Visiting The REAL TIBET in China The Media HIDES THIS From YOU
We have been long waiting for this day and it has finally arrived. We are travelling to Tibet, a place outlined in countless maps, yet most people have never been here. We'll face thin air and high altitudes, testing the limits of our endurance. And of course, we couldn't ignore the altitude. At 14,000 feet or an average elevation of 4400 meters, it was a constant companion, a silent reminder of the thin air. As Western travellers, accessing Tibet requires careful planning and specific permits.
We will navigate through stunning mountain ranges, serene monasteries from the sacred halls of the Potala Palace and vibrant markets. Each moment promises a memory etched in adventure. We can't wait to experience the breathtaking beauty and the hospitality of its warm, welcoming people. Let's explore the roof of the world together.
Welcome to Tibet. Good morning, good evening, good afternoon, wherever and whenever you are watching. We're here in Shangri-La in Diqing Airport.
And we are about to take a flight to somewhere that we are so very, very excited for. I can't wait! Lhasa, we're coming for you! On our way to our biggest adventure. Yeah, we're on our way to Tibet. From Shangri-La check-in went like this. Yeah, look at this.
There's no one here. This is the quietest airport I think I've ever seen. It might be one of the most picturesque airports we've ever been to. So I'm really excited for this flight. I hope we've got a window seat
I'm sure we do. Yeah I don't see this flight being full, which is why most people, if you're going to Tibet. They would probably go from a bigger airport, maybe Kunming.
Yes. Maybe Lijiang. Probably so. Not many people go from Shangri-La, which is always a great thing. Yes.
We are so very, very excited, but oh, we've even got massage chairs. We might have to treat ourselves to one of these. Can I just draw your attention to the seats! They're so cute, yeah. Look at the pattern. That is so sweet.
That was one of my favorite things about Shangri-La in general is that every time you got into a Didi or a taxi, they all had the back seats covered in like some the seat covers were like very traditional. Yeah, it looked like you were sat on a rug. Yeah, it was all detailed. Really, really nice. OK, it doesn't look like our flight's here just yet, but the time is 11:25, you guys, and we probably got here about 10 minutes ago.
We're already through. It was absolutely quiet. It was. Empty. So we walked straight to the check-in desk. We walked straight through security.
We walked straight through to have our documents checked. So we'll touch on that a little bit later on, all the documents that you need to travel to Tibet, because it is a little bit restricted if you're a foreigner. So you do have to go through a few checks first, but we'll tell you all about those later. Everywhere there's paintings. There's Tibetan art. We're starting off a new mini series in Tibet.
You don't want to miss this, guys, because as Libby was saying, it's not the easiest place to get to. You have to get permits and everything, but more on that later. Let's go get on the flight. Let's do this. We are super looking forward to this adventure. We never thought we'd be going to Tibet, but lo and behold, here we are.
Never say never, baby. We made it to Tibet! Woohoo! This is a stunning airport. I thought Shangri-La was beautiful. This one is even better! How excited are you? From what we've seen when we were landing, it was all mountains, so gorgeous.
Yeah, it's like a little teaser trailer of things to come. Absolutely. Yep. So we have landed. We're ready to go. Let's do this. So we have officially made it to Tibet. I had no idea I would ever, ever make it to Tibet.
Honestly, it's been a dream, but I never realized it would happen. So. We're gonna head outside now. Are you excited? I'm looking forward to this. Following Nima. Nima is our guide who is just up ahead in the gray/green.
Look at this, the sunshine is out. It is beautiful. Wow. Oh my goodness.
This is insane. This is so beautiful, wow. Look at this. Ohh I have no idea what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. Did you think so? This airport looks picturesque.
It does. This is the most spectacular scenery coming in. Hello. Thank you. Hello. We have friendly locals already. They're chilling out. Hello. Hello Very nice.
See, there you go. What a warm welcome. First impressions of Lhasa. Yeah. Sunshine is out.
We're now at an elevation of 3,600 and something, I think. So, pretty high, we're out of breath already, but we've got some more people here who are taking some photos with this one. Okay, right, guys, we're gonna put our stuff in the car, then we're gonna get going. Patient and wisdom, purification.
okay, thank you so much. So this is called the katak. Katak, yeah, katak. Yes. OK, so it's like for best wishes. So at different festivals they use it or different celebrations, they have this. It's very sweet.
