Tibet

Tibet Highlights Sakya

Lhasa Rongphu Monastery & Everest Base
Camp
Around Lhasa
Tingri to Zhangmu
Ganden Monastery
Zhangmu
Nam-tso
Western Tibet
Samye Monastery
Lhatse to Kailash
The Friendship Highway
Mt Kailash
Yamdrok-Tso
Lake Manasarovar
Gyantse
Shigatse
Tibet

Why Go?

When to Go
Best Monasteries

Best Views
Tibet Highlights
NEPAL ROUTE

TOUR AGENCY

( ; 4700803; www.advgreenhill.com; Thamel)

TOUR AGENCY
( ; 4423207; www.ecotrek.com.np; Thamel)

TRAVEL AGENCY

( ; 01-4241452; www.royaltibet.com; Durbar Marg)

TRAVEL AGENCY

( ; 01-4410746; www.tibettour.travel; Thamel)

QINGHAI ROUTE

OTHER ROUTES

TIBET TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Troubled Tibet is essentially part of China, yet in many ways separate from it. Travel regulations here are much
more restrictive than the rest of the nation; tourists currently need to arrange a guided tour in order to visit any
place in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR).
Authorities would say this is for tourists’ protection, though it has more to do with economic interests and
foreigners’ tendency to sympathise with the Tibetan cause and bear witness to political tensions. If you want to
explore Tibetan areas independently by foot or public transport, you are currently better off heading to the
Tibetan areas of Sichuan and Qinghai.
Travel regulations are in constant flux in Tibet and travel infrastructure is changing at head-spinning speed.
Be sure to check current regulations with travel companies and check the designated Tibet branch of the Lonely
Planet Thorn Tree (www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree). Tibet can completely close to foreigners without
warning, as it did for several months in 2012. Western Tibet was closed for most of 2014.
At the time of research:
Foreign travellers need a Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) permit to get into Tibet and an Alien Travel Permit (and
other permits) to travel outside Lhasa.
To get these permits you need to prebook an itinerary, a guide for your entire stay and transport for outside
Lhasa with an agency, before travelling to Tibet.
To get on a plane or train to Lhasa you generally need to show your TTB permit. For the plane you need the
original, so your agency will courier that to you at an address in China (normally a hostel). A printout/copy is
currently acceptable for the train.
You don’t need to book transport for your time in Lhasa, but you do need to visit the main monasteries with a
guide.
For travel outside Lhasa you will need to prearrange transport hire. You cannot travel outside Lhasa
independently and cannot take public transport.
Most agencies charge around ¥200 per person for permits, ¥250 per day for a guide and anywhere from
US$100 to US$150 per day for 4WD hire (not per person). Many agencies let you book your own
accommodation.
Agencies can only apply for permits 15 days before departure, so there is invariably a last-minute rush to get
permits posted to you in time. This obviously complicates booking flight and train tickets; we recommend
buying travel insurance and booking a fully refundable ticket if possible.
Travel from Nepal to Tibet brings its own complications, since foreigners can only travel on a group visa (a
separate piece of paper), which is only valid for up to three weeks and is almost impossible to extend. If you
already have a Chinese visa in your passport it will be cancelled. Group visas in Kathmandu cost US$58 and take
10 days, or you can pay US$118 for express service. US citizens pay a hefty surcharge.
The companies listed here can arrange tours and permits for Tibet and are used to dealing with individual
travellers. See www.tibetgreenmap.com for other responsible Tibetan tour operators.

LHASA

TRAVEL AGENCY
( 0891-632 9441, mobile 158 8909 0408; www.tibetexploretour.com; 4-5 House, Namsel No 3, Doudi Rd)
Contact Jamphel.

TRAVEL AGENCY
( 634 5009; www.tibetnamchen.com)
At Barkhor Namchen Guest House. Contact Dhoko.

TRAVEL AGENCY
( 133 0898 1522; www.roadtotibet.com)
Contact Woeser Phel.

TRAVEL AGENCY
( ; 633 0489; www.shigatsetravels.com; Yak Hotel, 100 Beijing Donglu)
Top-end tours from a large agency that uses European trip managers.

TRAVEL AGENCY
( ; 136 5952 3997; www.cafespinn.com; 135 Beijing Donglu)
Contact Kong or Pazu.
 TRAVEL AGENCY
( ; 139 0898 5060, 634 8144; www.tibethighlandtours.com; Zangyiyuan Lu)
Contact Tenzin or Dechen.

