Potala Palace: A Mark of Time, a Beacon of Faith!
by DEREK MATTHEWS
Feb 23, 2025
Dear friends, are you longing for a journey that touches your soul? Do you want to find inner peace and freedom between the vast blue sky and expansive land? Then Tibet is definitely a place you must visit in your lifetime! Here you will find sacred snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and devout faith—each spot allowing you to feel the magic of nature and the power of the human spirit. Now, let me take you on this dreamy journey to Tibet 😎
Preparation
Documents
ID card, border pass (if you plan to visit border areas like Everest Base Camp or the Ngari region, you need to apply in advance).
Clothing
Tibet has a large temperature difference between day and night, so no matter when you go, bring warm clothes like down jackets and sweaters. Don’t forget a light jacket even in summer. Also essential are sun-protective clothing, hats, scarves, and gloves.
Medicines
Prepare altitude sickness medication in advance, such as Rhodiola or Altitude Sickness Relief. Also bring common medicines like cold medicine, fever reducers, stomach medicine, and motion sickness pills.
Other Items
Sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm, thermos, chargers, camera, etc.
Transportation Guide
Airplane
You can fly directly to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport, which is the fastest way.
Train
Taking the train to Tibet allows you to enjoy the scenery along the way and gradually adapt to the plateau environment. However, the train takes longer, so be mentally prepared.
Accommodation Suggestions
Lhasa offers many accommodation options, from hostels to luxury hotels. If you want to experience Tibetan style, you can choose a characteristic guesthouse near Barkhor Street. Accommodation in other areas is relatively limited, so booking online in advance is safer.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa - Adapt to the Plateau Environment
● Upon arrival in Lhasa, avoid strenuous exercise. Rest at the hotel to acclimate to the high altitude. You can visit a nearby supermarket to buy some fruit and snacks.
● In the evening, visit the Potala Palace Square to see the night view. The Potala Palace under the lights is magnificent and perfect for photos 📸
Day 2: Potala Palace - Jokhang Temple - Barkhor Street
● Morning: Visit the Potala Palace, Tibet’s iconic building and the highest ancient palace in the world. Remember to book tickets in advance on the official website. Follow the guide to learn about its history and culture.
● Noon: Taste Tibetan cuisine at nearby restaurants, such as Tibetan noodles, butter tea, and yak meat. Butter tea has a unique flavor that warms and refreshes you 😋
● Afternoon: Head to Jokhang Temple, a sacred place for Tibetan Buddhists. The temple houses a life-size statue of the 12-year-old Shakyamuni and is bustling with incense offerings.
● Evening: Stroll around Barkhor Street, Lhasa’s oldest street and a commercial street full of Tibetan characteristics. You can buy souvenirs like thangka paintings and Tibetan jewelry here.
Day 3: Namtso Lake
● Set off early for Namtso Lake, one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes. The lake’s water is crystal clear blue, reflecting the distant snow mountains like a painting.
● Walk along the lakeside to feel the tranquility and beauty of nature. You can also ride a yak and take photos for a unique experience.
● Stay overnight at a guesthouse near Namtso to enjoy the starry night sky. The dazzling Milky Way will surely captivate you.
Day 4: Yamdrok Lake
● Visit Yamdrok Lake, known as Yamdrok Tso. Its water color changes with the light, sometimes deep blue, sometimes emerald green, breathtakingly beautiful.
● Drive along the lakeside road with picturesque scenery; every shot looks like a masterpiece.
● Have fresh fish at a nearby restaurant for lunch. Return to Lhasa in the afternoon.
Day 5: Free Activities in Lhasa
● Visit a teahouse in Lhasa to chat with locals and experience their lifestyle.
● Or visit Lhasa’s museums to gain a deeper understanding of Tibet’s history and culture.
Food Recommendations
● Tibetan noodles: chewy texture with delicious broth.
● Butter tea: rich in milk and tea flavor, helps relieve altitude sickness.
● Yak meat: tender and nutritious.
● Sweet tea: fragrant and sweet, a favorite local drink.
Notes
● Respect local religious beliefs and customs. Remove hats and sunglasses when entering temples, and do not touch Buddha statues or ritual objects casually.
● Keep warm to avoid colds. Colds at high altitude can easily cause serious complications.
● Avoid drinking alcohol in the plateau area to prevent worsening altitude sickness.
Dear friends, the beauty of Tibet cannot be fully described in words; only by experiencing it yourself can you feel its charm. Pack your bags and embark on this sacred journey 🎉 Feel free to leave any questions in the comments!
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