Tibet
The amazing thing about Yunnan is
that in addition to bordering the tropics of Guangxi and Southeast Asia it
also shares a border with Tibet, the so-called “roof of the world”. In
recent years, tourists have begun flocking to Tibet to satisfy their
thirst for its mystical culture and Buddhist traditions. While visiting
Tibet requires tourists go through a permit process that is unnecessary
when visiting all other regions of China, the number of fantastic sights
in Tibet that can be seen nowhere else in the world make it worth the
effort.
Lhasa
The capital of Tibet contains some of its most famed sites. Unlike every
other capital city in China, Lhasa is not covered in massive developments
and skyscrapers projects. Just as it has for centuries, one building
stands above all other in Lhasa: the Potal Palace. The home of the Dalai
Llama before he went to exile in India 50 years ago, the Potala Palace is
the undisputed symbol of Tibet and one of the world’s most distinctive
buildings. Today the palace is a museum where you can view its wealth of
relics, stupas and statues. Many of these stupas and statues are made of
solid gold and are studded with precious jewels. Even the most prosperous
royal houses of Europe don’t have crown jewels to compare with those on
display in the Potala Palace
Only about a mile away in the center of Lhasa
is Jokhang Temple. While Potala may be the symbol of Tibet, it is Jokhang
that is considered the most important religious site for Tibetan
Buddhists. Built over 1300 years ago, Jokhang is a multi-story complex
housing important monks and holding daily prayer services both inside its
walls and in front of its gates for pilgrims. In addition to Buddhist
pilgrims, Jokhang also attracts a lot of Lhasa’s tourists. Due to this,
the square around the temple known as “The Barkhor” is an expansive open
air market selling every kind of souvenir imaginable. In addition to the
factory produced trinkets, you can also find some fantastic antiques if
you look hard enough and get lucky. The Barkhor is also one of the most
fun places for some intense rounds of bargaining.
There are many ways to get to Tibet. One can fly to Lhasa from Kunming or
Chengdu. Additionally, you can take a 48 hour train across the Tibetan
plateau from Lhasa. A Tibet Entry Permit is a required for foreigners
entering Tibet. However, it can easily be obtained in Kunming or Chengdu.
Additionally, a travel permit is required when you are planning to travel
to areas far from Lhasa such as Mount Everest Bas Camp. You can obtain
these permits upon arriving in Lhasa.
Namtso Lake 
In a high plateau just two hours north of Lhasa is Namtso Lake, the
highest salt water lake in the world at an elevation of 15,500 feet. In
addition to being at an incredibly high altitude, Namtso is also
astoundingly beautiful. The exceptionally clear water reflects the
massive snow capped Himalayan peaks that surround the lake on all
sides. The lake’s size at nearly 760 square miles only adds to it
beauty. When you emerge at the edge of this lake you can’t help but feel
like you are in an entirely different world. It is no wonder that
“namtso” means “heavenly” in Tibetan.
For Tibetan Buddhists, Namtso Lake is an
important pilgrimage site that is surrounded by sacred caves and
temples. It is even common for pilgrims to make the multi-day journey
around the lake to receive the blessing of the gods. Tourists can come
for the day or even stay in one of the many small lodges in a small
village on the edge of the lake. Staying overnight allows you to witness
a sunrise and sunset unlike any other in the world. Another fantastic
thing about Namtso is that unlike many tourist sites in the Tibetan
Autonomous Region, in can be accessed with the basic Lhasa permit that you
get before arriving in Tibet.
Namtso Lake can easily be accessed from Lhasa.
You can either take a bus or hire a driver to take you in a Jeep.
