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Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do in Tibet [2025]
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Potala Palace
4.8
/5
21699 reviews
8.4
Based on 2,517 reviews
Potala Palace/Sun Island | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8608916339615
Address: No. 35, Beijing Middle Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
A Tibetan Buddhist holy site atop Hongshan Mountain
Dalai Lama's winter palace center
Saved by 476 users12889 positive reviews
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The Spiritual and Cultural Value of the Potala Palace
The Potala Palace is located on Marpori Mountain in Lhasa. The mountain is called Red Mountain because of the red color of its rock and soil. The Potala Palace covers an area of 400,000 square meters, with a building area of 130,000 square meters. Standing 115 meters tall, it boasts 13 floors, over 2,000 rooms, and 34 large Buddhist halls. It consists of four main areas: the Snow City, the White Palace, the Red Palace, and Dragon King Pond Park (the Palace's back garden. Tsangyang Gyatso once described it as follows: "The willows have not been cut down, nor the thrushes startled away. The exquisite Zongjiao Lukang certainly has the right to behold the excitement.")
The Potala Palace is not a cold building; it is a living epic, a miracle woven through the interplay of material, spiritual, and cultural forces across time and space.
We should understand and appreciate the Potala Palace through a philosophical perspective that combines "looking up to the stars" with "keeping our feet on the ground," and a cognitive pursuit that sees the essence through phenomena. I will attempt to use this as a mirror to comment on the Potala Palace from my perspective, hoping to deepen your understanding of it.
1. The Ultimate "Gazing at the Stars": A Spiritual Beacon and Monument of Faith
From the perspective of "gazing at the stars," the Potala Palace is the physical embodiment of humanity's ultimate pursuit of lofty ideals and the spiritual world.
It transcends architecture itself: it is not a place for "residence," but a place for "pilgrimage." For Tibetan Buddhists, it serves as a model of the center of the universe and a symbol of the mortal realm of Avalokitesvara. This sacredness has, from the outset, transcended the mundane concept of a palace, transforming it into a monument embodying the devout faith of countless people.
It is the ultimate embodiment of "seeing a mountain is still a mountain": for believers, the Potala Palace is "the mountain," an intuitive and unquestionable abode of faith. This reverence and worship stems not from blind obedience but from a pure and unwavering spiritual return achieved through generations of cultural inheritance and inner enlightenment. Standing there, it embodies a powerful spiritual energy field, soothing the soul and guiding its direction.
2. A Down-to-Earth Miracle: The Crystallization of Wisdom and Ingenuity
From a down-to-earth perspective, the Potala Palace's greatness lies in its unparalleled practical foundation.
Unparalleled Engineering: Using the technological capabilities of over 1,300 years ago, the construction of this magnificent, sturdy, and fully functional palace complex, built against the mountainside at an altitude of over 3,700 meters, is itself a remarkable achievement in scientific endeavor. It embodies the ancient Tibetan people's profound understanding and masterful application of geography, geology, materials science, and structural mechanics, and stands as an enduring example of dedication.
Deep Cultivation of Art and Culture: Every mural, every Buddha statue, and every scripture within the palace is the product of the down-to-earth dedication of countless craftsmen. They dedicated their entire lives to cultivating their own artistic niche, crystallizing religious teachings, historical stories, and cultural essence in exquisitely aesthetic forms, forming a vast and profound cultural treasure trove. This is no mere decoration, but rather the historical memory and cultural bloodline of a nation.
3. "Seeing the Mountain as Not a Mountain": The Complexity and Multifaceted Nature of Historical Layers
As the "Three Mountains Theory" describes, our understanding of the Potala Palace must go beyond the surface.
It is more than just a religious sanctuary: it was once the political center of Tibet's theocratic integration and the winter residence of successive Dalai Lamas. This means it has witnessed the transition of power, historical disputes, and the fusion and collision of cultures. Within its walls, echoes not only the sound of chanting but also the tumult of history and the political maneuvering. Understanding this, we can understand why it is so unique and irreplaceable—it is the ultimate symbol of the union of divine and royal authority. It is a living cultural museum: Today, we revere and venerate not only its religious significance but also the shared wisdom, tenacity, and artistic achievement of humanity represented by its status as a World Cultural Heritage. We are beginning to see the mountain as more than just a mountain, recognizing its multifaceted role as a witness to history and a bearer of culture, and appreciating its universal value as a complex of architecture, art, and history.
Overall:
The Potala Palace's revered status stems from its successful integration of the divine brilliance of "looking up to the stars" with the down-to-earth wisdom of "keeping one's feet on the ground." It represents both a lofty aspiration to the afterlife and a solid grounding in the spirit of craftsmanship in this world.
