15 Places to Visit in Tibet 2024, Tourist Places & Attractions

Tourist Places in Tibet

Potala Palace, Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, Sakya Monastery, Tashilunpo Monastery, Samye Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple, Yangbajing Hot Springs, Norbulingka and many more.

Whether you love historical monuments or picture-perfect natural landscapes, you can choose from a number of wonderful places in Tibet that will satisfy your adventurous soul. Tibet is one of the most beautiful places in the world, strewn with snow-capped mountains and azure lakes, bustling cities and world-famous monasteries that exude the Tibetan culture.

Famous tourist places in Tibet include the Jokhang Temple in the centre of Lhasa city, along with the Potala Palace, both of which are also spiritual schools and temples for practising Buddhist monks. They are important tourist destinations as well, where visitors can learn about the history of the Dalai Lamas and the general culture of Tibet.

However, apart from the monasteries some of the most popular places to visit in Tibet are the natural wonders that this country is home to, including places like Mount Everest and Mount Kailash. While the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayan Ranges draw a large number of trekkers and adventurers, other beautiful places that the country is known for include the stunning freshwater lakes that have formed from these mountains. When you are in Tibet, you must visit its most famous lakes, including the Namtso Lake, Yamdrok Lake and the holy Manasarovar Lake.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Tibet:

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01

The Potala Palace

The Potala Palace Is one most sought after place to visit in Tibet. It is a dzong fortress located in the city of Lhasa which was once upon a time the winter palace for the Dalai Lamas from the year 1649 to 1959. After that, it was converted into a museum and at the present time it happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This palace has also earned the name of heaven of arts because of some of its treasures that have been collected with time. Visiting this place, you will literally fall in love with the authentic architecture that stands in harmony with the striking backdrop. You will also get to learn more about the age old history and heritage of Tibet.

Location: 35 Central Beijing Road, Lhasa, Tibet, China, 850000

Best Time: April to October and May to Septembe

02

Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon

Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon happens to be one of the most popular places to visit in Tibet and the deepest canyons in the whole world and it is slightly longer than the Grand Canyon in the United States. It originates near the Kailash Mountain and enters Indian borders in Arunachal Pradesh and flows as the great Brahmaputra river.

The canyon is very much famous for its exceptional ecosystem of a wide range of plants and animals that isn’t affected by human interference. The climate condition of this place ranges from subtropical to Arctic and this gives a chance to the unique ecosystem to flourish.

Location: Angsi Glacier in Shigatse, Tibet Autonomous Region, China

Best Time: April to May and September to October

Highlights:
• The Grand Canyon is rich in forest resources.

• There are rare and unique plants, and wildlife animals, such as king cobras, leopards, red pandas, musk deer, monkeys, tigers, and virgin forests.
• You can also appreciate some humanistic landscapes: Qujiao Wu Temple, Buddha Palm Sand Dune, Ping Greeting Guests and South Jiabawa Peak.

03

Sakya Monastery

Sakya Monastery which is also popularly known as Pel Sakya happens to be a wonderful Buddhist monastery situated on the road to Tingri in the Tibet Region. The complex of the monastery is divided into two parts by the Trum Chu River. One part of the complex remains on the hill side and the other on the valley side.

The best part of the monastery is its architecture on the exterior which is just amazing. You will come across high black colored walls on all sides with specially built watchtowers. The structure is painted in the holy colors (White, Black, & Red) of Buddhism which symbolizes Wisdom Buddha (Manjushri), Compassion Buddha (Avalokiteshvara) and Vajrapani.

Location: Sa'gya County, Shigatse, China

Best Time: July

Highlights: • Large Collection of Sutras • Tibetan Traditional Art (Thankas & Murals) • Religious Ceremonies

04

Tashilunpo Monastery

Image Credit : Sarah Boyd

Tashilhunpo Monastery is one of the Six Big Monasteries of Gelugpa (or Yellow Hat Sect) in Tibet. Likewise called the Heap of Glory, it is situated at the foot of Drolmari (Tara's Mountain), Shigatse. Established by the First Dailai Lama in 1447, the religious community's structure was extended by the Fourth and progressive Panchen Lamas.

Covering a range of about 300,000 square meters (3,229,279 sq. ft.), the primary structures found here are The Maitreya Chapel, The Panchen Lama's Palace and The Kelsang Temple. Remaining on the passage of Tashilhunpo, guests can see the great structures with brilliant rooftops and white dividers.

