Top things to do in Tokyo Japan ~ Tokyo is among the popular stops you will find along the way when visiting Japan.
A beautiful city that offers different attractions and exciting activities.
Whether you find enjoyment at exploring Tokyo’s historical ins and outs of its different destinations or even investigating its great outdoors, plenty of things are in place to keep you busy all your time in the city.
Herein are different things that will keep you busy while in Tokyo;
Explore Tokyo Japan History
This is a city filled with a rich deep history that is shown by different buildings and structures.
At the temple, you will have a chance to see the oldest and popular of its kind.
On your way to Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Dori exists, offering traditional Japanese goods of satisfying tastes just along a retail pedestrian lane.
A boat ride on River Sumida will get you right to this place.
Top things to do in Tokyo Japan
Visit Tokyo Museums
One of the great ways to investigate the history, culture, art and other achievements associated with a particular destination is by visiting museums at that particular place.
Tokyo National Museum is the largest museum of this city full of interesting features like for instance the woodblock prints and samurai armor.
At the Edo-Tokyo Museum, there is a wealth of artifacts that are stored at the walls of this high tech building filled with different amazing collections.
Test out the Tokyo cuisine
If you need to sample some freshest sushi in Tokyo, then Tsukiji Fish Market is the place to visit, the largest fish market in Japan.
The sense is awakened by many seafood stalls and tuna fish auctions in this city.
You will actually have made up such a sizable appetite after you complete visiting this amazing Tokyo attraction.
Your appetite will be satisfied by different high-quality eateries that offer visitors both the modern and traditional menu items.
To have a complete view of the entire city, consider paying a visit to the popular office referred to as TMG by many, this is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office.
The view of the city can be made right from the 45th floor of this office.
It is a free attraction that is also the greatest opportunity to catch Mount Fuji’s illustrious.
Walking to Enjoy Tokyo City
Admire the Tokyo Japan’s natural surroundings
Japanese gardens are normally full of nature’s colorful presentations and scented fresh flowers depending on the time and season you travel to this beautiful destination.
Here, you will find different blooms providing the best scenery for a peaceful stroll with azaleas, peonies and also wisteria.
Among the best gardens in Tokyo includes the Hama Rikyu Garden, the Shinjuku Gyoen and the popular Koishikawa Korakuen.
In case it’s a fancy cherry blossom, you can consider stretching your legs for a non-demanding 3-mile walk along the Imperial Palace moat.
This is a breathtaking site especially at the spring season, the time when the cherry blossoms have turned to bloom.
A pleasing display of greenery is offered at the Ueno Park.
Best Flights Pune to Bangalore India – Getting from Pune to Bangalore is easier than ever and if you are smart about your travel plans, you can get some incredible deals on domestic flights between these two destinations.
There are plenty of ways to get from Pune to Bangalore, but ground travel can often be long, frustrating and uncomfortable.
Trains run between these two cities daily, but they take over seventeen hours to arrive.
If you don’t want to spend nearly a full day traveling, you’re better off taking an India domestic flight.
You have your pick of flights from Pune to Bangalore, and they generally only take a few hours to arrive.
It’s a far better option for travelers who want to make the most of their time in India, and those who really don’t want to deal with the hassle of ground travel.
If you play your cards right, you won’t be paying all that much more for an airplane ticket…Cheapest Days To Fly
How Do I Book Cheap Flights Pune to Bangalore?
There are plenty of ways that you can minimize the amount of money that you’ll spend on airplane tickets.
By simply following the suggestions outlined here, you can save yourself a lot of time and stress on Pune to Bangalore flights.
Use A Service That Searches For Inexpensive Flights
The best thing that you can do is use a service that searches for inexpensive flights for you.
You won’t waste a lot of time combing through different websites, and you might find deals that have been overlooked.
With the click of a button, you can see all available flights from dozens of different airlines.
Having this information right at your fingertips is immensely helpful when it comes to making educated decisions about what flight is best for you.
The payment gateways are secure, and booking is easy.
You just need your identification and you’re well on your way!
Always Book Your Flights Early
If you book your tickets early you’ll almost always get a better rate.
Sure, there are those times when people have booked at the last minute and gotten their tickets for a song, but those are few and far between.
The more likely scenario is that you will wind up incurring outrageous up charges.
If possible, always book at least a month in advance.
