🚉 Take a sleeper train from Qinghai to Tibet and visit the Potala Palace

Taiwanese tourists traveling to Tibet are not allowed to travel independently, but groups of four can form a group, and they must first obtain a "Tibet Travel Permit." Therefore, there are policies and countermeasures. My three friends and I arrived in Tibet with a local guide, which can be considered a "semi-independent trip."

We flew to Qinghai and stayed overnight. The next day, we chartered a car to visit Qinghai Lake, where we even saw a herd of Tibetan yaks along the way. From Qinghai, we took a sleeper train to Tibet. The soft sleeper compartment accommodated four people and included breakfast. Along the way, we took in the majestic Tibetan Plateau and the beauty of the starry sky.

This train, known as the "Sky Road," traverses the world's highest railway, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. To prevent altitude sickness, the train even provides oxygen when it reaches the Tanggula Pass, over 5,000 meters above sea level. It was truly a unique travel experience!

Arriving in Lhasa the next day, we eagerly visited the Potala Palace, situated at an altitude of 3,750 meters. Built in the 7th century when King Songtsen Gampo married Princess Wencheng, the Potala Palace boasts over 1,000 rooms. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

Interestingly, some of the windows in the Potala Palace are real, while others are fake, intended to confuse attackers. The Red Palace is for religious purposes, while the White Palace is for administrative purposes. The pink walls are not decorative but made of Tibetan lime, which provides insulation, moisture resistance, and insect repellency. When visiting the palace, it's important to follow a clockwise path; do not backtrack or walk counterclockwise! The palace is magnificent, housing sacred and majestic Buddha statues.

A journey that combines spiritual exploration, religious and cultural learning, and a immersive experience in nature will be an unforgettable experience!

#September2025

Post by Embracing each moment | Sep 21, 2025