15 Places to Visit in Tibet 2024, Tourist Places & Attractions
Tour
Tours

Tourist Places in Tibet

Potala Palace, Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, Sakya Monastery, Tashilunpo Monastery, Samye Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple, Yangbajing Hot Springs, Norbulingka and many more.

Whether you love historical monuments or picture-perfect natural landscapes, you can choose from a number of wonderful places in Tibet that will satisfy your adventurous soul. Tibet is one of the most beautiful places in the world, strewn with snow-capped mountains and azure lakes, bustling cities and world-famous monasteries that exude the Tibetan culture.
 
Famous tourist places in Tibet include the Jokhang Temple in the centre of Lhasa city, along with the Potala Palace, both of which are also spiritual schools and temples for practising Buddhist monks. They are important tourist destinations as well, where visitors can learn about the history of the Dalai Lamas and the general culture of Tibet.
 
However, apart from the monasteries some of the most popular places to visit in Tibet are the natural wonders that this country is home to, including places like Mount Everest and Mount Kailash. While the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayan Ranges draw a large number of trekkers and adventurers, other beautiful places that the country is known for include the stunning freshwater lakes that have formed from these mountains. When you are in Tibet, you must visit its most famous lakes, including the Namtso Lake, Yamdrok Lake and the holy Manasarovar Lake.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Tibet:

Image description
Bigger Group? Get special offers upto 50% off!
We create unforgettable adventures, customised for your group.
Connect with a group tour expert
Full Name
Email
Phone number
Travel Date
Traveller Count
Message
Best Selling Tibet Tours Explore All (28)
Explore All (28)
01

The Potala Palace

Send Enquiry
The Potala Palace Is one most sought after place to visit in Tibet. It is a dzong fortress located in the city of Lhasa which was once upon a time the winter palace for the Dalai Lamas from the year 1649 to 1959. After that, it was converted into a museum and at the present time it happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This palace has also earned the name of heaven of arts because of some of its treasures that have been collected with time. Visiting this place, you will literally fall in love with the authentic architecture that stands in harmony with the striking backdrop. You will also get to learn more about the age old history and heritage of Tibet. 

Location: 35 Central Beijing Road, Lhasa, Tibet, China, 850000

Best Time: April to October and  May to Septembe
Send Enquiry
02

Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon

Send Enquiry
Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon happens to be one of the most popular places to visit in Tibet and the deepest canyons in the whole world and it is slightly longer than the Grand Canyon in the United States. It originates near the Kailash Mountain and enters Indian borders in Arunachal Pradesh and flows as the great Brahmaputra river.

The canyon is very much famous for its exceptional ecosystem of a wide range of plants and animals that isn’t affected by human interference. The climate condition of this place ranges from subtropical to Arctic and this gives a chance to the unique ecosystem to flourish. 

Location: Angsi Glacier in Shigatse, Tibet Autonomous Region, China

Best Time:  April to May and September to October

Highlights
:
• The Grand Canyon is rich in forest resources.
• There are rare and unique plants, and wildlife animals, such as king cobras, leopards, red pandas, musk deer, monkeys, tigers, and virgin forests.
• You can also appreciate some humanistic landscapes: Qujiao Wu Temple, Buddha Palm Sand Dune, Ping Greeting Guests and South Jiabawa Peak.
Send Enquiry
03

Sakya Monastery

Send Enquiry
Sakya Monastery which is also popularly known as Pel Sakya happens to be a wonderful Buddhist monastery situated on the road to Tingri in the Tibet Region. The complex of the monastery is divided into two parts by the Trum Chu River. One part of the complex remains on the hill side and the other on the valley side.

The best part of the monastery is its architecture on the exterior which is just amazing. You will come across high black colored walls on all sides with specially built watchtowers. The structure is painted in the holy colors (White, Black, & Red) of Buddhism which symbolizes Wisdom Buddha (Manjushri), Compassion Buddha (Avalokiteshvara) and Vajrapani.

Location:
Sa'gya County, Shigatse, China

Best Time:
July

Highlights
: • Large Collection of Sutras • Tibetan Traditional Art (Thankas & Murals) • Religious Ceremonies
Send Enquiry
04

Tashilunpo Monastery

Send Enquiry
Image Credit : Sarah Boyd
Tashilhunpo Monastery is one of the Six Big Monasteries of Gelugpa (or Yellow Hat Sect) in Tibet. Likewise called the Heap of Glory, it is situated at the foot of Drolmari (Tara's Mountain), Shigatse. Established by the First Dailai Lama in 1447, the religious community's structure was extended by the Fourth and progressive Panchen Lamas.

