西藏自治区

Why this place

Tibet is the highest region on earth and the centre of Tibetan Buddhism, with the Potala Palace and the Jokhang in Lhasa, the great monasteries at Shigatse and Samye, and landscapes of grassland, lakes and Himalayan peaks. It is unlike anywhere else in China and needs real preparation.

What to see

• Lhasa: the Potala Palace, the Jokhang and the Barkhor pilgrimage circuit
• Tashilhunpo at Shigatse, and Samye — the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet
• Yamdrok Lake and Namtso, the great holy lakes
• Nyingchi's forests, peach blossom and the Yarlung Tsangpo canyon
• The road to Everest Base Camp (north side) from Shigatse

What to eat

• Butter tea, tsampa and yak meat — the plateau staples
• Momo dumplings and thukpa noodle soup; sweet tea houses in Lhasa

How to plan

Ten days minimum: Lhasa three to four, then Shigatse, and a lake or Everest extension.

Best time

April–June and September–October

Practical tips

• Foreign travellers need a permit arranged through a registered agency, plus a guide — this is not a DIY destination
• Lhasa is at 3,650m — allow two days to acclimatise before going higher, and do not fly in and drive straight up

Cities 7

拉萨市 Lhasa日喀则市 Shigatse昌都市 Qamdo林芝市 Nyingchi山南市 Shannan那曲市 Nagqu阿里地区 Ngari