Journey Across Mountains and Seas to Tibet

【Ultimate Tibet Guide | A Soulful Pilgrimage Across the Roof of the World】

🌄 Impressions of Tibet

Located on the Tibetan Plateau, the "Third Pole" of the Earth, Tibet is renowned for its magnificent landscapes at an altitude of 4,000 meters, its thousand-year-old Tibetan Buddhist culture, and its polar scenery. Here, you'll find the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, the sacred Lake Yamdrok, pristine glacial wonderlands, the morning bells of the Potala Palace, and the prayer wheels of Barkhor Street, forming a breathtaking tapestry of human civilization and nature.

🏔️ Top 5 Must-Visit Spots

1. Mount Everest
Experience the awe of the world's summit. We recommend capturing the sunrise illuminating the golden peak in the morning. During the starry season, you can observe the Milky Way.

2. Holy Elephant Gate
Marvel at the unique rock formations and blue ice wonders on the north shore of Namtso Lake. A 4x4 vehicle is required to reach this destination, and carrying oxygen tanks is recommended.

3. Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon
Explore the deepest canyon on Earth. In spring, peach blossoms bloom against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, while autumn paints the forests in vibrant hues.

4. Potala Palace
Admire the architectural beauty of the white and red palace. We recommend queuing for tickets early in the morning to avoid the strong midday sun.

5. Mount Kailash
A sacred mountain for both Bon and Buddhism. Circumambulating the mountain requires prior acclimatization to high altitudes. Road conditions are optimal from May to June.

🍲 Flavors of Tibet

- Yak Hot Pot: A must-try on the plateau, paired with highland barley wine to ward off the cold.

- Butter Tea + Tsampa: A staple food of Tibetans, savory and rich. You can add honey if trying it for the first time.

- Sweet Tea: A comforting drink found throughout the streets of Lhasa, offering warmth for both hands and heart at just 3 yuan a cup.

- Tibetan Yogurt: Fermented by hand, it requires the addition of sugar to balance the sourness. Guangming Tea House on Barkhor Street is recommended.

🧳 Pre-Trip Checklist

✅ Documents: Border Defense Permit (for Ngari/Mount Everest regions), ID card
✅ Medicine: Ibuprofen, oral glucose solution, altitude sickness medication
✅ Gear: Sunglasses + SPF 50+ sunscreen (UV intensity is 3 times higher than on the plains), jacket, thermos
✅ Electronics: Power bank (for long journeys), tripod (essential for astrophotography)

⚠️ Things to Avoid

1. Altitude Sickness: Avoid washing your hair or bathing on the first day. Walk slowly, and mild headaches can resolve on their own. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe.

2. Cultural Taboos: Photography is prohibited inside temples. Turn prayer wheels clockwise. Avoid stepping on thresholds or touching Tibetan children's heads.

3. Transportation Traps: Be wary of low-priced unlicensed taxis. Choose reputable companies for chartered vehicles. 4x4 SUVs are recommended for the Ngari route.

4. Shopping Tips: Be cautious when purchasing Dzi beads or beeswax. Bargain for souvenirs on Barkhor Street (up to 30% off). Purchase saffron from pharmacies.

🌿 Seasonal Travel Guide

- Spring (March-May): Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival + Namtso's blue ice. Fewer crowds and beautiful scenery.

- Summer (June-August): Grassland flower sea + ample oxygen. However, the rainy season can cause traffic jams, and prices are higher.

- Autumn (September-November): Colorful forests against snow-capped mountains. The golden season for photography. The Ngari southern route is recommended.

- Winter (December-February): Free admission to the Potala Palace. A feast of starry skies and glaciers. Pay attention to staying warm.

Tibet is a journey for the soul. When you stand at a 5,000-meter mountain pass, breathing the thin air and watching prayer flags flutter in the wind, you might suddenly understand: some landscapes require a journey across mountains and seas to behold.