Be Flexible With The Times You Can Fly
Nobody likes red-eye flights, which is why they are often deeply discounted.
When it comes to cheap airfare, it’s better to bite the bullet and get the cheaper seats on a less convenient flight.
Book On Certain Days
There are days when flights are much cheaper.
Generally speaking, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are less expensive than weekends.
If you can avoid flying during busy days, do it.
You will find that you’ll pay far less an might even have a whole row of seats to yourself.
Who doesn’t like to stretch out when they’re flying?
Keep Holidays In Mind
Flying on or around holidays is notoriously more expensive than flying at other times of the year.
You can often find prices double, or even triple, what they are during other parts of the year.
If you must fly around the holidays, make sure that you book your tickets well in advance.
Tourists will want to be especially careful of this because there are some Indian holidays that are not celebrated in other parts of the world.
Be sure to consult a calendar before planning your flight to Bangalore.
Clear Your Browser Cookies
So many people forget to do this, but it really can pay off big in the long run.
Clearing your browser cookies will give you access to less expensive flights because there is no electronic footprint that says you were looking for flights in the first place.
When airlines know that you’re searching for flights on a specific day, they have the option to raise their prices.
It takes a few minutes to clear your browser history, and it could save you a ton of money when you book.
Whenever you’re flying, remember to bring a good attitude.
It won’t save you money, but it could save you a lot of unwanted stress.
There are hiccups that could occur, but if you’re able to deal with problems with grace you will be better equipped to have a fun flight.
Optimism and a positive attitude go far when it comes to air travel.
Where to Stay in Singapore – Singapore is a thriving tourist place which is full of amazing surprises. Singapore is home to modern architectures, tranquil temples, bustling markets, bars and restaurants, and a lot more.
With so many things to explore, it is difficult and tricky to find out a perfect location to stay when on a Singapore tour package.
Every tourist place has a unique culture and personality that offer a different insight into the city.
As a commercial hub and one of the popular tourist destinations, you can find a number of accommodation options in Singapore that suit your budget.
Whether you’re in search of a serene place for relaxation, a cultural experience, or want to stay between the city bright lights, you may find multiple options to stay to relax and unwind your mind.
With the availability of an array of options, It is sometimes not that easy to choose a hotel to stay in Singapore.
To make your search easy, this blog covers an ultimate guide to help you decide which area is perfect to stay for easy access to nearby tourist sites.
Take a look.
Where to Stay in Singapore
Sentosa – For a Beachy Bliss
If you like to have a sunbath on a sandy beach, stay at Sentosa.
This little island is located on Singapore’s southern coast.
It is home to beach clubs, hotels, and beautiful seaside resorts.
If you are on a family trip including your little ones, you will find an array of sports and adventures to keep them busy.
You will also find a number of restaurants, bars, and spa centers to relax and unwind your mind and soul and to spend quality time with your loved ones.
If you are looking to stay at Sentosa, you must consider Siloso Beach Resort Sentosa.
Located along the Siloso Beach, it is a mesmerizing destination to stay.
The resort is located only at a 5 minutes walking distance from the Sentosa Luge and the popular Wave house where you can enjoy various water sports.
Other renowned hotels to stay in Sentosa include:
Capella Singapore
Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa
W Singapore – Sentosa Cove
Marina Bay – For City Bright Lights
With many of Singapore’s iconic landmarks – Marina Bay, the peaceful body of water, is the best place to stay if you are interested to indulge yourself the bright lights of The Lion City.
Packed with rooftop bars, a plenty of restaurants, luxurious hotels, it is an ideal place to experience a different and exciting side of Singapore.
The Marina Bay Sands has many attractions to fill your Singapore tour full of surprises.
By staying at the Marina Bay, you can easily explore, the Gardens by the Bay, the famous Merlion statue, and the National Science Museum.
The waterfront area is home to many five-star hotels, offering worthy views.
When you follow the waterways back to Boat Quay or Clarke Quay you will surely find a more diverse range of properties.
The district Marina Bay in Singapore is also meant for people who are more interested in exploring the city nightlife.
Top-rated hotels to stay in Marina Bay:
The Ritz-Carlton,
Millenia Singapore,
Pan Pacific Singapore
Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore
The Fullerton Hotel
Chinatown – For Traditional Experience
Chinatown is usually considered as the trendiest area to stay in Singapore.
