A week in Tibet

A week in Tibet – travel planning:

If you do not have a Chinese ID card, you can only visit Tibet with a guided tour group. Group trips are offered by different tour operators. Since March 2023 it has also been possible again to book trips to Tibet from outside of China.

Travel options of one or two weeks are usually offered. However, due to the extreme altitude between 3600 and 5200 meters, one week is sufficient.

Travel to Tibet is basically possible all year round. You should definitely find out about the current weather and, above all, the expected temperatures before you travel.

Arrival in Lhasa:

We were picked up by our guide at Lhasa Airport, which is at an altitude of 3570 meters. We drove about an hour by bus to the accommodation in the city center.

In Lhasa we stayed at the Thangka Hotel for the first three nights. The accommodation is in a central location. Numerous restaurants and the most important sights are in the immediate vicinity.

The lack of oxygen in the air was already noticeable in Lhasa. Climbing the stairs became much more strenuous and falling asleep was a real challenge, especially during the first night.

The Potala Palace:

For the first day in Tibet, a visit to the most famous sight, the Potala Palace, was planned in the morning. The building was the official residence of the Dalai Lama until 1964 and has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1994.

The original palace was built in the period 637-641. The palace in its present form was not completed until 1922. In 2004 the buildings were extensively renovated.

The complex is divided into the White Palace and the Red Palace. The white part consisted of the living and working quarters of the Dalai Lamas. The red building housed the stupas of the Dalai Lamas.

Today the Potala Palace is a museum and still serves as one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Tibetan Buddhists.

A good half day is needed to visit the entire grounds and interior of the Potala Palace.

There is a great view of Potala Square and downtown Lhasa from the upper terraces of the palace.

Around the complex there are numerous prayer wheels where believers present their prayers.

The Yokhang Temple:

The Yokhang Temple is the most important sanctuary in Tibet and is located right in the center of Lhasa. For the Tibetan Buddhists it represents a central sanctuary to which one should make a pilgrimage at least once in one's lifetime.

The Yokhang Temple has also been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1994. The temple consists of a mixture of Tibetan, Nepalese and Indian architecture.

In the Yokhang Temple, as well as on the surrounding streets in Lhasa's old town, we got a deeper insight into local life.

The Barkor Street:

On the Barkor Street, where numerous shops invite you to buy souvenirs, you could observe the life and rituals of the locals.

In Tibet you could feel the importance of religion and belief in that area. Unfortunately, digitization is already on the way to slowly supplanting the old traditions.

The Dadong Village:

Dadong is a place where locals like to go for picnics in nature.

The Dadong area is one of the best protected historical areas in Tibet. Here you can still observe the ancient, local life.

In Tibet, every village has its own monastery.

Butter tea is a typical local drink. It consists of tea with yak butter and some salt.

The religious traditions are passed on to the children at an early age.

Then it was time for lunch at a small, traditional property. Typical specialties were served.

The Sera Monastery:

In the afternoon we visited the Sera Monastery. Located north of Lhasa, it is the second largest monastery in Tibet. It was built during the Ming Dynasty around 1400.

After being closed and destroyed, the monastery was rebuilt and put into operation in 1980. It has been a listed building since 1982.

When the weather is dry, you can watch the monks arguing in the monastery's debate courtyard.

We then drove back to the hotel and had the rest of the day at leisure.

After dinner we looked at Potala Square to see the illuminated palace. Unfortunately it was too cloudy for a nice sunset.

When night fell, the Potala Palace was illuminated from the inside and outside and looks almost more impressive than during the day.

Drive to Shigatse:

Today we drove to Shigatse. We needed about six hours for the almost 300 kilometers.

With a short stop along the way, we learned how incense sticks are made in a traditional way for the temples and monasteries. Water mills on the creek grind the wood to be used into a pulp, which is dried and processed into incense sticks.

Arrive at Shigatse:

In Shigatse we stayed in the Schery Hotel for one night. The hotel is centrally located, small restaurants are in the immediate vicinity of the accommodation.

The breakfast buffet is rich and delicious. Both local and international dishes are offered.

If you are on the upper floors, you have to expect long waiting times at the two elevators or use the stairs. Beside this, the relatively new hotel is a real recommendation.

The Tashi Lhunpo Monastery:

After checking in at the accommodation, we visited the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. It is the largest monastery in Shigatse and one of the four largest monasteries in Tibet. The monastery was founded in 1447 and has been listed among the monuments of China since 1961.

As in Lhasa, in Shigatse one could learn a lot about the local, traditional life and observe the locals with their customs.

Occasionally one also met monks who went about their daily habits.