It's been a very great welcome here in Lhasa. This is our guide here, Nima. Nima, hello.
And this is our lovely driver. Hello, Sir. How are you? You're good. Thank you. OK, eyes on the road. OK, so the weather's been amazing as well.
Shangri-La was, I think, a bit sad to see us leave, which is why, It was a bit overcast. From what we've seen from the plane to Lhasa so far, it's been nothing short of magical the views, spectacular. Love it. Have a look at the skies here.
Nice and bright blue Wow. So Nima, we drive now to the city? Yeah, yeah, it takes one hour! One hour, okay. Yes, 60 kilometers. 60 kilometers and okay, so we go to Lhasa city now? Yeah, yeah.
Okay, cool. Ohh I'm ready, I'm excited. Okay, I never thought I would be coming here, but here we are. I'm very, very excited.
This is a real bucket list trip for sure. It's gonna be amazing. We're gonna see some sights, some culture, meet some people, try some food. Let's do this. Room tour.
So we have made it from the airport to Lhasa, to the city centre. This is the capital as well and about a million people live here. But, as you can see, we just arrived to our hotel. So come in, let's see. So we checked in and we are on the third floor. It's a lovely, lovely property.
We have a nice big double bed just here. Lovely. This is Peacock feathers, right? Yeah, the design is really cute. It's golden and green.
4 pillows. Most, most, most important thing for us. And let's just try this first. Oh yeah, is it good? It's not stiff. It's not hard.
It's a nice soft bed. It's got a lot of bounce so I'm liking that. So much room for activities! But just over here we have a TV I don't think we'd be using this we never have used TVs but it's good to have just in case you know if you're having a nice little quiet time. I think we'll be too busy exploring a desk, chair, mirror you can obviously base yourself here Beautiful, beautiful edit some vlogs and stuff for you guys out there. What is going on with the size of this room like literally is that going to be a party? The bed on its own is huge.
Then we've got so much space here, which is amazing because you're not cramped for space, right? Yeah. My favorite thing is this. You've got a scale here as well. Scales, so we can see how many Rou Jia Mo we eat So you can keep track of all of the Tibetan food you'd eat Yeah, yak meat maybe. And then we have over here a nice little seating area, but our bags are there Yeah, our bags are sitting here.
So shoes there. Excuse the shoes. We've literally just left all of our stuff here.
Got a little bit of Tibetan wall art, if you want to call it that. Looking lovely. Oh, plenty of daylight coming through as well.
Look at this. We have a lovely little view. We walked through the most gorgeous garden down here. Is it just me or the blues here look bluer in the sky? And I can tell you the sun is so intense! So this is your SPF reminder right now.
If you're out in the sun, no matter where you are, put your sun cream on. Just make sure before we go out, because we're about to head out in a little bit, we're going to go take a look around Lhasa, see what there is going on here because we have finally arrived to the roof of the world. Welcome to Lhasa in Tibet, China, people.
Lovely property. We're going to give you a tour of the property as well, just when we're going back out because it's like gardens, Nice little place in the middle. There's restaurants, there's shops, people having their afternoon tea. Looks very cultural, really nice. And I had no idea Lhasa was going to be so big.
Like from the airport down here, it's huge. So much traffic as well. Yeah, and so busy. Who knew? I did not know that Lhasa had over a million people as like the population and the infrastructure from the airport down here, the roads were amazing, Grand, Expressways and everything. So, so far, first impressions of the place, amazing, loving it. Yeah, beautiful weather.
Let's go out, explore Lhasa a bit more and take you guys with us. So let's do this. So we are just about to go and meet our guide Nima. But first we are just walking through the beautiful garden that we told you about as we were doing the room tour. This place is sunny. Look at all the windows. such a beautiful little spot as well so we actually can come and have our breakfast here as well which would be lovely to be honest with you we've got a nice water feature which is just over on the side here, this is also beautiful Wow we're gonna be comfy here while we're in Lhasa, I'm very much looking forward to our stay here this is where we're gonna come and have breakfast later and then we are coming just through here. Hopefully, Nima will be waiting for us because we're gonna go check out a little bit of Lhasa, aren't we? Yes.
