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50 Pictures of Tibet That Will Inspire You to Make the Trip

You are here: Home / Asia Travel / 50 Pictures of Tibet That Will Inspire You to Make the Trip

By Lina Stock on October 6, 2014 • Last updated August 25, 2020 • 24 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our Disclosure here

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


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.

People of Tibet Lhasa
People of Tibet Lhasa
People of Tibet Lhasa
People of Tibet Lhasa

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.

People of Tibet Monks
People of Tibet Monks
People of Tibet Monks
Monks debating philosophy at Sera Monastery in Lhasa
People of Tibet Monks
People of Tibet Monks

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

People of Tibet Gampa La Pass
People of Tibet Gampa La Pass
People of Tibet Children
Shy, yet completely mesmerized by us
People of Tibet Road Worker
Loved his smile and Apple hat! He helped us dig our van out when we got stuck in the mud.
People of Tibet Children
People of Tibet Children
She lived at Rongbuk Monastery and spent hours with our group during our stay.
People of Tibet Children
People of Tibet Children
People of Tibet Children
This little boy would pose and then giggle when I showed him the photos

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!
People of Tibet Barkhor Street
People of Tibet Barkhor Street
This man wanted to see his photo, I showed him and he beamed while patting me on the back
People of Tibet Barkhor Street
People of Tibet Barkhor Street
People of Tibet Barkhor Street
She has extreme talent, those prayer wheels were spinning in opposite direction at the same time!
People of Tibet Barkhor Street
This lady insisted on sharing a peace scarf and posing for a photo with me. Look at that smile!
People of Tibet Barkhor Street

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).

Potala Palace Lhasa Tibet
Potala Palace Lhasa Tibet
Potala Palace Lhasa Tibet
Stairs to the top of the Potala Palace
Potala Palace Lhasa Tibet
Side view of the Potala Palace
Potala Palace Lhasa Tibet
More stairs to the top
Potala Palace Lhasa Tibet
Potala Palace Lhasa Tibet
View over Lhasa from the Potala Palace
Potala Red Palace Lhasa Tibet
High sun over the Red Palace
Potala Palace Lhasa Tibet
Potala Palace Lhasa Tibet
The sky really is THAT blue
Potala Palace Lhasa Tibet
Monastery door
Potala Palace Lhasa Tibet
View from the top
Potala Palace Lhasa Tibet
Another view over Lhasa from the Potala Palace
Potala Palace Lhasa Tibet

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.

Kharola Glacier
Kharola Glacier Tibet

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.

North Everest Base Camp Tibet
View of Mount Everest from North Base Camp
North Everest Base Camp Tibet
Prayer flags and peace rocks at North Everest Base Camp
Tibetan Yak Rongbuk Monastery Mount Everest
Yak near Rongbuk Monastery and Everest Base Camp in Tibet
Mount Everest Tibet

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
HIGH ROAD TO TIBETHIGH ROAD TO TIBETICONIC CHINA: BEIJING TO TIBET
TIBET ADVENTUREHIGH ROAD TO TIBETICONIC CHINA: BEIJING TO TIBET
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 PriceCheck PriceCheck 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

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Article by Lina Stock

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Franca says

    November 17, 2014 at 2:39 AM

    Amazing photos guys, you really captured the perfect moments! 🙂

    Reply
    • Lina says

      November 17, 2014 at 3:18 AM

      Thank you! It was a wonderful experience to visit Tibet.

      Reply
  2. Dan Perry says

    November 1, 2014 at 1:41 AM

    Great photos. Tibet looks like a beautiful place, both geographically and culturally.

    Reply
    • Lina Stock says

      November 1, 2014 at 10:06 PM

      Thank you! Yes, Tibet was such an interesting place to visit. The landscapes are just jaw dropping. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Becky Padmore says

    October 31, 2014 at 5:50 AM

    Oh wow those these photos, would love to visit Tibet one day!

    Reply
    • Lina says

      October 31, 2014 at 7:35 AM

      Hi Becky! Glad you like the photos. Tibet is incredible and worth a visit. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  4. Jan Eckland says

    October 10, 2014 at 8:48 PM

    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!!!!

    Reply
    • Lina says

      October 11, 2014 at 9:28 PM

      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. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Amy says

    October 9, 2014 at 10:12 PM

    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.

    Reply
    • Lina says

      October 11, 2014 at 9:24 PM

      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. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Deia @ Nomad Wallet says

    October 9, 2014 at 6:24 PM

    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.

    Reply
    • Lina says

      October 9, 2014 at 8:08 PM

      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.

      Reply
  7. Foodie goes travelling says

    October 8, 2014 at 8:24 AM

    I miss this place much…

    Reply
  8. Luke says

    October 8, 2014 at 4:33 AM

    I love how you’ve captured the character of the Tibetan people. Beautiful shots.

    Reply
    • Lina Stock says

      October 8, 2014 at 7:41 PM

      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.

      Reply
  9. Lupita Ortiz says

    October 8, 2014 at 1:17 AM

    Just seen it! They’re so beautiful, thanks for sharing it.

    Reply
    • Divergent Travelers says

      October 9, 2014 at 12:54 PM

      you’re welcome!

      Reply
  10. Lupita Ortiz says

    October 8, 2014 at 1:15 AM

    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!

    Reply
    • Lina Stock says

      October 8, 2014 at 7:40 PM

      Thank you for your kind comments and I am so glad you love the photos! Tibet was an amazing place to photograph.

      Reply
  11. Melba Lamb Bentley says

    October 7, 2014 at 9:16 PM

    These photos were really outstanding, Lina. Great studies. gma

    Reply
    • Divergent Travelers says

      October 9, 2014 at 12:54 PM

      Thank you!

      Reply
  12. Swiss Nomads says

    October 7, 2014 at 8:36 PM

    Amazing photos

    Reply
    • Divergent Travelers says

      October 9, 2014 at 12:54 PM

      Thank you, visiting Tibet was pretty amazing.

      Reply
  13. Reni says

    October 7, 2014 at 8:35 PM

    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.

    Reply

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We are David & Lina Stock, a married couple from NW Wisconsin who have been traveling together since 2001. We’ve visited nearly 100 countries on all 7 continents. You can learn more about us here.

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