Tibet is located on the highest plateau in the world, which makes it a prerequisite for those wishing to attempt the ascent of Everest, the roof of the world. Tibet was invaded in the 50s by Mao's army: the Red Guards. Very violent repressions and mass executions followed… But today, travelers in search of sensations can access incredible tours to do in Tibet!
Travel the Friendship Highway
For most travelers, Tibet is a destination of its own, characterized by pervasive mysticism and a nature of spiritual upliftment. Thus, many decide to reach the country by road, as a sign of respect for this land where the roof of the world rises. The Friendship Highway is a road of more than 1300 km which has its source in Kathmandu in Nepal and runs towards Lhassa. From its route, you can reach historic towns, centuries-old monasteries and even Everest base camp. A royal artery to the beating heart of Tibet.
Friendship highway
Learn about the secrets of Buddhism at Sakya Monastery
Many travelers come to Tibet to do what they cannot afford to do in their daily lives: meditate and open their eyes to the things of the spirit. From the Friendship Highway it is possible to fork towards the Sakya monastery. Its warlike allure and fortified enclosure, inspired by Mongolian architectural conventions, actually houses one of the most important libraries in the country. About a hundred monks protect this treasure from Buddhism and offer anyone who can a gateway to spiritual knowledge.
Sakya Monastery
Admire Everest from Rongbuk Monastery
Still from the Friendship Highway, a spectacular track is lost in the surrounding mountains to stop dead at the gates of the rongbuk monastery. Considered the highest place of worship in the world, it is best known for its breathtaking view of the north face of Everest. At an altitude of almost 5000 meters, you will be amazed when the weather is clear! For those who cannot attempt the ascent of Chomolungma, sleeping there will give them a grand glimpse of what life on top of the world can be like.
Rongbuk Monastery
Meditate in Drepung Monastery
Here you are in the largest Tibetan monastery in the world. It is the burial place of several Dalai Lama, and above all, a place of crystallization of the struggle between Chinese and Tibetans. Do not hesitate to visit this place steeped in history!
Drepung Monastery
See Shalu Monastery
This monastery contains many relics and other religious objects. He is also known for his "Levitating monks": According to legend, when they meditate, their bodies rise a few centimeters above the ground… However, do not expect to see any during your visit! Meditation is a sacred moment, incompatible with the arrival of tourists.
Shalu Monastery
Climb on Everest
The ascent of Everest is often done through Nepal. From now on, the eastern flank was opened to adventurers and so you can climb Everest through Tibet. Other peaks of the Himalayas are accessible to tourists, with less dizzying heights. Find out beforehand in order to leave and book qualified guides!
Everest
Discover the Tibetan soul in the city of Gyantse
To capture the very essence of Tibetan culture, there is arguably no place more appropriate than Gyantse. Its cobbled old town has always welcomed travelers from various backgrounds, coming to trade here, or simply passing through on their way to distant lands. In addition to its Palcho monastery or its fortress and its breathtaking view, the city organizes the Horse Racing Festival every year, a lively horse race. One of the activities to do in Tibet absolutely!
Gyantse
Meet Tibetans in Shigatse Town
On the road to friendship stands a city of importance by its size, the second in Tibet, but also by its history. Shigatse is now largely sinicized but it retains a good part of the local identity, palpable especially on market days. There is a lot to see and do in Tibet, but we sometimes forget that the Tibetans are a people rich in a thousand-year-old culture and whose traditions have a lot to say about the world today. Don't hesitate to stroll among the morning vendors to meet locals and if you are skilful, perhaps you will be invited to one of the traditional houses that line the small surrounding streets.
Shigatse
Getting lost in the alleys of Lhasa
At the end of the Friendship Highway, the first dwellings of Lhassa appear. Capital of the Tibetan kingdom since the 7th century, the city is now undergoing Chinese expansionism which, with the arrival of the train, continues to increase. Nevertheless, Lhasa retains its authenticity in the Tibetan quarter and its many sacred sites continue to amaze Western tourists. Summer Palace of Norbulingka, Potala or kora of Barkhor, Lhasa is THE city to do in Tibet, both to admire its architecture and to rub shoulders with the local culture.