It’s located next to the Downtown area and you can easily find a variety of accommodation options, from hostels to 5-star luxury.
It is the place where Singapore’s first boutique hotel was built and the area still has many independent properties.
If you are searching for a budget Singapore tour package, you can find many backpacker hostels in Chinatown.
The area is lined with Chinese markets, stores, temples, and great places to eat for travels who are on a budget.
Chinatown is an appropriate place to relax as it is surrounded by atmospheric temples, heritage shop houses, and delicious food stalls.
Home to many restaurant and bars, it is a superb place for travelers who love to taste multi-cuisine food.
If you are on Singapore tour packages from Ahmedabad, Mumbai or anywhere across India to experience the blend of modern and traditional Singapore, it is an iconic place to explore.
During your visit to Chinatown, indulge yourself in the iconic enclave and narrow passageways to have a relaxing travel experience ahead.
Popular Singapore hotels to stay:
The Club Singapore
Scarlet Singapore
Naumi Liora
Orchard – For Shopping
Singapore is also popular for its popular and glamorous malls packed with stores of various international brands.
Many travelers, including first-time travelers to Singapore, choose to stay on the Orchard road as it is considered as the premier shopping street of the city.
The orchard road is located at a distance of 2 km from the shopping heaven where you can buy anything you would like to buy at affordable prices.
The place is a magnet for tourists land Singapore to explore the latest fashion trends.
You may also find a wide spectrum of hotels including some of the most lavish options in the city.
Once you are done shopping, explore the green spaces at both the ends of the road.
Gujarat India is a charmingly whimsical land which majestically showcases a colorful mosaic of age old religion, vibrant culture and glorious heritage.
Being the westernmost point in India Gujarat is one every travel buff’s bucket list.
From being home to the holy all India char Dham Yatra temple of Dwarkadheesh to one of the largest gleaming white salt desert in the world of the Great Rann of Kutch Gujarat is a treasure trove for every visitor.
Apart from these highly proclaimed sights, Gujarat India is also the only abode for Asiatic lions at the Gir Forest National park whose wildlife and biodiversity is incomparable.
Tourist Attractions in Gujarat
If you are planning to travel to Gujarat then your trip will remain incomplete without visiting these sites of interest:
Rani ki vav, Patan, Gujarat
Rani ki Vav (Patan)
Sitting majestically on the banks of River Saraswati Rani ki Vav or the Queen’s Stepwell, is an 11th century creation.
Initially built during the 3rd millennium BC this step well has been continuously renovated and rebuilt over a vast period of time until it was finally included in the UNESCO world heritage site.
This structure is the perfect representation of the unique and distinct craftsmanship along with some complex design and architectural styles complete with over 500 carved sculptures of gods and goddesses.
There is no empty space on the walls or pillars of the step well every inch is adorned with intricately detailed work of traditional artistry.
Rani ki Vav, Patan Travel Tip
During the months of December and January, Rani ki Vav festival takes place where visitors have the option of enjoying a cultural program complete with traditional cuisines and street shopping.
Rani ki Vav, Patan Hours of Operation: 8 am to 6 pm
Asiatic Lioness Cubs Sasan Gir Forest Nationa Park, Junagadh
Best Time to Visit Rani ki Vav, Patan
October – March
Gir Forest National Park (Junagadh)
Located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, this national park is the only home for Asiatic lions in the world.
The dry deciduous covered forest also serves as the home for numerous fauna species and more than 300 avian species.
A contrasting dash of color from the silk tress brings some vibrancy to the area.
A jeep safari to Gir national park will take you on a trail across a brown green dotted forest which is studded with numerous glimmering water reservoirs which works as a watering hole for the resident animals.
This is a highly protected national park where hunting is illegal providing a safe haven for the flora and fauna here.
Gir Forest National Park Travel Tip
Be sure to strictly follow the National park rules in order to witness the most amounts of animals and not disturb them in their natural habitat.
Gir Forest National Park Hours of Operation: 6 am to 5 pm
Dwarkadhish Mandir Dwarka Temple Gujarat
Best Time to Visit Gir Forest National Park:
November – January (remains closed between the dates of 16th June to 15th October)
Dwarkadheesh Mandir (Dwarka)
This is one of the four temples associated with the holy all India char dham yatra and it needs no introduction.
