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This past summer, I was invited to give lectures at a conference in Hong Kong. It is a long trip from New York to Hong Kong, so I also wanted to do something for personal enrichment while I was in China.
After wrapping up several days of inspiring discussions and cultural exchange in bustling Hong Kong, I began to plan my onward journey. The contrast between Hong Kong’s skyscrapers and Tibet’s high plateaus fascinated me. I imagined leaving behind the sea-level humidity of the Pearl of the Orient and flying to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, on the “Roof of the World,” where snow-capped peaks and ancient monasteries await.
The welcoming Tibetan monk and attentive Tibetan guide I met in Tibet.
Following My Heart to the Roof of the World
I have always wanted to visit Tibet to explore Mount Everest from the Tibet side of the Mountain and to do the legendary Mt Kailash pilgrimage, to visit Buddhist monasteries in Lhasa and throughout Tibet, and to experience Tibetan culture.
Embark on our classic 15-day Lhasa to Mt. Kailash Mansarovar tour to explore the magic of Tibet's holiest peak.
The reason behind this was that for years, Tibet had called to me, a land of vast skies, sacred mountains, and timeless spirituality. My previous trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal had already been life-changing, but I wanted to see the mountain from the Tibetan side, where its north face rises majestically from the Rongbuk Glacier.
I also longed to complete the Mt. Kailash kora, or sacred pilgrimage trek, around Mount Kailash, a mountain revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Bon practitioners alike. To me, it represented both a physical challenge and a spiritual journey.
The snow-capped summit of sacred Mt. Kailash in remote western Tibet.
From Inquiry to Arrival in Tibet: Gemma from Tibet Vista Helped Me Every Step of the Way
I contacted Tibet Vista and got an immediate response from Gemma, a seasoned travel agent who works in the Chengdu office. I cannot express enough appreciation for Gemma’s help, from that first email exchange until I arrived in Tibet. As I told her, there is no way I could have prepared for the 15-day Lhasa to Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar tour, including visiting Mt. Everest, without her help and guidance.
Embark on our classic 15-day Lhasa to Mt. Kailash Mansarovar tour to explore the magic of Tibet's holiest peak.
Gemma was incredibly responsive. Every question I had about the Tibet travel permit, altitude, packing, and logistics was answered promptly and clearly. She arranged my Tibet Travel Permit, helped coordinate flights from Chengdu to Lhasa, and even gave me tips about acclimatizing in Lhasa before heading westward toward higher altitudes. I felt supported every step of the way, as though I already had a friend waiting for me in Tibet.
Took photos with fellow travelers and a Tibetan granny in Shigatse.
Stepping into the Spiritual Heart of Tibet: the Holy Lhasa City
Touching down at Lhasa Gonggar Airport, I was greeted by our friendly local Tibetan guide and the driver, and the crisp air, and the sight of distant mountain ranges under a deep blue sky. They helped me with the luggage and gave me a smooth transfer to my hotel in downtown Lhasa City. Along the way, the Yarlung Tsangpo River was breathtaking—the sunlight sparkled on the water, and prayer flags fluttered in the wind.
For the first couple of days in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, I began my acclimatization by visiting Tibet’s most sacred and historic sites. The Potala Palace rose above the city like a big fortress, with its white and red walls glowing in the afternoon sun. Inside, ancient murals, golden stupas, Buddhist relics and treasures, and rows of butter lamps gave a glimpse into centuries of devotion.
At Jokhang Temple, I joined pilgrims prostrating in front of the sacred image of Jowo Shakyamuni. Walking the Barkhor Circuit, spinning prayer wheels alongside Tibetan devotees, I could feel the rhythm of faith that has pulsed through Lhasa for over a thousand years during the lovely Lhasa tour.
I enjoyed the hearty meals at the Tibetan Family Kitchen in Lhasa.
Following the Scenic Friendship Highway to Shigatse, the Gateway to Mt. Everest
Leaving Lhasa, our Tibet small group tour followed the scenic Friendship Highway southwest to Shigatse. We crossed the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet’s three holiest lakes, surrounded by snow-dusted peaks, and also explored the massive Karola Glacier, right next to the highway.
By the time we reached Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city and home to Tashilhunpo Monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama, we had already witnessed a tapestry of Tibetan landscapes, from fertile valleys to windswept highlands. Each monastery visit deepened my understanding of Tibetan Buddhism and the serene devotion of local Tibetans.
The Tibetan monks wearing an iconic red robe in Tibetan monasteries.
Snapped photos with our group by the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake.
Blown away by the Surreal Sunset and Sunrise at the Tibet Everest Base Camp
The tour was amazing, with Tserina our guide, leading the way. She made the wise decision to change our itinerary a bit, visiting EBC sooner than we planned. There was clear weather for a few days, and she wanted to take advantage of this so that we would have a perfect view of Everes at sunset and sunrise. It was mesmerizing to see Everest at sunset, up close and personal. We couldn’t take our eyes off it, because the light was changing minute by minute. Incredible!
The following morning, we woke early to watch the first light of dawn touch the summit of Mt. Everest. The sky was cloudless, and Mount Everest stood in full glory before us. As the sun went above the horizon, its golden rays bathed the mountain’s icy slopes in soft pink and crimson hues. We stood silently, overwhelmed by the majesty of nature. It was one of those moments that leaves an imprint on the soul forever. Then, we also visited the Rongbuk Monastery (5,154m), the world’s highest monastery.
All because of Tserina’s leadership to change the itinerary, so that we could go to EBC with no clouds in the sky. Thank you, Tserina!
Took photos with the stunning Mt. Everest at sunrise at the Tibet EBC.
The close-up view of the unobstructed north face of Mt. Everest seen in Tibet.
Embark on our classic 15-day Lhasa to Mt. Kailash Mansarovar tour to explore the magic of Tibet's holiest peak.
Enjoyed the Sacred Pilgrimage to Holy Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar
From Everest, our journey continued deeper into western Tibet, through vast plains dotted with yaks and herds of wild kiang. Days on the road were long, but every turn revealed a new wonder. When we finally reached the Darchen, the small town nestled at the foot of the sacred Mt. Kailash.
The three-day kora around Mt. Kailash was the most profound part of the journey. Crossing the 5,630-meter Dolma La Pass tested my endurance, but the sight of fluttering prayer flags at the summit filled me with indescribable peace. The belief that a single circuit around this mountain can cleanse a lifetime of sins gave every step a sense of purpose and blessing.
After the Mt. Kailash kora, we also visited the holy Lake Manasarovar, whose deep blue waters reflected the snowy peaks like a mirror. Local pilgrims circled the lake, murmuring prayers, and I joined them, feeling the sacred stillness of this ancient landscape.
Enjoy the pilgrimage trek around the holy Mt. Kailash.
Embark on our classic 15-day Lhasa to Mt. Kailash Mansarovar tour to explore the magic of Tibet's holiest peak.
Farewell to Tibet, Filled with Lasting Memories and Heartfelt Gratitude
And thank you, Tserina, Gemma, and Tibet Vista! I hope our paths will cross again in the future, as I would look forward to returning to Tibet. With gratitude, Kirk from New York.
As I flew back toward Chengdu and then onward to New York, I carried with me memories that will last a lifetime, the faces of smiling pilgrims, the scent of juniper incense, the fluttering of prayer flags against the wind, and the overwhelming beauty of the Himalayas. Tibet is not just a destination. It is an experience that awakens the soul!
The adorable Tibetan girl I met in Lhasa.
"Everest and Mt. Kailash Tour from HK: My Lifetime Adventure on the Roof of the World"