We're gonna get a little induction into life here in Lhasa. See what it's like, get a feel for the place. Get shown around main town as well. I like the colours everywhere. It's beautiful. But even the lift has a frame around it. Oh yeah, look at that. Stunning!
Where are we? OK, Nima. Let's go. So Nima's going to take us around Lhasa right now and show us around and tell us what's happening. We are very kindly being hosted by Shambhala Tibet Adventures. This is not paid.
We are making content for them in return, and they have very generously decided to host us and show us around Tibet. With all this beauty and everything that it has to offer. So we're gonna go check this place out and see what it's like. I'm very, very excited. Okay, let's go see.
So we're just walking down the streets right now. Nima, where are we? Near Barkhor near Barkhor Okay, so the old city. We're gonna go to Barkhor, okay! So we're gonna go check out like the older system, Hello! the older city, sorry, and we're gonna go see what that's like. So it's about quarter past five right now. Sun is still out, it's beautiful.
You might have noticed I've converted to my bucket hat so I don't get burnt. We don't want that. Wow, look at this building along here. This is absolutely stunning. Wow. The window frames look fascinating.
They do, don't they? I'm just trying to figure out how they work. Fold up, Some fold sideways. It's just a bit multi-purpose there though, like they can go every which way, every direction. This reminds me a lot of wandering around Nepal, on both sides of the road here and where we are right now, it's like shops. Yeah, it's so cool, I think we're gonna just observe some daily life right now, soak it up and see what the Lhasa is about, it's like a little introduction, Absolutely, we're being taken over to the main street I've heard, Barkhor Street, is where all of the action goes down. Just want to get out of the way of the electric bikes because they're here in Lhasa as well.
They are silent, but can be violent, and we don't want that. Anyway, I'll put some lip protection on as well, because this is another thing, when the sun is too intense, your lips can blister. And we don't want that. Okay, so this seems to be a design feature. Oh look at that, it's got a screen as well. Very nice. Okay, we've got some walnuts, chestnuts, some yam.
I was gonna say this seems to be a design feature with all of the windows down here. Like here on this side of the road as well. Every building's pretty much got the same thing.
Like look at that one, that's open sideways. and the one next to it has gone up that is pretty cool okay this seems to be the pedestrian street I mean I would like to call it a pedestrian street but we've got mopeds here they're electric bikes is this Barkhor Street? I'm not sure if it is or not... Nima, is this Barkhor Street? not yet we're getting there wow I've just noticed the backdrop we got hills right down in the distance and we've got people dressed up in local outfits looks very much like what we were wearing in one of our previous vlogs in Shangri-La so I think it's gonna be the same down here as well. Look at that! That is the yak hide out
on the the main sign of the shop! This is cool it's all happening down here it's all happening It is, I have to say. Yeah, I am really surprised. I was not expecting any of this. Everywhere you see, even the the lamp post, it looks like a prayer wheel That is such a good cultural touch.
Quite honestly, I was not expecting any of this because in my head for some reason I was thinking it would be like very spread out. It won't be as busy, it won't have as many shops and businesses and restaurants around. And this is literally nothing short of a main city as you would expect anywhere. I am enjoying this right now. Here we are, arrived to a Square.
There's a sea of people everywhere. And I am not complaining whatsoever because I love going to places, seeing it in all its glory, when it's busy with people around and everyday life. Ohh Let's not get run over.
Oh, Libby almost did! Wait for me. Wow. Hello! He missed you very closely! Hello. Hello. Wow. Jokang Temple! The oldest temple. 7th century.
7th century. Wow. And this is very important for the pilgrims? Yeah, yeah. Pilgrimage. Kora means going around in a circle any religious site For the stupa, for the mountain.
Holy mountain. This means Kora We call it Kora Yeah, it's like a circle direction around Again, the main thing that catches your eye when you come here, when you see it are the three most distinct colours here. Golden, red and white. So white. Always peace. OK.
White means peace. Yeah, always peace. Represent peace. Every colour represents something. White. Yeah, yeah, yeah. White is peace. Yeah, yeah. Red always with the peace.
