The 10 Best Things to do in Tibet, China

July 11, 2021 Rosalyn Ihle

Discover the best top things to do in Tibet, China including Mount Kailash, Nu River, Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery (Zhebang Si), Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, Ganden Monastery, Qomolangma National Nature Preserve, Lake Manasarovar.
Restaurants in Tibet

1. Mount Kailash

Within Pulan County Humla Simikota, Burang County 859500 China
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5.0 based on 195 reviews

Mount Kailash

Gangs Rin-po-che is the Tibetan name of Mt. Kailash which is considered as a sacred place in four regions: Bon Religion, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. Every year, thousands make a pilgrimage to Kailash for the faith they believed that circumambulating Kailash by foot will bring good luck and clear the sins. The trek begins and ends at Darchen which is at 4,575m elevation.Mount Kailash trekking is one of the most challenging and sacred treks in the world. The trek is widely known as Mt. Kailash kora which is scared in four religions, Bon Religion, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. What’s more, this holy mountain is also the headstream of four famous rivers in Asia: Indus River (also called Shiquan River in China), Sutlej River (a major tributary of the Indus River), Yarlungzangpo River (also called Brahmaputra River) and Ganges River. Every year, thousands make a pilgrimage to Kailash for the faith they believed that circumambulating this holy mountain by foot will bring good luck.

Reviewed By Antharyatri

Visited Mt. Kailash in July 2019 through Monterosa Treks. It was a wonderful trip. We were well taken care of by the staff. All of them were extremely helpful. Just to mention a few names Ranjan, Prakash. Food was very delicious, hot and always served with broad smiles in spite of the hard work that went behind getting the food ready in time for the guests. Big thank you to all team members of Monterosa Treks.

2. Nu River

China
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Nu River

Waterway that runs through southwestern China.

3. Potala Palace

No.35 Gongqian Alley, Beijing Middle Road Cheng Guan District, Lhasa 850000 China [email protected] http://www.potalapalace.cn
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4.5 based on 2,496 reviews

Potala Palace

The residence of the Dalai Lama is an immense religious structure and a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture.

Reviewed By annerQ4387SP - Wiltshire, United Kingdom

This is something that can’t be missed. Even the locals take the climb slowly. For those that are not used to the altitude just take it easy and steady with lots of stops on the way up. The view from the top and the tour around the palace is well worth the effort and a must do.

4. Barkhor Street

Chengguan District, Lhasa 851500 China
Excellent
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4.5 based on 625 reviews

Barkhor Street

Located in the heart of old Lhasa, this circular route is the oldest street in the city dating back to the foundation of the Jokhang

Reviewed By BhasinRohit - New Delhi, India

Barkhor Street has numerous shops that are a traveller's delight to shop everything ranging from warm clothes, traditional tibetan leather boots, prayer beads, prayer wheels, tibetan spices and even enjoy some good tibetan food. Pro Tip - Definitely Bargain

5. Drepung Monastery (Zhebang Si)

Southern Slope of Genpeiwuzi Mountain, Chengguan District, Lhasa 850000 China +86 891 630 5152 http://www.tibetctrip.com/lhasa-attractions-tours/drepung-monastery-lhasa-tibet.html
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4.5 based on 322 reviews

Drepung Monastery (Zhebang Si)

Built in 1416, this is considered one of the largest monasteries in the world with more than 10,000 monks living inside its walls during the height of its activities.

Reviewed By 189jeffreya - Houston, United States

All of the sacred Buddhist temples and monasteries are "must see" attractions in Lhasa and throughout Tibet. Drepung is no exception! Nestled aside the mountains toward the outskirts of Lhasa, Drepung is simply magnificent (as is the Potala Palace!) and a must see attraction in order to best understand the history and evolution of Tibetan Buddhism, and the Tibetan culture and her people...the beauty, sacrifices and current struggles, Drepung must/MUST be on the itinerary when you visit Lhasa! Enjoy!

6. Jokhang Temple

Barkhor Street, Chengguan District, Lhasa 850000 China [email protected]
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4.5 based on 1,227 reviews

Jokhang Temple

Included on UNESCO's World Heritage list in 2000 as part of the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple is in the heart of Lhasa downtown. With an area of 25,100 square meters (about six acres), it is the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Pilgrims. As the most sacred temple in Tibet, Jokhang Temple is situated in Lhasa city and attracts many pilgrims to worship and circumambulating around. The temple was founded during King Songtsen Gampo’ reign (617-650 AD). At that time, the King built the temple to welcome his two brides, Princess Bhrikuti from Nepal and Princess Wencheng from China in Tang Dynasty. Both princesses brought statues of Jowo Sakyamuni as their dowries, therefore, Songtsen decided to build a temple to house these important statues. Together with Jokhang Temple, Ramoche Temple was built as well to place the statue brought by Princess Wencheng. Later, the statue was moved to Jokhang Temple as well for better protection.