TRAVEL AGENCY
( 635 1657, mobile 136 2898 0074; www.tibetanguide.com)
Contact Mima Dhondup.

OTHER CITIES IN CHINA

TRAVEL AGENCY
( 10-8660 8923; www.leohostel.com; 52 Dazhalan Xijie, Qianmen, Beijing)
Popular backpacker hostel that books tours through an agency in Tibet. Leo Hostel in Beijing in Review section if
it’s included this edition.

TRAVEL AGENCY
( 028-8322 2271; www.mixhostel.com; 23 Renjiawan, Xinghui Xilu, Chengdu)
Popular backpacker hostel. Mix Hostel in Chengdu in Review section if it’s included this edition.

TRAVEL AGENCY
( 971-816 3350, 134 3932 9243; www.snowliontours.com; Office 1212, Chenglin Mansion, 7 Dongdajie Lu, Xining)
Contact Wangden Tsering.

TRAVEL AGENCY
( 0971-6313 188, mobile 139 9712 4471; www.travelwildtibet.com; Qinghai International Business Centre, 12th fl, 37 Kunlun
Zhonglu, Xining)
Contact Tashi Phuntsok.
Lhasa
Barkhor Area
 PILGRIM CIRCUIT

(Bakuo )

BUDDHIST, TEMPLE

(Dazhao Si ; admission ¥85; 8.30-6pm, most chapels closed after noon)

 PALACE

(Budala Gong ; admission May-Oct ¥200, Nov-Apr ¥100 ; 9.30am-3pm before 1 May, 9am-3.30pm
after 1 May, interior chapels close 4.30pm)

BUDDHIST, MONASTERY
(Sela Si admission ¥50; 9am-5pm)

BUDDHIST, MONASTERY

(Zhebang Si admission ¥50; 9.30am-5.30pm, smaller chapels close at 2pm)

HISTORIC SITE

(Yaowang Shan ; Deji Zhonglu; admission ¥10; dawn-dusk)

 PALACE

(Luobulinka ; Minzu Lu; admission ¥60; 9am-6pm)

MUSEUM

(Xizang Bowuguan ; Minzu Nanlu; 10am-5pm Tue-Sun)

MASSAGE

( ; 135 4901 5532; Danjielin Lu; 9.30am-11pm)

ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Altitude sickness (or acute mountain sickness, AMS; Click here) is a life-threatening condition that you should
take seriously in Tibet. While medicines such as Diamox can help deal with mild symptoms, the number one rule
to follow is to rise in altitude gradually.
Most people experience only minor symptoms (headaches, breathlessness) when flying in to Lhasa
(3600m), as long as they take things easy for their first couple of days. The key is to ascend gradually,
preferably less than 400m per day. Spend up to a week in and around Lhasa before heading to higher elevations
like Nam-tso or Western Tibet, and don’t even think about heading straight to Everest Base Camp (5150m) from
Kathmandu (1300m): you need at least two or three nights along the way, in places such as Nyalam (3750m)
and Tingri (4250m).
RELIGIOUS

RELIGIOUS

RELIGIOUS

RELIGIOUS

RELIGIOUS

RELIGIOUS

RELIGIOUS
 PRICE INDICATORS
The following price indicators are used in this chapter:

SLEEPING
$ less than ¥200
$$ ¥200 to ¥400
$$$ more than ¥400

EATING
$ less than ¥30
$$ ¥30 to ¥80
$$$ more than ¥80

HOTEL

(Balangxue Binguan ; 632 3829; 8 Beijing Donglu; dm ¥50, d/tr without bathroom ¥100/150, d with
bathroom ¥230; )

HOTEL

(Rema Gabu Binguan ; 634 6963; www.lhasabarkhor.com; 15 Ongto Shingka Lam; dm ¥40, d/tr incl
breakfast ¥180/260; )

GUESTHOUSE

(Bakuo Longqian Jiating Luguan ; 679 0125; www.tibetnamchen.com; 2 Barkhor North St; dm/d with
shared bathroom ¥40/100; )
 HOTEL

(Jiqu Fandian ; 633 1541; www.kyichuhotel.com; 18 Beijing Donglu; r standard/deluxe from

¥400/500; )

