Many people describe a trip to Tibet as a “spiritual journey” or a “journey for the mind”. Many tourists expect to have their souls cleansed and minds settled in Tibet.

Tibet is able to fulfill such a wish whether you are a Buddhist or not. Although Tibet has experienced unrest and difficulties for decades, Tibetans always wear a smile on their unadorned faces. They may share Lhasa beer with you in a small restaurant; temple monks may serve you with butter tea; the shepherd family that hosts you may have a picnic with you. The hospitality and inclusiveness of Tibetans can always assure you of the joy to stay in every corner of Tibet. The Potala Palace is magnificent but not extravagant. Drak Yerpa, hiding in cliffs with the surrounding meditation caves, exudes the Tibetan characters and beliefs of being reserved and generous. In different temples, lamas are proactively practicing Tibetan Buddhist debate. Their pursuit of knowledge will excite and motivate you, whether you are a Buddhist or not.

Another attractiveness of Tibet and Lhasa lies on the beauty of the plateau. In the suburbs of Lhasa, you may think that the magnificent view and blue sky are always behind you as the background, no matter where you stand – good photos can be taken from any angles. Moreover, most attractions here, Namtso for example, have different interesting Buddhist folklore behind. 

Extended reading: (Chinese only)

How Tibetans survive life on the ‘roof of the world’