Location: Foot of Drolmari (Tara's Mountain), Shigatse.

Prices: CNY 80 (May 1-Oct.31); CNY 40 (Nov. 1-Apr. 30)

Best time to visit: 09:00 to 17:00

Highlights: • Jamba Chyenmu (The Maitreya Temple) • Sunning of the Buddha Festival • Largest Maitreya statue in China • Thangka Sunning Festival in summer

05

Samye Monastery

Samye Monastery is one of the famous monasteries that was constructed in Tibet during the reign of King Trisong Deutsen around 762. At the present time, the monastery has about 1200 years of history and it is considered as one of the most influential monasteries. It is very much famous all over the world for debating about Buddhism.

The monastery is spread over an area of 25000 square meters and was crafted as per the description of the universe in the Buddhist scriptures. Visiting this place, you will find a perfect blend of Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese architecture.

Location: Sangyezhen, Zhanang County, Shannan, Tibet, China

Best Time: April to October and May to September

Highlights: • Wuzi Hall • Pagoda of Sangye Temple

06

Sera Monastery

Sera Monastery is one of the great three Gelug University Monasteries in Tibet and one of the well known tourist places in Tibet. The name of the monastery was derived from the hill at the backdrop covering wild roses and it is responsible for almost 19 hermitages and four nunneries.

The monastery was founded by Jamchen Choje of Sakya Yeshe of Zel Gungtung in the year 1419. At the present time, there are about 3000 monks living in Sera and the community is carrying out missionary activities and propagating the knowledge of Buddhism.

Location: China, Tibet, Lhasa

Best Time: April to October and May to September

Highlights: • Coqen Hall • Zhacang • Kamcun • Sera Bengqin Festival • Debating of Buddhist Doctrines

07

Jokhang Temple

Also known as Qoikangf Monastery, Jokhang Monastery is a Buddhist place of worship located in Barkhor Square in the capital city of Lhasa. This is believed to be one of the most sacred and important tourist places in Tibet.

The temple has played an important role in the development of Buddhism in Tibet. This place has been listed among the UNESCO World Heritage sites that is visited by zillions of pilgrims and travellers every single year.

Location: Lhasa, Tibet, China, 850000

Best Time: April to May and September to October

Highlights: • Life-Sized Sitting Buddha Statue • Tibetan New Year Celebration • Barkhor Street • Lhasa Mosque • Ramoche Temple • The Potala Palace.

08

Norbulingka

Norbulingka is a beautiful, palatial house and is one of the best tourist places in tibet that used to serve as the summer retreat for Dalai Lamas. Today, it is famous for its brilliant and intricate architecture and magnificent gardens.

Location: Luobulinka Road, Lhasa, Tibet, China, 850000

Timings: Monday to Sunday (9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)

Price: 80 Yuan

09

Lhasa

Lhasa has been a quintessential centre of the Buddhists of Tibet for over a millennium. Lhasa which is literally the Place of the Gods is usually known as the city of wonders. The very first look at the white and red Potala Palace towering above the Holy City is still very capable of raising goose bumps. The alluring white washed old Tibetan quarter still happens to beautifully preserve the essence of the traditional life of Tibet.

Further, in the Jokhang, you can witness a different old world blend of the flickering butter lamps with the wafting incense as well as the reclining pilgrims which surround the Barkhor pilgrim circuit happens to be something that makes most of the tourists fall in love with the beautiful Tibet.

As of today, the burgeoning boulevards of the modern Chinese city intimidates to defeat the backstreet temples and the winding alleyways of the Tibetan old town however, it is the former that you should be focusing more of your time on. If possible, you can budget a week to acclimate, explore the sights and linger around the breathtaking backstreets before you finally make your way to the majestic overland adventure. Lhas is definitely a must visit tourist attraction.

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10

Namtso Lake

Namtso lake happens to be a mountain lake that is located on the borders between Damxung County of Lhasa and the Baingiin County of Nagqu in Tibet. It is considered as one of the holy lakes in Tibet along with Lake Manasoravar and Yamdrok Lake. It is also considered as one of the most beautiful natural paradises in the world. Heading over to this place during the summer season, you will be able to enjoy photography.