Reviewed By catpeople25 - Malta, null

This is one of the most revered temples by Tibetan people and one can see this both inside the magnificent temple and also outside as many Tibetan people walk around clockwise around the temple praying with their prayer wheels and some even crawl around on hands and knees all round the parameter. the outside along the square is full of interesting shops too and one can easily spend days here just people watching.

7. Sera Monastery

Wuze Hill , Sera Chengguan District, Lhasa 850000 China
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4.5 based on 713 reviews

Sera Monastery

The Sera Monastery (founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey of Sakya Yeshe, disciple of Tsongkhapa) is just located at the foot of Tatipu Hill,located 1.25 miles (2.01 km) north of Lhasa and about 5 km (3.1 mi) north of the Jokhang and it is about 6 km to the northeast direction of Potala Palace. It is famous for the Buddhism activities of” Monks Debate” which happens in afternoon from Monday to Saturday. This is one highlight attraction for travel in Lhasa Tibet.

Reviewed By BhasinRohit - New Delhi, India

Sera Monastery is one of the most popular monasteries in Tibet that holds significant cultural and religious importance in the history of Tibet and spread and growth of Buddhism. Pro Tip: Try and visit the monastery during the period when you can witness Monks debate on religious matters

8. Ganden Monastery

Wangori Mountain, Dazi County, Lhasa 850100 China +86 173 6014 1905 [email protected] http://www.tibettravelexpert.com/attraction/lhasa/ganden-monastery/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 127 reviews

Ganden Monastery

Ganden Monastery, also known as Ganden Namgyeling, is one of the three great Gelug university monasteries (the other two are Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery) of Tibet, China. It was constructed in 1409 near Lhasa by the founder of the Gelug order, Je Tsongkhapa Lozang-dragpa. Back in 1958, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, took his last degree examination here. However, Ganden was destroyed after 1959, right now it has been partially rebuilt. Right now, there are several major constructions in the monastery, namely, the Lagyi Hall, Chitokang, Yangbagyain Hall, Xaze, Jamze Zhacang Buddhist Colleges and kamcuns and Myicuns. The Lagyi Hall is a 3-storey building. And it takes up 2,000 square meters and can contain 3,000 people at the same time.

Reviewed By 929tashis - Kathmandu, Nepal

Previously more than 4500 monks practice buddhism and after the cultural revolution, the monastery was destroyed and have been rebuilt and currently around 450 monks reside and practices buddhism and the monastery is controlled by ganden tripa . You will love it as a half day program to visit Ganden monastery and a bit of hike you like hiking . There are two different trails and you can choose which one you would like as one takes about 45 minutes gradual hike and the other one takes you higher upto 4900 mts and a steep climb section to get the 360 degree views from the top.

9. Qomolangma National Nature Preserve

Junction of Tingri, Nyalam, Jilong and Dingjie County, Tingri County 858200 China
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4.5 based on 62 reviews

Qomolangma National Nature Preserve

Reviewed By MichaelSchindl

Grateful that we got the chance to view the Mount Everest from the Rongbuk Monastery and as there are efforts to protect Qomolangma National Nature Preserve, also known as Mount Everest, it is not possible any more to get to the real EBC and everybody should be happy about it. Viewing this majestic mountain is breathtaking from Rongbuk and even from miles away. Remembering the moment when we saw Mount Everest the first time from quite a distance, we were already speechless. I could not imagine that we would come that close and happy that we were lucky enough with the weather so that we could enjoy the whole majesty in all its glory. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

10. Lake Manasarovar

35 miles East of Pulan County, Burang County 110001 China
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4.5 based on 128 reviews

Lake Manasarovar

Conduct Kailash & Lake Manasarover groups between May to September every year. Muktinath and other spiritual groups bound to Nepal like Kaagbhushandi, Gosaikund, Damodarkund , Lumbini , Namobuddha , Halesi and much more https://kailashyatra.net

Reviewed By ckaustuv - Gurugram (Gurgaon), India

I visited Lake Mansarovar, and then Kailash in September, 2019. It was an experience of a lifetime! The holy lake exudes a divinity, a benign energy, and bewitches with its ever changing form and sheer beauty. It is also a bio-diversity hotspot and the nesting site of many rare birds, some of whom I saw and photographed while there, along with exploring its many facets. If interested, you can read about the story of my travels and amazing experiences I had, in my book '14 Days To Kailash Mansarovar', available on Amazon.

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