Then red sometimes so you can say black color is power. OK then.red color it's like the religious sometimes okay different colors so again you can wear the traditional outfits you can come take some photos down here if you feel like doing that we have done that in Shangri-La maybe we might do it down here as well but the main thing is, this is a very important site for the Buddhist pilgrims and what is this in the middle? For incense burning okay And what is this? You've got prayer flags, right? Yeah, we've got prayer flags. OK. Yeah, prayer flags.
So people put up their prayer flags here, right? Wow. See, this is what I was talking about. The diversity in China is so amazing. Love it. Look at this. And this is from the 7th century AD Wow.
Are these people praying here? Yeah, yeah. Prostrating Here we are. This is fascinating. In the mornings, a lot of people, there is no space here. Wow, really? Because, yeah, in the mornings, more people are coming here. Now it's very sunny, so that's why less people.
It's too hot now, yeah, okay. And in the morning, every morning, it's busy? Yeah, every morning, every morning. Wow, okay. You have to come to here very early. Okay, to find yourself some space.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Are these people local from Lhasa or have they come from other parts of Tibet as well? Yeah, different part of Tibet, but most of these people are local, but also they come from different part of Tibet because this is the most sacred place for the pilgrimage. Nima was saying in the morning, this place is so busy every single morning that you can hardly find any space here because there are so many people prostrating. But people come from all over Tibet down here. So we've been going around this entire square and the side streets here. This... I sound like a broken record every time I say this, but this is a different region altogether as well.
It's not even the same province. So of course it's going to be different to what we've seen so far. But this literally feels like a movie set because this is so amazing. Like how the buildings are.
The colour, especially white, plays a very, very important role down here. White is for peace as well. Yeah, so you can expect to see it basically everywhere. So the different colours have different meanings.
Red is usually something religious. Black is... Black is wisdom, I guess. Power. Power. Power. And
then look here, we've got loads of prayer wheels and a big one on the inside. Right, let's do the prayer wheels here. And then we've got a big one on the inside. Always make sure to use your right hand. And go clockwise. There we are.
And they've got mantras written on them as well, so every time you spin it, that means... Look at that, the big ones inside here. Wow. Okay, so the mantras are like prayers, and then every time you spin the wheel, that's your prayer going up to the heavens.
This is one place that we've always, always wanted to come. Never thought we would be able to do it, but you know what? It's easier than you think it is. You need a permit, but we'll talk about that in more detail in later vlogs. But it is so easy to get here and it is so beautiful as well. Like so far fascinating.
It is blown all my expectations out of the water. I've only been here a few hours. I mean, again, everything here looks like a mini Potala palace because of the way the buildings are slanting, it's not exactly 90 degrees straight. They're slanting forwards a little bit. I like how every single piece of building here has been utilized for a purpose.
You can see on the sides we've got restaurants, we've got hotels, restaurants, hotels here, souvenir shops, souvenir shops. But I think probably back in the day obviously it was very much residential. I was asking Nima. Oh yeah.
And he said that down here before, back in the day, there used to be shops, Mostly the upper floors would be used as residences which they still are in most places but there weren't as many shops as there are now but that's understandable because I'm sure back in the day there weren't as many people the population obviously has grown quite a bit as well. Absolutely yeah for sure. Every single light here is in the design of a prayer wheel and that's something I've absolutely loved. Hello! I think It would be fitting if we can get something to eat as well. So we will be making a quick pit stop, get something to eat.
Look at that. Wow. You're surrounded by mountains and hills everywhere here in Lhasa. 360 views. Stunning. What does Lhasa mean? So Lhasa means basically it's like a paradise on earth. So it's something to do with that. So it's super beautiful here.
There's lots of greenery. It's absolutely stunning. It's beautiful. it does not matter where you go because we or you will find a KFC and a Pizza Hut probably everywhere look at that okay so we're in this very ancient town a lot of history a lot of significance and of course we have a nice little KFC slotted in there just in case you fancy a little bit of fried chicken and Pizza Hut if you want some pizza but we will be avoiding those because we are ready to try some Tibetan food. I'm starving right now, so hopefully we will go and get something very, very soon, but this Barkhor Old Street is fascinating. There's so much history to this place as well. Right now, a little bit hot.
