Taktsang Palphug Monastery also known as The Tiger's Nest, Tibet

Things to do in  Tibet

Altitude is everything

Tibet remains a land of mystery, even in the 21st century. Although its reputation as a difficult place to visit is not entirely wrong—you do need a special permit and to travel on a tour—it’s also accessible with advanced planning. And it’s worth it. Whether you’re interested in hiking to Everest Base Camp, completing a kora (sacred circuit) of Mount Kailash, or sipping butter tea with monks in one of its estimated 1,700 monasteries, there are many things to do in Tibet.

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Top 15 attractions in Tibet

#1

Potala Palace

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The Potala Palace, winter palace of the Dalai Lama for over 1,300 years, towers above downtown Lhasa. Recognized with UNESCO World Heritage status, the vast structure stands 13 stories high on a hilltop and contains over 1,000 rooms. Echoing chapels and jewel-encrusted tombs create a spectacular effect.More
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#2

Jokhang Temple

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One of Tibetan Buddhism’s most sacred sites, the 6-acre (2.5-hectare Jokhang Temple sits at the heart of Lhasa and holds UNESCO World Heritage status. With a history dating back over 1,300 years, throngs of pilgrims and red-robed monks come to worship at the Jowo Shakyamuni golden Buddha statue, lighting lamps, and spinning prayer wheels.More
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#3

Sera Monastery

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Sera Monastery is one of the largest and oldest monasteries in Lhasa. One of six great monasteries dedicated to the Gelugpa, or Yellow Hat, sect of Tibetan Buddhism, Sera is an important religious center home to hundreds of monks, three colleges, and a surrounding prayer circuit. It’s best known, however, for hosting afternoon courtyard debates between monks six days a week.More
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#4

Drepung Monastery

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In the 1930s, Drepung Monastery ranked among the largest in the world with around 7,000 monks living on its grounds at its peak. While the number of monks has dropped to approximately 600 monks, Drepung Monastery’s four colleges continue to teach lineage, religion, and geography.More
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#5

Barkhor Street

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Ancient Barkhor Street circles the square surrounding Lhasa’s Jokhang Temple. The street doubles as a thoroughfare for pilgrims on their way to the temple, as well as home to the bustling Tromzikhang Market, host to a wide variety of vendors selling everything from prayer wheels to yak butter to tea kettles.More
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#6

Tibet Mt. Everest Base Camp

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Climbing Mount Everest may not be financially or physically possible for many travelers, but laying eyes on the world’s tallest peak from Mount Everest Base Camp is. A visit to China’s easternmost region wouldn’t be complete without an excursion to take in the spectacular view of Everest’s north face from the Tibet base camp.More
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#7

Yamdrok Lake (Yamdrok-tso)

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The bright turquoise Yamdrok Lake (Yamdrok-tso or Yamdrok Yumtso) is sacred in Tibetan tradition and one of the three biggest lakes in the country. Its color and location amid dry snow-capped peaks add to its allure. Most visitors’ first glimpse of the high altitude lake is after crossing the Khamba La Pass at 15,731 feet (4,795 meters).More
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#8

Gyantse

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Once a hub for trade with India, Gyantse is a city steeped in history with a culture and people still deeply rooted in tradition. Travelers who venture to this destination along the Nyang-chu River will find Buddhist temples, lively local markets, charming back streets, and Tibet’s largest stupa monument, Gyantse Kumbum.More
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#9

Mt. Everest

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Mt. Everest is probably the most famous mountain on Earth, and, at 29,029 feet (8,848 meters), it is certainly the highest in the world. The peak sits on the border between Nepal and the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China, and is called Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolangma or Qomolangma in the Sherpa and Tibetan languages.More
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#10

Rongbuk Monastery

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On the hillside of the Mount Everest Base Camp in Tibet, the Rongbuk Monastery offers travelers incredible views not only of the world’s most famous mountain, but also the breathtaking scenery that surrounds it. Its unique location makes it the world’s highest monastery—a perfect backdrop for colorful prayer flags flapping in the wind.More
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#11

