Dreaming of the ultimate travel destination—Tibet, praying for happiness at the Potala Palace, and experiencing the Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Text provided by Qi Doudou Travel Network   Photos provided by Shutterstock.com and hotel official websites

In Tibet, witness the rising of the disappearing horizon;
In Tibet, see wisps of smoke, free-spirited herders, and the air filled with the aroma of butter tea;
In Tibet, escape the hustle and bustle of the city and cleanse your weary body and soul. It’s the ultimate travel destination and the closest paradise on earth.

The holy land of Tibetan Buddhism—Lhasa—is the highlight of any trip to Tibet. With mostly sunny weather year-round, scarce rainfall, no severe cold in winter or intense heat in summer, and a pleasant climate, Lhasa enjoys over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, earning it the reputation of the “City of Sunshine,” where people can feel positivity and optimism.

Perched on the Red Hill in western Lhasa, the Potala Palace is the highest-altitude palace in the world, renowned for its immense historical and artistic value. The main building of the Potala Palace stands 117 meters tall, with 13 floors, consisting of the Red Palace and the White Palace. It houses a vast collection of precious cultural relics and murals, representing the essence of Tibetan culture, and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

In addition to the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa is another must-visit Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The golden prayer wheel and two reclining deer in front of its golden roof are its iconic symbols. The temple’s architecture blends Han, Tibetan, Indian, and Nepalese styles, embodying the Buddhist mandala concept of the universe.

Kora, or circumambulation, is an activity where followers of Tibetan Buddhism pray for blessings from the deities. They believe Lhasa is the center of the world, so they walk around the city. The circular market street surrounding the Jokhang Temple—Barkhor Street—serves both as a kora route and a bustling shopping area. Here, you can find everything from Tibetan knives and thangka paintings to Tibetan carpets and prayer wheels. It’s the perfect place to find meaningful souvenirs and experience Tibetan life.

When visiting Lhasa, be sure to stay at the five-star Shengdi Paradise InterContinental Hotel. The hotel is far from the noisy crowds, with vast grounds and breathtaking views, offering guests sweeping vistas of the Tibetan landscape, the beautiful Lhasa plateau valleys, and the majestic Himalayas.

Besides famous mountains, Tibet also boasts stunning lake scenery. Yamdrok Lake, at an altitude of 4,441 meters, is one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes. A Tibetan folk song goes: “Heavenly paradise on earth is Yamdrok; heavenly stars above, cattle and sheep by the lake.” The lake and mountain views, along with the surrounding nature, are deeply moving.

From Yamdrok Lake, passing through the Karola Glacier to Gyantse, you can visit the Palcho Monastery, the Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda, and gaze at the ruins of the Gyantse Dzong. Built in 1418, the Palcho Monastery integrates the Gelug, Sakya, and Jonang sects’ prayer halls, reflecting the harmonious coexistence of different Buddhist schools at the time. The Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda contains 112 chapels, many of which house well-preserved murals created by Nepalese artists in the 15th century, offering a fascinating glimpse into history.

After experiencing Tibet’s traditional culture and natural landscapes, you can’t miss the world-famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Stretching 1,956 kilometers, the winding Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the highest-altitude and longest plateau railway in the world. From the train, you can gaze at the endless Gobi Desert, the crystal-clear Qinghai Lake, the snow-capped Tanggula Mountains, Yuzhu Peak, Chumar River, and Tuotuo River. Occasional sightings of highland migratory birds and wildlife add an exciting touch to the journey, making it an unforgettable rail adventure.

Taking the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Xining in eastern Qinghai Province, you’ll deeply experience the charm of this historic stop on the southern route of the ancient Silk Road and the Tang-Tibet Ancient Road. The five-star Sofitel Xining on the city center boasts exquisite European-style architecture, comfortable and well-equipped facilities, and excellent transportation links, allowing travelers to easily explore both Xining’s historical culture and modern vibes.

More related information
Recommended itinerary: Happy Tibet～The Ultimate Travel Destination—Front Tibet, Back Tibet, Holy Lake Namtso + Qinghai-Tibet Railway, Five-Star Paradise InterContinental + Sofitel 8-Day Tour [Direct Flight + No Shopping] ● Gift Show
Special Offer: 【Beauty of China】Pre-order and save 3,600 NTD for the second person
Features: Unlike market itineraries with four flight connections, this tour features a direct flight from Taipei to Xining, saving travel time and allowing more time to visit the Namtso Scenic Area in northern Tibet. All accommodations are five-star hotels, and the tour includes the spectacular “Happiness on the Road” large-scale thangka-style song and dance show.
Xi Hong Holidays 412-8618 (add 02 for mobile)
Websitewww.besttour.com.tw