HOTEL

(Ya Binguan ; 630 0195; 100 Beijing Donglu; dm ¥50, d ¥450-650, r VIP ¥880; )

HOTEL

(Guyi Jiudian ; 691 1333; heritagehotel@hotmail.com; 11 Chaktsalgang Lu; r ¥300-420; )

HOTEL

(Guo’erka Fandian ; 634 7000; gorkhahotel@yahoo.com; 47 Linkuo Nanlu, r/ste ¥380/450; )

BOUTIQUE HOTEL

(Zhuomala Gong ; 632 6533; www.shambhalaserai.com; 7 Jiri Erxiang, d incl breakfast ¥675-1015;
closed mid-Jan to end Apr; )
 VISITING MONASTERIES & TEMPLES
Most monasteries and temples extend a warm welcome to foreign guests. Please maintain this good faith by
observing the following courtesies:
Always circumambulate monasteries, chapels and other religious objects clockwise, thus keeping shrines
and chortens (Tibetan stupas) to your right.
Don’t touch or remove anything on an altar and don’t take prayer flags or mani (prayer) stones.
Don’t take photos during a prayer meeting. At other times always ask permission to take a photo, especially
when using a flash. The larger monasteries charge photography fees. If a monk stops you from taking a
photograph there’s no point getting angry – you don’t know what pressures they may be under.
Don’t wear shorts or short skirts in a monastery, and take your hat off when you go into a chapel.
Don’t smoke in a monastery.
If you have a guide, try to ensure that he or she is Tibetan, as Chinese guides invariably know little about
Tibetan Buddhism or monastery history.
Be aware that women are generally not allowed in protector chapels (gonkhang).

INTERNATIONAL

( ; cnr Danjielin Lu & Beijing Donglu; dishes ¥12-35; 8am-10pm; )

TIBETAN

(Guangming Zezhui Zang Canguan ; Danjielin Lu; mains ¥10-30)

 TIBETAN

( ; 135 1890 0942; dishes ¥10-20; 8.30am-9pm)

INTERNATIONAL

(Xueyu Canting ; 633 7323; 8 Danjielin Lu; dishes ¥25-45; 10am-10pm)

NEPALI

(Xinmanzhai Canting ; 634 2235; west of Barkhor Sq; dishes ¥20-45; 8am-10pm)

TEAHOUSE

( ; 29 Linkuo Nanlu; tea ¥3-8; 8am-5pm)

CAFE

(Dingfeng Kafeidian ; www.thetibetsummitcafe.com; 1 Danjielin Lu; coffee ¥20-30, snacks ¥15-50;

 8am-9.30pm; )

(Xiangbala Jiudian ; 632 3888;

www.tibetshangbalahotel.com; 1 Danjielin Lu; )

HANDICRAFTS

( ; 633 0898; www.tibetcraft.com; 11 Chaktsalgang Lam; 10am-8pm)

( ; 632 2443; Danjielin Lu; 10am-7pm)

OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT

(Kan Fengyun Bianhuan Yuanjing; ; 633 8990; 11 Beijing Donglu)

 DON'T MISS
LHASA’S PILGRIM CIRCUITS
Lhasa’s four main koras (pilgrim circuits) are well worth walking, especially during the Saga Dawa festival, when
the distinction between tourist and pilgrim can become very fine. Remember always to proceed clockwise.
Nangkhor Encircles the inner precincts of the Jokhang.
Barkhor Traces the outskirts of the Jokhang.
Lingkhor You can join the 8km-long circuit anywhere, but the most interesting section is from the
southeastern old town to the Potala Palace.
Potala Kora (Tsekhor) An almost continuous circuit of prayer wheels, chortens (Tibetan stupas), rock
paintings and chapels encircles the Potala Palace. Stop for sweet tea en route at the charming teahouse by the
three white chortens on the northwest corner.