Namtso Lake

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Namtso Lake is the second-largest salt lake in China and a major tourist attraction in Tibet. Its reflective blue waters are surrounded by snow-capped peaks and the occasional nomad camp. The lake sits at a high elevation—15,479 feet (4,718 meters)—and has spiritual significance for Tibetans.More
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#12

Mt. Kailash (Kang Rinpoche)

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The black rock-topped Mt. Kailash (Kang Rinpoche), in the Himalaya of western Tibet, is sacred to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of the old Bon religion. Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit to walk around the mountain. Mt. Kailash can also be visited by trekkers as part of a broader tour of Tibet or on a dedicated trip.More
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#13

Norbulingka

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From the late 1700s to the 1950s, Norbulingka was used as an official summer home for the Dalai Lama. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Tibet’s top historical attractions. In addition to a 374-room palace, the park is home to hundreds of rare plants, rose bushes, fruit trees, and even a bit of wildlife.More
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#14

Ganden Monastery

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Ganden Monastery on the slopes of Wangbur Mountain is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Together with Sera and Drepung Monasteries, Ganden is part of the three great university temples of Tibet, with a history dating back to the 15th century, when it became the main temple for the Yellow Hat Buddhists.More
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#15

Lake Manasarovar

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Lake Manasarovar was once surrounded by eight Buddhist monasteries that represented the Wheel of Life. While many of these holy structures have now crumbled to the ground, the lake’s religious significance has not been lost, and Buddhists from across the globe still travel to this sky-high freshwater lake each year.More
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Explore Tibet by interest

Top activities in Tibet

8 Days Lhasa to Mt. Everest (EBC in Tibet) Join-in Group Tour with 4-star Hotel

8 Days Lhasa to Mt. Everest (EBC in Tibet) Join-in Group Tour with 4-star Hotel

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1
From
$960.00
8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour

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229
From
$967.00
7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour

7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour

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16
From
$1,159.00
4 Days Lhasa Impression Small Group Tour

4 Days Lhasa Impression Small Group Tour

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From
$525.00
Tibet's panoramic nine-day tour: the holy city of Lhasa + Everest Base Camp + Shenghu Namco

Tibet's panoramic nine-day tour: the holy city of Lhasa + Everest Base Camp + Shenghu Namco

From
$1,052.64
4 Days Lhasa City Essential Group Tour

4 Days Lhasa City Essential Group Tour

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13
From
$569.00
4-Day Tibet Tour With Everest Base Camp from Lhasa

4-Day Tibet Tour With Everest Base Camp from Lhasa

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14
From
$590.00
9 Days Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Everest Namtso Group Tour

9 Days Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Everest Namtso Group Tour

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16
From
$1,326.00
7-Day Small Group Lhasa,Yamdrotso,Everest, Kathmandu from Chengdu

7-Day Small Group Lhasa,Yamdrotso,Everest, Kathmandu from Chengdu

From
$1,142.00
6-Day Private Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Tour

6-Day Private Lhasa Gyantse Shigatse Tour

From
$1,021.00
4-Day Small Group Lhasa Classic City Tour

4-Day Small Group Lhasa Classic City Tour

From
$631.00
5-Day Small Group Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake Tour from Chengdu

5-Day Small Group Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake Tour from Chengdu

From
$830.00
4-Day Private Lhasa Tour

4-Day Private Lhasa Tour

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$555.71
15 Days Lhasa to Kailash, Manasarova (trekking)Small Group Tour

15 Days Lhasa to Kailash, Manasarova (trekking)Small Group Tour

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From
$2,121.00
4-Day Small Group Lhasa Classic City Tour from Guangzhou

4-Day Small Group Lhasa Classic City Tour from Guangzhou

From
$631.00
5-Day Small Group Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake Tour from Shanghai

