16 Best Places to Visit in Tibet

Tibet is a land of natural beauty and man-made wonders. It is one of the most popular offbeat places to visit worldwide. From its scenic landscapes to beautiful monasteries, Tibet offers a mix of both spiritual and natural worlds.  Keep reading to visit the top tourist places in Tibet if you are planning a trip to this country soon.

Currency in Tibet: Chinese Yuan is the official currency in Tibet. 1 Chinese Yuan is equal to 11.92 Indian rupees as of 1 March 2023

*Currency rate change is subject to the market exchange rate.*

While planning your visit to Tibet, check this country's exchange rate and ensure you carry enough money in Chinese Yuan to cover all your expenses during your stay. 

The top 14 tourist places in Tibet are listed below, which comprise top monasteries, temples, lakes etc., which you can visit while travelling.

Being a Buddhist country, Tibet has numerous monasteries and temples. A visit to the following places will fill you with peace and calm.

1. Sakya Monastery, Sa'gya County, Shigatse

Popularly called “Pel Sakya”, it is a beautiful Buddhist monastery in Tibet. The complex of this magnificent monastery is split into two parts because of River Trum Chu. This monastery houses around 40,000 volumes of Buddhist scriptures, Thangkas, and murals.

• Popular tourist attractions: Exploring the inner courtyard and visiting the assembly hall, library, etc.
• Things to do: Check out the various wall paintings, books, Buddhist parchments and traditional Tibetan art, watching religious ceremonies conducted here.
• Timings: 7 am to 7 pm.
• Entry Fee: No entry fee.
• How to reach: From Lhasa Xijiao bus station, take a bus to Shigatse. You can then hire a car to reach this monastery.

2. Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Shigatse

The Tashi Lhunpo Monastery belongs to Tibet's Yellow Hat or Gelugpa sect. Established in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama, it sits at the foot of Tara’s Mountain in Shigatse. Some of its significant structures are Panchen Lama’s Palace, Kelsang Temple, and Maitreya Chapel.

• Popular tourist attractions: Explore historical sites like the Chapel of Jampa, 56 Sutra Halls, and 4 Great Dratsangs.
• Things to do: Walk around the monastery and enjoy the spectacular views of the locations in its vicinity.
• Timing: 9 am to 9 pm.
• Entry Fee: No entry fee.
• How to reach: You could take a train to the city of Shigatse and then take a bus or book a private car to get to the monastery.

3. Jokhang Temple, Lhasa

Also called King Monastery, Jokhang Temple is one of the most sacred places to visit in Tibet. Located in Lhasa city, Jokhang temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site visited by pilgrims from across the world. With a history of about 1,400 years, it has played an important role in the development of Buddhism.

• Popular tourist attractions: A 2,500-year-old, gilded bronze statue of a 12-year-old Buddha and Ramoche Temple.
• Things to do: Take part in the new year celebration and explore the streets of Barkhor.
• Timing: 8 am to 6:30 pm.
• Entry Fee: 85 Yuan.
• How to reach: You can take a bus to the Chongsaikang bus stop, from where you need to walk another 5 minutes.

4. Sera Monastery, Lhasa

The Sera Monastery is among the three great Gelugpa sect monasteries in Lhasa. It’s a popular tourist attraction in Tibet that you must visit to get an insight into Buddhist life and culture. Named Sera, it derived its name from wild roses covering this monastery's slopes.

• Popular tourist attractions: Coqen Hall, Kamcun, and Zhacang.
• Things to do: Get a chance to witness monks locked in intellectual debates, visit the colleges of Sera Je, Sera Me and Sera Ngapa, or take a stroll around the prayer circuit (Sera Kora).
• Timing: 9 am to 4 pm. 
• Entry Fee: 55 Yuan.
• How to reach: You can reach the monastery by taxi or bus. If travelling by bus, you can get off at the SelaSi bus station. The monastery is only a few minutes away from the bus station so that you can walk to the monastery. 

