Tibet - If you have been, was it worth it?

Question

I am planning on going to China and visiting Tibet. Was it worth it? Was it worthwhile to spend the extra money and go the extra distance?

Answer 1

I just returned from a trip to Tibet and it is absolutely worth it. It was totally amazing. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I took the train from Shanghai to Lhasa. The train leaves Shanghai around 8pm and arrives in Lhasa 49 hrs later. Make sure you get a soft sleeper. Usually on short rides soft and hard don't really make a difference. But when you're spending two nights on a train, it's worth the extra money. The views are spectacular. There is a television at the foot of your bed, but who needs that when you have beautiful scenery outside. One of the best was Cuo Na Lake, not to be confused with Namtsu Lake. The waters are crystal blue and the train takes you right along the banks. This lake can only been seen on the train. You'll see sheep and yaks, prayer flags and huts. It introduces you to Tibet even before you get there.
The train does make many stops, but passengers can de-board and go outside. It's a good way to get accustomed to the altitude change. Make sure at one of the stops you go to the front of the train and see the engines. There's only one diner car. If you plan to eat at the diner, make sure you get there early to get a good seat. Prices are a little expensive than compared to local restaurants. Two bowls of rice, two dishes, and a soup costs about 60 RMB--$8. Prices for the train ride itself is about 1500 RMB--$200, almost the same price as a one way plane ticket. However, you'll see views on the train that you will never see in the air. I took over 150 pictures on the train alone. It's an absolute must when traveling to Tibet.
I took in the local sights in Lhasa--Jokhang Temple which is amazing, especially the people there. They are there because of their culture and religion and we tourists are such a distraction. The Potala Palace is such a beautiful place. Make sure you make a visit to it at night because there's a water show in the square across from it starting at 8pm for 30 mins. I visited Namtso Lake--amazing. I also took a side trip to Linzhi, just 8 hrs outside of Lhasa. Definately worth it. I didn't get a chance to go to Shigatse and I wish I had. It's a place that you visit once in a lifetime. I went with a tour group, so there wasn't as much free time as I had hoped but it was still worth it.

Answer 2

I haven't been to Tibet, but I still strongly recommend you to have a trip there. I have seen many pictures of Tibet. It may be the most beautiful place in the world and it is the most close to the sky in the world, So I think everyone should take a look there in life.

Answer 3

I'm also planning to visit China in a few weeks,everybody strongly recommended doing this & said they are willing to visit there for the 2nd time!

Answer 4

I don't know. But I like its history. Cos very complicated. Most cardinal Tibet-Buddhism monks, including Dalai Lama, escaped and lives outside of Tibet today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi2owHx4njI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4tBsEjv1LM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4FvwwKE-wE

Answer 5

I asked the same thing and did not get good news. I was told that it is more commercial now. But, that said, I would go in a second. Have fun!!

Answer 6

I have not been but I met a guy that was and he said the it was so beautiful he cried! GO FOR IT!