Covering a range of about 300,000 square meters (3,229,279 sq. ft.), the primary structures found here are The Maitreya Chapel, The Panchen Lama's Palace and The Kelsang Temple. Remaining on the passage of Tashilhunpo, guests can see the great structures with brilliant rooftops and white dividers.

Location
: Foot of Drolmari (Tara's Mountain), Shigatse.

Prices
: CNY 80 (May 1-Oct.31); CNY 40 (Nov. 1-Apr. 30)

Best time to visit
: 09:00 to 17:00

Highlights
: • Jamba Chyenmu (The Maitreya Temple) • Sunning of the Buddha Festival • Largest Maitreya statue in China • Thangka Sunning Festival in summer
Send Enquiry
05

Samye Monastery

Send Enquiry
Samye Monastery is one of the famous monasteries that was constructed in Tibet during the reign of King Trisong Deutsen around 762. At the present time, the monastery has about 1200 years of history and it is considered as one of the most influential monasteries. It is very much famous all over the world for debating about Buddhism.

The monastery is spread over an area of 25000 square meters and was crafted as per the description of the universe in the Buddhist scriptures. Visiting this place, you will find a perfect blend of Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese architecture. 

Location: Sangyezhen, Zhanang County, Shannan, Tibet, China

Best Time: April to October and  May to September

Highlights
: • Wuzi Hall • Pagoda of Sangye Temple
Send Enquiry
06

Sera Monastery

Send Enquiry
Sera Monastery is one of the great three Gelug University Monasteries in Tibet and one of the well known tourist places in Tibet. The name of the monastery was derived from the hill at the backdrop covering wild roses and it is responsible for almost 19 hermitages and four nunneries.

The monastery was founded by Jamchen Choje of Sakya Yeshe of Zel Gungtung in the year 1419.  At the present time, there are about 3000 monks living in Sera and the community is carrying out missionary activities and propagating the knowledge of Buddhism. 

Location: China, Tibet, Lhasa

Best Time: April to October and  May to September

Highlights
: • Coqen Hall • Zhacang • Kamcun • Sera Bengqin Festival • Debating of Buddhist Doctrines
Send Enquiry
07

Jokhang Temple

Send Enquiry
Also known as Qoikangf Monastery, Jokhang Monastery is a Buddhist place of worship located in Barkhor Square in the capital city of Lhasa. This is believed to be one of the most sacred and important tourist places in Tibet.

The temple has played an important role in the development of Buddhism in Tibet. This place has been listed among the UNESCO World Heritage sites that is visited by zillions of pilgrims and travellers every single year. 

Location: Lhasa, Tibet, China, 850000

Best Time: April to May and September to October

Highlights
: • Life-Sized Sitting Buddha Statue • Tibetan New Year Celebration • Barkhor Street • Lhasa Mosque • Ramoche Temple • The Potala Palace.
Send Enquiry
08

Norbulingka

Send Enquiry
Norbulingka is a beautiful, palatial house and is one of the best tourist places in tibet that used to serve as the summer retreat for Dalai Lamas. Today, it is famous for its brilliant and intricate architecture and magnificent gardens.

Location: 
Luobulinka Road, Lhasa, Tibet, China, 850000

Timings: Monday to Sunday (9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)

Price: 80 Yuan

Send Enquiry
09

Lhasa

Lhasa has been a quintessential centre of the Buddhists of Tibet for over a millennium. Lhasa which is literally the Place of the Gods is usually known as the city of wonders. The very first look at the white and red Potala Palace towering above the Holy City is still very capable of raising goose bumps. The alluring white washed old Tibetan quarter still happens to beautifully preserve the essence of the traditional life of Tibet.

Further, in the Jokhang, you can witness a different old world blend of the flickering butter lamps with the wafting incense as well as the reclining pilgrims which surround the Barkhor pilgrim circuit happens to be something that makes most of the tourists fall in love with the beautiful Tibet.  

As of today, the burgeoning boulevards of the modern Chinese city intimidates to defeat the backstreet temples and the winding alleyways of the Tibetan old town however, it is the former that you should be focusing more of your time on. If possible, you can budget a week to acclimate, explore the sights and linger around the breathtaking backstreets before you finally make your way to the majestic overland adventure.  Lhas is definitely a must visit tourist attraction.  


