Tibet is a large land of various vibrant cities, each offering its own unique charm. If you are wondering which cities to visit during your Tibet tour, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore ten major cities in Tibet, with the first six being the must-visits for any trip to this holy land.

From Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet, to Shigatse, the gateway to Mount Everest; from the Switzerland-like scenery of Nyingchi, to Ngari, home to scared Mount Kailash; from the tranquil historic Gyantse town to the border town of Gyirong, these six cities highlight the essence of Tibet, and are essential stops during your journey.

For those seeking more, we also recommend four other cities with hidden beauty: Tsedang, Nagqu, Damxung, Chamdo. Read on to uncover the details and prepare yourself a wonderful trip to Tibet!

Top 1 (Must-Visit): Lhasa, the Heart of Tibet and the Essential Starting Point for Most Tibet Tours

As the provincial capital of Tibet, Lhasa is the spiritual and cultural heart of the region. For most tourists, your Tibet tours typically start from Lhasa, as it is the major entry point where you can take a flight, train or overland to the plateau. Also, with a lower altitude of 3656 meters, Lhasa is the ideal place to acclimatize to the high altitude of the plateau, before you head to other higher destinations in Tibet.

When touring Lhasa, you will have many incredible landmarks to explore. Besides the world-famous Potala Palace, there is the Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple in Tibet; Barkhor Street, the bustling kora route lined with shops selling Tibetan crafts; Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet; and Sera Monastery, known for its interesting monk debates, etc. Also, you can leisurely enjoy traditional Tibetan butter tea at a local teahouse and experience the unique atmosphere of local lifestyles.

Join a classic 4-day Lhasa to experience the essence of the city

Top 2 (Must-Visit): Shigatse, Gateway to the Famous Mount Everest

For tourists planning to visit Mount Everest Base Camp (EBC) in Tibetan side, Shigatse city is a key stop on your journey to the world’s highest summit. Here you can explore the renowned Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, built in 1447. As one of four greatest Gelugpa monasteries, Tashilhunpo Monastery houses the awe-inspiring giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha.

As Tibet’s second-largest city, Shigatse also offers convenient connections to Lhasa and other destinations. You can easily travel from Lhasa to Shigatse overland on smooth roads, or via a quick bullet train. There is also an airport with flights to Chengdu and Chongqing in mainland China.

Top 3 (Must-Visit): Gyanste, the Historic Town Known for the Remarkable Pelkor Chode Monastery

Often overlooked by many people, Gyanste is indeed a charming ancient town that should not be missed on your Tibet tour. It is located about 300 kilometers from Lhasa, and can be easily visited on your trip from Lhasa to Shigatse.

In this historic town, you can explore the Pelkor Chöde Monastery, which houses the famous giant Kumbum Stupa, consisting of 9 stories and featuring Han, Tibetan and Nepali architectural styles. The perched Gyantse Fortress is also a good site to enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Besides, you can also stroll through the peaceful alleys of Gyantse, to leisurely experience the traditional Tibetan life.

Top 4 (Must-Visit): Nyingchi, the Switzerland of Tibet with a Lower Altitude

Situated in the southeast of Tibet, Nyingchi is another wonderful land featuring stunning natural landscapes and a lower comfortable altitude. Here in Nyingchi, you can marvel at the picturesque scenery of lush forests, turquoise rivers and snow-capped mountains.

Don’t miss famous sites like Basum Lake, Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, Lulang Forest, Midui Glacier, etc. If you visit Nyingchi in spring, you will also be treated to the spectacular sight of breathtaking blooming peach blossoms. Owing to the milder altitude and milder weather, Nyingchi is also an excellent gateway for you to enter Tibet.

Top 5 (Must-Visit): Ngari, Gateway to Holy Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar

Known as “the roof of the roof of the world”, Ngari is located in the northwest of Tibet, and is home to the holy Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Despite its remote location, the region attracts thousands of devout pilgrims worldwide to these two sacred sites. For ordinary tourists who enjoy trekking or adventuring, it is also a lifetime spirit-lifting experience to take the holy trek around Mount Kailash.

Besides, Ngari is home to the ancient ruins of Guge Kingdom, the astounding Zhada Earth Forest, Tholing Monastery, Pangong Lake and other famous attractions. You can travel overland to Ngari from Lhasa via the smooth G318 Highway, or from Kathmandu via Gyirong Port. For tourists seeking an in-depth discovery of Tibet, a trip to Ngari is highly recommended.

The 15-day Kailash Manasarovar tour is the most popular itinerary to experience the holy mountain.

