Tibet is one of those places that excites even the most seasoned travelers. It’s a place of mystery, wonder, controversy and insane natural landscapes. Our goal is to uncover all of this with some of our favorite pictures of Tibet from our visit.
We wanted to share a variety of photos that showcase the best of this region. You’ll find photos of people, monasteries, mountains landscapes, yaks and Mount Everest here.
Our goal? To inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and consider a visit to Tibet in your future travel plans.
50 Pictures of Tibet That Will Inspire You to Make the Trip
Table of Contents
People of Tibet in 25 Photos
One of Tibet’s greatest statements is its people. A colorful, devoted bunch that has literally been through hell and back again. Despite this, they are some of the kindest, genuine people we have ever had the pleasure of meeting on our travels.
We were met by smiling faces and an eagerness to share their way of life around every corner during our visit.
From the hallmark city of Lhasa to some of the most gorgeous countryside I have ever seen, the Tibetan people greeted us and welcomed us into their homes, beliefs, and lands.
Our visit to the roof of the World will be a travel memory that stands out for many years to come.
Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Tibet (Travel Guide)
People in Lhasa
The largest city in Tibet is home to many pilgrims and is one of the religious centers of the region. The city pulses with devotion and smiles which quickly drew me in as we walked the streets each day of our visit.
Everywhere you turn there are beautiful people doing beautiful, honest things. These are some of our favorite pictures of Tibet with people that we encountered during or visit.
Monks in Tibet
A visit to Tibet would not be complete without being graced with the presence of the Tibetan monks.
They’re hard to miss with their crimson red robes and solemn faces as they wander the halls of the monasteries and interact with the pilgrims on the streets.
As home to the buddhist religion, many pictures of Tibet include monks, simply because they can be seen everywhere.
Countryside Pictures of Tibet
As we made our way across the countryside from Lhasa to Shigatse and then on to Everest, we came across many local Tibetans.
Many of them congregate around the stops, including the many passes we came across at high elevation. They kindly smiled, made eye contact and offered us a chance to shop their displays of trinkets.
We came across many children, farmers and construction workers during our travel that all yielded curious faces and smiles. Even though we didn’t speak the same language, we were able to communicate with kindness and honest curiosity.
Like our photos? Check out: Ultimate Travel Photography Gear List
Barkhor Street – Pictures of Tibet
Barkhor street is a circular pedestrian path in the heart of Lhasa that circles the Jokhang Monastery. Pilgrims come at all times of the day and night to walk the path, paying respects to their religion and beliefs.
We witnessed a variety of people carrying prayer wheels, prayer beads as they walked praying and socializing with their friends and peers.
For a true look into the people of Tibet, a visit to Barkhor Street is essential on your visit to Lhasa. Here are a few tips for ensuring you have a a memorable experience and a chance at beautiful photos:
- Follow the rules and walk Barkhor Street in the correct direction
- Be respectful of the moment, don’t just stick your camera in peoples faces
- Respect if someone shakes their head no, this will happen, move on and don’t push it
- In some cases, make eye contact and indicate you would like to take a photo, even if there are no words exchanged, just showing the camera gives them a chance to choose if they want to be photographed
- Many people in Tibet believe cameras capture their spirit, something to be mindful of
- Offer to show them your photos, many of them enjoy this, I know I do!
25 More Pictures of Tibet
Visiting the Potala Palace is one of the highlights from our trip to Tibet. Any book you can get your hands on that includes Tibet will mention, if not feature, the Potala Palace in the capital city of Lhasa. It stands on the top of the Marpori hill and is the iconic center point of the city.
In 1994 the Potala Palace was made an official UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s easy to see why. The palace itself is a beautiful site as it stands against one of the brightest blue skies I have ever seen.
The contrast of the white and red facades against the surrounding mountains is enough to take your breath away.
Prior to our visit, neither of us had done much research on Tibet so when we arrived we were pleasantly surprised by all that this region has to offer.
The monasteries in Lhasa were no exception and the Potala Palace was a place so beautiful that you really couldn’t fail to take great photographs.
I continue to go through my photos and am just blown away by the beauty of the palace and all of Tibet.
Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Tibet (Travel Guide).
Scenes from Drepung Monastery
The Drepung Monastery is another beautiful place to take photos in Lhasa, Tibet.
Scenes from Jokhang Temple
Many local people come to pray outside of the Jokhang Temple, so not only is it a great site to see in Lhasa, but it’s great for photography and people watching too.
