Often known as the ‘Roof of the World’, Tibet is a remote Himalayan land unlike any other. You will find breathtaking landscapes, rich traditions, spiritual depth, and a hell lot of adventure in Tibet.
This land of mystical allure offers an unforgettable travel experience, especially for people who want to get closer to nature as you will come across many vast grasslands, magnificent snow-capped mountains and sacred lakes in Tibet.
There are many factors which can make your visit to Tibet a once in a lifetime experience. Whether you are a beginner in traveling or a seasoned explorer, Tibet won’t fail to fascinate you.
Tibet promises a journey full of awe and wonder, and in this blog, we are discussing 10 such reasons to travel Tibet, and we are sure you are going to love the place by the end of this blog.
Unique Tibetan Culture and Traditions
The main highlight of visiting Tibet has to be the unique Tibetan cultures and traditions that await you in this mystical land where culture is deeply intertwined with its spiritual heritage.
Every corner of Tibet is dotted with colorful prayer flags, spinning prayer wheels, monasteries, chortens, mani walls, and more which symbolize the Tibetan way of life while representing the devotion of the locals.
Some of the unique traditions that you might see in Tibet includes sky burial, where the body is left out in the open for birds and animals to consume with a belief that it sends their souls to heaven.

Another integral part of Tibetan culture is the cultural songs and dances which is done by the locals to share their knowledge and history, true to the local saying ‘Tibetans who can walk can also dance’.
Centered around Tibetan Buddhism, there are many festivals including Saga Dawa festival, Thangka Festival, Ongkor Festival, and Lhoshar (Tibetan New Year) which are all celebrated with immense joy, lively dances, and old age rituals.
You will also see many people donning their traditional costumes which reflect their affection towards their culture. Experiencing these elements first hand gives a profound glimpse into the spiritual lives of people in Tibet.
Breathtaking Natural Landscapes
The breathtaking landscapes of Tibet are a testament to the raw natural beauty of the country as well as of the power and beauty of nature as the country boasts some of the most serene and unspoiled landscapes in the world.
The landscapes of Tibet are rather rugged and dramatic and they feature everything from snow capped peaks to serene lakes and vast, windswept plains amidst other captivating natural features.
Mount Everest (Chomolungma) dominates the Tibetan skies with even the distant views being awe-inspiring, unobstructed perspective of the world’s highest peak.

Trekkers and mountaineers flock to the region for a chance to witness the majesty of Everest up close and even to climb Mt Everest from the north side as it is a more challenging experience.
Tibet is also home to some of the most pristine lakes including Yamdrok Lake, Mansarovar Lake, and Namtso Lake which are some of the highest and holiest lakes in the world.
The varied landscapes of Tibet also include striking high-altitude deserts, such as the Qiangtang Desert, and deep, rugged canyons like the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon which are truly a sight to behold.
The Spiritual Journey
The spiritual journey for visitors traveling to Tibet comes unsaid as the place is also regarded as a spiritual center with Tibetan Buddhism dominating the spiritual journey of Tibet.
The teachings of Tibetan Buddhism including compassion, wisdom, and mindfulness are deeply enriched in the society and visitors can observe this during interaction with the locals.
Some of the most significant spiritual sites lie in Tibet including the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, and Jokhang Temple, considered the holiest site in Tibetan Buddhism.

Revered as one of the holiest mountains in the world, Mount Kailash lies in Tibet where every year thousands of pilgrims visit on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to perform Kailash Parikrama (circumambulation).
Some of the Tibetan monasteries, like Sera, Drepung, and Tashilhunpo, offer a glimpse into the monastic life and even teach different meditation techniques including Vajrayana and Zen.
Trek Through Stunning Scenery
Tibet is often considered one of the countries which is a paradise for trekkers, and rightly so as it is home to some of the most beautiful and challenging trekking trails in the world.
The high altitude trekking trails of Tibet boast some of the most mesmerizing views of the landscapes as they take you through the snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and sacred sites, blending natural beauty with cultural richness.
First and foremost is the Everest Base Camp Trek North, i.e. from Tibetan side. While the Nepali side of Everest Base Camp Trek is bustling with trekkers, same is not the case with the north side.

This is because this side is slightly more challenging and will take you to a higher altitude. However, it has its own perks as you will be able to enjoy the majesty of Everest from slightly closer and that too in solitude when you have the trail all to yourself.
Another popular trek that lies in Tibet is the Mount Kailash Mansarovar Trek which is also done as a religious pilgrimage by thousands of devotees from across the world every year.
It is a pilgrimage across different religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism as all the three religions consider Mount Kailash to be the most sacred peak.
While Hinduism recognizes Mt. Kailash as the home to Lord Shiva and his consort Mata Parvati, Buddhism and Jainism recognize Mt. Kailash as the center of the world amongst other beliefs.
Therefore, people gather here every year to perform kora around the peak (circumambulate the peak). Meanwhile, they also take a dip in the holy Mansarovar Lake.