Sun is out, I'm feeling a little breathless as we walk, but nothing strenuous, you know, nothing that we can't just work on. Maybe I think I'm just unfit actually, but this place is absolutely crazy! So many jewellery shops as well. Is it fair to say that Lhasa is taking your breath away? The dad jokes, they carry on. That one was quite good though, I quite liked that. Do you know what I'm actually on the lookout for right now? What? Since there's KFC and there's Pop Mart and there's Pizza Hut, so there's like... I know exactly what you're gonna say.
You know where this is going, right? I'm just trying to look for our favourite one, Mixue! There has to be one somewhere. Keep your eyes peeled. Yes. I can't believe it! Mixue!!! You know what that means? We're gonna get one! Nima, do you want something? No, no, no. I can get it for you, no problem. Tea, ice cream, coffee, anything? No? Okay. This is what we're here for now.
Because we found a Mixue in Lhasa! You know what, Mixue is everywhere. Very soon, Mixue will be out performing Starbucks. Eat your heart out, Starbucks! Yeah, I want to go for this one here. We're going to go change it and get that one. This one. Yes, please. Cold.
Thank you. Here we go. So we're going to order this one. This one we actually haven't tried before.
We're big fans of the Jasmine one. We get that all the time. That is our go-to. OK, here we go. I bring the goods.
That was the speediest one as well. This is literally what the doctor ordered. You'll love it. You'll love it. Let's give it a try. Yum! ohh That is good! Same taste.
It's everywhere in China. It's very good. Yeah, we love it. I was thinking maybe they would have something Tibetan. It's the same.
Yeah, we were just telling Nima how much we love Mixue! This is life. Mixue ambassadors. Yeah, as the queen and king of Mixue We're going to sip this. Oh my gosh. There is another one! Yeah, another one over there, right? Guys, even in Tibet, we love Mixue! Guys, we're going to carry on, walk and talk, enjoy our fruity, cool, refreshing drink, and then we'll see where we end up.
So we've just said goodbye to Nima because he's shown us around for now. So we're going to just take a little wander, probably around the the old city, around Barkhor Street, And we're going to go and get some food as well. I think food is our first priority, because we are very, very hungry. But he showed us a really nice spot. So that's just one thing we wanted to say. If you're planning a trip to Tibet, then as a foreigner you do have to come with a guide and we thought you had to be accompanied the whole time. But
once you're in and around Lhasa, you can go around the hotel, to the old city. Don't stress. If you think you're going to be with a guide the whole time, you definitely are accompanied, but not at all times. So, so far, We're loving it! We're excited to go check it all out, take loads of photos. So if you're not already following us on Instagram, go ahead, check us out @Sunkissedbucketlist But for now, we arrived at the restaurant. Thong Kye
Khang Sang That will do. This is a good place to go and try some Tibetan food. Yeah, if you guys know us, you know we love food. This is what we were saying is that when you go up the steps, you kind of get a little bit breathless, but it's actually not so bad. I think mostly, restaurants seem to be on the second floor.
This feels like a thing. Let's go see. Hello. Hello! This way? Yes. Here? Look at this.
After you. Ah, perfect, thank you. This whole restaurant looks really nice. Look at what we're sitting on as well. This looks like a beautiful rug! If you can tell from the way I'm breathing right now, I'm a bit breathless. It's okay, maybe give us a few hours, we'll acclimatise quickly.
Oh, ohh I'm just checking through, we've got some... Pickled Sichuani Yeah, cold spinach. Cold spinach.
Yak beef tongue. Oh, okay. What is this? I don't know if the translation is wrong or if we just have no idea.
No, this is Okay, what have we got here, yak tough salad, I think that's yak tongue salad. Beef with tampa. Stomach. Stomach chilli with stomach chilli. That's cool. I understand it.
Lassa native chi clam I am a super fan of yak meat now, yak. Yak Nest steak with potato. Ohh We have been looking forward to obviously seeing Tibet, but also trying the actual authentic Tibetan food. Super. Super hungry.
Haven't eaten a proper meal all day. It's been a travel day as well. Be right back. Thank you. The girls here, they're all having a little giggle. They got the giggles, honestly, we have no idea. Hello. Hello.