Lhasa
Take a tour of the Jokhang temple
In Lhasa precisely, there is a site that supplants all the others by the spiritual fervor that one can feel there. Jokhang temple is indeed the most sacred in the country and a must-see place of pilgrimage for followers. At all hours of the day or night, one can observe masses of walkers prostrating themselves regularly, waving prayer mills. There is no other place in Tibet to realize the importance of religion in these mountains and let his spirit fly to the throbbing rhythm of the steps of the religious.
Le Jokhang temple
Visit the Potala
Perched on a hill, the Potala embraces Lhassa and the entire surrounding region. The Potala was the residence of the Dalai Lama. It is divided into two parts : the white palace and the red palace. The first was dedicated to the life of the Dalai Lama, the second to religious study.
Le Potala
Immerse yourself in the legend at Samye Monastery
Around Lhasa, there are a number of important monasteries that have marked the history of the kingdom. Drepung is the largest in Tibet, Sera was a major study center but Samye was the first to be built, around 775. The story says that Guru Rinpoche here had to face the forces of evil to impose the Buddhist faith in the country. Which is certain, is that the banks of the Brahmaputra offer an exceptional setting, almost magical, on which we begin to believe in all the legends from the depths of time.
Samye Monastery
Meditate in front of the calm waters of Nam-tso Lake
A few hours north of Lhasa, is one of the most majestic lakes in Tibet. For many pilgrims, the kora around Lake Nam-Tso is a must in the life of a believer. Its immense gray and salty blue surface matches perfectly with the white of the surrounding peaks and offers an incredible spectacle when wild animals, yaks, cranes and migrating birds come to drink there. At over 4700 meters above sea level, the lake is one of the absolute checkpoints to check off his list of things to do in Tibet.
Lac Nam Tso
Stroll through the tunnels of Tsaparang
In the far west of Tibet, the kingdom of Gugé was established in the XNUMXth century. Its capital was then Tsaparang, a mineral town, which has etched many of its architectural structures into the very heart of the rock. Here, Kashmiri and Nepalese inspiration are omnipresent. We particularly appreciate the murals that adorn the caves, stairs and tunnels. They roam the bowels of the city and offer a sanctuary to Tibetan culture, for the moment preserved, from the inclinations of assimilation of its colonizer.
Tsaparang
Go to the assault of Mount Kailash
Tsaparang is an ideal starting point for set out to conquer Mount Kailash. The “precious snow jewel” and its associated lake, the Manasarovar, are among the most sacred places for Buddhists, but also for Hindus and Jains. You can admire the 6 meters of its high stature from its foot, or mingle with the pilgrims who embark on a kora of more than three days to honor the gods as they should. The wild animals and the splendor of the place will do the rest!
Mount Kailash
Useful information
- To reach Lhasa, the easiest way is to take the air route. Many flights connect major Chinese cities to the capital, but it is also possible to choose the train. You will then have to count several days of journey.
- Slow travel enthusiasts will choose to take the road of friendship. Beware of altitude which can wreak havoc on ill-prepared organizations. Observe the stops and only attempt to climb if you do not suffer from heart disease.
- Also note that accommodation is scarce and not always of high quality. Caravanserais offer a cheap alternative, but conditions are minimal.
- Last but not least, make sure you have all the administrative authorizations. There are a lot of things to do in Tibet, but not all of them are allowed and the Chinese bureaucracy is uncompromising!
Tibetan glacier
The must-sees of Tibet… What next?
The Roof of the World is an exceptional land, whose tourist attractiveness continues to grow as the spiritual quest becomes a necessity for many citizens of the world. He is also surrounded by neighbors with common characteristics such as Nepal with whom he shares Everest, India and its many religious affiliations or, for better or for worse, China which has offered it modernity at a price. of its autonomy. The country conceals many opportunities to marvel at the beauty of the world and of people ...