5-Day Small Group Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake Tour from Shanghai

From
$830.00
8-Day Small Group Lhasa,Everest Base Camp and Yamdrotso Lake Tour from Guangzhou

8-Day Small Group Lhasa,Everest Base Camp and Yamdrotso Lake Tour from Guangzhou

From
$1,059.00
4-Day Small Group Lhasa Classic City Tour from Guilin

4-Day Small Group Lhasa Classic City Tour from Guilin

From
$631.00
5-Day Small Group Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake Tour from Guiyang

5-Day Small Group Lhasa and Yamdrok Lake Tour from Guiyang

From
$830.00
7 Days Overland Tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu

7 Days Overland Tour from Lhasa to Kathmandu

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From
$1,703.95
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All about Tibet

When to visit

Tibet is a high-altitude plateau with extremely cold winters and warm summers with harsh sun. The main tourist season is May–November, when the weather is generally clear, calm, and warm enough (although either end of the season can still be very cold). October is the best month to visit, as the weather is clear and crisp but not too cold—especially important if you want to visit Everest Base Camp. Travel permits may not be issued to some areas in winter.

Getting around

Almost all travelers to Tibet need to join a guided tour with an approved agency, whether a group or private tour. These include private transport, so getting around isn’t a concern. On longer tours, drivers require scheduled breaks, so in Lhasa in particular you may get to visit local attractions by bus. Some tours also allow you free time to explore on foot in Lhasa, and it's a good opportunity to shop, have a meal, or do a bit of independent sightseeing.

Traveler tips

Many travelers want to know whether they should visit Mt. Everest from Nepal or Tibet. The experience is completely different from either side of the border. In Nepal, you have to spend several days trekking to Base Camp, which takes a lot of (worthwhile) time and effort. In Tibet, a smooth, paved highway leads almost the whole way, making the process much easier—although getting to Tibet itself requires more rigmarole. The views are considered better from Tibet, too.

Local Currency
Chinese Yuan (CN¥)
Time Zone
NPT (UTC +5)
Country Code
+86
Language(s)
cn
Attractions
16
Tours
144
Reviews
365
EN
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People Also Ask

Is Tibet good for tourists?

Yes, despite its remoteness and the difficulty of traveling to Tibet, it’s a great destination. It’s not possible for most tourists to travel independently in Tibet, so joining an approved tour is an easy, fun way of traveling to and around this high-altitude area, nicknamed the “roof of the world.”

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What is Tibet known for?

Tibet is known for its high altitude (average 14,370 feet/4,380 meters), distinct form of Buddhism, and Mt. Everest, which sits on its southern border with Nepal. Tibet is also the traditional home of the Dalai Lama, Tibetan Buddhism's head. The current Dalai Lama lives in exile.

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Is it worth going to Tibet?

Yes, Tibet is worth visiting, especially for adventurous travelers who eschew traditional tourist spots. Of interest are the Tibetan landscape of mountains, arid plains, and dazzling blue lakes and the Buddhist-influenced culture. Highlights include the dramatic Potala Palace in Lhasa and Mt. Everest, which sits on the border with Nepal.

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How many days do you need in Tibet?

Spend at least seven days in Tibet. The area is enormous, and it would be hard to see it all (if travel restrictions allowed). With one week in Tibet, you can check out Lhasa, visit Mt. Everest, and stop at monasteries and lakes. Ten days to two weeks is preferable.

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What is the best month to visit Tibet?

October is arguably the best month to visit Tibet, but anytime between May and November is suitable. The high-altitude plateau is generally too cold to visit in winter and further travel restrictions may apply. In October, the weather is clear and crisp (if cold), allowing views of Tibet’s incredible landscapes.

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Why is it difficult to go to Tibet?

Travel to Tibet is harder than to other parts of China because you need a special Tibet Travel Permit and must travel with an approved tour guide, usually in a group. Tibet is a geopolitically sensitive area for the Chinese government so travel is restricted.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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