Rebuilt and enlarged during the 15th and 16th century, as per archaeological findings the temple is said to be dated back to 2,200 – 2,000 years.
As far as the traditional story goes, it is believed that the original temple was built by Lord Krishna’s grandson, Vajranabha, on top of what is regarded as the Lord’s residence place.
This temple stands at a massive height of 5 storey’s and upon 72 strong and beautifully adorned 72 pillars.
Pilgrims, devotees and visitors will be able to witness some of the most tastefully created unique sculptures of dancers, musicians, elephants and other celestial beings.
Dwarkadhish Mandir Dwarka Temple Gujarat Travel Tip
Dwarkadheesh Mandir is easily accessible from various modes of transportation (local bus, private taxi) and is located at a distance of just 1.6 km from the main town of Dwarka.
Dwarkadhish Mandir Temple Gujarat Hours of Operation: 6 am to 1 pm / 5 pm to 9:30 pm
Great Rann of Kutch – Thar Desert, Kutch
Best Time to Visit Dwarkadhish Mandir Temple Gujarat:
October – March
The Great Rann of Kutch (Thar Desert, Kutch)
Known for being one of the largest salt marsh in the world, this surreal gleaming white land is one of the prime destinations for travelers.
Panning along the western fringe of the state of Gujarat this land looks resembles a dream-like white wonderland.
Upon your visit to this whimsical place you will also be taken on a camel ride and visit to several nearby traditional villages like, Hodko, Mandvi and Nirona.
For three months in a year Kutch is also the destination for the famous Rann Utsav which showcases the rich culture and heritage of Gujarat in full vibrancy and vigor.
Great Rann of Kutch Travel Tip
Plan your trip coinciding with the famous Rann Utsav which is guaranteed to be a once in a lifetime experience.
Somnath Mandir Temple
Best Time to Visit Great Rann of Kutch:
November – February
Somnath Mandir Temple (Prabhas Patan near Veraval)
Located along the western coast of the Gujarati state, this temple is believed to be the very first among the sacred group of 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India.
The Shiv Linga present within the temple is believed to be a ‘Swayambhu’ (self-born).
This temple is not only a prime pilgrimage destination but is also a must visit tourist spot for people on a tour of Gujarat or on a weekend getaway.
What better way to enlighten your soul and liven up your spirit than to visit this remarkable work of temple architecture.
You have the option to be a part of one of the costliest Aartis in India which takes place in the temple.
Somnath Mandir Temple Travel Tip
The road to this temple is well connected with a network of railway and roadways from all the main cities of Gujarat.
Somnath Mandir Temple Hours of Operation: 6 am to 9 pm (Aarti timings – 7 am; 12 noon; 7 pm)
Best Time to Visit Somnath Mandir Temple:
October – March
Sun Temple Modhera
Sun Temple (Modhera)
Built during 1026 – 27 CE and dedicated to the solar deity Surya this holy temple is located on the banks of River Pushpavati.
No puja rituals or worship takes place currently within the temple building and the entire complex is protected as well as maintained by Archeological survey of India.
This Chalukya styled temple premise has three main components including, the main shrine, the outer assembly hall and a sacred reservoir all of which is decorated in intricate sculptures and beautiful idols.
One can witness the grand Modhera dance festival procession take place in the premises of this temple where the entire temple premise is adorned with colorful decorations.
Sun Temple Modhera Travel Tip
Make sure to plan your trip during the pleasant months in order to have the best experience of the temple.
Sun Temple Modhera Hours of Operation: 6 am to 6 pm
Dholavira Kutch
Best Time to Visit Sun Temple Modhera:
October – March
Dholavira (Kutch)
This archeological site is one of the five largest Harappan sites and also contains the ruins of the ancient Indus valley civilization.
This site is believed to be one of the grandest cities of its time and age which falls between 2900 BC and 1500 BC.
Excavations of 1989 threw light on this excavation site and unearthed some valuable seals, gold, silver, animal bones, terracotta items, and pottery and bronze vessels.
One of the most vital sites for history enthusiasts and travelers looking for an exciting trip to Gujarat, Dholavira is among one of the most visited sites where you can visit the ancient reservoirs, step well, sun dried buildings and so much more.
Dholavira Kutch Travel Tip
Located at a distance of 6 km from Ahmedabad which can be reached via road.