EMBASSIES

CONSULATE

(Nibo’er Lingshiguan ; 0891 681 3965; www.nepalembassy.org.cn; 13 Luobulingka Beilu; 10am-

noon Mon-Fri)

INTERNET ACCESS

MEDICAL SERVICES

HOSPITAL

(Jijiu Zhongxin ; 633 2462; 16 Linkuo Beilu)

HOSPITAL

(Xizang Junqu Zongyiyuan ; 625 3120; Niangre Beilu)

MONEY
 BANK

(Zhongguo Yinhang ; Linkuo Xilu; 9am-1pm & 3.30-6.30pm Mon-Fri, 10.30am-4pm Sat & Sun)

BANK

(Zhongguo Yinhang ; Beijing Donglu; 10am-4.30pm Mon-Fri, 11am-3.30pm Sat & Sun)

POST

POST OFFICE

(Zhongguo Youzheng ; Beijing Donglu; 9am-8pm)

PUBLIC SECURITY BUREAU

POLICE

(PSB,, Lasa Shi Gong’anju ; 624 8154; 17 Linkuo Beilu; 9am-12.30pm & 3.30-6pm Mon-Fri)

TELEPHONE

TELEPHONE

(Zhongguo Yidong Tongxin ; Beijing Donglu; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat)

AIR

(CAAC,, Zhongguo Minhang 682 5430; 1 Niangre Lu; 9am-7pm)

BUS

TRAIN
(
; 7am-10pm)
(Huochepiao Daishouchu ; 19 Deji Zhonglu; commission ¥5; 8am-5.30pm)
 THE WORLD’S HIGHEST TRAIN RIDE
Since starting in 2006 the Qinghai–Tibet Railway has been the world’s highest train ride. With track topping the
5072m Tanggu-la pass and with 80% of the Golmud to Lhasa stretch above 4000m, the railway is an impressive
piece of engineering. Its 160km of bridges and elevated track were built over permafrost, so sections of cooling
pipes were inserted to help keep the boggy ground frozen in summer. The cost? A cool US$4.1 billion, not
including the 2014 extension to Shigatse. While the Chinese are rightfully proud of this engineering marvel;
many Tibetans aren’t quite so sure. The railway brings cheaper (Chinese-made) goods and greater economic
growth to the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR), but it also fuels Han migration, delivering one million
passengers to Lhasa every year. What the line does best is staple Tibet ever more firmly to the rest of China.
At the time of writing, foreigners needed a copy of their Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) permit to buy a ticket. On
board passengers have access to piped-in oxygen, although the cabins are not actually pressurised. Soft-
sleeper berths come with TVs, and speakers in each cabin make periodic travel announcements about sights
along the way. Schedules are designed to let passengers take in the best scenery during daylight hours.
Train departure times and fares to Lhasa (hard sleeper/soft sleeper, lower berth) from the following cities are
listed below, but are subject to change. Note that tickets can be very hard to get in July and August, when many
agencies impose a surcharge of around ¥200 to get tickets to Lhasa. Check www.chinatibettrain.com for the
latest schedules. Services run daily unless noted:
Beijing West (T27), ¥763/1186, 44 hours, departure 8.09pm
Chengdu (T22/23), ¥709/1101, 44 hours, every other day, 9pm
Chongqing (T222/3), ¥751/1166, 44 hours, every other day, 7.55pm
Guangzhou (T264/5), ¥919/1528, 56 hours, 12.19pm
Lanzhou (K917), ¥550/852, 27 hours, 12.05pm
Shanghai (T164/5), ¥842/1311, 48 hours, 7.52pm
Xining (K917, K9801), ¥511/794, 27 hours, 3.05pm

TO/FROM THE AIRPORT

BICYCLE

(Dongcuo Guoji Qingnian Lushe ; 627 3388;

www.yhalasa.com; 10 Beijing Donglu; dm ¥40-60, r without bathroom ¥80-120, s/d/tr ¥160/180/210 ; )

BUS
TAXI

Ganden Monastery
BUDDHIST, MONASTERY

(Gandan Si; admission ¥50; dawn-dusk)

Nam-tso
(Namucuo; admission May-Oct ¥120, Nov-Apr ¥60 )

(Shenhu Namucuo Kezhan 0891-611 0388; dm/d

¥60/150-280; ) (Yang Binguan 139 0890 0990; dm ¥40-80, r ¥160-260; )
Samye Monastery

(Sangye Si)

( ; admission
¥40; 8am-5.30pm)

