Tibet wasn't officially opened for tourism until the 1980s but only recently have many visitors begun arriving. Unfortunately much of Tibet's cultural heritage has been lost but still the culture remains alive and monasteries are active again. The two main attractions in Tibet are the scenery and its Buddhist heritage. Tibetan people are friendly and open but remember to be as polite as you would observing cultural activities in your home country.
I've divided the attractions into towns (i.e. housing man-made attractions) and natural scenery.
1. Lhasa
Lhasa is the capital of Tibet. At 3,700m (11,000 feet), even the fittest traveler may find breathing tough in the beginning. Lhasa is home to the historical center of Tibetan Buddhism, the
Potala Palace.
2. Gyantse
Gyantse is a town that supposedly is not terribly Chinese-influenced (yet). The most famous sight in Gyantse is the
Kumbum Chorten part of the Pelkhor Choede Monastery.
4. Mount Kailash
Mount Kailash,
Kang Rinpoche - at 6,714m (21,600 feet) high, Mt. Kailash is a holy mountain not only for Buddhist pilgrims but for Hindus alike. Buddhist pilgrims circumnavigate the mountain, as they believe that one loop atones for a single lifetime's sins. Ten loops prevents eternal damnation for 500 years and 100 loops will help you reach nirvana.
5. Lake Manasarova
Lake Manasarova,
Mapham-tso - is a holy lake that is 20km (12 miles) southeast of Mt. Kailash. It is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world at 4,588m (over 15,000 feet).
6. Mount Everest
Mount Everest,
Qumonlangma - needs no introduction. It is the highest mountain in the world at 8,844m (over 29,000 feet). Those who don't have the time (or money or madness) to climb Everest, can get fantastic views from Rongphu monastery, the highest monastery in the world, located at the base.
7. Yarlong Tsangpo River
The Yarlong Tsangpo River is the highest river in the world with and average altitude of 4,000m (13,100 feet). It flows through southern Tibet then into India where it becomes the Brahmaputra, one of India's most holy rivers.
8. Nam-tso Lake
Nam-tso Lake is the largest lake in Tibet and the second-largest saltwater lake in China. It is the highest saltwater lake in the world at 4,720m (over 14,000 feet).