There is limited accommodation available in Dholavira so it is advised to stay in Ahmedabad or head on towards Bhuj for Great Rann of Kutch.
Located atop the Shatrunjaya Hills this place is also dubbed as the ‘city of temples’ since it is home to almost 2,700 wonderfully carved temples.
As per tradition, the first Jain Tirthankara, Adinath had paid a visit to this hill and one of his chief disciples Pundarika had attained his enlightenment here.
Upon your visit here you will be awe struck with the sheer magnificence of the place which consists of 108 large temples and 872 small ones.
In order to reach this 900 years old temple complex you are required to climb 3,800 steps leading up to the main temple entrance.
From a top you will also be able to witness the panoramic view of the Gulf of Cambay.
Palitana Temples Bhavnagar Travel tip
Be sure to start your journey upwards towards the temple premises early in the morning so that you get the most out of your visit without hurrying.
Palitana Temples Bhavnagar Hours of Operation: 6 am to 6 pm
Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar
Best time to visit Palitana Temples Bhavnagar:
October to February
Akshardham Temple (Gandhinagar)
Successfully established in the year 1992, and dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan of the Vaishnava tradition, this temple is one of the prime and the best example of magnificently striking temple architecture and design.
Panning over a massive area of 23 acres, the entire complex is not only meant for temple worship but also house numerous educational and entertainment facilities for the visitors and pilgrims.
The main shrine consists of a massive 7 feet tall idol of the presiding deity, Lord Swaminarayan along with the idols and images of his successors.
The entire temple is intricately adorned and decorated with designer carvings and sculptures which makes it one of the prime landmarks of the state.
Akshardham Temple Travel tip
Be sure to attend the sound and light show of the temple along with fun rides and games.
Akshardham Temple Hours of Operation: 9:30 am to 7:30 pm (remains closed every Monday)
Velavadar Blackbuck National Park Bhavnagar
Best time to visit Akshardham Temple:
October – March
Velavadar Blackbuck National Park (Bhavnagar)
If you want a taste of the Savannah wildlife then a visit to this national park will fulfill your dreams.
This place is situated in the Bhal region of India and is also the roosting ground for Blackbuck.
Along with being home to the famous blackbucks, wolves and lesser florican, it is also home for witnessing a wonderful range of colorful birds of every shape, size and colors.
A jeep safari of Velavadar blackbuck national park will definitely quench your wanderlust successfully.
The grassland ecosystem is a great place for a thriving wildlife and biodiversity.
Velavadar Blackbuck National Park Travel Tip
Be sure to follow all the rules of the national park during your jeep safari, like remaining quiet during the entire journey.
Velavadar Blackbuck National Park Hours of Operation: 10 am to 7 pm / 10 am to 4 pm (Saturday)
Best Time to Visit Velavadar Blackbuck National Park:
Singapore Vacation Of Your Dreams – Singapore is a land of extravagance and beautiful culture.
It is the perfect place to experience everything in one trip.
We sat down and thought hard about exactly how we would spend our time in Singapore if time and money were unlimited.
Before you buy your plane ticket, read on for some ideas to add to your adventure.
Singapore Vacation Of Your Dreams
Singapore Vacation Of Your Dreams
Immerse In Singapore Culture With Your Accommodations
You can find a number of hostels, hotels, and rental properties available for travelers.
To really get the most out of Singapore, we suggest reserving an AirBnB.
With an unlimited budget, one might assume we would pick a five-star hotel that has all the amenities you can imagine.
Really, the trip is meant to enjoy what Singapore has to offer and we would rather spend a lot of our time exploring it rather than being swayed by on-site spas, pools, golf courses, and restaurants.
An AirBnB means you get to meet someone local and find out about great places to go that maybe a concierge won’t tell you about.
Worried about a language barrier?
Don’t worry, most people in Singapore speak English!
Enjoy The View From A Singapore Golf Course
Speaking of golf courses, we definitely recommend golfing to those who love to take the casual strolls between holes.
This is one sport you can work into your budget very easily and that will give you a break from the usual hustle and bustle.
You won’t even have to go far since many of the courses are just a block or so away from the downtown area, saving you some time getting there.
For a stress-free round, we suggest Sebawang Golf Course.