5. Samye Monastery, Sangyezhen

Established around 700 AD, this monastery is a popular historical site to visit. Spread across an area of about 25,000 square metres. The beautiful monastery lies in the Yarlung Zangbo River valley area. It is one of the oldest monasteries in Tibet and a great place to gain insights into Buddhism. 

• Popular tourist attractions: Explore the main temple, the hidden murals, and the main assembly hall.
• Things to do: View the awe-inspiring architecture of the temple complex. Admire the various statues placed in the monastery.  
• Timing: 6 am to 9 pm.
• Entry Fee: No entry fee.
• How to reach: You can take a boat ride from the Lhasa-Tsedang highway to the monastery.

These lakes present spectacular sights that will stay in your memory for a long time:

6. Lake Yamdrok, Nangartse County

Lake Yamdrok is situated alongside the Namtso and Mansarovar lakes. This natural wonder is said to have great religious importance. It’s believed that when the Dalai Lama passes away, Lake Yamdrok helps the friars discover the resurrected soul.

• Popular tourist attractions: Visit the Pede Dzong Fort and the Nyingma Temple.
• Things to do: View the mesmerising beauty of the lake, and enjoy bird watching, photography and fishing.
• Timing: Throughout the day.
• Entry Fee: No entry fee.
• How to reach: Hire a private car from Lhasa via the Gampala Pass to reach the lake.

7. Namtso Lake, Lhasa

A beautiful mountain lake between the Baingoin and Damxung counties is sure to find a place on the list of best places to visit in Tibet. Being the second largest saltwater lake in the world, it is visited by many tourists from all over the world and is a beautiful sight to behold.

• Popular tourist attractions: Visit the nearby old monastery and walk along the shore of the lake.
• Things to do: Indulge in photography, trekking, and sightseeing.
• Timing: Throughout the day.
• Entry Fee: No entry fee.
• How to reach: From Lhasa, it’s a five-hour car drive to Namtso Lake.

8. Basum Tso Lake, Nyingchi Province

Basum Tso Lake is also a famous tourist destination, considered one of the most sacred lakes in Tibet. Surrounded by mountains, Basom Tso Lake is a pristine destination for nature lovers. In addition, this place is highly popular for its soothing nature.

• Popular tourist attractions: Visit nearby Namjagbarwa Peak, Pagsum Co, and Mianzimu.
• Things to do: Sightseeing, hiking, mountaineering.
• Timing: Throughout the day.
• Entry Fee: No entry fee.
• How to reach: From Leh, it’s a six-hours car drive to Basom Lake.

9. Tangra Yumco, Nyima County

Tangra Yumco is a popular tourist destination in Tibet, and it is a sacred worshipping spot of the Bon religion people. At the height of 4600 km from sea level, Tangra Yumco is a tranquil place for spending a short vacation. The wildland surrounding this lake also has a lot to offer to tourists.

• Popular tourist attractions: Visit nearby Buddhist Pagodas.
• Things to do: Sightseeing, adventurous activities.
• Timing: Throughout the day.
• Entry Fee: No entry fee.

Visit these famous man-made tourist places in Tibet to appreciate their architecture; and don’t miss out on the natural places to appreciate their beauty.

10. Norbulingka, Lhasa

Spread across 360,000 square metres, the palatial Norbulingka is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name Norbulingka in Tibetan means Jewelled Park or Treasure. 

The construction of this place, housing over 30,000 relics, began in the 18th century and is famous for its perfect symmetry, manicured gardens, and intricate architecture.

• Popular tourist attractions: Visit the temple, the Losel Doll Museum, and the Hummingbird Café.
• Things to do: Enjoy the serene beauty and also indulge in some shopping in the nearby stores.
• Timing: 9 am to 5:30 pm.
• Entry Fee: 4 Yuan for foreign tourists and 1.68 Yuan for Tibetans.
• How to reach: The best way to reach Norbulingka is by taking a bus from the Dharamshala bus stand. You can also hire a taxi to reach the place.

11. The Potala Palace, Lhasa

Located in Lhasa City, this Dzong fortress is a spectacular historical site. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the castle is one of the oldest surviving royal residences in the world. 

