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When I decided to fulfill my dream of taking a sabbatical to travel solo through Asia, the first destination that captured my imagination was Tibet. For as long as I can remember, visiting Tibet had been on my bucket list.
The mysticism associated with the place, the exotic nature of a world so distant, so distinctive and unique, had always sparked my curiosity - and this was the perfect opportunity.
The Potala Palace, the most iconic landmark of Tibet.
Facing the Unknown, Finding the Right Guide: Why I Chose Tibet Vista
However, living in Portugal, with no connections or even knowing anyone who had ever been there, my knowledge was very limited.
I knew that the regulations were strict and that organizing this trip would bring challenges I had never faced before, despite all the trips I had already taken-but that was about it.
I usually organize my own trips and enjoy planning my own itinerary, but I knew this time would be different. So, the first step was to find a trustworthy agency that I felt comfortable with, to make an investment I hoped would be truly rewarding.
My expectations were high, but so were my concerns, so I did thorough research on all possible options and came to the conclusion that there could only be one choice - Tibet Vista.
The golden summit of Jokhang temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet.
Join our most popular Lhasa to Kathmandu tour to admire the Himalaya from both sides.
With Tibet Vista’s Support, My Dream Journey Finally Took Shape
The feedback was excellent, the proposed itineraries as well, and their customer service won me over from the very beginning. They answered all my questions quickly and effectively.
They suggested the best way to handle all the necessary paperwork including Tibet travel permit, as well as how to coordinate it with the rest of my travel plans, and I quickly became confident I was making the right decision.
Even after encountering some difficulties obtaining the Chinese entry visa in Portugal, Tibet Vista provided all the support they could and played a key role in ensuring that all issues were resolved as quickly as possible. Everything was now in place for the dream to come true.
Since I had planned to explore China before visiting Tibet and continue on to Nepal afterward, I chose the “7 Days Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Small Group Tour,” with the addition of a soft sleeper train journey from Chengdu to Lhasa.
And so, on September 6, 2024, I found myself at Chengdu railway station, ready to board a train that would take me, over the course of 36 hours, to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet.
Taking the train from Chengdu to Tibet feels like one journey itself.
A 36-Hour Train Ride, a Warm Welcome, and My First Glimpse of Lhasa
The Tibet train tour itself was already an adventure. Thirty-six hours on a train, mostly surrounded by Chinese passengers who didn’t speak my language, crossing breathtaking landscapes, eagerly awaiting the moment I could finally set foot in Tibet.
Strangely, the 36 hours flew by, and before I knew it, I had arrived in Lhasa, where I was warmly greeted at the station entrance by a very kind gentleman. He handed me a welcome kit, drove me to the hotel and explained how the next few days would unfold.
On the day of arrival, I was on my own, as the Lhasa tour was scheduled to start the following day, but from the very first moment I felt genuinely welcomed and reassured that I had made the right choice.
After getting some rest and having breakfast at the hotel - which was quite modern and comfortable and allowed me an early check-in - I began to explore the city of Lhasa and had my first encounter with its culture.
At my own pace, I wandered on foot through the center of Lhasa until I came face to face, for the first time, with the majestic Potala Palace, which I would later visit with a guide as part of the organized Tibet tour.
That same day, I also visited the Tibet Museum to try to learn a bit more about this unique culture - but the best was yet to come in the days that followed.
Lively monks debate at Sera Monastery.
New Friends, Monasteries, and My First Deep Dive into Lhasa’s Culture
The next morning, I met the group that would be accompanying me on this adventure for the next six days. A group of 12 people, super interesting, incredibly friendly, with whom I instantly connected, making the entire experience even richer and more enjoyable.
The first few days were spent in Lhasa, visiting various monasteries and temples, experiencing the local cuisine, and immersing ourselves in the rich Tibetan culture. We were always accompanied by a guide and a driver, who took us from one tourist spot to another in a bus that was quite acceptable by Western standards.
Seeing how the monks live, learning more about the history of Tibet, and even attending a lively monks debate in Tibet are some of the highlights I would point out.
Everything unfolded at a comfortable pace, with the necessary support to deal with the challenges brought on by the high altitude.
There was no rush, and we had enough time to explore the various tourist attractions. The days in Lhasa fully met my expectations - but the best was still to come.
The blue water of Yamdrok lake on the way from Lhasa to Shigatse.
The Highlights of the Second Part: Unforgettable Sunrise at Everest Base Camp
In the second part of the trip, we hit the road heading west, exploring different regions of Tibet - from Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse, and Shigatse, all the way to Everest Base Camp. The landscapes are beyond words, with each stop more striking than the last.
We met local families, saw lakes that looked like they had come straight out of “the canvases of the finest painters,” and felt the deep spirituality of the place.
Each day was better than the one before, but nothing can truly prepare you for the magnitude of Everest. Camping at the base camp, watching the sunset, spending the night there, and - above all - witnessing the sunrise over Everest is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I highly recommend to anyone who has the opportunity.
The altitude sickness in Tibet does have an impact, and although I personally didn’t face any major issues, unfortunately, several people in the group were affected. However, the attentiveness and support of our guide were outstanding, and everyone - without exception - left with a renewed spirit and in absolute awe of what they had just witnessed.
The clear and close views of Mount Everest from Everest Base Camp.
Crossing Into Nepal, Closing a Dream Week, and a Word of Advice
After spending one more night in Tibet, near the border with Nepal, our stay finally came to an end.
The agency handled all the necessary paperwork for us to cross the border and arranged transportation to Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, where our paths parted - our hearts full after a dream-like week, enriching on every level. But let no one say it’s unrepeatable.
My advice to anyone wondering whether or not to invest in this adventure is: stop thinking and go! You certainly won’t have any regrets - except perhaps wishing you had stayed a few days longer.
Tashilunpo monastery in Shigatse, the largest one in the region and seats of Panchen Lama.
"Portugal to the Himalayas and Beyond: My Adventure with Tibet Vista"