Tibet: Journey to the City of Sunlight

Tibet, the purest land closest to the sky, attracts countless travelers with its magnificent natural scenery, profound religious culture, and unique folk customs. Here, you can look up at the majestic snow-capped mountains, overlook the azure holy lakes, feel the power of faith, and encounter the tranquility of the soul. Next, follow this guide to start your trip to Tibet! I. Climate and Temperature The climate in Tibet is complex and diverse, generally characterized by severe cold and dryness in the northwest and warm humidity in the southeast. The annual temperature range is small, but the daily temperature range is large. - Spring (March - May): The temperature gradually rises, but the temperature difference between day and night is still large, with an average temperature of 5℃ - 15℃. March and April are the seasons when peach blossoms bloom in Nyingchi, with pink flowers all over the mountains and plains, complementing the snow-capped mountains in the distance, which is very beautiful. - Summer (June - August): It is the rainy season in Tibet and the warmest period of the year, with an average temperature of 15℃ - 25℃. At this time, the grassland is lush green, and the lakes are clear and blue, with picturesque scenery. It is a good time to escape the summer heat and enjoy the natural scenery. However, some sections of the road may experience mudslides and landslides due to rainfall. Pay attention to the road conditions before traveling. - Autumn (September - November): The weather turns cooler, with an average temperature of 5℃ - 15℃. In autumn, Tibet is full of colorful forests, which is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. - Winter (December - February of the following year): The temperature is low, with an average temperature of -10℃ - 5℃, and the oxygen content in the air is significantly lower than in summer. However, Tibet in winter has a different kind of tranquility. The snow-capped mountains are whiter, and the holy lakes may be partially frozen. You can also experience the unique Tibetan New Year. However, due to heavy snow and thick ice, and the complex climate, it is prone to danger, so it is not recommended to drive into Tibet. II. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Potala Palace: The iconic building of Tibet, the highest palace in the world, and a holy place of Tibetan Buddhism. It is built on a mountain, with a majestic momentum. The interior houses a large number of cultural relics and works of art, which makes people marvel at the wisdom and creativity of the ancient Tibetan people. (Tickets: Line 1 full price is CNY 200 per person, Line 2 is CNY 100 per person. You need to book tickets on the official website in advance. Peak season is from May 1 to October 31, entry from 9:00 to 15:40) Best shooting spots: Potala Palace Square, Nanshan Park, Yaowang Mountain Viewing Platform, etc. 2. Yamdrok Lake: One of the three holy lakes in Tibet. The lake water is as blue as a gem, shimmering with a charming light under the sunlight. The shoreline is winding and undulating, and the scenery is very beautiful. (Tickets: Free) Suggested visiting time: half a day. You can choose to charter a car or share a car around the lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery from different angles. 3. Mount Everest Base Camp: The top of the world, a place that countless people yearn for. Here, you can look up at the magnificent Mount Everest at close range and feel the greatness of nature and the insignificance of human beings. (Tickets: Included in the Mount Everest National Park ticket, CNY 160 per person, vehicle entry fee is CNY 400 per vehicle) You need to apply for a border pass to go to Mount Everest Base Camp, and the road conditions are more complicated. It is recommended to choose a regular travel agency or charter a car to go there. 4. Namtso Lake: Also one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, and the largest lake in Tibet. The lake water of Namtso Lake is clear and transparent, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and blue sky, like a beautiful picture. (Tickets: CNY 115 per person) The best time to visit is in summer, when wildflowers bloom on the grassland by the lake, and the scenery is even more charming. 5. Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon: The deepest canyon on earth, with rich biodiversity and magnificent natural scenery. Here, you can admire the depth of the canyon, the rushing river, and the magnificent scenery of Mount Namjagbarwa. (Tickets: CNY 210 per person, including scenic spot sightseeing bus) The best viewing time is in the morning and evening. If you are lucky, you can see the golden sunrise of Mount Namjagbarwa. III. Food Recommendations 1. Tibetan Noodles: A traditional Tibetan pasta dish with thin and chewy noodles, served with delicious beef soup and seasonings such as scallions and coriander. You can taste it in the streets and alleys of Lhasa at affordable prices. 