(Sangyesi Binguan ; 783 6666; d without bathroom

¥140, d/tr ¥220/280)
(Xueyu
Tongbao Luguan, Gangjong Ponda Sarkhang ; meals ¥14-40; 8am-midnight)
 GANDEN TO SAMYE HIKE
One of the most popular treks in Tibet is the four- to five-day hike from Ganden Monastery to Samye Monastery,
an 80km wilderness walk connecting two of Tibet’s most important monasteries. It begins less than 50km from
Lhasa and takes you over the high passes of the Shuga-la (5250m) and Chitu-la (5100m). Along the way are
subalpine lakes, dwarf forests and meadows, all at high altitude, so it shouldn’t be underestimated.
The situation for getting permits for hiking is the same as for normal travel in Tibet. Some agencies will let you
arrange your own ad hoc trek (ie horse or yak hire and food), as long as you take a guide and arrange transport
to and from the trailheads; others require a fully supported trek. (
; 683 3009; www.windhorsetibet.com; B32 Shenzheng Huayuan, Sera Beilu) in Lhasa is one of the most professional
trekking agencies in Lhasa, though it’s not the cheapest. For further details of this trek and others in the Everest,
Tsurphu, Shalu and Kailash regions, see the trekking chapter of Lonely Planet’s Tibet guide.

Yamdrok-Tso

(Yangzhuo Yongcuo; admission ¥40)

(Sangding Si admission ¥20)

(Sangding Si Zhaodaisuo 139 8993 3664; dm ¥40)

Gyantse

BUDDHIST, MONASTERY

(Baiju Si ; admission ¥60; 9am-6.30pm, some chapels closed 1-3pm)

FORT

( ; 817 2116; admission ¥30; 9.30am-6.30pm)

DON'T MISS
GYANTSE KUMBUM

BUDDHIST, CHORTEN

(Jiangzi Qianfota ; admission incl in entry to Pelkor Chode)

Commissioned by a Gyantse prince in 1427 and sitting inside the Pelkor Chode complex, the Gyantse Kumbum
is the town’s foremost attraction. The 32m-high chorten, with its white layers trimmed with decorative stripes
and its crown-like golden dome, is awe-inspiring. But the inside is no less impressive, and in what seems an
endless series of tiny chapels you’ll find painting after exquisite painting (kumbum means ‘100,000 images’).
 HOTEL

(Yadi Huayuan Jiudian ; 817 5555; www.yetihoteltibet.com; 11 Weiguo Lu; d incl breakfast ¥320; )

HOTEL

(Jianzang Fandian ; 817 3720; jianzanghotel@yahoo.com.cn; 14 Yingxiong Nanlu, q per bed ¥50-70, d ¥260 ;
)

NEPALI, INTERNATIONAL

(Zhaxi Canting ; Yingxiong Nanlu; mains ¥30-40; 7.30am-11pm)

TIBETAN

(Jiangzi Chufang ; Shanghai Zhonglu; dishes ¥30-40; 7am-midnight)

Shigatse
Shigatse
 BUDDHIST, MONASTERY

(Zhashilunbu Si ; admission ¥80; 9am-7pm)

HOTEL

(Rikaze Gangjian Binguan ; 882 0777; 77 Zhufeng Lu; dm ¥50, d with bathroom ¥180; )

HOTEL

(Zangba Dajiudian ; 866 7888; 9 Renbu Lu; d/tr ¥280/350; )

 HOTEL

(Gesa'er Jiudian ; 880 0088; Longjiang Lu; r standard/deluxe ¥380/500; )

HOTEL

(Zhaxi Quta Dajiudian ; 883 0111; www.zxqthotel.com; 2 Xueqiang Lu; d/tr ¥780/980; )

TIBETAN

(Fengsheng Canting ; Phuntsho Serzikhang; dishes ¥15-30; 8am-10pm)

NEPALI

(Xuelian Canting ; 883 8898; Zhufeng Lu; dishes ¥35-50; 9am-10pm)

TIBETAN

(Wu'erduo Chufang ; 882 3994; Zhade Donglu; mains ¥15-70 )

(
; 139 8992 0067; Wordo Kitchen, Zhade Donglu; admission ¥20, for restaurant customers ¥15; 9.30am-
11pm)
 INTERNATIONAL

(Songzan Xizang Canting ; Buxing Jie; dishes ¥30-45; 9am-10pm)

( ; Bangjiakong Lu)

CARPETS

(Xizang Gangjian Ditan Chang ; www.tibetgang-gyencarpet.com; 9 Zhufeng Lu; 9am-1pm & 3-7pm
Mon-Sat)