The typical and traditional coloring in white and red with golden decorations can be found in all monasteries and temples.

Of course, we gladly accepted the invitation of a group of locals to try Tibetan wine in a friendly atmosphere.

There was a lot to see and discover in the extensive complex of the monastery.

Besides locals following their religious duties, we also met a monk in a yellow robe who took time for souvenir photos.

The yellow robe is a sign of belonging to the Gelug or Yellow Hat school.

The courtyard of the monastery with fascinating decorations on the walls.

Accompanied by a snow shower, our visit ended and we were taken back to our accommodation in Shigatse.

Drive to the Mount Everest Base Camp:

Early the next morning, after a quick breakfast, we set off towards Mount Everest. About six hours of actual driving time were required for the distance of 340 kilometres.

However, depending on the traffic and the condition of the roads, the journey can take significantly longer.

About halfway we reached the highest point of our Tibet trip. At an altitude of 5248 meters above sea level, even a short walk became extremely strenuous.

Shortly thereafter, the next challenge followed when a water hose on our bus gave up the ghost. With makeshift cooling from meltwater, we made it to the nearest repair shop.

After an hour the bus was ready to drive again and we were able to continue our journey to Mount Everest.

Check point at the entrance to Mount Everest National Park.

The view from the pass road towards the Himalaya mountains. Unfortunately, the summit of Mount Everest was obscured by clouds.

The Base Camp at the foot of Mount Everest:

Despite a vehicle breakdown on the way, we reached the base camp at the foot of Mount Everest before sunset. After checking into our tent, we explored the area and viewpoints.

Close to the camp is Rongbuk Monastery, which serves as an alternative place to stay during the winter months.

In the tent in front of it is the highest post office in the world. It is located at 5009 meters above sea level.

Even at an altitude of over 5000 meters, the yaks are still at home.

Unfortunately, the summit of Mount Everest could not be seen from the vantage point either. The clouds were too thick and so only one photo with the memorial stone remained.

Decorated yaks and their owners are waiting for customers. A great subject when the weather is nice.

A nice spot by the stove to end the evening at 5000 meters in a cozy and sociable way.

Anyone who can tolerate the altitude well can celebrate at the daily Everest party.

Snow can be expected here overnight even in May.

The way back to Shigatse:

The Penchor Chode Monastery:

Our first stop on the drive back to Lhasa from Shigatse was at Penchor Chode Monastery. This monastery is built in the typical Tibetan Buddhist architecture. It was built from the end of the 13th century.

Here, too, you can observe the traditional life of the people from the area and, if you want, you can also actively participate.

In the middle of the complex stands the magnificent Penchor Chode Pagoda. The pagoda has nine floors with 77 chapels and 108 doors to various shrines. Thousands of images of Buddhas are kept here.

The Manla Reservoir:

Continuing towards Lhasa, we passed the Manla Reservoir, which lies amidst the mountains at an altitude of 4330 meters above sea level.

A wonderful view over the lake, which is also suitable for swimming during the summer months.

The Karola Glacier:

Next, the path led us past the Naiqin Kangsang Peak, the highest mountain in the area at 7,191 meters.

On its flank you can see the Karola Glacier, which has descended to a height of 5400 meters.

The Yamdrok Tso Lake:

Following the course of the road to Lhasa, we passed Yamdrok Tso Lake a little later. The lake is one of the three largest lakes in Tibet and is sometimes called the most beautiful lake in the world because of the panorama.

Several Tibetan Mastiffs greeted us warmly here.

One or the other yak also stayed on the shore of the lake. A café with a panoramic terrace invited you to relax. With a fresh coffee you could enjoy the wonderful view from above.

To say goodbye, a Brown-headed– or Tibetan gull stood guard. This gull breeds mainly on the mountain lakes in the Tibetan plateau.

A final lookout point overlooking the Lhasa River before finally heading back to the city.

Joint local dinner at the end of the one-week trip to Tibet.

Final group photo in front of the hotel in Lhasa with our guide, who taught us a lot about the traditions, culture and customs of his homeland.

Conclusion:

The week-long journey from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp via Shigatse was undoubtedly exhausting, but also a very special adventure.

Characterized by the life of the locals and accompanied by the explanations of our guide, the trip was exciting, interesting and entertaining.

The effect of altitude should not be underestimated. From 3600 meters in Lhasa, the drive took us up through the highlands to 5250 meters.

Extensive sightseeing or climbing stairs can quickly become a real challenge here.

If you are interested in traditions and culture or Buddhism, Tibet is the place for you. Even those who just want to slow down from the hustle and bustle of the big city will get their money's worth on this trip.