Once the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas, it was converted into a marvellous museum that houses some of the greatest treasures collected over time.

• Popular tourist attractions: Marvel at the White House, Golden Roof, and Red Palace.
• Things to do: Witness the authentic architecture and explore the land's ancient history.
• Timing: 9:30 am to 2 pm.
• Entry Fee: 200 Yuan.
• How to reach: You can take the shuttle bus from Lhasa Gonggar Airport, about 60 km from Potala Palace. You can also travel by taxi from the Lhasa railway station, about 9 km from the palace.

12. Barkhor Street, Lhasa

Barkhor Street is a great place for exploring Tibet. This is one of the major hubs for the local economy, religion and art. Due to its authentic charm, it is one of Tibet's most visited public places. You can explore the local culture as well as the local temples and monasteries in this area.

• Popular tourist attractions: The great statue of the sitting Buddha, Lhasa Mosque, Ramoche Temple, Potala Palace, Canggu Monastery.
• Things to do: Spiritual activities, exploring Buddhist life and culture, shopping, idle roaming.
• Timing: Throughout the day.
• Entry Fee: No entry fee.
• How to reach: You can take no. 6, 9 or 25 bus or a taxi.

13. Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, Shigatse

Originating close to the Kailash mountains, Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon is the deepest and longest canyon in the world. It is renowned for its rich forest resources. The canyon is also home to many unique and rare animals and plants.

• Popular tourist attractions: An ancient mulberry tree, the bend of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, and the stone tablet of Namcha Barwa.  
• Things to do: Explore the valley, glaciers and river, and enjoy sightseeing and photography.
• Timing: 6 am to 6 pm.
• Entry Fee: No entry fee.
• How to reach: From the Lhasa Dongjiao bus stand, you can take a bus to Baiyi Town. Once you get there, take a car to the canyon.

Here are a few natural sites in Tibet which are mesmerising and attract travellers from all over the world:

14. Mount Kailash, Ngari Prefecture

It is one of the most beautiful places in Tibet and one of the world’s most visited mountain regions. Every year a huge number of pilgrims come to this mountain to seek spiritualism. It is also a famous tourist place in Tibet and a hotspot for rich biodiversity. Besides, hikers and trekkers find this area suitable for exploring.

• Popular tourist attractions: Lake Manasarovar, Pashupatinath Temple, Yam Dwar, Gauri Kund.
• Things to do: Trekking, hiking, exploring nature, and visiting temples.
• Timing: Throughout the day.
• Entry Fee: No entry fee.
• How to reach: Ngari Gunsa Airport is the nearest airport which is 209 km away from Mount Kailash.

15. Yangbajing Hot Spring, Yangbajing

Yangbajing Hot Spring is one of the most beautiful places in Tibet and a popular tourist destination too. This place is full of lush greenery and offers you a picturesque view. The surrounding of this hot spring region is considered a great place for exploring biodiversity. Besides, this hot spring is the source of power to the local vicinity with its geothermal force.

• Popular tourist attractions: Namtso Lake, Yangpachen Monastery, Nyenchen Tangula Mountain, Reting Monastery, Tsurphu Monastery.
• Things to do: Enjoying the natural phenomena, taking baths in the hot water spring, nature walks, trekking and hiking.
• Timing: Throughout the day.
• Entry Fee: No entry fee.
• How to reach: Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport is the nearest airport which is 607.4 km away from Yangbajing.

16. Lulang Forest, Lulang

Tibet is famous for growing different types of exotic trees and important herbs. Numerous people come to explore and visit to gain knowledge of this great natural abundance. One such example of a great natural place in Tibet is Lulang Forest. The region becomes flowery in summer, which attracts nature lovers from all over the world. However, the icy beauty in the winter is also worth visiting.

• Popular tourist attractions: Tashigang Village, Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, Lamaling Temple, Shuba Ancient Fort.
• Things to do: Nature walk, hiking, trekking, visiting Lulang village, photography, flower watching.
• Timing: 7 am to 6 pm.
• Entry Fee: No entry fee.
• How to reach: Lukou International Airport in China is the closest which is 23.4 km away from Lulung village.