Tibet is a land of staggering beauty and spiritual depth, perched high on the world’s rooftop. With its windswept plateaus, snow-capped mountains, and glittering monasteries, it feels like stepping into a dream—if dreams also came with thin air and a constant reminder to hydrate. The capital, Lhasa, is a mesmerising blend of history and culture. The Potala Palace dominates the skyline, looking every bit the spiritual fortress it is, while the streets hum with the rhythm of prayer wheels and the scent of yak butter tea. Outside the city, the landscape opens up into a vast expanse of untouched wilderness. Lakes like Yamdrok and Namtso shimmer in otherworldly hues, and the mountains seem to scrape the heavens themselves. Tibet isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place that challenges you. The altitude has its own personality, and it doesn’t care how fit you think you are. Every step feels earned, every view a reward. It’s where nature’s raw power meets humanity’s unshakable faith, leaving you humbled, awestruck, and perhaps just a little out of breath.
Drepung Monastery, perched on the outskirts of Lhasa, Tibet, is a sprawling labyrinth of whitewashed walls and golden roofs. Once the largest monastery in the world, it was home to nearly 10,000 monks in its heyday, making it a bustling hub of Tibetan Buddhist learning and debate. Today, it’s quieter but no less awe-inspiring, with…
At some hotels in Lhasa, including the more altitude-savvy ones, you might find an oversized balloon filled with oxygen on offer. Yes, a literal lifesaver in latex form, designed for guests struggling with the high-altitude thin air. These O2 balloons are often kept handy at reception or even sent to your room if you’re feeling…
Touching down in Lhasa feels like stepping onto another planet, and not just because the city sits at a dizzying 3,656 metres above sea level. The moment your plane door pops open, you’ll feel the high-altitude air smack you in the lungs. Cabin pressure during the flight keeps things manageable, but as soon as you…