Destinations to Tibet

With an average elevation of 4,900 metres (16,000 ft), Tibet is a historical region covering much of the Tibetan Plateau in Inner Asia. It is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan people as well as some other ethnic groups. Entering Tibet you feel as though you’ve entered an entirely different world. It offers fabulous monasteries, stunning mountain sceneries, unique Tibetan culture, etc. Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet, is the most popular and the hottest destination in Tibet travel. Besides, some other destinations in Tibet are also highly welcomed by tourists such as Shigatse, Shannan, Nyingchi, Nagqu, Chamdo and Ngari. Below is the detailed information.

1. Lhasa

Lhasa, which means “Land of the Gods” and is over 1,300 years old, sits in a valley right next to the Lhasa River. It is not only the capital city of Tibet Autonomous Prefecture, but also the political, economical, cultural and regional center of Tibet. 

Lhasa is well-known for its fascinating landscapes, mysterious thousand-year-old history, splendid Tibetan culture. The magnificent palaces and temples are the outstanding highlights, such as the famous Polata Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, and Norbulingka Palace, which reveals the brilliant attainments in architecture and Buddhism culture. 

For more information about Lhasa, please check Lhasa Travel Guide.

2. Shigatse

Bordering Nepal, Bhutan and India, Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet, which is known as the seat of Penchen Lama and ‘the fertile manor’. With a long history of more than 600 years, Shigatse was once the educational and political center of Tsang Area. 

Shigatse boasts abundant tourist resources in Tibet. The outstanding one is bound to be Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. The second highlight of Shigatse is the spectacular monasteries of different sects of Tibetan Buddhism – Sakya Monastery, Tashilhunpo Monastery, Palcho Monastery, Rongbuk Monastery, etc. Pala Manor will show you a noble manor of Tibetan in the past time.

For more information about Shigatse, please check Shigatse Travel Guide.

3. Shannan

Shannan is also named Lhoka in Tibet which is a long-standing prefecture-city located in southeast Tibet. With the develepment of tourism and transportation of Shannan, it is turned to be a popular tourist’s destination featuring in both natural landscape and cultural relics. In addition, it enjoys about 10 Firsts in Tibet, including the first palace, the first King, the first monastery, the first slavery regime, the first farm land, the first village etc.

With some breathtaking natural landscape and distinguished cultural sites, Shannan bring every tourist a lifetime journey. Yamdrok Lake is the best choice for you to relax and is also one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. For those tourists who are interested in Buddhist culture or history, you can pay a visit to Yumbulakang Palace and Samye Monastery. Yarlung Tsangpo River is also a visual treat on your journey. 

For more information about Shannan, please check Shannan Travel Guide.

4. Nyingchi

Located in the southeast of Tibet, Nyingchi owns the biggest elevation gap in the world with the lowest elevation of only 900m and the highest elevation of 7,782m (altitude of Namjagbarwa Peak). Literally meaning the Throne of Sun, Nyingchi is renowned as the “East Swizerland” and “Jiangnan of Tibet”, blessed with beautiful lakes, deep gorges, immense forests, azalea-filled meadows etc.

Because of its characteristic geographic location and diverse climate, Nyingchi attractions get its uniqueness in different ways. In spring, you can catch the sight that the delicate and charming peach flowers are in full blossom and the verdant plants all over the mountains and plains are about to sprout. It’s recommended to appreciate the spectacularity of Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon and Namjagbarwa Peak. Taking part in Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival will bring you a lot of fun.

For more information about Nyingchi, please check Nyingchi Travel Guide.

5. Nagqu

Located in the north of Tibet-between Tanggula Mountains and Nyainqentanglha Mountains, Nagqu get its name from the Nagqu River(upstream of Nujiang River). Nagqu features in its protected wildlife, unpolluted grassland, bright snow mountains, azure blue lakes and unsophisticated Tibetan life. Especially in August, the famous horse racing festival will be held in Nagqu.

Nagqu never fails to draw the tourists’ attention by its charm though it’s not a very popular destination in Tibet. Speaking of Nagqu, what people come into thought is the long-stretching snow-covered ranges, the endless stream of spring, and boundless prairies. Nagqu’s history and culture will make you love it more. The most eyes-catching attractions in Nagqu definitely comes to be Qiangtang Pairie and Nyqinqentanglha Mountains. In addition, Ancient Xiangxiong Ruins, Basu Rock Paintings, Yarlung Scenic Area are really worth paying a visit. Don’t miss the Horsing Racing Fair which is a funny and wonderful game as well as a local performance.

For more information about Nagqu, please check Nagqu Travel Guide.

6. Chamdo

Qamdo is located in the key link of the boundary among Tibet, Sichuan, Qinghai and Yunnan and the place that Sichuan-Tibet Railway and Yunnan-Tibet Railway must pass through. In ancient time, Qamdo is the important stop of Tea Horse Route and famed as the ‘Pearl of Tibet‘ due to its pivot position on Tibetan commerce and trade.

Qamdo is the thrid largest city after Lhasa and Shigatse. You may find both brilliant historic sites and fabulous sights there. The most attractive site must be the crystal green Ranwu Lake in Baxoi County, surrounded by snow covered mountains and imposing glaciers. There are more to explore, such as Jampaling Monastery, Karuo Cultural Relics, Laigu Glaciers. Put Qamdo attractions into your trip plan and start your Tibet journey.

For more information about Qamdo, please check Qamdo Travel Guide.

7. Ngari

Located at the junction of Himalayas, the Gangdise, the Kunlun Mountains and Karakorum Mountains, Ngari is a dream destination for both travelers and pilgrims who share the magnificent landscape, inspiring culture and friendship of local Tibetan together. The Mount Kailash and Lake Manasorovar in Ngari area are regared as the ‘sacred mountain’ and ‘holy lake’. The ruins of Guge Kingdom brings you a myterious Ngari.

For more information about Ngari, please check Ngari Travel Guide.