Tibet, the land of Tibetan Buddhism, Dalai Lama, nomadic herdsmen, heavenly lakes, and sacred mountains is a destination you should visit at least once in your life. An adventure through the dramatic Tibetan Highlands is bound to leave you mesmerized and change your perspective about a lot of things in life.
Lhasa, the capital city, is the most important city in Tibet. The city is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Norbulingka. The magnificent Potala Palace dominates the skyline of the city. Now converted into a museum, it used to be the winter residence of the Dalai Lama.
Jokhang Temple is one of Tibet’s oldest Buddhist temples. It was built by Tibetan emperor Songsten Gampo to house the idols of Lord Buddha brought by his Nepalese queen Bhrikuti and Chinese queen Wen Cheng. The temple lies in the middle of Barkhor Square, the economic hub of Lhasa since ancient times. Norbulingka, a palace surrounded by landscaped gardens and ponds was the summer retreat of the Dalai Lama.
Lhasa is also home to the three Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and centers of learning – Drepung Monastery, Ganden Monastery, and Sera Monastery. Close to Lhasa lies the heavenly lake of Yamdrok Tso. Surrounded by brown hills, the turquoise-colored lake looks enchanting. Yamdrok Tso lies on the highway between Lhasa and Shigatse.
Shigatse is Tibet’s second-largest city. The city’s pride is the Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama (a spiritual leader of the Tibetans). Gyantse, an ancient town houses many of Tibet’s cultural treasures – Gyantse Kumbum, Pelkor Choede Monastery, Gyantse Dzong, etc. In the bygone days, it used to be an important stop for merchants from India, Nepal, and China.
Towards the west of Tibet are the sacred Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. Regarded as the center of the universe, Mount Kailash is revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bons. It is a sacred pilgrimage site for people of these faiths.
For Hindus, Kailash is the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati. For Jains, the mountain is the site where their first guru Rishabadeva attained nirvana or enlightenment. Buddhist associate this mountain with their saint Milarepa who was instrumental in spreading Buddhism in Tibet. For Bons the mountain is the place where their founder Shenrab descended from heaven.
The north face of Mount Everest which lies in Tibet is a favorite destination of mountaineers and trekkers. One can access the summit of Mount Everest (north side) in shorter duration as compared to from the south or Nepal side. Reaching the Everest Base Camp (North Side) is also much easier. A motorable road at the foot of the mountain makes it possible to get close to Mount Everest by vehicle.
Nepal Hiking Team organizes Tibet tours and adventures for travelers from all parts of the globe. Experience this once hidden country with us. Choose from our vast array of city sightseeing tours, overland adventures, and pilgrimage tours.
Discover the cultural treasures of Lhasa or take an overland journey through Tibet visiting the important cities and landmarks – Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse, Rongbuk, etc. Drive to the Everest Base Camp and enjoy a close-up view of the north face of Mount Everest. Take a spiritual journey to the sacred Mount Kailash and visit the holy Lake Mansarovar.
We use experienced local Tibetan guides and drivers and the best available local accommodation. The vehicles we use are clean and well-maintained. With us, you can experience Tibet without any hassle or stress. So get on board and choose a trip!
