Everyone may have a different dream of Tibet, but for first-timers, here are 9 must-do experiences.
1. Overlook from Medicine King Hill and explore the Potala Palace
The interior of the Potala Palace is truly spectacular, housing the massive stupa of the Fifth Dalai Lama, adorned with nearly 4 tons of gold, 20,000 jewels, and even a “pearl extracted from an elephant’s brain.” It gets crowded in peak season, so book tickets in advance. The Medicine King Hill viewing platform offers one of the best photo spots—head there at 6 a.m. to secure your place.
2. Carry a devout heart and circumambulate Jokhang Temple
Visit Jokhang Temple in the morning, located in the heart of Lhasa’s old town. It’s said that “Jokhang Temple came before Lhasa.” The temple houses the Jowo Shakyamuni statue, brought from Chang’an by Princess Wencheng, and seeing the devout pilgrims circling the temple is a moving experience.
3. Enjoy leisure time on Barkhor Street
This famous circumambulation path and shopping street surrounds Jokhang Temple, where you’ll see many prostrating pilgrims. You can also find small goods such as thangkas, masks, prayer beads, and Tibetan knives—but you’ll need sharp eyes and bargaining skills. Nearby, the Old Sunshine Teahouse is a super relaxing spot in Tibet, perfect for tea and local gossip.
4. Taste authentic Tibetan cuisine
Tibetans mainly eat beef, mutton, and dairy products to combat the cold. Try drinking highland barley wine, eating big plate chicken, sipping butter tea, and sampling yak meat and tsampa. In addition, Tibetan restaurants on Barkhor Street such as “Ganglamedo” and “Makye Ame” (the legendary rendezvous spot of the 6th Dalai Lama) are full of local charm and character.
5. Head to Namtso Lake
Namtso Lake, along with Yamdrok Lake and Manasarovar Lake, is one of Tibet’s three sacred lakes and a holy site in Tibetan Buddhism. It usually requires a private car to get there, and you can make a day trip from Lhasa. Don’t join a tour group—the difference between spending three hours by the lake and just an hour taking photos is enormous.
6. Go to Nyingchi, the “Little Jiangnan” of Tibet
Known as Tibet’s Little Jiangnan, Nyingchi offers accommodation in Bayi Town. Even if you miss the peach blossoms in March, you can still visit the world’s deepest canyon—the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon. On the way from Lhasa to Nyingchi, you’ll pass the Midstream Pillar of the Nyang River and can also see Basongco Lake.
7. Visit Nyingchi’s forest sea in Luolong and try stone pot chicken
Luolong Forest Sea is close to Nyingchi and is known as the “Switzerland of Tibet” or “Tibet’s Jiuzhaigou.” There’s a large pasture here, dense spruce forests, and plenty of birds in the woods—it’s incredibly scenic. And don’t miss the stone pot chicken in Luolong Town, a delicacy you won’t find even in Lhasa, let alone the rest of China.
8. Go to Yamdrok Lake
Less than 100 kilometers from Lhasa, Yamdrok Lake is one of the three sacred lakes. Driving around the lake takes you near the filming location of Red River Valley, and the Yamdrok Lake viewpoint is at the Gangbala Pass, where you can also gaze at the Karola Glacier along the way.
9. Unique Experience: Tibetan Homes
When staying in Tibetan towns or near scenic spots, you’ll often have the chance to stay in Tibetan homes. Bed fees are usually just a few dozen yuan—clean and affordable. You can also enjoy typical Tibetan meals with other guests.
If you go to Tibet, be sure to add these nine experiences to your travel list~
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