Tibet is a holy land nestled in the Himalayan region, where is also named after the “Roof of the World.” Known for its proximity to Mount Everest, breathtaking alpine scenery and fervent pilgrimage, sacred temples and monasteries, friendly people and countless mysteries, Tibet is a travel destination fit for many traveler types.
When planning a trip to Tibet, the first thing in mind would always be where to go. In this article, we’ll introduce the top 10 most famous cities in Tibet and why you should visit them. We’ll also include key information such as who should visit, how to get there, and the best time to visit.
1. Lhasa - the “Forbidden City” in Tibet
Without doubt, as the capital city of Tibet, Lhasa should be on every traveler's itinerary when visiting Tibet. Situated 3,650 meters above sea level, this holy city sits among one of the highest cities worldwide.
Potala Palace is the landmark of Lhasa city
Lhasa will delight even the most seasoned travelers. Served as the center of Tibet since the 9th century, Lhasa is home to numerous historical sites - many structures built a thousand year ago remain standing today, including the world-famous Potala Palace built during 7th century. And it's no surprise this holy city features three UNESCO World Heritage sites (the other two are Jokhang Temple and Norbuglingka Park). Additionally, if you are looking for a spiritual tour, there are also lots of Buddhist monasteries in Lhasa, such as Sera and Drepung Monastery, both of which are the most reputed Gelug university gompas of Tibet.
Lhasa is has a mild climate with low rainfall, and is known as the “city of sunshine” , because the annual sunshine time in Lhasa is more than 3,000 hours. There are no extreme cold winters or intense summers. So, Lhasa can be visited all year around.
Who Should Visit?: Those who want to view must-see Tibetan sites.
How to Get to Lhasa: By train, road or air
Peak Tourist Season: July and August
Best Time to Visit: April, May, June, September, October
2. Shigatse - the second largest city in Tibet
Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, has experienced remarkable development over the last half century; quadrupling both size and population as it quickly becomes one of Tibet's premier tourist spots.
Tashilhunpo Monastery is the main attraction in Shigatse city
Complete with sacred sites and gorgeous scenery, Shigatse is a great place to enjoy a relaxing vacation and enjoy Tibetan culture in an immersive fashion. Tourists will enjoy a visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery which is the seat of Panchen Lamas.
History buffs will have plenty to enjoy in Shigatse, with over 600 years of well-documented ancient history in the city. More excitingly, if you continue traveling to the west, you will be able to see the majestic Mount Everest in far distance and can even visit the Everest Base Camp (5,200 meters), so make sure to find a great spot to take photos of the world’s tallest mountain!
Who Should Visit?: Those looking for a relaxing, authentic Tibetan experience.
How to Get to Shigatse: By train or road via Lhasa.
Peak Tourist Season: July and August
Best Time to Visit: April, May, September, October, and November
3. Gyantse - often referred to as the “Hero City”
Gyantse is a must-visit location, complete with an Old Town and a newer city. Historically, Gyantse was famous for being a trade town due to its convenient location between the hubs of Lhasa, Tibet, and India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
The city is well-known for its ancient spiritual ties as well as its historical military past. Visitors can view Gyantse Fort, which was pivotal for the Tibetans during a British invasion over a century ago.
Visitors to Gyantse can also easily visit the nearby city of Shigatse and will be amazed by the classic red and white architecture of Tibet.
Who Should Visit?: Those who want to see the history of ancient China and Tibet.
How to Get to Gyantse: By road via Lhasa
Peak Tourist Season: August
Best Time to Visit: May, June, July, and September
4. Tsedang - the cradle of Tibetan civilization
Tsedang city belongs to Shannan Prefecture in Tibet, which is widely considered to be the birthplace of Tibetan culture. Featuring many gorgeous attractions, including the Yamdrok Lake, Yambulangang Palace, and the Samye Monastery. Both the Yambulangang Palace and Samye Monastery were the first of their kind in Tibet, creating an ancient history that is well-preserved.
Tsedang has Tibet's first castle and first monastery
Those who visit Tsedang can enjoy seeing the building blocks of the region before viewing the palaces and monasteries that came after its forefathers.
Tsedang is located south of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains and the Gangdise Mountains and is north of Bhutan and India.
Who Should Visit?: Those who want to see the origin of Tibet.
How to Get to Tsedang: By road via Lhasa
Peak Tourist Season: July and August
Best Time to Visit: May, June, and September
5. Chamdo - known as the “Pearl of Eastern Tibet”
The third largest city in the Tibet Autonomous Region, Chamdo is another Tibetan city that features ancient religious sites. However, Chamdo is also known for its deeply beautiful surroundings, as it is nestled between revered mountains and sacred lakes. Like most cities, Chamdo is high up in the mountains, with stunning views on all sides of the city.
Chamdo is famous for Rawok Lake and Glacier
Visitors must take a trip to Rawok Lake, where the Lhegu Glacier can be viewed from. The town of Lhegu is also close by to Chamdo for easy access to another quick stop on your trip to Tibet.
Chamdo is also well-known for its delicious food and distinct subculture, as it is located on the border of Tibet and the Sichuan Province. Both traditional Tibetan cuisine and Sichuan cuisine are popular in Chamdo.
Who Should Visit?: Those looking for a taste of Tibetan scenery.