BANK

(Zhongguo Yinhang ; Zhufeng Lu; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm Sun)

POST OFFICE

(Zhongguo Youzheng ; cnr Shandong Lu & Zhufeng Lu)

POLICE

(PSB, Gong’anju ; 882 2240; Jilin Nanlu; 9.30am-12.30pm & 3.30-6.30pm Mon-Fri, 9.30am-2pm Sat &
Sun)
Sakya

BUDDHIST, MONASTERY

(admission ¥45; 9am-6pm)

HOTEL

(Shenhu Sajia Binguan 824 2555; 1 Gesang Xilu; d/tr ¥200/280)

TIBETAN

(Sajia Si Canting dishes ¥7-15; 8am-9pm)

 TIBETAN

(Sajia Nongmin Meishiting 824 2221; dishes ¥10-35)

Rongphu Monastery & Everest Base Camp

(admission ¥25)

GUESTHOUSE

(Rongbu Si Zhaodaisuo 136 2892 1359; dm ¥60, tw without bathroom ¥200)

 TENTS

(dm ¥60; end Mar–mid-Oct)

HOTEL

(Xueyu Binguan 139 8992 3995; Baber; d with bathroom ¥220-280, d without bathroom ¥80; )

Tingri to Zhangmu

( 136 4892 2335; dm ¥50-80, d with bathroom ¥260)

(Nielamu Adun Luguan

827 2113; 2 Chongdui Lu; d without bathroom ¥100, d with bathroom ¥200-300)
( 136 5892 8053; r with shared bathroom
¥250-400, d ¥350, ste ¥600-700 )
Zhangmu

HOTEL

(Xia’erba Jiudian ; 874 2098; d without/with bathroom ¥120/230; )

HOTEL

(Caiyuan Binguan ; 874 5888; d ¥360; )

BANK

(Zhongguo Yinhang ; 9.30am-1pm & 3.30-6pm Mon-Fri, 11am-2pm Sat & Sun)
BORDER CROSSING: GETTING TO NEPAL
Your transport will take you 8km down switchbacks to ( 10am-5.30pm, sometimes closed
1.30-3.30pm) next to the Friendship Bridge and Nepal border post at Kodari. If for some reason you don’t have
transport, orange and blue taxis run this stretch for ¥10 per person.
At ( 8.30am-4pm) in Kodari, you can get a visa for the same price as in Lhasa
(US$25/40/100 for a 15-/30-/90-day visa, or the equivalent in rupees). If you don’t have a passport photo you’ll
be charged an extra US$5. Nepal is 2¼ hours behind Chinese time.
There are four daily buses to Kathmandu – the last bus at 1.30pm is express – or take a bus to Barabise (three
hours, last bus 5pm) and change. The easier option is to share a private vehicle with other travellers (Rs 4500
per car, or Rs 1500 per seat; four hours). You’ll struggle to find a driver after 5pm.
Lhatse to Kailash

(Lazi Nongmin Luguan 832 2333; dm ¥25-

45, d without/with bathroom ¥260/90) (Dewang Zhuangyuan
139 8902 7775; d ¥250; )

(Saga Binguan 0892-820 2888; d with

bathroom ¥380-420; )
(Ali Zhaodaisuo tr per bed ¥70)

Mt Kailash
(PSB,, Gong’anju )
 (Chaosheng Binguan 298 0833; dm ¥60)
(Lasa Shengdi Kangsang Luguan 139 8907 0818; d
¥70-80) (Ninda Dronkhang,, Riyue Binguan 260 7102; q per bed ¥60-70 )

WORTH A TRIP
THE LOST KINGDOM OF GUGE
One worthwhile detour from Darchen is to the surreal ruins of the Guge Kingdom at (Guge Gucheng;
joint admission ticket with Tholing ¥200, optional guide per person ¥10). The ruins, which seem to grow like a
honeycomb out of the barren hills, were once the centre of one of Tibet’s most prosperous kingdoms. The
tunnels and caves are great fun to explore and the chapels offer superb examples of Kashmiri-influenced mural
art. A trip here will add three days to your itinerary, but is worth it to see some outstanding scenery and one of
Asia’s little-known wonders.
From Darchen it’s a day’s drive to Zanda (Zhada), the nearest town to Tsaparang (18km away), and home to
spectacular Tholing Monastery.

Lake Manasarovar