Read more

10

Namtso Lake

Send Enquiry
Namtso lake happens to be a mountain lake that is located on the borders between Damxung County of Lhasa and the Baingiin County of Nagqu in Tibet. It is considered as one of the holy lakes in Tibet along with Lake Manasoravar and Yamdrok Lake. It is also considered as one of the most beautiful natural paradises in the world. Heading over to this place during the summer season, you will be able to enjoy photography.

This is also considered to be one of the fascinating tourist places in Tibet as well as the land for spiritual refreshment as well as adventure sports like hiking. 

Location: Damxung County of Lhasa prefecture-level city and Baingoin County of Nagqu

Best Time: June to September
Send Enquiry
11

Lake Yamdrok

Send Enquiry
Lake Yamdrok happens to be a freshwater lake in the Tibet Region that is considered to be sacred for the Buddhist religion. The lake is over 72 km long and it is surrounded by snow capped mountain patches as well as small streams who feed their waters to the lake.

You will literally get tranquilised by the alluring natural beauty and awe inspiring views. 

Location: Nangartse County, Shannan Prefecture, Tibet, China

Best Time: May to July and September to mid-November
Send Enquiry
12

Mount Kailash

Send Enquiry
Mount Kailash is considered to be one of the top places to visit in Tibet that is visited by zillions of pilgrims all through the year. It is considered to be a sacred mountain range as per many religions like Bons, Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists.

The mountain is covered with thick carpet of snow all through the year and this makes it a dream come true place for nature lovers. Mount Kailash is also considered to be one of the exciting treks in the whole world because of its challenges paths

Location:
Ngari Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, China
Send Enquiry
13

Barkhor Street

Send Enquiry
Barkhor Street is one of the most sought after streets and public squares in Tibet. It is a must visit place if you wish to learn more about the Tibetan culture, arts, economy, and religion. It is one of the important commercial centres as well as the transportation hub of Tibet.

Heading over to one of the popular tourist places in Tibet, you will come across some of the well preserved traditional charm and lifestyle. This is also the single street around the Jokhang Temple and the locals call it the Holy Road. 

Location: Lhasa, Tibet, China

Best Time: All through the year
Send Enquiry
Yangbajain is a town 87 kilometers northwest of Lhasa City. It is a rich green valley encompassed by the Nomads with yaks and sheep along the slope. The town is well known for its Yangbajain Hot Springs which are geothermic and have been created and used to deliver a large portion of the power for Lhasa and ranges adjacent. The field of Yangbajing Hot Springs field has a height of around 4500 meters which makes it the most noteworthy elevation of its kind in China.

The water temperature is around 30 to 84 degrees centigrade. The Yangbajing Geothermol Power Station is situated on the edge of the Yangbajing Hot Springs field. As the principal geothermal force station it has a territory of around 30 square kilometers.

Location
: Lhasa

Highlights
: • 87 Km’s long • Surrounded by green valley • Water temperature varies from 30 to 84 degrees centigrade
Read more
15

Lulang Forest

Send Enquiry
Tibet is a genuine common gallery of plants, facilitating the qualities of various plant species, which frame a showcase of the whole Asian vegetation. LuLang signifies "Loong King Valley" in Tibetan dialect, or "a spot that will make you overlook your home". It is situated by the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, around 80 km from Nyingchi County. In summer, the blooms will bloom. In Spring, it is of full-chestnut azaleas everywhere throughout the backwoods, which draws in swarms of flying creatures.

In Summer, you can see brilliant wheat waves with freshing breezes in Lulang Forest. In Autumn, the leaves all turn yellow and afterward red aside from the evergreen pines. In Winter, snow falls on the woods and in addition the on the icy masses.

Location
: Go straight along the Sichuan-Tibet highway, some 80 km from Bayi Town to the east, Nyingchi County, Tibet

Highlights
: • Lulang Flower Sea • Lulang Five Villages • Natural Pastureland
Send Enquiry

People Also Ask About Tibet

  1. Which are the best places to visit in Tibet?

    1. The Potala Palace: The Potala Palace is amongst the most recommended tourist places in Tibet. The massive complex that used to be the meeting place for the Dalai Lama is now a museum and a monastery on the top of Red Mountain, offering an incredible view of the Himalayan mountain ranges.

