Lhasa, Tibet | In Search of Shangri-La from the Heart

As the sea of clouds outside the airplane window suddenly parted, the runway of Gonggar Airport unfolded like a silver hada scarf amidst the mountains. Upon landing, I heard the rhythm of my own heartbeat—not the palpitations of altitude sickness, but the awakening of a dormant pulse in my blood. Once again, I had returned to Tibet. Once again, I had returned to Lhasa. *"Living in the Potala Palace, I am the greatest king of the snowland; wandering the streets of Lhasa, I am the most beautiful lover in the world."* On the way from the airport to the Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa, I recalled the poem by the Sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso. This place, closest to the heavens, began as a travel destination for me but gradually became part of my quest for Shangri-La. **DAY 1: Chengdu Shuangliu Airport → Lhasa Gonggar, check-in at Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa** Stepping into the hotel, I was greeted with the highest courtesy—barley wine, a pure white hada, and warm smiles washed away the fatigue of the journey, evoking a sense of homecoming. The guest rooms offered spectacular views, with the majestic Potala Palace visible right outside the window. Each room was equipped with oxygen and an oxygen concentrator, providing 24/7 oxygen supply to ease the transition to high altitude. At the Traveler’s Lounge, the *"Tibetan High-Altitude Afternoon Tea"* was a delight. The barley latte was exceptional, and the yak yogurt paired with barley biscuits offered a unique flavor. A 10-minute walk from the hotel led me to the famous Norbulingka, a classic Tibetan-style garden requiring ID for ticket purchase. **Dinner:** Makalu Welcome Banquet at Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa (5F). **DAY 2: After breakfast at Cloud Top Café, I changed into Tibetan attire rented from the hotel and began my pilgrimage to Chakpori Hill and Potala Palace Square.** This was a fascinating experience—starting with timid shyness in ethnic clothing but soon feeling completely at ease, as if truly immersed in Tibetan life. Everywhere I went, I couldn’t resist posing for photos. **Lunch:** At the famous local restaurant, *Yibire*. A hidden gem among locals, their must-try dish is *Mibu*—barley flour mixed with butter, sugar, and yak meat noodles. Barkhor Street is a must-visit for every traveler in Lhasa. Walking and photographing alongside pilgrims circling the Jokhang Temple reveals new discoveries. There are countless photo spots—just follow the commercial photographers to find the most picturesque angles. **DAY 3: Serkyim La Tso (Wealth God Lake), a lake said to reflect one’s past and present lives, mirrored the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains. This was my first visit here.** At this high altitude, reaching the lakeshore depends on luck, as weather changes can affect the journey. Enjoying an elegant afternoon tea by the lake was a perfect choice—relaxing while soaking in the stunning scenery, allowing the body to rest fully. Drigung Til Monastery, located in Menba Township, Mozhugongka County (4,400m above sea level), once held a glorious position in Tibet’s political and religious history. It served as the golden ancient path connecting the northern Tibetan grasslands with the Lhasa plains and is the ancestral seat of the Drigung Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. **DAY 4: The most leisurely day, with activities mostly at the hotel.** **Thangka Painting:** I’ve always admired the exquisite artistry and stories behind Thangka paintings. Though I’d bought a few in Lhasa before, painting one myself was a first—both novel and challenging. The instructor assigned a simple, small canvas, and completing it in about an hour before framing it into a pendant added personal significance. **Lunch at Cloud Top Café:** The buffet offered a rich variety of global flavors, including Western and Tibetan cuisine. Unlimited *tsampa* (roasted barley flour) and butter tea were available. Don’t miss the hearty bowl of yak meat Tibetan noodles! **Continued Tibetan Attire Photo Session:** The hotel’s prime location provided multiple angles for photographing the Potala Palace. Many photo spots within the hotel were favorites among guests, allowing for stunning Tibetan-style shots without stepping outside. **Tips:** The Tibet Museum and Potala Palace require advance reservations. A good rest upon arrival in Lhasa helps with acclimatization. The hotel offers a dedicated oxygen room, open 24/7 for free. @Shangri-LaHotelLhasa #TibetTravel #LhasaTravel #LhasaHotel #PotalaPalace #InSearchOfShangriLa #LhasaPhotography #Norbulingka #MustDrive318 #MyShangriLaInLhasa