As I’ve expressed in various ways around this blog over the past few weeks, my trip to Tibet was a long time coming. I dreamed of it for decades and planned it for years; the 10 days I ended up spending there felt like they lasted an eternity, but also like they passed in the blink of an eye.
Tibet absolutely lived up to my expectations, you see, though it also amazed me in ways I couldn’t have predicted. It’s one of my favorite places I’ve ever visited, though strangely I don’t have a burning desire to return.
Is Tibet worth visiting? The short answer is yes, absolutely—if you’re on the fence, get off it as fast as you possibly can! The long answer, as always, is more complex. And it’s a great deal more interesting; I do hope you’ll continue reading.
Why Tibet Far Exceeded My Expectations
I planned my Tibet trip for the better part of a decade, which might lead you to believe that it would inevitably disappoint me. In reality, the opposite was true. I was enamored the moment my flight to Lhasa rose above Chengdu’s infamous mist to reveal the mountains and lakes of the Tibetan Plateau below. The perfect weather and golden autumn leaves that greeted me upon arrival in Lhasa didn’t hurt!
Then there was the fact that virtually every place I went in Tibet was both pristine and beautiful in its aesthetic, and otherworldly or trapped in time in terms of how it felt. This was true both in terms of palaces, temples and monasteries in Lhasa, as well as on the road to Everest Base Camp and Namtso Lake (which were both impeccable for all their own reasons).
My 5 Favorite Things About Visiting Tibet
The landscapes
Every day I spent in Tibet, I became more enchanted by the natural world around me. The colors, from the red and orange colors that defined the towering mountains, to pure blue of the sky. Then there was the contrast, of jewel-toned lakes with arid semi-deserts that seemed to extend for dozens or even hundreds of miles around them. Plus Mt. Everest, which just speaks for itself.
The cityscapes
The good news? I passed through Lhasa three times during my trip; this capital city, in the end, was a big part of what made Tibet worth visiting for me. I particularly like the historical center of the city, appropriately known as Old Lhasa. Unfortunately, I didn’t have as much time to explore other cities like Shigatse or Damxung, though both seemed captivating in their own right.
The culture
I’ll be honest: Not every elements of Tibet’s very conspicuous Buddhist culture resonated with me. Mostly not things related to yaks, be that the yak butter that was everywhere in and around temples and monasteries, nor the yak meat that makes up the most common protein source. On the other hand, I loved how omnipresent Buddhism was, from the traditional dress, to the chanting, to hand-held prayer wheels.
The people
As I would imagine is that case for many a Tibet travel guide, I can’t write too specifically about conversations I may or may not have had with Tibetans—for their security and mine. On the other hand, the kindness of Tibetans will really stop you in your tracks, especially when you see what they have to endure every day. My heart was very full when I left.
The mystique
So much of what has stuck with me about Tibet in the wake of my trip there is ethereal—magical, or mystical even. I touched on some of this in the essay I wrote about Tibet, but a great deal of Tibet’s magic is impossible to describe in words, or even in the dozens of pictures I’ve shared from the country. I guess you’re just going to have to go and experience it for yourself!
Alternatives to Tibet
Whether because you don’t want to take an organized tour or for some other reasons, there are other places where you can enjoy Himalayan scenery and Buddhist culture:
- Nepal is where I went when my first Tibet trip fell through. I loved the freedom to move as I pleased, the beautiful sights everywhere I looked and the low cost of travel.
- Although Bhutan is not quite as dramatic a destination as Tibet, it’s a beautiful and peaceful country that is ultimately unforgettable.
- Many places within mainland China are home to large Tibetan populations, namely Xiahe in Gansu province.
Other FAQ About Visiting Tibet
Is Tibet good for tourists?
Tibet is a fantastic place for tourists who are interested in culture and captivated by scenery, particularly those with in interest in or talent for photography. If you do plan to go to Tibet, it’s also essential that you be OK with taking an organized tour, as this is a legal requirement.
What is so special about Tibet?
“What isn’t special about Tibet?” would be a better question. From the otherworldly scenery of the Tibetan Plateau, to a millennia-old culture that still expresses itself virtually everywhere in modern-day Tibet, to captivating architecture and friendly people, Tibet is unlike anywhere else in the world. And I know, having been to nearly 100 countries myself.
Are foreigners welcome in Tibet?
Foreigners are welcome in Tibet, provided that they comply with the rules of entry. Most importantly, foreigners will need to have a valid China visa, and will also need to obtain a Tibet travel permit, for which the purchase of an organized tour from a licensed agency is required.
The Bottom Line
Is Tibet worth visiting? To me, this isn’t even in question. Tibet, whether for its timeless landscapes, its beautiful culture or its incredible people, is one of the most unforgettable places I’ve ever visited. The only regret I have, looking back at my trip, is that I didn’t go sooner. (Although even this is a questionable statement; had I gone 10 years ago, as I planned, my photos wouldn’t have been as good, nor would my insights have been as rich). Once you decide to visit Tibet, regardless of how you come to that conclusion, I do hope you’ll consider hiring me as your Travel Coach.