    2. Namtso: The name of this lake directly translates into “Heaven Lake” and the natural beauty of the lake does complete justice to its name. You can ride yaks, enjoy a peaceful walk or have a picnic on the banks of Namtso, which is also regarded as a holy lake by Tibetans.

    3. Yamdrok Lake: Another stunning lake in Tibet is the Yamdrok Lake, fringed with mountains and stretching for over 500 km through valleys and lush green plains.

    4. Mount Everest Base Camp: One of the most exciting places in Tibet is the Mount Everest base camp, where you can go camping, trekking, hiking and look up at the tallest mountain peak in the world.

    5. Norbulingka: Norbulingka is a beautiful, palatial house that used to serve as the summer retreat for Dalai Lamas. Today, it is famous for its brilliant and intricate architecture and magnificent gardens.

  2. Which are the best monasteries to visit in Tibet?

    1. Potala Palace: One of the most important monasteries in the country is also one of the most beautiful places to see in Tibet, located on the top of Red Mountain and training hundreds of monks on a daily basis.

    2. Jokhang Temple: The Jokhang Temple in the heart of Lhasa city is the most important spiritual centre of Tibetan Buddhism. You can admire the devotion of the monks and the brilliant architecture that defines the temple.

    3. Ganden Monastery: The Ganden Monastery is one of the three main temples in Tibet and is honoured as the “holy monastery” or the most important temple of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

    4. Drepung Monastery: Drepung Monastery used to be the largest monastery for Tibetan Buddhism in the world. It is home to over 10,000 Buddhist monks and its location offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayan valleys.

  3. Which are the famous lakes to visit in Tibet?

    1. Namtso Lake: One of the most beautiful places to see in Tibet is the Namtso Lake and its surroundings. Photographers and nature-lovers flock to this lake to view the incredible sunset, as well as to take in the serene natural beauty.

    2. Yamdrok Lake: The Yamdrok Lake is famous for its colour-changing waters, which adopts a different, striking shade of blue at different times of the day. A view of the Yamdrok Lake from the Kambala Pass is bound to be a life-changing experience.

    3. Lake Manasarovar: Lake Manasarovar is the most sacred of the Three Sacred Lakes in Tibet, fringed with snow-capped mountains and sandy shores that only highlight the striking blue waters of this freshwater lake.

    4. Basum Tso Lake: This distinctive lake is one of the most beautiful places in the country, surrounded by trees and the centre of many urban legends and spiritual properties. The lake is also the holiest lake for those practising Nyingma Buddhism.

  4. Is Tibet safe?

    Yes, Tibet is one of the safest countries in the world, where a major part of the population practise one or the other form of Buddhism, which is by nature a very peace-loving religion. However, it is recommended that general precautions be taken if you are venturing out at night, or you are travelling alone.
  5. What is the best time to visit Tibet?

    Summertime, which occurs between the months of June and August, is the best time to visit Tibet because of the pleasant temperatures and lack of snowstorms. The high altitude of the country leads to severe snowfall and frigid temperatures throughout the rest of the year, which makes it difficult to travel.
  6. How many days are enough to travel in Tibet?

    Generally speaking, 4-7 days are enough to explore the natural beauty of Tibet. For a general but in-depth tour, 4 days is enough. But if you want to go trekking or explore some of the more remote monasteries then you will need a minimum of 7 days.