This is a challenging adventure which serves as both challenging trek as well as a religious activity which is also the reason to its high popularity. You will see all the faces of Mt. Kailash during this trek.
A lesser known trek in Tibet is the Ganden to Samye trek which allows you to embark on a journey that offers a unique blend of history and natural splendor, all at once.
As you traverse through the alpine meadows, dramatic passes, and ancient ruins, the trail eventually takes you to Samye monastery which is the first Buddhist monastery of Tibet. An added bonus is the unique interaction that you will have with the welcoming locals.
The Mouth-Watering Tibetan Cuisine
One reason why you should definitely visit Tibet is to indulge in the authentic Tibetan cuisine which is hearty, flavorful, reflects the nomadic lifestyle of high altitude regions, and will definitely leave you asking for more.
You can get a variety of food made from fresh and local ingredients including Thukpa (noodle soup), momo (dumplings filled with meat or vegetables), and tsampa (roasted barley flour).
You will find that the traditional Tibetan cooking methods are mainly boiled and fried, supplemented with certain mixed, steamed, and raw foods, and there are fewer stir-fried dishes. The local herbs add a unique flavor to the food entirely.
Yak dishes are quite popular in Tibet and are made into different kinds of dishes like yak stew and dried yak meat, while the people in central Tibetan area prefer livestock like beef, mutton, and goat.
Butter tea is one of the unique beverages that you will get in Tibet which is made up of tea, yak butter, and salt and it makes sure to keep you warm during your exploration of the cold high altitude regions of Tibet.
Gateway to World’s Highest Plateau
Tibet is also home to the Tibetan Plateau, which is the reason why it is referred to as the ‘roof of the world’ as this plateau is the highest and largest plateau on Earth.
This massive plateau stretches across much of central Asia and it sits at an elevation of 4,500 meters (14,800 feet) which makes it a high altitude adventure which is only one of its kind.
As you make your way to the Tibetan Plateau, you will be going through the friendship highway which is yet another attraction that offers panoramic views of the towering Himalayan range, including Mount Everest.

When it comes to geography, the Tibetan Plateau is equally fascinating as you will see many unique untouched landscapes here including high-altitude deserts, glacial lakes, and snow-capped peaks.
Given the rare and extreme ecosystem of Tibetan plateau, you will come across a variety of unique species including Tibetan antelope, wild yaks, and many migratory birds too.
Encounter Unique Wildlife
You will find a wide range of wildlife in Tibet which has adapted to the harsh climatic and environmental conditions here which makes Tibet a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.
The most unique sighting is the Tibetan Antelope (Chiru), which is known for its graceful appearance and elusive nature, as these are one of the rarest animals in the world.
Snow leopards are among the most famous wildlife of Tibet and they are rather difficult to spot given their camouflage coat which allows them to perfect blend with the rugged Himalayan terrains.
Wild yaks are seen roaming freely around the Tibetan plateau and they are indigenous to this region. Black necked cranes which are sacred in Tibetan culture and are frequently spotted in Tibet’s wetland areas, especially around the lakes like Namtso and the marshes near Mount Kailash.
A Photographer’s Paradise
There are countless reasons why visiting Tibet is a dream come true for photographers of different levels. Photographers are treated to iconic landscapes here.
They can photograph the architectural beauty of the likes of Potala Palace, the serene turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake, and the towering peaks of Mount Everest.
On top of that, certain natural timings such as the golden hour, the blue hour, and other seasonal factors also create dramatic contrasts and vivid colors, perfect for photography.
The festivals, cultures, and traditions of Tibet are all one of a kind and photographing them can add the vibrance of colors in any photographer’s portfolio.
Even for wildlife photography enthusiasts, visiting Tibet is a great opportunity as they get to photograph the species like snow leopard, Tibetan antelope, and black necked cranes, all in their natural habitats.
An Ancient Civilization with a Modern Twist
Tibet has an extremely rich history which spans across thousands of years, and while the modern influences have certainly hit Tibet in many ways, the ancient civilization that lies underneath has managed to retain its cultural essence.
You can explore this ancient civilization at many locations featuring historical marvels such as ruins of the Guge Kingdom, ancient monasteries, and the timeless streets of Barkhor in Lhasa, each echoing stories of Tibet’s past.
Even in Lhasa, you will see a mix of ancient architecture along with the modern structures. The buildings are all made in modern architectural style while the Potala Palace stands as a testament to the spiritual heritage of Tibet.
Amidst this, the continuity of traditional customs and rituals by the locals also ensures that their heritage thrives, which is a scene that should be witnessed first-hand.
Experience the Tranquility of Tibetan Villages
While many parts of Tibet have been touched by modernity, there are still parts of Tibetan villages which offer a glimpse into a lifestyle that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
You will find many charming settlements in Tibetan villages like Gyantse, Tingri, and Shigatse where you will still find traditional stone houses with wooden windows, ancient monasteries, and small yet vibrant markets.
When you are visiting these remote regions, especially while trekking in Tibet, you can stay in the house of the locals and closely interact with them, witness their authentic way of life firsthand, and also participate in many local daily life activities.
Far from the chaos of the cities, exploring Tibetan villages allows you a peaceful respite where you can learn more about the Tibetan customs and traditions and witness the soul of Tibet.