Ohh People here are lovely. I am loving our time. Here now, now! ohh They're having the best time ever. They're so sweet, bless them. When we came in they were all really giggly and they had the giggles.
I think they got shy. But they're so sweet. Everybody so far has been really, really friendly too! We're having such a good time and I'm so excited for the food. I'm so hungry. We have so much more to see and do. If you guys are not subscribed already then now is the time, go subscribe.
Hit the bell notification because you do not want to miss all of the crazy adventures that are coming up and go check us out on Douyin Oh my gosh, I can't tell you guys how amazing this is. I just tried when it just came out, sizzling yak meat with potatoes. We got some potato pancakes, which, by the way, aren't actual potato pancakes before you guys come at us and you're like, why are you guys eating potato pancakes in Tibet? That was the translation. It's something Tibetan. Yeah, it looks like a paratha, it does. It looks like a potato paratha But this dish.
Oh, my God. What did we get? Yak steak. It's yak steak. It's all cut up in massive chunks of yak meat. The most tender yak meat I've ever tried. Stunning. Are you going to taste test this? Shall I? Go on then. Let's take this.
That looks like, oh my gosh. Have a look at how shiny and juicy that looks. Are you gonna do it all in one? Yes. Go, go, go. Okay, let me take my bowl, just in case I drop it.
That is so good. I tried a little piece and it was melt in your mouth. Mmm. Oh oh my god. Isn't that the most amazing yak meat you've ever tried? That's the best yak I've ever tried.
Oh my God, that's incredible. The happy Libby dance. All right, let's do all of this. I have my sights set on some dessert as well, because I saw that on the menu. OK, Tibet. We're here for you, we are! We're here for the food, the culture, the people, the sights and the sounds.
Potato pancakes as well, actually. Oh, that is so hot. Feels like eating a quesadilla. This tastes like potato! It's got some yak meat in it as well. Good.
Out of 10? This solid 9. The yak when I tried it, that's a 12 out of 10. That's the best yak I've had in China so far. 100%! So good. Whoa. OK. Let's eat this Let's eat this! Let's carry on with it, shall we? Yes, I'm so hungry.
The angry and hungry is here haha! All right, guys. See you in a minute. Let's go. That food was so good. Delicious! Thank you. Ah. Thank you. Thank you. Like this.
The hospitality here is... This is amazing! Thank you. Bye-bye. That was so sweet. I was really gobsmacked.
I didn't know what to do. You were like, should we walk out with this? Yes. Do I give this back now? That's so nice. We've had two of these today! You're such a Silly one! I've never been treated like this! I love it. Like, this is hospitality here. Libby was like, sorry, do I return this before I leave? No.
It's for you to take with you, Silly! OK, this place was absolutely amazing! 10 out of 10. Highly recommend, guys. Right. Let me show you the name of this place again and where it is. It's not far from the main road. Look at that. So we were here.
It's just opposite the Times Square Mall. I think it is. It's very, very close to Barkhor Street Yeah, we literally, we walked here from there. I mean, it's literally here. It was stunning. It looks like a side alley. It's not
because it's off the main road. And our hotel is literally as you go out, turn right! Well, probably like 20 meters. Yeah, it's central. Guys, Tibet Shambhala Adventures, Thank you very much for hosting us, guys. You are absolute rock stars. Great location. Nima, you're a legend as well, mate. We will be seeing more of you in the upcoming vlogs as well.
You guys will be seeing him as well. Very knowledgeable guide, but, We're going to wrap it up right now, guys. We are super, super full So it's been an amazing, amazing, epic start to Tibet. It's a little mini series that we're doing here. We'll be taking you to all of the amazing landmarks.
Learn more about the history and the culture down here in this amazing, remarkable, magical location. Look at the sun rays up there just above the clouds. Oh wow. That looks like
somebody just opened up the doors to heaven. The sun beams behind the cloud going up into the sky. That looks absolutely magical. It does indeed. But I think for now we've had the best first day. I'm already having so much fun.
It's been incredible. But you guys right now we're going to finish it up. So thanks for watching if you made it this far If you're not already, make sure you like, subscribe, share all your friends and your family. We'll see you in the next one from Tibet with another epic episode! Let's go!!!!!!!!
2024-11-03 01:59
