My lifelong dream comes true after 4 years working and it is not a problem at all (no altitude sickness) in winter to take flight from Chengdu to Nyingchi.
Note: all the flights are in the morning because of big wind in the afternoon in Nyingchi
Huge cypress trees cover an area of 10 hectares on a mountain slope 3,040m above sea level. The largest cypress is famed as ‘the Best of Chinese Cypress’ with the height of 52m and trunk diameter of 5.8m. It is over 2,600 years old now and is named as King of the World’s Cypress. There are winding paths in the wood, pavilions and ecological protection facilities. Good for a walk in the wood and/or meditate below the King Cypress.
The King Cypress
I enjoyed Kadinggou because we had a local tour guide who patiently explaining to us where the interesting attractions are. It is hard or impossible to see them without her help. The air is fresh and cool in the end of Nov, I also love the snow caped road which is rarely seen in Chengdu
Amazing Waterfall
Basum-tso Lake, which means “green water” in Tibet, is known as a heaven on the Ridge of the world. It is a place interlaced with beauty, religion and attractive legends.
Basum-tso Lake
Potala Palace, fascinating place – a must see. A few steps to climb to get into the main rooms/temple area, but take it slow or you will be lack of oxygen.
Afterwards definitely worth walking the a large square in front of the palace for picturesque views, and also go to the lake in the park to get pictures of a Palace reflecting in the lake.
Note: You must be prepared to do a lot of stair climbing and also respect the requests of the Palace with no photos to be taken inside but just embrace the time spent inside.
Potala Palace
Jokhang Temple,the temple is the most revered and sacred Buddhist site. It is visited daily by large crowds of pilgrims from all over Tibet and Nepal. Seeing these crowds gives hope that the Tibetan people will manage to preserve their traditions in spite of efforts to convince them to deny their believes and support for the 14th Dalai Lama.
Jokhang Temple
Barkhor Street surrounds the Jokhang Temple .Walk it with the many pilgrims to have the opportunity to observe a lot of interesting people.
Barkhor Street
Norbulingka is the Dalai Lamas’ summer residence. The park is consisting of palace, nice pond areas and a small zoo. It means “treasure garden” in Tibetan language, is located in the west side of Lhasa, a short distance from the southwest of Potala Palace. It is marked as the world’s highest, largest and best-preserved ancient artificial historical and cultural garden.
Norbulingka
Driving about 2 hours from Lhasa to Yamdrok lake. The challenge is high attitude mountain Gandbala 4700metres. Driving twisted and turning up the clouds and the mountains are great! The top is the best way to take a panoramic photo of the mysterious Yamdrok lake. The blue water in the lake tells your future and past. Great view worth to go and visit there. Clear and pure water, blue sky, white cloud are all . Everything is behind, like paradise.
Yamdrok Lake
Tibet has stunning scenery. Karola Glacier was one of the things I was looking forward to but not as stunning as expected but still worth seeing and stopping for photographs.
Karola Glacier
Palcho Monastery The paintings on the walls tells many stories on Buddhism history, revolution, practice, mediation, important figures, etc. The several level pagoda next to it consist thousands of Buddha statues inside. I should say is masterpiece that took over a decade to complete.
Palcho Monastery
Pala Manor There is a well maintained 2-story house built around a courtyard, beautifully painted with different colors and some of the furniture also remains. There is also a small museum on site. The grounds are attractive but could do with a bit more care. The cells of the “serfs” are rather run down and depressing.
Pala Manor
The Yeti Hotel. The food is good, Western, Chinese, and Tibetan style dish The staff were very helpful and accommodating, The rooms were cramped but comfortable.
Yeti Hotel
Tashilhunpo Monastery is situated in Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. In 1447, the first Dalai Lama built it and it has been one of the six great Gelugpa monasteries. If you go to Shigatse, you cannot miss the marvelous monastery where you will see a lot of precious religious statues and stupas.
Tashilhunpo Monastery
Looking for a place to stay in Shigatse? Then look no further than VanRay International Resort, a hotel that brings the best of Shigatse to your doorstep. VanRayInternational Resort is a hotel offering air conditioning, a refrigerator, and a minibar in the rooms, and it is easy to stay connected during your stay as free wifi is offered to guests. The hotel features 24 hour front desk, room service, and a concierge. Plus, guests can enjoy free breakfast, which has made this a popular choice among travellers visiting Shigatse. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available.
VanRay International Resort
You can take train from Shigatese to Lhasa or use private car ( about 5 hour ) along the legendary Yaluzangbu River, the mother river of Tibet. On the halfway, you canl take a visit to Nyemo Tunba which was the home of Tunmi Sangbuzha who invented the Tibetan character as well as the famous Tibetan Tibetan Incense. Here in Tunba, you also have a chance to witness the process of making Tibetan Incense with water mill. At the same time, the scenery here is fabulous – ancient cypress trees, green willows, murmuring river… and the second stop can be The Nietang temple is located at 25km of the Lhasa city but only the old road is accessible which takes a little bit long time due to the distance.
Yaluzangbu River
After one week holiday, we take flight from Lhasa back to Chengdu and it is totally different and unforgettable experience of my all annual vacation , it makes me think more about the meaning of life and try to find the peace of inner heart when faced with hardships but everybody has difficulty, so we should cherish what we have and look for the happiness rather than complain a lot, live in the way of Tibetan people.
If you are interested in more tours about Tibet, you can head to our Chengdu Tibet Tours with different experiences. Feel free to select yours to explore the beauty of Tibet!
>> 4 Days Holy City Lhasa Private Tour – Heart of Tibet
>> 8 Days Lhasa Mount Everest Private Tour ( Lhasa / Shigatse / Everest)
>> 10 Days Chengdu Lhasa Everest Overland Tour
Want to know more about the experienced travel expert Jack’s trip? You could just contact him directly or continue to read more about her travelogues.