Situated in Mindai, the course was designed in 1968 by the Royal Marines, New Zealand Armed Forces, and the Singapore Armed Forces to help soldiers, and civilians, to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
If you prefer to be closer to a thriving and bustling city, then we highly recommend checking out the Serapong Course on the Southern Island.
This newer, and very challenging, course features a par of 72 and is one of the top five championship courses in all of Asia.
The reviews of this course indicate that the greens are fantastic to play and that you should be prepared for the challenge.
Singapore Botanical Garden
Explore And Enjoy Singapore
One thing about Singapore is that you can find some truly unique and fun things to do.
One of the spots that intrigue us most is the Haw Par Villa.
This is a theme park that shares the Buddhist version of Hell.
Just saying that sentence out loud sounds thrilling!
If you enjoy wildlife, we do suggest you check out the Wildlife Reserves Night Safari.
This is a zoo to witness nocturnal animals and nighttime habits of other animals.
You will see Asian elephants and various forms of large cats.
What is really exciting is observing the civets, pangolins, and giant flying squirrels.
Those squirrels can glide the length of five football fields! Just like any zoo, they also have shows to educate and entertain.
Shows change often but we have to admit that the fire-twirling and creature of the night shows are pretty tempting.
Aside from Buddhist theme parks and nighttime zoos, there is so much to do in Singapore.
You can spend an entire day shopping at couture boutiques, local shops, and hang out at the mall.
Museums are everywhere and are great opportunities to learn more about the culture and religions of the land.
Eating Is A Must
All travelers should be ready for the adventure that is eating the local fare.
Singapore, and other Asian cities, often have a hodgepodge of foods but you can certainly find some local dishes.
A few items we recommend checking out are:
Bak Kut Teh – meat bone tea/pork ribs soup
Wanton Mee – wanton noodle dish with pork. You can also find the spicy version that has chili mixed with the noodles
Fried Carrot Cake – definitely not what you think! Radish flour cake, radishes, and eggs make up this amazing dish
Dim Sum – you just haven’t had it as good as they make it in Singapore!
Laksa – a noodle and fish dish with curry
Curry Fish Head – exactly as it sounds and it is quite delicious
Many restaurants and food stalls offer these traditional dishes and so much more.
If you need a break from the local fare, do stop at the local McDonald’s.
Their menu features most of the American items with a few additions.
One thing that is significantly different is the caloric intake.
When we looked at their menu, entire meals only went as high as 500 calories.
Travel in Singapore Like A Local
It may be tempting to rent a car for your stay but we recommend using the transportation systems to be close to other travelers and the locals.
Trishaws, the traditional three-wheeled bike and carriage ride, is a fantastic way to get around.
There are trishaw systems that you can use, much like a bus system, or you can opt for a freelance driver who will be happy to take you around (and may give you local tips on sights and adventures).
There is also a subway system, Mass Rapid Transit, that is reputable for it’s reliable and fast service.
We suggest getting passes so that you can save on the fare during your stay.
You can also hire a car or find a rental to travel on your own time.
These are often more costly options but they are great if you plan on going very long distances from your accommodations.
If you do have a budget for your trip, do the research and look for ways to save money.
Groupon, travel miles, and AAA can offer ways to lower your expenses.
If you can’t do all that you want on your trip, try not to stress about it. It will give you a good reason to go back!
It is a new year which means new travel goals. When you are deciding where in the world to visit, it’s fun to learn about new places in the process. No matter your travel goals, it’s worth considering a trip to visit Tibet.
As the highest region anywhere in the world, Tibet lives up to its nickname as the “roof of the world.”
Being the average elevation is 4,900 meters (16,000 feet) it’s important to know the best month to visit Tibet.
When to visit Tibet
Every country and every place has a certain best time to go — a time when everything is ideal and optimal.
You may think July is the best time to visit, given it’s the warmest month on Mt Everest.
However, considering all factors, including temperature, attractions entry, travel cost, and weather, April is one of the best months to visit Tibet.
While Tibet is a region where each season and every type of weather highlights a different face and beauty of the region, April is the best month to go.
Best Month to Visit Tibet Potala Palace
In addition, there are additional reasons why April is the best month to travel to Tibet and the Lhasa Buddhist Temples.
Since it’s getting a bit warmer, the tourism season is just starting in the late March.
Typically, there are discounts. During this time — from February to April — there is no entrance ticket policy.
The tour and package promotions are in full swing during these months.