Kharola Glacier
This beautiful glacier is located enroute to Shigatse from Lhasa, at the top of a high pass. Visiting it is a little challenging, due to the altitude, but it’s worth the stop to explore the small temple and walk up to the base of the mountain.
Mount Everest
Bordering the Tibet Autonomous Region and Nepal is the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest. Traveling in Tibet allows you to get up close and personal with this mighty mountain.
These are some of my favorite pictures of Tibet. We battled cold, altitude and long drive days to make our way to this vantage point.
Our Travels in Tibet
If you’re interested in reading more about our time in Tibet, check out our other articles including great photography of the people and landscapes.
We made all of our arrangements for travel to Tibet after we landed in Beijing and in order to maximize our time and money spent, booked a tour that was 8 days in duration. At the time, this was the longest available tour that involved travel to Mount Everest.
I can’t say enough good things about Tibet Vista, the company that arranged our travel to Tibet. They have taken the lead in setting the standard for Tibet travel and we highly recommend them.
They are based in Chengdu and their website is a wealth of information for all the regions that you can visit while in Tibet. If you book with them, tell them we sent you.
Top Tours we Recommend to Tibet
Discover amazing tours through Tibet visiting places like Lhasa and Gyantse. Most travelers enjoy exploring our Tibet trips in April, making it the most popular time of the year.
| Recommended Tours | ||
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| Tibet Adventure 15 Days Beijing to Kathmandu Small Group 12-16 People | High Road To Tibet 14 Days Kathmandu to Kathmandu Small Group 12-16 People | Iconic China Beijing To Tibet 15 Days Beijing to Shanghai Small Group 12-16 People |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
More on Tibet:
- Travel Tibet Like A Pro: Essential Tibet Travel Guide
- 16 Unforgettable Things to Do in Tibet
- Sacred Yamdrok Lake of Tibet In Photos
- Everest Base Camp Tibet: How to Visit Qomolangma
Amazing photos guys, you really captured the perfect moments! 🙂
Thank you! It was a wonderful experience to visit Tibet.
Great photos. Tibet looks like a beautiful place, both geographically and culturally.
Thank you! Yes, Tibet was such an interesting place to visit. The landscapes are just jaw dropping. 🙂
Oh wow those these photos, would love to visit Tibet one day!
Hi Becky! Glad you like the photos. Tibet is incredible and worth a visit. Thanks for stopping by!
This is a fantastic article! Isn’t it incredibly amazing that this simplistic nomadic culture of people who’ve endured and continue to experience so much more strife than virtually any of us could possibly imagine carry with them the most beautiful and soulful spirits, giving what they have and more to help or comfort a stranger Familial, nomadic, brave and deeply soulful. The happiness and inner peace that is shown in their faces says it all. Tibetans know and live the true meaning of happiness. Thank you so very much for this post! Bravo!!!!
I agree. There are so many people that preach that visiting Tibet is like supporting the Chinese oppression and that we are not welcome by the local Tibetans. I do not agree with this. The people have suffered hardship, yes, but they also live in a peace well beyond the understanding of many outsiders. And you are right, their faces say it all. Thanks for the comment and for stopping by. 🙂
Absolutely stunning photos; the people look so warm and genuine. I love the way you’ve included guidelines on how to take photos respectfully too.
Thank you for your kind words. We feel it is EXTREMELY important that as photographers and travelers that we are respectful of the people we are photographing. 🙂
Beautiful photos. I especially love the one of the tiny alley. Tibet is high on my list of countries to visit, with its rich history and peace-loving people.
Thank you! Yes, at first we were undecided but quickly came to our senses that we should visit! It is expensive but totally worth it. The scenery is beautiful as well as the people.
I miss this place much…
I love how you’ve captured the character of the Tibetan people. Beautiful shots.
I am glad you loved the photos. Our visit to Tibet was one of our most memorable stops to date. Thank you for the compliments.
Just seen it! They’re so beautiful, thanks for sharing it.
you’re welcome!
Like always, nothing but awesome pictures! You guys did a great job. I’m just imagining myself there as I look through the pictures. Thanks so much for sharing, blessings!
Thank you for your kind comments and I am so glad you love the photos! Tibet was an amazing place to photograph.
These photos were really outstanding, Lina. Great studies. gma
Thank you!
Amazing photos
Thank you, visiting Tibet was pretty amazing.
Excellent photos of people of Tibet. I hope we will make it to Tibet the next few years. It looks so fascinating and inspiring. As you said, Tibet is not all about landscape, it’s about culture and the people.