Tibet II: A Visual Feast of Snowy Mountains, Sacred Lakes, and Prayer Flags

Tibet, the place closest to heaven. Having lived in Lhasa for 12 years, people often ask me which season is best to visit Tibet. My answer is always the same: whenever you have time, that’s the best season. In spring and summer, Lhasa is lush and green, coinciding with Tibet's rainy season. But don’t worry, the rain is brief and followed by clear skies. The sky becomes even more beautiful, and rainbows are frequent. The oxygen content in the air is higher, and while the inland regions are sweltering, you’ll still need a blanket to sleep in Lhasa. In autumn and winter, Tibet isn’t as cold as you might imagine. The sunshine in the City of Sunlight will warm you throughout the day. You can sit in front of Jokhang Temple, sip sweet tea, and bask in the sun. Most attractions in Tibet offer free admission during winter. The chances of seeing the golden sunrise on snowy peaks are highest in winter. Traveling in Tibet during winter means fewer tourists and ten times the beauty. Tibet’s scenery is endless, truly endless. It can fulfill many of your travel fantasies, both spiritually and visually. Tips: When first arriving in Tibet, consider staying in hotels or guesthouses with dispersed oxygen supply. Avoid bathing initially (it can worsen altitude sickness), don’t overexert yourself, rest more, and spend two to three days in Lhasa to acclimate to the altitude while exploring city attractions. Then venture out, starting with Nyingchi and then Mount Everest, gradually increasing the altitude.