It reminds us that the greatest achievements all begin with lofty ideals (looking up to the stars) and culminate in ultimate practice (keeping one's feet on the ground). Thousands of years later, people at all stages of their cognitive development can see its beauty and power in a way that suits their own understanding.
I hope that these perspectives will enrich your image of the Potala Palace.
The experience was great. We were a group of three and gathered at 8:50. We walked in straight away without waiting in line. Director Chen patiently explained along the way and had good time control. We didn't feel tired at all. The overall experience was very good.
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Namtso
4.5
/5
5176 reviews
7.9
Based on 310 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8608916113602
Address: Namtso National Park, Dangxiong County, Lhasa City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
No. 3 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Tibet
Highlights:
Snowy mountains & clear nights
Pilgrims & lakeside views
Saved by 136 users3060 positive reviews
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The entire peninsula is quite far from the customer service center. It takes more than 40 minutes to get to the scenic spot by car. The attitude of the staff when buying tickets was not very good. You have to buy the tickets online before you can pick them up. When you arrive at the ticket office, you pay the money, but why can't you buy the tickets? Especially these elderly people are not very friendly. They are not very skilled in using mobile phones and their speech is not very clear. I hope to improve the service.
The tour guides were very good this time. The tour guide helped take photos and the driver took drone photos. It was a very relaxing and comfortable trip. Thank you very much to all the staff for their careful arrangements.
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Basomtso
4.6
/5
2592 reviews
7.6
Based on 3 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8608945412011
Address: Basong Co, Gongbo'gyamda, Nyingchi, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Tibet
Highlights:
Boat tour: Zaxi Island scenery
Lake island & Jeba Village
2043 positive reviews10K views in last month
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The scenery is beautiful, but if one person wants to take a boat tour, the price is 325 yuan, which is too expensive and the target audience is too small. Many people want to take a boat tour, but the price will discourage them.
The staff of the scenic spot are enthusiastic about helping the elderly to buy tickets, which is very good. The scenic spot is beautiful, the water is clear and transparent, there are schools of fish, and there are endless mountains and trees on the shore. It is an oxygen-rich place for leisure and health.
No.
4
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Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon
4.6
/5
4531 reviews
7.5
From MYR 88.74
Based on 17 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8608945483611
Address: Mainling, Nyingchi, Tibet, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
No. 2 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Tibet
Highlights:
Princess Wencheng & Songtsen Gampo show
Watch Princess Wencheng & Songtsen Gampo show
3498 positive reviews10K views in last month
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This is one of the best scenery, but unfortunately, due to weather reasons, we did not see the view of the top of the mountain and the golden mountain in the sun, but it was already very good.
Our driver and guide, Master Cai, was truly impressive! His driving skills were steady and skillful, and even on slippery roads in the rain, the vehicle remained stable and safe. Master Cai was warm and attentive, patiently pointing out the sights along the way and sharing interesting information. He was always available to answer any questions, making it a truly enriching experience. He left ample time for photos at each attraction and was patient and unhurried. The entire itinerary was well-planned and comfortable, and the fried rice at lunch was especially delicious—it was a truly enjoyable experience!
No.
5
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Yamdrok Yumtso
4.6
/5
2232 reviews
7.4
Based on 242 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8608916795995
Address: Yamzho Yumco, Shannan, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 hours
No. 5 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Tibet
Highlights:
Sunrise over lake from observatory
Himalayan sacred lake & 155 miles
1414 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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It is convenient to buy tickets on Ctrip. You can enter with a QR code. There are four viewing platforms at Yamdrok Lake, and the first three require verification codes. Yamdrok Lake is really beautiful, with a beautiful blue color, and is worth seeing. Another suggestion is that the good locations of the four viewing points at Yamdrok Lake are occupied by local Tibetans, and tourists are charged for taking photos. Please ask the platform to report this problem to the Tibet Tourism Bureau of Culture, Tourism and Sports, and return Yamdrok Lake to a pure land.
Yamdrok Lake, meaning "Jade Lake" in Tibetan and abbreviated as Yanghu, is located between Gonggar County and Nagarze County in Shannan City, Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It is the largest enclosed inland lake in the southern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The lake's lush grasslands, covering approximately 10 million mu (approximately 1.5 acres), make it a renowned pastureland in Tibet. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks such as Ningjinkangsha Peak, the highest elevation exceeds 7,000 meters. The lake's clear, azure waters, changing colors with the light, have earned it the nickname "the most beautiful water in the world." The lake contains 21 small islands, the largest of which can accommodate several households. These islands are home to lush pastures and teem with herds of cattle and sheep. In 2015, it was designated a National AAA Tourist Scenic Area. Local soil and water conservation and ecological restoration projects have consistently maintained Class I water quality, with a vegetation recovery rate exceeding 90%.
