Tibetan Plateau is the world’s highest and largest plateau, with an area of 2,500,000 square kilometers. It is called the Roof of the World, and for a reason, because the avarage elevation exceeds 4,500 metres. There are located some of the world’s highest peaks. This is a place which will amaze most of its travelers with its high snow-capped mountains, stunning landscapes, blue lakes, vast fields and so on. However, the environment is pretty harsh there. Many people traveling to Tibet, have experienced high altitude sickness. For some it might get really bad, and all trip can turn into a nightmare. Therefore, before your travel to Tibet it is advised to use some medicine for high altitude sickness at least day before arriving to Lhasa (this is where travelers start their trip when in Tibet). Even better is to choose a train travel, thereby gradually getting used to high altitude.

The train route from Xining to Lhasa is on of the world’s most beautiful and highest train routes. It is definitely worth a try. 

Keep in mind that travel to Tibet is possible only with a guide and in group tours (solo travels are not allowed to foreigners). You will need to get a travel permit first. 

In this post I am going to share some of my photos from an unforgettable trip to the Roof of the World. 

The Potala Palace rises at an altitude of 3,700m. It is a World Heritage Site and a museum, located in the center of Lhasa.

View to the city of Lhasa

Streets of Lhasa. You can travel freely in Lhasa. Outside the city you have to be accompanied with your guide

Traditional beautiful tibetan architecture

Palcho Monastery in Gyantse.

Palcho Monastery in Gyantse

The train route from Xining to Lhasa is one of the world’s most beutiful and also highest routes. View from window, early morning.

Approaching Lhasa by train

Vast fields of Tibet

On the way to Namtso lake

Namtso lake- one of the most beautiful lakes I have visited

Namtso lake or lake Nam lies at an elevation of 4,718 m

A local woman at the Lake Namtso

Lake Nam – Namtso lake

One more popular site is sacred Yamdrok lake. It is located 100km from Lhasa. When the weather is sunny it looks incredibly beautiful. I was not that lucky with weather the day I visited Yamdrok Lake, though it was still pretty impressive.

Yak at Yamdrok Lake. Tourists can take photos with an animal for a small fee

Tibet can really be called the Roof of the Worl. Sky feels so close, that you can almost touch them