Everest and I think it would be cool to see the Base Camp. It’s great to know that it’s not difficult to get there and you can do it by just going on a bus ride.
Yes, the Everest movie is quite inspiring. We watched it last year and Tibet side of Everest base camp is easier to go.
Tibet is high on the list of places I’ve been dreaming of visiting. Thanks for the great tips on what you need to know. I wasn’t aware that so many permits were available and that there were options other than hiking to Everest base camp!
Thanks Kevin. With the help of the tour agency and guides, the Everest base camp is easy to do!
Wow, have always wanted to go there. Beautiful photos!
Hope you get to go there soon Janet. 🙂
You mentioned summer was a great time to visit. This has now pushed Tibet up on my travel to do list.
Wow, hope you get to go there soon Alexa. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this! Great tips. I love the photos! Now I want to go! Very. Badly.
Thank you Mara. 🙂
This article has definitely made me serious about visiting Tibet and doing the Everest Base camp too.
The pictures are alluring and everything seems doable after reading this. Thank you for the article.
Thank you Manjulika. 🙂
This is amazing. It has been a childhood dream to visit Tibet. Is it easy for Indians to visit Tibet? I was amazed to read that you can reach Everest Base Camp on a bus. I did EBC from Nepal side. Mine was a back breaking trek on rough terrains.
Yes, the Tibet side is easier.
I heard so many interesting things about Tibet, as well saw some movies. One day I would love to go there but somehow I believe that would like to go with the group or tour operator. Would fell more comfortable to travel there 🙂
I am sure you would love it.
Such a beautiful place it is…hope to go there some time;)
It indeed is!
Wowww. Such a beautiful post about a beautiful country. Thanks for the trip! It will be useful for me soon! 🙂
Thank you Mary. 🙂
One of the best adventures one can have. Good to know their detailed policy in tibet. Each of your photos stunned my eyes! 🙂
Thank you Jessica. 🙂
Surely this is an experience of a lifetime! You’re lucky to have experience such adventure.
Thank you Evan. 🙂
Tibet is soo beautiful, but I wonder why there so much restrictions. Like getting Chinese visa, not allowing travelers via do it yourself etc. I know that there is political or whatever reasons behind tibet and china. But I still do hope to see Mt. Everest someday 🙂
Yes, it is beautiful and we can hope that peace prevails.
….wow. Lake Namtso looks unreal. Good tip about needing a visa. Had no idea. Very important though…
Wow, those photos just look amazing, and how you’re describing it, i loved it! Besides, the tips are so good! I will come back to check this when I’ll visit, because ain’t no doubt, I will!
Wow…the sky is so blue out there. I think we rarely get to see something so simple like that back in our cities!! Now, Tibet is up by few notches in my bucket-list!!
Tibet is beautiful and definitely needs to be on top of bucket list. 🙂
Oh my this trip is amazing. All the restrictions makes it so discouraging but really really need to make some time to do a trip like you did. Thanks for the amazing inspo.
We definitely want to visit Tibet. Thanks for all you useful tips and information. It will be a big help for planning a visit to this truly awesome place.
I didn’t know Tibet had a UNESCO world heritage center as well. Tibet is so beautiful and serene. We want to visit here soon. And your post has made our desire for the journey to Tibet even stronger. Would small kids face any issue due to the altitude?
Thank you so much sharing the beautiful article of the Tibet tour. I really like your writing style where you use simple words.
I can’t believe I’ve never heard it called The Roof of the World – that makes so much sense! And the Potala Palace is gorgeous.