As Tibet is an expensive place for travel, it is best to make use of discounts during the month of April.
Hotels often give discounts for early bookings during the month of April.
You need to be wary of very inexpensive-sounding packages and tours.
Some are decent so it’s important to do your homework and research when you are looking for the cheapest Tibet tour.
Weather for Everest Tour from Lhasa
The weather during April suited for a variety of activities.
April and March are months very well-suited for climbing Mount Everest and for hiking to or exploring Everest Base Camp.
A one week trip from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp — which includes visiting attractions in Lhasa and Shigatse — is one of the most popular trips during April.
Many Mt Everest climbing packages are available in the month of April.
The skies are clear and so the views are also clearer. You can hike freely in your own pace in the month of April.
With proper prior training and exercises for climbing the Everest, the experience is favorable, pleasant, and hassle-free if you climb the Everest in April.
You will need the appropriate gear and clothing as the weather will be cold given the elevation.
There is also a package that includes EBC and Lake Namtso along with Lhasa.
Depending on what you want to see and do, there are many different itineraries to suit your needs.
Sample itinerary for 8- day Everest Base Camp trip during April:
Day 1: Lhasa Day 2: Lhasa Tour- Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street Day 3: Lhasa Tour- Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery Day 4- Lhasa to Gyanste to Shigatse Day 5: Shigatse to Everest Base Camp Day 6: Everest Base Camp to Shigatse Day 7: Shigatse to Lhasa Day 8: Departure from Lhasa
Many package options can be customized to your needs.
For sure, discuss it with your tour operators to know more details to find out what makes the most sense logistically.
Best Month to Visit Tibet Mt. Kailash Kora
Perfect Time for Tibet Trekking like Mt. Kailash Kora
April is a good month for trekking in Tibet.
Mt Kailash Kora
One of the most popular trekking destinations that tourists and pilgrims do is the Mt. Kailash Kora.
Mt. Kailash is considered as a holy mountain by people of Buddhist, Bon, Jain, and Hindu faiths.
Kora is act of circumambulation around a holy place.
Thousands of pilgrims travel to Tibet to perform Kora around Mt. Kailash.
Lake Mansarover
Trekking around Mt. Kailash and visiting the nearby, holy Lake Mansarover are some of the most popular activities.
It is said that taking a dip in Lake Mansarover absolves a person of their sins from previous and current life.
April and May are the best months to do this as summer showers start in June.
Saga Dawa Festival
Another reason to visit Mt. Kailash during April is the Saga Dawa Festival.
This festival falls in the middle of April and thousands of locals flock to Mt. Kailash to celebrate this.
They erect a huge pole with a lot of prayer flags tied to it.
Tourists can also trek around Mt. Kailash for adventure and for a religious experience.
There are also five monasteries surrounding the mountain which give a great insight into religion and culture.
More than a challenging and adventurous experience, trekking around Mt. Kailash will be an authentic experience that shows you the religious side of Tibet.
Here is a popular Kailash Mansarover itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Lhasa Day 2: Exploring Lhasa- Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street Day 3: Exploring Lhasa- Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery Day 4: Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse Day 5: Shigatse- Tashilunpo- Saga Day 6: Saga- Lake Mansarover Day 7: Mansarover- Zanda Valley (Guge Kingdom) Day 8: Guge- Tsabrang Day 9: Transfer to Darchen Day 10: Kora first day (4,920m) Day 11: Kora second day (5,600m- 4,800m) Day 12: Kora third day (4,500m) (rest in Paryang) Day 13: Paryang- Tingri Day 14: Tingri- Everest Base Camp and Rongbuk Monastery Day 15: Rongbuk- Shigatse Day 16: Shigatse- Lhasa
Early April for Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival
Tibet Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival
Peach blossoms bloom all around Tibet from mid- March to mid- April.
Since 2002, local Tibetans and tourists have celebrated this beauty of nature to acknowledge the stunning views and promote local region and culture.
The flowering phases slightly change depending upon the different region it grows in.
While travelling in Nyingchi, you will see peach blossom festival celebrated in following regions:
Bome County
Zayu County
Bayi District
Mainling County
Nang County
Gongbo’gyamda County
In some regions, they bloom until the end of April and in some region only until mid-April.