2. Butter Tea: An indispensable drink in the daily life of Tibetan people, made from butter and strong tea, with a strong milky and tea aroma. Butter tea can not only refresh the mind, but also help resist the cold of the plateau. You can taste authentic butter tea in local teahouses or restaurants. 3. Yak Meat Hot Pot: Using yak meat as the main ingredient, with various vegetables and mushrooms, cooked into a pot of delicious and rich hot pot. Yak meat is tender and nutritious, and it is one of the must-try delicacies when you come to Tibet. Recommended store: Tiancun Sour Soup Yak Meat Hot Pot. 4. Lulang Stone Pot Chicken: Stewed Tibetan chicken in a local stone pot, with various wild mushrooms and medicinal herbs, the soup is rich, and the chicken is tender, with extremely high nutritional value. Lulang Town is the best place to taste stone pot chicken. 5. Yak Yogurt: Thick in texture and sour in taste, it is usually eaten with white sugar or honey. You can also add fried highland barley, ginseng fruit, raisins, etc. to increase the richness of the taste. You can buy it in small shops or supermarkets on the roadside. IV. Travel Route Planning 7-Day Tour Route - Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa, adapt to the plateau environment, you can stroll around Barkhor Street, feel the local customs, and taste Tibetan cuisine. Rest early at night, avoid strenuous exercise, and prevent altitude sickness. - Day 2: Visit the Potala Palace, and in the afternoon, visit the Jokhang Temple and continue to take photos in Barkhor Street. You need to book tickets for the Potala Palace in advance, and pay attention to the visiting time and regulations. - Day 3: Lhasa - Mila Mountain Pass - Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon - Sosong Village, enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, and stay in Sosong Village at night. If you are lucky, you can see the starry sky of Mount Namjagbarwa. - Day 4: Sosong Village - Mount Namjagbarwa - Gongdelin Grassland - Dagu Canyon - Tsedang, watch the sunrise of Mount Namjagbarwa, and then go to Tsedang. - Day 5: Tsedang - Gampala Mountain - Yamdrok Lake - Karola Glacier - Manla Reservoir - Shigatse, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Yamdrok Lake and watch the Karola Glacier at close range. - Day 6: Shigatse - Tingri - Gyatsola Mountain Pass - Mount Everest Base Camp, go to Mount Everest Base Camp, you can rest in a tent at night and enjoy the brilliant starry sky. - Day 7: Mount Everest Base Camp - Gawula Mountain Pass - Tingri - Nimu Grassland - Damxung - Northern Tibet Grassland - Nagela Mountain Pass - Namtso Lake - Lhasa, return to Lhasa and end the pleasant journey. V. Precautions 1. Prevent altitude sickness: Take anti-altitude sickness drugs, such as Rhodiola, 1 - 2 weeks in advance; avoid overwork and strenuous exercise before entering Tibet; when you first arrive on the plateau, pay attention to rest, avoid emotional excitement and strenuous exercise, and you can take oxygen appropriately to relieve altitude sickness symptoms. If you usually have a fitness habit, it is recommended to stop training half a month before departure. 2. Keep warm: The temperature difference between day and night in Tibet is large. Even in summer, you should bring warm clothes, such as down jackets and windbreakers. For every 1000m increase in altitude, the temperature drops by 6℃+, pay attention to adding or removing clothes in time to prevent colds. 3. Sun protection and skin care: The ultraviolet rays in the plateau area are strong, so be sure to take sun protection measures and carry high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats, sunscreen gloves, etc. At the same time, the air is dry, so prepare moisturizing skin care products, masks, lip balm, etc. 4. Respect local customs: Tibet is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious area, so respect local customs and religious beliefs. For example, take off your hat and do not take pictures when entering temples, and turn the prayer wheel clockwise. 5. Prepare documents: The ID card is a must. You also need to apply for a border pass to go to Mount Everest Base Camp, Ngari and other places. You can apply at the local police station where your household registration is located, or you can find a travel agency in Lhasa to apply for you. 6. Transportation: Tibet is vast, and the distance between attractions is far, so transportation is not very convenient. You can choose to charter a car, share a car, or take a group tour. If you choose to drive by yourself, you must understand the road conditions in advance and prepare the necessary equipment and emergency supplies. 7. Diet: When you first arrive on the plateau, your gastrointestinal function may be affected. Your diet should be light and easy to digest, and avoid eating too much greasy, spicy and irritating food. Drink more water, eat more vegetables and fruits, and maintain body moisture and nutritional balance. Tibet is a spiritual cleansing and a dialogue with nature. Stepping on this magical land, you will be shocked by its beauty and mystery, and you will gain an unforgettable travel memory. Come and start your trip to Tibet! 🌈