Here at Extravagant Yak, excellent service and cultural authenticity lie at the heart of what we do. Our experienced and knowledgeable guides play a pivotal role in delivering authentic experiences and are passionate about showing travellers all that Tibet has to offer. This month, we asked a few of our guides to share their favorite off the beaten path destinations in Tibet. We’re excited to present these must-visit locations when visiting the Roof of the World, as suggested by those who know the terrain best.
Why you need to visit: My favourite place has to be Danba in Kham Tibet Region. Danba is a very beautiful and peaceful place. There are so many local Tibetan villages we can visit. I love Zhonglu village the most because of the gorgeous view, traditional architecture, dress and harmonious life of locals and nature. Zhonglu village is located on a hillside and it has one of the astonishing views. We can do some hikes around the villages and we can try to do some farming work.
Local Tibetan people are so friendly and welcoming. I enjoyed chatting and dancing with them. Different seasons have unique and different sceneries. It will never disappoint you whenever you go. I remember one of our English clients wanted to buy a house there. The client said: “I have been so many places in the world, but Danba is one of the best places I have even been”. The altitude of Danba is 1800 meters, so locals can grow so many vegetables. We can eat organic food everyday. I feel so happy and healthy whenever I go there.
Why you need to visit: My favorite place to visit has to be the Minya Konka valley, where most of our trekking and mountain bike trips happen. It’s a peaceful valley with forests, snow peaks, glaciers, lakes; occasionally you will have the opportunity to meet a nomad family who is herding their yaks deep below the high mountain passes. Minya Konka sits on the eastern edges of the Tibetan plateau, in the Kham region south of Kangding, and is a 7,556-meter mountain that has everything to offer for an adventure tour. The reason I enjoy it so much is not only because of its natural beauty but also the outdoor experiences it presents. Being able to feel a sense of achievement after each trip is a truly significant.
Why you need to visit: I personally loved living, working and visiting in Kangding (Dartsedo), because I have learned lots of things there. Dartsedo has always been the gateway to the Tibetan World. It is the largest city and capital of Ganzi, Tibetan Prefecture, in western Sichuan Province. Dartsedo has a very cozy atmosphere. Our visitors and international tourists love trekking, hiking, and camping, etc. In there, you can see the snow-capped peaks rising above the North side of Migoo Tso, and monks walking out of Dorjee-drak monastery. Of course, there are many other things to see such as stupa, lakes, forests, mountains, hot springs, Tibetan Buddhist rock paintings, and grasslands. Our customers are able to experience beautiful sceneries, marvelous fascinating landscapes, and untouched nature. On top of that, it is famous and historical with a rich culture. So far, It is one of the top tourist destinations. People there are awesome and friendly. Therefore, Kangding is everyone’s paradise.
Feeling inspired yet? This year, cross Tibet off your travel bucket list. Five of our freesale trips stop by these must-visit locations and we’d also be happy to arrange private tours customized to your needs! Let us help plan your trip today!
It’s often said that the journey is just as important as the destination - this statement certainly holds true when travelling to Everest. The journey from Lhasa (the main port entry for tourists visiting the Everest Base Camp from Tibet) to Everest Base Camp is filled with spectacular views and historical monuments dating back thousands of years.
Visitors heading from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp will likely travel via the old Friendship Highway, which is around 800 kilometers long and takes roughly two and a half days to drive. It can be done faster if you take the new highway to Shigatse, but the views the old highway have to offer more than make up for the extra 4-5 hours of driving. You will also want to consider travelling with the company of a local Tibetan guide who can highlight everything that these locations have to offer.
Lhasa itself is home to three UNESCO world heritage sites–the Potala Palace, Norbulingka, and Jokhang Temple. The Potala Palace served as the winter residence for the Dalai Lamas, and is famous for its magnificent architecture and stunning palace grounds. Just a kilometer away lies Norbulingka Palace, the former summer palace for the Dalai Lamas that is famous for its beautiful and well-preserved flower gardens.
Also within walking distance to Potala is the Jokhang Temple, which is easily distinguished by its iconic golden roof. It is a massive monastery that spreads over an area of about 25,000 square meters and is widely considered to be the most sacred temple in Tibet.
Surrounding Jokhang Temple is the Barkor Bazaar. Walk down the cobblestone road and observe Tibetans making their crafts using traditional methods. Barkor Bazaar is a great place pick up souvenirs and goods (like yak butter) that you won’t find anywhere else! While you’re there, be sure to stop by Metok Karpo for a taste of authentic Tibetan foods and flavors.
The Kamba-la Pass is a popular viewpoint for those travelling along the Friendship Highway. It overlooks the majestic turquoise gem of Yamdrok Lake and offers spectacular panoramic views of the pristine lake. Numerous streams from nearby mountains feed into the lake, giving it it’s unique shape and earning it the alternate name of Coral Lake by locals. On the other side of Yamdrok Lake is the Karo-la Pass which, at the summit, offers views of the immense Karo-la Glacier.
The journey along the Friendship Highway will lead to Shigatse, the second largest city in Central Tibet, with a population of over 700,000. It is most famously known for Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the four great monasteries of Central Tibet. Inside the highest temple, a huge statue of the Maitreya, the Future Buddha, can be found. It is the largest bronze Maitreya in the world and is a sight to behold. A tour of the monastery grounds also leads to the Shigatze Dzong, a fortress that overlooks the town.
The view from Gawu-la Pass is incredible. At 5,198 meters above sea level, the Gawu-la Pass viewing platform provides the first panoramic views of Mount Everest and the Himalayan giants. Colorful Tibetan flags decorate the area, framing the sweeping mountain ranges beautifully. This makes for a great photo op!
Robngbuk Monastery lies just 8 kilometers from Everest Base Camp and is the highest monastery in the world. Inside, the walls are adorned with beautifully painted murals, while the observation deck provides dramatic and unobstructed views of Everest.
Ready to embark on the trip of a lifetime?
Let us help you plan your trip to this majestic wonder of the world. We have 8 trips travelling along this route and are happy to customize tours to best suit your needs!