Spring and Autumn Travel Guide to Tibet

A Collection of All the Blues in the World 1. Itinerary Planning and Highlights Recommended Duration: 5-6 days Core Route: Lhasa City (Potala Palace/Jokhang Temple) → Yamdrok Lake (1-day tour) → Namtso Lake (2-day tour) → Return 2. Potala Palace: The Sky City of Faith Ticket Booking: • Peak Season (May-October): Tickets cost 200 RMB/person. Reservations must be made 7 days in advance via the "Potala Palace Ticket Booking System" WeChat mini program, which opens daily at 7:00 AM. • Seniors over 60 and minors under 15 can book tickets one day in advance at the on-site "Senior and Disabled Persons Special Window." • Tickets include access to the main hall. Additional tickets (10 RMB each) are required for the Golden Roof, Jewelry Exhibition, and Stupa Hall. Tips for Visiting: • Best Time: Arrive at the Yaowang Mountain Viewing Platform before 7:00 AM to capture the sunrise featured on the 50 RMB banknote. Wearing a solid-colored long dress enhances photo quality. • Route Options: ◦ Route 1: White Palace East Hall → West Hall → Red Palace → Holy Avalokitesvara Hall (Highlights route, approx. 2 hours). ◦ Route 2: Red Palace only, suitable for those with limited time. • Important Notes: ◦ Shorts and short skirts are prohibited. Photography is not allowed inside the palace. ◦ Follow the guide to learn about the history behind murals, stupas, and other features. Nearby Experiences: • Capture the reflection of the palace at Zongjiao Lukang Park. Rent traditional Tibetan attire (80 RMB/hour) at Barkhor Street for cultural photos. • Enjoy sweet tea on the terrace of Makye Ame Restaurant while overlooking the pilgrims on Barkhor Street. 3. Yamdrok Lake: A Sapphire-like Sacred Lake Transportation: • Shared/Private Car: About 2 hours from Lhasa. Shared car costs 200 RMB/person, private 5-seater SUV costs around 1500 RMB/day (including driver’s meals and accommodation). • Group Tour: 1-day small group tour costs about 300 RMB/person, including tickets and a simple meal. Must-Visit Spots: • Gamba La Pass (Altitude: 4,998 meters): Overlook the panoramic view of Yamdrok Lake, whose blue waters resemble spilled paint. Morning visits offer the best lighting. • Lakeside Road: Pass by Karola Glacier and Manla Reservoir. Try yak meat-filled Tibetan dumplings in Langkazi County. • Baidi Village Sea Buckthorn Forest: Ideal for fresh portraits during the budding season in May or vibrant greenery in July. Accommodation Recommendations: • For stargazing, stay in a lakeside stargazing tent (400 RMB/night). Bring warm clothing and a sleeping bag. • For comfort, return to Lhasa or stay at a hotel in Gonggar County (e.g., Holiday Inn Express Gonggar Airport, 500 RMB/night). 4. Namtso Lake: The Ultimate Romance of Heavenly Lake and Snow Mountains Transportation: • Private Car/Group Tour: About 4-5 hours from Lhasa. Private 5-seater SUV costs around 1500 RMB/day. 2-day group tours cost about 600 RMB/person (including accommodation). • Self-Drive: Note that the road from Nagenla Pass to Namtso Lake is unpaved. Use a 4WD vehicle and navigate to "Namtso Tashi Peninsula." Must-Visit Spots: • Tashi Peninsula: Walk along the lake, explore caves and prayer flag clusters, and enjoy sweet tea (5 RMB/cup) at lakeside tea houses. • Shengxiang Tianmen (requires 3-day advance booking): Use drones to capture blue ice and snow mountains together. Photograph sunsets at the Thousand Caves Campground. • Nagenla Pass (Altitude: 5,190 meters): Watch prayer flags fluttering in the wind and gaze at the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains. Accommodation Recommendations: • High-End Option: Spring and Autumn Oxygen-Enriched Hotel, equipped with medical-grade oxygen machines, near shops and restaurants. Important Notes: • Namtso Lake is at an altitude of 4,700 meters, making altitude sickness likely. Prepare oxygen bottles and avoid strenuous activities upon arrival. • The road to Shengxiang Tianmen is rough, requiring some hiking. Wear anti-slip shoes. 5. Food Recommendations • Tibetan Breakfast: Tibetan noodles (10 RMB/bowl) paired with sweet tea (10 RMB/pot) at Canggu Temple Tea House. • Signature Meals: ◦ Yak Meat Hotpot at Yangqingcang Tibetan Restaurant, served with barley bread and butter tea. ◦ Fried Lamb Ribs at Namaste Restaurant, paired with mint sauce to balance the richness. • Snacks and Desserts: Ginseng fruit yogurt at Ancient Tree Yogurt Shop, offering a sweet and tangy flavor. 6. Practical Tips 1. Altitude Sickness: ◦ Take Rhodiola supplements one week in advance. Avoid bathing and alcohol upon arrival in Lhasa. ◦ Carry oral glucose solution. Severe altitude sickness can be treated with oxygen at Lhasa Fukan Hospital. 2. Transportation and Documents: ◦ Taxis in Lhasa start at 10 RMB. For nearby attractions, private cars or group tours are recommended. ◦ No border permit is required for Namtso Shengxiang Tianmen, but Everest Base Camp requires prior application at your place of residence. 3. Gear Recommendations: ◦ Clothing: Windproof jacket, fleece inner layer, thermal underwear (Namtso nighttime temperature: -10°C). ◦ Sun Protection: Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen (SPF50+), lip balm. ◦ Photography: Tripod (for stargazing), drone (Shengxiang Tianmen requires registration). 4. Cultural Respect: ◦ Walk clockwise when circumambulating. Photography and touching statues are prohibited inside temples. ◦ Seek permission before taking photos with locals. Offering small gifts (e.g., candy) is appreciated. 7. Budget Estimate (Per Person) • Transportation: Private car approx. 800 RMB + sightseeing bus 100 RMB ≈ 900 RMB. • Accommodation: Lhasa hotel 500 RMB + Namtso guesthouse 300 RMB ≈ 800 RMB. • Tickets: Potala Palace 200 RMB + Yamdrok Lake 40 RMB + Namtso Lake 210 RMB ≈ 450 RMB. • Meals: 150 RMB/day × 5 days ≈ 750 RMB. • Total: Approx. 2,900 RMB (excluding round-trip transportation). Travel Bonus: July and August in Lhasa are rainy seasons, often featuring double rainbows. Namtso Lake’s clouds appear so low they seem within reach. Don’t miss the sunset at Shengxiang Tianmen, where snow-capped mountains and lake waters will witness your Tibetan memories.