How to Get to Chamdo: By air or road via Lhasa
Peak Tourist Season: July
Best Time to Visit: May, June, and September
6. Nyingchi - nicknamed “the Little Switzerland of Tibet”
Nyingchi is another Tibetan city known for its gorgeous natural beauty. Also known as the “Throne of the Sun,” Nyingchi is home to three must-see natural sights— Pagsuum Co Lake, Namjagbarwa Peak, and the Nyang Qu River.
The flora and fauna in Nyingchi is simply stunning. Photos of picturesque cherry blossoms sum up a spring visit to the city, and turquoise water makes the perfect backdrop. Hiking around the area is plentiful, and visitors can spend plenty of time in nature while taking a break from learning about the rich history of Tibet.
Other must-see scenic views in Nyingchi include the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon and the Buchu Monastery.
Who Should Visit?: Those who want to see Tibet’s natural beauty.
How to Get to Nyingchi: By train or road via Lhasa
Peak Tourist Season: August
Best Time to Visit: May, June, and July
7. Nagqu - home to Qiangtang nomadic culture
Nagqu is a northern Tibetan city known for its wildlife, relaxed way of nomadic life, and its convenience as a popular railway stop. Visitors of Nagqu love seeing the blue waters of some of Tibet's most popular lakes and enjoying in cultural displays that the locals put on.
Home to one of the most famous festivals in Tibet, the Nagqu Horse Racing Festival, Nagqu is a great destination to see how the Tibetan locals live. Stunning views can be found at Cona Lake and Purog Kangri Glacier for must-see photo stops.
The infamous and creepy Skeleton Wall is located near Nagqu, between Nagqu and Sok. The Skeleton Wall is located at the Dodoka Monastery, which has a wall made of human skulls displayed. Don’t worry. Though the Skeleton Wall may be a bit macabre, the wall has significant spiritual ties.
It is said that the wall of skulls teaches a powerful lesson of equality in death.
Who Should Visit?: Those who want a taste of true Tibetan life.
How to Get to Nagqu: By train or road
Peak Tourist Season: August
Best Time to Visit: May through September
8. Bomê - home to the royal family of Tubo Dynasty
Bomê literally means “ancestor” in Tibetan, as it’s the birthplace of Nyatri Tsenpo who is said to be the first king of Tibet (127 BC). And the Tibetan New Year (Losar) is celebrated in his honor.
Bomê is very beautiful during the peach blossom in March
A hidden gem among the Tibetan destinations on this list, Bomê is in a league of its own when it comes to natural beauty. Bomê is well-known for being utterly picturesque, from the nearby Midui Glacier to the Bomê Peach Blossom flower fields. You will also be able to see the idyllic snow-capped mountain tops that are frequent sights in Tibet.
Travelers also can’t get enough of how easy it is to live life as a local in Bomê while experiencing a relaxing bit of Tibetan tranquility. Bomê also experiences each of the seasons, with pretty pink peach blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves aplenty in the fall.
Tea is grown and harvested in the fields of Bomê, which can be seen as you maneuver through the town and county.
Who Should Visit?: Those who want to take the best pictures of nature.
How to Get to Bomi: By road from Nyingchi
Peak Tourist Season: August
Best Time to Visit: May, June, and July
9. Gyirong - the “Back Garden of the Himalayas”
Gyirong is a famous city (town) located in southwest of Tibet that is known for its historical ties to India and Nepal. As well, Gyrirong is one of the most beautiful towns in the Himalayas. Gyirong is nestled in a valley, which adds to its scenic beauty and geographical complexity. Tourists can enjoy their time viewing the natural scenery of the Manaslu Trekking Area, the Gyirong Zangbo River, and the Salasungo Mountain.
Gyirong has a very important border connecting China and Nepal
Additionally, like many places in Tibet, there is a deep history in Gyirong. The Gongtang Kingdom was located in Gyirong in the 11th century, and its ruins are still located within the city for tours.
Also notable about Gyirong is that its weather is much more mild than other cities in Tibet due to its location in a valley. Visitors can avoid enduring too much snow and can expect to see rain instead in the winter, as the climate is subtropical.
Who Should Visit?: Those who plan travel from Nepal to Tibet or vice versa, and experience the spectacular views along the China Nepal Friendship Highway.
How to Get to Gyirong: Arrive by bus, shuttle, or private car
Peak Tourist Season: July
Best Time to Visit: April, May, June, or September
10. Purang - the gateway to holy Mount Kailash
Purang is a actually one of the three border in southwest Tibet that enjoys close proximity to India and Nepal. Historically, Purang was the home of an international market that facilitated trade between India and Nepal as a summertime market. Today, the market still exists, and traders still offer goods for sale throughout the summer months.
Besides, tourists who visit Purang also have easy access to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, which are some of the best-known destinations for pilgrims from all over the world. Mount Kailash is the holy mountain worshiped by Bön, Buddhists, Hindu and Jain and is regarded as the center of the world. Thousands of religious followers come for pilgrimage every year, and the typical tour usually consists of a three-day “kora” trek around the mountain.
As Purang is so close to this holy site, the county gets a lot of tourism from spiritual adventurers in addition to those coming to see the market.
Who Should Visit?: Those who want to go on a pilgrimage tour to the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.
How to Get to Purang: By road via Lhasa.
Peak Tourist Season: August
Best Time to Visit: June, July, September, and October
ConclusionEach of the cities on our list captures the heart of Tibet in a different way. From photo-worthy mountains to local cuisine to historical ruins, you will enjoy a true Tibetan experience. It’s surely a long journey to visit all ten of these cities at one time, but shorter trips may have to pick and choose. So, which of these famous Tibetan cities will you visit on your next trip to Tibet?
