Things to do in Tibetan Plateau
Discover the best attractions and experiences Tibetan Plateau has to offer
Historic Monuments
The plateau's ancient palaces and fortresses offer a window into Tibet's imperial past and its architectural heritage.
Potala Palace
An iconic fortress and former seat of Tibetan government, perched above Lhasa with grand halls and panoramic city views.
Norbulingka
The summer residence of the Dalai Lamas, set in tranquil gardens with historic architecture.
Drepung Monastery
One of Tibet's great monasteries, known for vast halls and centuries of monastic life.
Museums
Explore museums that showcase Tibetan culture, art, and history.
Tibet Museum
A compact museum presenting Tibetan history, culture, and Buddhist art through engaging exhibits.
Qinghai Provincial Museum
Shows Qinghai Province’s ethnography, archaeology, and natural history.
Xining Museum
Displays local history and culture reflecting Qinghai and its Tibetan influence.
Religious Monuments
Giant temples and monasteries dot the plateau, centers of Buddhist devotion and architecture.
Jokhang Temple
A sacred pilgrimage site in Lhasa, housing Buddhist artifacts and a lively courtyard.
Ramoche Temple
One of Lhasa's oldest temples, home to important statues and ancient murals.
Tashilhunpo Monastery
A grand monastery in Shigatse with a towering stupa and dense monastic life.
National & Theme Parks
The region’s dramatic landscapes are protected as scenic areas and sacred landscapes.
Namtso National Nature Reserve
Home to Tibet’s largest salt lake and sweeping high-altitude scenery.
Qinghai Lake Scenic Area
A vast lake framed by steppe and mountains, famed for sunsets.
Kailash Sacred Landscape
A spiritual landscape around Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, treasured for pilgrimage and scenery.
Neighborhoods
Vibrant districts and towns offer a window into daily Tibetan life and traditional neighborhoods.
Lhasa Old Town
Narrow lanes, traditional houses, and a lively market atmosphere near Barkhor.
Shigatse Old Town
A traditional Tibetan town with markets, monasteries, and hillside views.
Chamdo Old Town
Historic streets reflecting daily life in eastern Tibet's heartland.
Free Things to Do
Many iconic sights can be enjoyed without an entry fee; wander and watch the plateau unfold.
Barkhor Street
A lively circular market and sacred path around Jokhang Temple; a great place to wander.
Sunset at Yamdrok Lake
Find a quiet spot to watch the sunset over the turquoise lake against snow peaks.
Stargazing on the plateau
Clear high-altitude skies offer spectacular stargazing away from city lights.
Gastronomy
Tibetan cuisine is hearty and flavorful, reflecting high-altitude life.
Momos
Delicious Tibetan dumplings filled with meat or vegetables.
Thenthuk
Hand-pulled noodle soup with vegetables and tender meat.
Yak Butter Tea
A traditional, mildly salty tea made with yak butter and salt.
Tsampa
Toasted barley flour often eaten with tea or formed into dough.
Nightlife
Evenings are quieter but cultural experiences and tea houses offer warmth after sunset.
Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa
Relax with butter tea and simple snacks in a traditional setting.
Local live music performances in Lhasa
Evening melodies and folk tunes in cultural venues.
Seasonal Shoton festival nights
Cultural performances and operas during festival season.
Entertainment
Cultural performances and festivals showcase Tibetan arts, music, and dance.
Tibetan Opera performances
Traditional opera shows featuring dramatic masked dances.
Shoton Festival performances
Seasonal operas and ceremonies celebrated with crowds.
Thangka painting demonstrations
Artists reveal sacred art techniques and color symbolism.
Sports
Active travelers can embark on treks, high-altitude hikes, and scenic walks across the plateau.
Kailash Kora
Pilgrimage circuit around Mount Kailash, a challenging high-altitude trek.
Everest North Base Camp trek
Trek to the Everest North Base Camp for iconic Himalayan views.
Yamdrok Lake trekking
Scenic treks along the lake shores and surrounding hills.
Off the Track
Venture beyond the well-trodden paths to nomad camps, glaciers and remote valleys.
Nomad camp experience near Nagqu
Spend time with Tibetan nomads to learn traditional pasture life.
Rongbuk Monastery and Rongbuk Glacier
Visit a remote monastery with views of a towering glacier.
Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon
Explore one of the world's deepest canyons and dramatic scenery.