For friends planning to visit Tibet in May or June, please make sure to prepare a thorough itinerary and avoid blindly traveling to Tibet! Here are some current situations in Tibet that you should be aware of:
Current situation in Tibet:
1. When visiting the Potala Palace, it’s essential to pre-book tickets through the “Potala Palace Ticket Booking System” and choose a suitable time (morning is recommended as it gets very hot in the afternoon).
2. Many of the souvenirs sold on Barkhor Street are small goods from Zhejiang.
3. Avoid taking black cars near the train station or airport, as you might end up being overcharged.
4. Make advance reservations for the Jokhang Temple (for safety) and the Sera Monastery (for prosperity).
5. Many temples in Tibet have dress codes prohibiting shorts, short sleeves, hats, or sunglasses.
6. It’s sincerely not advised for solo female travelers, as many online posts can seriously mislead people.
7. Don’t trust unsolicited messages recommending tours or guides.
8. Avoid climbing the Potala Palace on the first day due to the risk of altitude sickness from the steep stairs.
9. Photography of animals in Yamdrok Lake requires payment. If you prefer not to spend, refrain from taking random photos.
10. When choosing a tour, opt for a reputable, reasonably priced, and youth-oriented group, preferably with no more than eight people.
Must-visit attractions:
Namtso Lake: One of Tibet’s three holy lakes, offering stunning views.
Yamdrok Lake: Another of the three holy lakes, resembling a sapphire on the plateau.
Potala Palace: A must-visit landmark in Tibet.
Everest Base Camp: Capture a photo with the 8,848-meter monument and witness the sunrise over Mount Everest.
Mount Namcha Barwa: A majestic peak, rarely seen by most travelers.
Karola Glacier: Experience the awe-inspiring sight of a glacier up close.
Gyatso Pass: Enjoy views of four 8,000-meter snow peaks.
Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon: The world’s largest canyon, offering vistas of majestic peaks.
6-day itinerary:
Day 1: Lhasa → Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon → Sosong Village
Day 2: Sosong Village → View of Mount Namcha Barwa → Changzhu Temple – Zedang
Day 3: Zedang → Yamdrok Lake → Karola Glacier → Shigatse
Day 4: Shigatse → Tingri → Gyatso Pass → Everest Base Camp
Day 5: Everest Base Camp → Gyatso Pass → Shigatse → Niyang Grassland → Dangxiong
Day 6: Dangxiong → Northern Tibetan Grassland → Nagenla Pass → Namtso Lake → Lhasa