From Lhasa to EBC and Heavenly Namtso Lake: My Amazing 10-day Adventure in Tibet

Always inspired by the Tibetan culture, I decided to visit Tibet. As independent travel is not permitted in Tibet as a foreigner, I would need to apply for a Tibet Travel Permit and join a Tibet group tour with a local travel agency.

How I Plan My Tibet Adventure from Scratch

Since Tibet is located on the high plateau of the Himalayas, I would like to take time to acclimatise to the high altitude by taking the Qinghai-Tibet railway. Most local tour agencies in Singapore only offer the option of travelling from Lhasa back to China via this railway, which defeats the purpose of acclimatising to the higher altitude. Upon researching for a reputable travel agency, both locally and within China, I chanced upon Tibet Vista via their YouTube channel, which seems to contain very comprehensive information on Tibet travel.

Upon enquiry, I’m glad that Tibet Vista was able to assist in arranging for a soft-sleeper train from Xining to Lhasa with a good timing. They also have a handful of tour options available for travellers visiting different parts of Tibet, in which I have picked the 10-Day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp with Namtso Lake tour, which would provide me with an immersive experience, alongside some adventures. The itinerary is well planned to ensure that travellers continue to acclimatise well upon reaching Lhasa. All travel documents were prepared in advance to facilitate smooth travel.

The striking and colorful Tibetan prayer flags at the mountain pass in Tibet.

Travel overland from Lhasa to Tibet EBC with a thrilling excursion to heavenly Namtso Lake in northern Tibet.

After a 21-hour scenic Train Ride, I Finally Reached Lhasa

Transfer between Lhasa Railway Station and accommodation was timely arranged, and we have received a warm welcome upon arrival. The quality of the Tibetan accommodation was not compromised despite the choice of 3-star hotels. Breakfast was all provided, which made mornings more convenient and comfortable.

Our Tibetan tour guide, Keldor, is a fantastic and well-organised tour guide. He is always punctual and would brief us daily, in clear written point form on what to expect for the following day, providing information on weather, UV index, sunrise and sunset time, humidity, approximate driving distance, and suggested dress code, etc., to ensure that we have a pleasant journey.

Dress code is exceptionally important because of temperature changes, sometimes quite drastic, as we visited different places with various altitudes. He took special note of our dietary requirements and attended to us regularly to ensure that everyone was well. He is such an awesome photographer, too! We would not have those nice photos and videos taken without his professional photography gear. We had our wonderful driver, Karma, too. He is caring, friendly, and always shows up on time.

The majestic Potala Palace reflected in an artificial pond surrounded by serene willows in Lhasa.

Dress in layers to adapt to Tibet’s shifting temperatures.

Enjoy the welcome dinner in Lhasa with our group members.

For Me, Tibet Was Both an Eye-Opening and Spiritual Journey

We have visited various places of interest, such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Yamdrok Lake and Korola Glacier as we ascend to a higher altitude to Everest Base Camp.

I am really impressed with the innovation local Tibetans possessed for architecture when building the Potala Palace at 3700m, with very limited access to technology and raw materials. It is spiritually inspiring to visit the Jokhang Temple, too. Built in the seventh century to promote Buddhism in Tibet, it houses more than 3000 images of Buddha, deities, and other historical figures in the religion, including the Jowo Shakyamuni that was brought into Tibet by Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty.

Located on the Gambo Utse Mountain, Drepung Monastery was founded in 1419, 3800m above sea level. It used to be Tibet’s largest monastery, housing as many as 10,000 monks.

Monks at the Sera Monastery have a practice of debating among themselves. Tibetan monk debate is a form of discussion of Buddhist knowledge that originates in India. Debating helps monks to better understand Buddhist philosophy.

Our tour guide Keldor is so knowledgeable in the history of Tibet, and we visited those historical places of interest, developing a deep understanding of both on their history and traditional Tibetan customs and practices. The natural scenery at Yamdrok Lake and Korola Glacier is breathtaking too, the snow-capped mountains, the beautiful blue sky and lake, the colourful prayer flags, accompanied by the beautifully dressed goats, yaks, and Tibetan Mastiffs.