This is also considered to be one of the fascinating tourist places in Tibet as well as the land for spiritual refreshment as well as adventure sports like hiking.

Location: Damxung County of Lhasa prefecture-level city and Baingoin County of Nagqu

Best Time: June to September

11

Lake Yamdrok

Lake Yamdrok happens to be a freshwater lake in the Tibet Region that is considered to be sacred for the Buddhist religion. The lake is over 72 km long and it is surrounded by snow capped mountain patches as well as small streams who feed their waters to the lake.

You will literally get tranquilised by the alluring natural beauty and awe inspiring views.

Location: Nangartse County, Shannan Prefecture, Tibet, China

Best Time: May to July and September to mid-November

12

Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash is considered to be one of the top places to visit in Tibet that is visited by zillions of pilgrims all through the year. It is considered to be a sacred mountain range as per many religions like Bons, Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists.

The mountain is covered with thick carpet of snow all through the year and this makes it a dream come true place for nature lovers. Mount Kailash is also considered to be one of the exciting treks in the whole world because of its challenges paths

Location: Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, China

13

Barkhor Street

Barkhor Street is one of the most sought after streets and public squares in Tibet. It is a must visit place if you wish to learn more about the Tibetan culture, arts, economy, and religion. It is one of the important commercial centres as well as the transportation hub of Tibet.

Heading over to one of the popular tourist places in Tibet, you will come across some of the well preserved traditional charm and lifestyle. This is also the single street around the Jokhang Temple and the locals call it the Holy Road.

Location: Lhasa, Tibet, China

Best Time: All through the year

14

Yangbajing Hot Springs

Yangbajain is a town 87 kilometers northwest of Lhasa City. It is a rich green valley encompassed by the Nomads with yaks and sheep along the slope. The town is well known for its Yangbajain Hot Springs which are geothermic and have been created and used to deliver a large portion of the power for Lhasa and ranges adjacent. The field of Yangbajing Hot Springs field has a height of around 4500 meters which makes it the most noteworthy elevation of its kind in China.

The water temperature is around 30 to 84 degrees centigrade. The Yangbajing Geothermol Power Station is situated on the edge of the Yangbajing Hot Springs field. As the principal geothermal force station it has a territory of around 30 square kilometers.

Location: Lhasa

Highlights: • 87 Km’s long • Surrounded by green valley • Water temperature varies from 30 to 84 degrees centigrade

Lulang Forest

Tibet is a genuine common gallery of plants, facilitating the qualities of various plant species, which frame a showcase of the whole Asian vegetation. LuLang signifies "Loong King Valley" in Tibetan dialect, or "a spot that will make you overlook your home". It is situated by the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, around 80 km from Nyingchi County. In summer, the blooms will bloom. In Spring, it is of full-chestnut azaleas everywhere throughout the backwoods, which draws in swarms of flying creatures.

In Summer, you can see brilliant wheat waves with freshing breezes in Lulang Forest. In Autumn, the leaves all turn yellow and afterward red aside from the evergreen pines. In Winter, snow falls on the woods and in addition the on the icy masses.

Location: Go straight along the Sichuan-Tibet highway, some 80 km from Bayi Town to the east, Nyingchi County, Tibet

Highlights: • Lulang Flower Sea • Lulang Five Villages • Natural Pastureland

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Places To Visit In Tibet

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Everest Base Camp Trek

Well known for its stupendous mountain tops and the unwaveringness and benevolence of its occupants (the Sherpas), the Everest locale (Khumbu) is a standout amongst the most mainstream destinations for vacationers in Nepal. While huge numbers of the courses through the mountains are challenging, there are abundant spots to rest and appreciate a feast along the way. Besides, don't stress over getting lost. Simply ask a neighborhood the path to the following town on your course, and they will guide you. Location: Tibet Prices: Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 Best time to visit: April to June and September to December Altitude: 5,380 m Difficulty level: high Highlights: • Trek to the foot of amazing Everest, the world's most noteworthy mountain. • Set out on testing treks to Kala Pattar (18,192'), Nangkartshang Peak (16,672'). furthermore, Everest Base Camp (17,590'). • Investigate Sherpa towns and the old Thami and Tengboche religious communities. • Visit a school set up by Sir Edmund Hillary in the mountain town of Khumjung.