Popular Related Destinations

Places to Visit in India

Places to Visit in Delhi Places to Visit in Goa Places to Visit in Pune Places to Visit in Bangalore Places to Visit in Mumbai Places to Visit in Hyderabad Places to Visit in Jaipur Places to Visit in Chennai Places to Visit in Kolkata Places to Visit in Ladakh Places to Visit in Spiti Places to Visit in Andaman Places to Visit in Arunachal Pradesh Places to Visit in North East Places to Visit in Sikkim Places to Visit in Darjeeling Places to Visit in Meghalaya Places to Visit in Gangtok Places to Visit in Rajasthan Places to Visit in Uttarakhand Places to Visit in Kerala Places to Visit in Karnataka Places to Visit in Maharashtra Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh Places to Visit in Madhya Pradesh Places to Visit in Kashmir Places to Visit in Manali Places to Visit in Dharamshala Places to Visit in Shimla Places to Visit in Mcleodganj Places to Visit in Nainital Places to Visit in Mussoorie Places to Visit in Dehradun Places to Visit in Rishikesh Places To Visit In Jammu Places to Visit in Srinagar Places to Visit in Chikmagalur Places to Visit in Munnar Places to Visit in Kodaikanal Places to Visit in Ooty Places to Visit in Pondicherry Places to Visit in Wayanad Places to Visit in Coorg Places to Visit in Mysore Places to Visit in Lonavala Places to Visit in Alibaug Places To Visit In Mahabaleshwar Places to Visit in Udaipur Places to Visit in Jodhpur Places to Visit in Jaisalmer Places to Visit in Mount Abu Places to Visit in Agra Places To Visit In South Goa Places To Visit In North Goa
Currency Picker
Commonly Used Currencies
INR -
Indian Rupee
USD - $
United States Dollar
EUR -
Euro
SGD - $
Singapore Dollar
AUD - $
Australian Dollar
GBP - £
British Pound
AED - د.إ
United Arab Emirates Dirham
All Other Currencies
ALL - L
Albanian Lek
AMD - դր.
Armenian Dram
ARS - $
Argentine Peso
AWG - ƒ
Aruban Florin
BBD - $
Barbadian Dollar
BDT -
Bangladeshi Taka
BMD - $
Bermudian Dollar
BND - $
Brunei Dollar
BOB - Bs.
Bolivian Boliviano
BSD - $
Bahamian Dollar
BWP - P
Botswana Pula
BZD - $
Belize Dollar
CAD - $
Canadian Dollar
CHF - CHF
Swiss Franc
CNY - ¥
Chinese Renminbi Yuan
COP - $
Colombian Peso
CRC -
Costa Rican Colón
CZK -
Czech Koruna
DKK - kr.
Danish Krone
DOP - $
Dominican Peso
DZD - د.ج
Algerian Dinar
EGP - ج.م
Egyptian Pound
ETB - Br
Ethiopian Birr
FJD - $
Fijian Dollar
GHS -
Ghanaian Cedi
GIP - £
Gibraltar Pound
GMD - D
Gambian Dalasi
GTQ - Q
Guatemalan Quetzal
GYD - $
Guyanese Dollar
HKD - $
Hong Kong Dollar
HNL - L
Honduran Lempira
HRK - kn
Croatian Kuna
HTG - G
Haitian Gourde
HUF - Ft
Hungarian Forint
IDR - Rp
Indonesian Rupiah
ILS -
Israeli New Sheqel
JMD - $
Jamaican Dollar
KES - KSh
Kenyan Shilling
KGS - som
Kyrgyzstani Som
KHR -
Cambodian Riel
KYD - $
Cayman Islands Dollar
KZT -
Kazakhstani Tenge
LAK -
Lao Kip
LBP - ل.ل
Lebanese Pound
LKR -
Sri Lankan Rupee
LRD - $
Liberian Dollar
LSL - L
Lesotho Loti
MAD - د.م.
Moroccan Dirham
MDL - L
Moldovan Leu
MKD - ден
Macedonian Denar
MMK - K
Myanmar Kyat
MNT -
Mongolian Tögrög
MOP - P
Macanese Pataca
MUR -
Mauritian Rupee
MVR - MVR
Maldivian Rufiyaa
MWK - MK
Malawian Kwacha
MXN - $
Mexican Peso
MYR - RM
Malaysian Ringgit
NAD - $
Namibian Dollar
NIO - C$
Nicaraguan Córdoba
NOK - kr
Norwegian Krone
NPR - Rs.
Nepalese Rupee
NZD - $
New Zealand Dollar
PEN - S/
Peruvian Sol
PGK - K
Papua New Guinean Kina
PHP -
Philippine Peso
PKR -
Pakistani Rupee
QAR - ر.ق
Qatari Riyal
RUB -
Russian Ruble
SAR - ر.س
Saudi Riyal
SCR -
Seychellois Rupee
SEK - kr
Swedish Krona
SLL - Le
Sierra Leonean Leone
SOS - Sh
Somali Shilling
SVC -
Salvadoran Colón
SZL - E
Swazi Lilangeni
THB - ฿
Thai Baht
TTD - $
Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
TZS - Sh
Tanzanian Shilling
UYU - $U
Uruguayan Peso
UZS - so'm
Uzbekistan Som
YER -
Yemeni Rial
ZAR - R
South African Rand
JPY - ¥
Japanese Yen
VND -
Vietnamese dong