Enjoy the sweeping view of the holy Lhasa City from the Potala Palace.

Watch the dramatic Tibetan monk debate at Sera Monastery.

Appreciating the turquoise like Yamdrok Lake at the Gangbala Pass

Pause for photo shots with imposing Karola Glacier.

Travel overland from Lhasa to Tibet EBC with a thrilling excursion to heavenly Namtso Lake in northern Tibet.

My First Experience Dining in a Tibetan Family

Lunching with a Tibetan family in their home offered us an immersive experience in the Tibetan culture, gaining more insights into their everyday life, from their religious practices at home to the food that they consume daily. The Tibetan furniture is so gorgeous!

Visited a local Tibetan family and had great local Tibetan food there for lunch.

Finally, I Stand at the Foot of Mighty Mount Everest, Bucket List Fulfilled

Everest Base Camp (EBC) is a must-visit once in a lifetime. We were being prepared well for an altitude of 5200m so that we could enjoy our stay without suffering too much from high altitude sickness.

Although some of us still experienced mild discomfort, we were all fine. We arrived late afternoon so we could catch the beautiful sunset. However, we were not lucky enough to catch the stars at night due to the rain and hail. Taking a morning stroll and visited the Rongbuk Monastery the next day, the highest monastery in the world at 4980m, which inspired me so much. I cannot imagine the livelihood of those monks and nuns under such harsh weather conditions. I have so much respect for their dedication to their faith. We celebrated our Mt. Everest adventure with Tibetan hotpot at Shigatse after we descended from the base camp.

Follow the winding 108 hairpin roads to gaze at the mind-blowing Himalayan Range.

Safely arrive at Tibet EBC and take photos with the sublime Mount Everest.

Celebrating our successful EBC visit by taking a photo at the Mount Everest marker.

Travel overland from Lhasa to Tibet EBC with a thrilling excursion to heavenly Namtso Lake in northern Tibet.

Gearing Up for Our Final Visit to the Renowned Heavenly Namtso Lake

Wrapping up our itinerary before we embark on our journey to Namtso Lake, we visited the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. The first Dalai Lama founded it in 1447, and it houses the world’s tallest and largest bronze Jampa Buddha statue (the Future Buddha). It is decorated with more than 1400 precious ornaments such as pearls, diamonds, and corals. There were so many Tibetan pilgrims walking or prostrating in a clockwise direction (the Kora), too.

We then visited the Namtso Lake via its northern side, where the Holy Elephant Gate is situated at 4718m. Namtso Lake is the highest saline lake on this planet. It is over 70 km long and 30km wide, which is bigger than Singapore, surrounded by the snow-peaked Nyechen Tanglha mountains. We wrapped up our visit with a beautiful sunset at Damxung near the lake.

The amazing Holy Elephant Gate at the lakeshore of heavenly Namtso Lake.

Warm sunset over Namtso Lake with prayer flags fluttering at Nagen La Pass.

Travel overland from Lhasa to Tibet EBC with a thrilling excursion to heavenly Namtso Lake in northern Tibet.

Looking Back on Tibetan Traditions and My Tibet Adventure

90% of the Tibetan population goes through sky burial upon death, where vultures consume the bodies of the deceased. Initially, I thought it would be a little scary to witness that.

However, everything seems to make sense when one looks at it from the Buddhist philosophical point of view. The significance of this ritual extends beyond mere tradition; it reflects profound Buddhist concepts related to impermanence, the cycle of life and death, and the compassionate act of almsgiving to sustain other living things.

After a visit to the Phyirmik Lung Nunnery, we had lunch at some Tibetan leisure houses to enjoy a bit of sun and nature, followed by a little hike at Lhasa’s South Mountain Park to view the beautiful Potala Palace, one last time, before we conclude our tour with some shopping at Barkhor Street.

The biggest takeaway from this trip to Tibet is: nothing is permanent in this world, treasure the present. Live well. I will definitely revisit Tibet again in the near future. Tibet Vista, thank you.