Top 6 (Must-Visit): Gyirong, the New Border Town for Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Travel

If you take the overland journey from Lhasa to Kathmandu or from Kathmandu to Lhasa, you will always stay overnight in Gyirong, the new border town between Nepal and Tibet. Known as the “Valley of Happiness”, this small town of Gyirong is a picturesque destination in Tibet, boasting lush greenery, a mild climate, and a tranquil atmosphere.

Here, you can explore the charming Gyirong Valley, which boasts dense forests and crystal clear lake at the foot of the snow-capped mountains. You can also hike to the village of the Tibetan Sherpa to experience the local lifestyle. For more discoveries, there are also the Pakba Monastery and Gtsang Po Canyon to explore.

Top 7 (Recommended): Tsedang, the Cradle of Tibetan Civilization

Located to the southeast of Lhasa, Tsedang is the capital city of Shannan Prefecture of Tibetan Autonomous Region. Known as the “Cradle of Tibetan Civilization”, the ancient town is the birthplace of Tibet’s first king, and is home to many historic and cultural attractions of the region. For tourists taking a profound cultural tour of Tibet, Tsedang is a must-visit place on your bucket list.

Here, you should not miss to visit Yumbulagang, the first palace in Tibet, perched on a hill with sweeping valley views; Samye Monastery, the first true Buddhist monastery to be built in Tibet. Besides, another famous attraction in Shannan is the scared Yamdrok Lake, which is only about two-hours’ drive from Lhasa.

Top 8 (Recommended): Nagqu, the Grassland Paradise and Home to Tibetan Nomads

Nagqu is the biggest prefecture in northern Tibet, and is famous for its vast Qiangtang Prairie. With the fewest inhabitants, Nagqu is home to Tibetan nomads who live a traditional lifestyle, herding yaks and sheep across the grasslands. If conditions permit, you can visit a nomadic family when traveling to this region, to experience their vibrant traditions and warm hospitality.

Another activity to experience is attending the grand Nagqu Horse Racing Festival, which is an annual event usually held in late July or early August. Besides the horse races, there are archery contests, traditional Tibetan dance performances, local handicrafts trading, etc. You can experience the lively untamed spirit of Tibetan nomads while admiring the pristine scenery of the northern plateau.

Top 9 (Recommended): Damxung, Gateway to the Heavenly Lake Namtso

Damxung is a town of Lhasa prefecture, and is an important stop on your trip to the holy Lake Namtso. Also called the “Heavenly Lake”, Namtso is one of Tibet’s Three Holiest Lakes, alluring thousands of tourists with its stunning beauty. Here you can admire its turquoise water surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and also encounter local pilgrims doing kora around the lake shore.

Typically, you will travel from Lhasa to Namtso Lake via the massive Damxung grasslands. Then after exploring Namtso, return to Damxung for a comfortable overnight stay, since there is no accommodation at the lakeside. On your way back to Lhasa, you can also visit another two monasteries to discover more cultural treasures of Tibet.

Top 10 (Recommended): Chamdo, the Cultural Core for Tibetan Khampa Traditions

Located in eastern Tibet, Chamdo is the heart of Khampa culture and the place where the earliest Tibetans are believed to have originated. The highlights of Chamdo include the ancient Galden Jampaling Monastery, the biggest Gelugpa monastery in the Kham area; the serene Rawok Lake, often visited on the popular Chengdu to Lhasa overland journey; Lhegu Glacier, a group of six glaciers standing to the north of Rawok Lake.

Insider Tips for Exploring Tibetan Cities

When planning your Tibet tour, consider the best time to visit based on the altitude and weather of different cities. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are usually the ideal seasons, with clear skies and mild temperatures across the plateau.

Also, make sure you obtain the necessary permits before your departure. In addition to the Tibet Travel Permit, other documents may also be required depending on your destination. The best option is to contact us in advance and tell us your plan, and we will help you to handle these Tibet travel documents in a smooth way.

Acclimatization is also essential, and it is recommended to enter Tibet via Lhasa or Nyingchi, both with lower altitudes. After adjusting for a couple of days, you can travel further to other higher-attitude cities on the plateau. This could make your Tibet tour more comfortable and hassle-free.

Conclusion

During your trip to Tibet, you can explore various cities, each with its own culture, history and natural beauty. If you have limited time, it is recommended to visit the top six cities - Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse, Nyingchi, Ngari, and Gyirong, which are connected with the most popular travel itineraries and allow you to taste the essence of Tibet. For a more in-depth exploration, you can also add other cities to your journey, uncover more hidden charm of the plateau. If you still have any questions about visiting Tibet, feel free to contact us or book your tour with us today!