Regions of Tibet

Lhasa sits at 3550m/11,645 ft but lies at the same latitude as Cairo and northern Florida. It is one of the mildest regions in Tibet. The city was founded in 633 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo. Today's population is almost 1 million. The City of the Gods stands next to the Kyichi River, enjoying a spectacular backdrop of impressive mountains. Many visitors are drawn to the historical Buddhist sites, but parks, internet cafes, and museums are also present. All in all, a wonderful place to acclimatize before venturing out.

Shigatse has long been a commercial, political, and religious hub. The massive old fort/castle of the 14th century dominates the landscape. The city offers modern conveniences and is the gateway to Mt. Everest,.

In 1865, Mt Everest was so-named by the Royal Geographical Society of England. Tibet is home to Everest’s stunning North Face. Tibetans honor the mountain as Jomolangma, or Queen of the Universe. Its pyramidal shape peaks at 8,848 m/29,029 ft. From the new Everest Base Camp at Rongbuk Monastery, the mountain face soars directly in front of visitors,

Mt. Kailash in far-western Tibet, offers unforgettable experiences. Not only is this one of the highest regions in the world, but it is also the watershed of the mighty rivers of Asia and is revered by millions —Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Bonpos, and others— for its cosmic powers. After spending four days in Lhasa, you can go directly to Kailash in three days or more if you include Everest Base Camp. At Kailash, you can hire a porter or a small Tibetan horse to help you walk the three-day circuit around Kailash. After, you can extend for 2-3 days for the lost kingdom of Guge or return directly to Lhasa.

The Kailash Manasarovar region is the source of four great rivers flowing across Asia. One of them, Sutlej, originates on the west side of Lake Manasarovar. Manasarovar, or Mapham Yutso (Unbeatable Lake in Tibetan), is one of two lakes near Kailash; the other is Rakshas Tal. They are like the sun and the moon. Backed by snowy mountain ranges and located at 15,015 ft., this is the world's highest freshwater lake. Covering 120 sq. miles, the water's calm, deep blue color reflects the mountains and clouds like a mirror. Sacred to Buddhist, Bon, Jain, and Hindus, the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were sprinkled in Manasarovar.

Nyingchi meets with India and Burma on the south and is surrounded by mountains, forming a spectacular natural landscape. With an average altitude of 3,100m, this is the lowest region in Tibet. There are many ethnicities in Nyinchi, mainly Tibetan, Menba, Lobas, and others. There is a modern airport with service to Chengdu. The main city is Bayu,

Famous as the Oriental Switzerland of Tibet and known as Kongpo in Tibetan, this southeastern region offers stunning beauty and a lower altitude. Forested with wildlife and steep mountains, nature sightseeing is its most popular feature.

The most popular destination is Draksum Lake, Lake of Three Boulders, in Upper Kongpo. It is an alpine lake at 3,538 m above sea level and covers almost 30 square km with a length of 18 km and an average width of 1.5 km. The deepest point is 60 meters. The Lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains that are home to bears, leopards, deer, and snow pheasants. There is a small island of historical religious significance that is reached by a long footbridge. And, of course, boat rides!

Super beautiful Kham is graced with rugged mountains, deep forested gorges, eroded ravines, and the Salween, Mekong and Yangtse rivers. It is the most populated region of Tibet, and today it is spread out over the modern areas of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Qinghai.

Amdo is a grassland region around the upper reaches with the Yellow, Min, and Jialing rivers in the northeast and Ser-Chu, Do-Chu, and Mar-Chu further south. Amdo has received many cultures over the centuries, including Mongolian, Hui, and Chinese, but it has developed a culture of its own.

Highlights include the nomadic culture; Qinghai Lake (Kokonor), the largest lake on the Tibetan Plateau; the snow-peaked mountains of Amnye Machen; the alping lake of Yilung Lhatso; and several large modern Buddhist complexes. A great place for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding!

Journeys in Amdo can easily be combined with Home-Stays in houses or nomad tents!

Cycling in Tibet takes you off the beaten track on excellent roads and rough trails. Itineraries are customized according to your preferences, physical condition, number of days, and your budget for vehicular transportation (vans and land cruisers) and lodgings. Your guides will always be Tibetan.

The best time for hiking in Central Tibet (TAR) is May, June, and July. There's hardly any rain, and it's not too hot. The views are clear, and the passages are accessible. And you’re very likely to see unique wild animals, birds, and flowers. Hiking or trekking itineraries are always customized to your level of physical fitness. And they can be short or long. Often they include camping and visiting monasteries.

Homestays can be arranged with Tibetan families in Amdo. These families always have a proven history of working with Road To Tibet. Your guide will always be with you. Homestays can be arranged in houses and nomadic tents! Bring the kids!

Buddhism is a big part of Tibet’s cultural life. Buddhist and those interested in spirituality often ask us for a custom journey to temples, monasteries, and sacred sites.

We are very knowledgeable in this area both for Central Tibet (TAR) and Eastern Tibet. Your journey can adopt this sole focus or you may want to incorporate a few spiritual destinations into your itinerary. Please ask!