Yamdrok Lake, a fusion of the natural landscapes of a plateau lake, snow-capped mountains, and pastureland, combined with the rich cultural heritage of Tibetan Buddhism, is a sacred site not to be missed in Tibet.
No.
6
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Jokhang Temple
4.5
/5
4516 reviews
7.3
Based on 1,233 reviews
Barkhor Street/Jokhang Temple | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8608916336858
Address: Barkhor Street, Chengguan District, Lhasa City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Pilgrimage route for Tibetan rituals
Three pilgrimage paths around sanctuary
2238 positive reviews10K views in last month
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Witness the most devout faith. Only by seeing the people kneeling in front of the Jokhang Temple can you feel the pure faith of the Tibetan people. At that time, you had to kowtow 100,000 times before your wish would come true.
The Jokhang Temple came first, and then Lhasa itself. In the Jokhang Temple square, backpackers and believers sat on the ground. For those who came here for the temple's fame, it became a unique kind of encounter. It's said that if you bask in the sun at the Jokhang Temple, all your bad luck and misfortune will transform into bluebirds and soar to the clouds.
No.
7
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Mt Qomolangma National Park
4.8
/5
12 reviews
7.1
>100 km from downtown
Address: 西藏自治区日喀则市定日县318国道与珠峰路交叉路口东南方向166米
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
Recently viewed by 1,000+ people
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Winter travel in Tibet, Mount Everest National Park is free of charge.
After registering at the gate, you can drive to the starting point of the shuttle bus. It takes about 1 hour to reach the Everest Base Camp by shuttle bus, and the ticket is 120 yuan/person.
Come here and experience the grandeur and wonder of Mount Everest. The sunlight and snow complement each other, creating a mystical spectacle. As the sun shifts, the golden mountain becomes even more magical and enchanting, a truly enchanting sight. The altitude and high sickness here make it even more challenging and exploratory. However, be mindful of the cold weather; dress appropriately, but not excessively. It's also helpful to check the temperature beforehand. Sunglasses are also recommended, as they can be quite windy at times.
No.
8
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Princess Wencheng Real Scene Theater
4.1
/5
66 reviews
7.0
Princess Wencheng Live Theater | >100 km from downtown
Address: 纳金街道102乡道拉萨河畔慈觉林（原次角林）中国西藏文化旅游创意园
Highlights:
Enjoy a performance in the Tibetan Valley Theater under the stars
A stunning epic of Han-Tibetan civilization on stage
76% positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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Princess Wencheng, a shining figure of the Tang Dynasty, married into the Tibetan Plateau and brought great benefits to the plateau. Carrying the mission of her country with her gracious shoulders, she journeyed to the snowy lands, bringing rituals, medicine, agriculture, and Buddhist civilization. Undeterred by imperial grace and fearless of hardship, she earned the admiration of the Tibetan people with her compassion and wisdom, earning Songtsen Gampo the Potala Palace in her honor. She was not only a peace envoy, but also a bridge of communication between Han and Tibetan peoples. Her soul remains on the plateau, passed down through the ages and remembered by the people.
The performance of Princess Wencheng is set against the backdrop of Cangshan Mountain and the starry sky. The fusion of Han, Tibetan, and Tibetan opera creates a truly unique experience.
It's easy to get a taxi during the show, but after the show, since it's so close, taxi drivers will offer a ride.
No.
9
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Laigu Glacier
4.1
/5
416 reviews
6.8
From MYR 111.81
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8608954560068
Address: Laigu Village, Basu County, Qamdo Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Clear & bright winter glaciers
One of three oceanic glaciers
291 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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The blue ice caves of Laigu and Yalong Glaciers. Due to global warming, the glaciers are melting rapidly, so be sure to visit in the next few years; any later and you might miss them! While the entrance fee is not cheap, catching sight of that glimpse of blue will be a memorable experience for a lifetime!
Laigu glacier, as one of the natural wonders, its unique geographical shape and magnificent scenery attract the eyes of countless tourists. The spectacular view of the glacier is breathtaking, as if it is a hand-carved artwork by nature, which makes people feel the power and charm of nature while watching. Personally feel that it is worth taking pictures and punching in, and the price is very high.
No.
10
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Kangrinpoche
4.8
/5
337 reviews
6.6
From MYR 87.55
Based on 205 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +864006666712
Address: Puland County, Ali District
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
202 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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Pilgrimage to Mount Kailash helped me find the answer. Only by letting go of your worries can you see what you need. Slow down and go slower, so that you can have more experiences and feelings in life, instead of having only one goal.
Mount Kailash, a sacred mountain, possesses boundless charm. It's no wonder it's considered the pearl of the Ngari region. The views from base camp are stunning, with people checking in and taking photos 24/7. You can even drink the sacred mountain water—it's truly fascinating.
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