Unlock your spiritual side with a trip to Tibet, in China: a place of breathtaking high-altitude views and mountains as well as some of the most magnificent and tranquil monasteries.
Image Credit: Gunther Hagleitner
Tibetans seem to have a level of devotion that belongs to an earlier time, with many visitors undergoing their own personal spiritual journey. For travellers to the region, the highlights tend to include monasteries, chanting monks, and meditation retreats, often in remote back-to-nature locations.
Image Credit: Richard Mortel
Indeed, the location is beautiful - as one might expect from the highest plateau in the world. From idyllic turquoise lakes and yak-filled plains to wild mountainous routes with high prayer-flag lined passes, the adventure scope is off the charts here - plus it also makes for a great photo. The Namtso Lake, for example, is the second largest saltwater lake in China, but it’s worth acclimatising in Lhasa for a few days before heading up to visit it, due to the altitude sickness that can occur overnight at the lake.
The holy Mount Kailash dominates the Ngari area both physically on the horizon and through its spirituality; pilgrims and travellers have attempted a kora around this holy mountain for centuries, particularly during the months of July and August.
Image Credit: Jack L
Lhasa, the centre of the Buddhist world in Tibet for centuries, is a city of wonders, where the whitewashed old quarter is overlooked by the Potala Palace. The Palace itself contains more than 1000 rooms and its construction was started in 1645; the eastern White Palace area is used by the Dalai Lama as living quarters, whilst the Red Palace is used for religious functions. Note that you’ll need to book a time slot in advance to visit this landmark.
Image Credit: Jack L
The Jokhang Temple in Lhasa sees continuous waves of pilgrims, where the central golden Buddha image is most revered, along with the Jowo Sakyamuni. The Sera monastery, about 5km to the north of the town, is one of the great Gelugpa monasteries, with around 600 monks in residence; an interesting monk debating session takes place daily from 3-5pm in the garden. Another monastery, Ganden, lies about 50km from the city; it’s home to 400 monks, is incredibly popular with pilgrims, and offers fantastic views of the Kyi-chu Valley.
Image Credit: Gunther Hagleitner
Of course, Mount Everest is one of the largest draws to the region, with the north side of the mountain being located in Tibet. Geographically, the view of Everest from Tibet is greater than that from Nepal, as there is no visual obstruction from neighbouring mountains. Enjoy the views of the mountain from the world’s highest railway, the elevation of which reaches 5068 metres!
Image Credit: Jody McIntyre
It’s worth noting that it is not possible to visit Tibet as an individual; tours must be accompanied by a licenced tour guide, and you must hold a Tibet Entry Permit to reach the area.
Title Image Credit: Gunther Hagleitner (Image Cropped)