Activities at the peach festival
Some of the popular activities during the festival are:
Photography contests
Exploring ancient Tibetan villages
Seeing roads lined up with pastel beauties in bloom
Enjoying the hot springs
Enjoying the competitions, including archery, horse racing
Cruising the Niyang River
Sampling the delicious local foods
One of the more important Tibet traveling hacks to note is that Tibet is not open to international tourists during the month of March, so travelling to Tibet during early April is the best time to catch the Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival.
From its vantage point, the best month to visit Tibet is April.
It’s the month when the weather starts getting warm, the sun starts staying out a little longer, and leaves turn into a new color.
The cold weather and snow starts wearing off in the lower regions of the valley and wind is dry.
April is the month that is perfect for doing pretty much everything, be it trekking, hiking, cycling, or over-landing.
Visit Tibet during April to experience the best of everything.
Lhasa Buddhist Temples are a must see in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. Lhasa has many names — Roof of the World, City of Sunshine, and Land of Gods to name a few.
It is called ‘Roof of the World’ as it is one of the highest, habitable cities in the world.
It is called the ‘City of Sunshine’ as it receives a lot of sunshine compared to other places in Tibet.
Also, it is known as the ‘Land of Gods’ as Lhasa is the spiritual center of Tibet.
Lhasa has some of the most important palaces and monasteries within Tibet.
These palaces and monasteries are of cultural and religious significance.
For hundreds of years, people have protected, maintained, and rebuilt them.
Here are some of the top Buddhist attractions you must visit in Lhasa to start your Tibet tour.
It is necessary to know more about their religion, culture, and way of life.
Lhasa Buddhist Temples and Attractions
Lhasa Buddhist Temples Jokhang Temple
Jokhang Temple
Jokhang is one of the important Buddhist temples in Tibet.
Many consider it to be the spiritual center of Lhasa.
Jokhang Temple is more than 1,000 years old and is located in the center of the city.
You can see many roads and paths diverging from the temple.
Since its conception, restorers have renovated the temple a number of times to preserve and safeguard it against the modern development.
What to see at Jokhang Temple
The temple is also famous for its architecture which is said to be influenced by Indian, Nepalese, and Tibetan style.
Jokhang Temple is the best place to get a peek into the religious lives of Buddhists.
One of the things that make this temple an important spiritual center is the life-size image of 12-year-old Jowa Sakyamuni.
It is about 1.5 m high. It is a revered treasure of the temple.
Inside the temple you can many paintings depicting the ancient times in Tibet.
From the golden roof of the temple you can see the full view of the beautiful Potala Palace.
You will further see prayer halls and chapels throughout the temple.
Local pilgrims visit this temple every day.
Surrounding the temple is the Barkhor Street which has many old shops lined up.
Lhasa Buddhist Temples Potala Palace
It also serves as a kora path for the pilgrims; it takes about 30 minutes to circumambulate the temple in Barkhor Street.
Potala Palace looms over Lhasa so graciously and magnanimously.
This palace was constructed by 5th Dalai Lama in the year 1645.
Sitting at an altitude of 3,700 m on top of the Marpo Hill, this palace symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism.
Potala Palace is one of the highest ancient palaces in the world.
This palace is 13 stories high with more than a 1,000 rooms and spans over an area of 13 hectares.
Potala Palace is famed for its architecture, artworks, murals and ancient religious treasures.
This was once the winter palace of Dalai Lama.
Today it is a religious place, tourist attraction, and a museum.
The palace is built in woods and natural stones like granite.
The fortress-like walls surrounding the palace will leave you with a lasting impression.
There are beautiful carvings and paintings that tell us about the glorious days of Tibet.
Main parts of the Potala Palace
There are two main parts in the palace: the Red Palace and the White Palace.
The Red Palace is in the center and consists of Buddhist halls, libraries, prayer halls, golden stupas, and chapels.
It houses ornate golden chortens of previous Dalai Lamas.
The White Palace was where Dalai Lama used to stay while visiting.
It was the office for handling political and religious matters.
There are statues of many important people who contributed to Buddhism.
They only allow a limited number of people inside the palace every day.
Therefore, it is important for you to book the tickets in advance to witness the inside of this beauty.
To get a full picture of the palace, go to:
Chakpori Hill
Zongjiao Lukang Park
Potala Palace Square
During the nights, the palace looks lit up with all the lights lining every edge and corner of the palace.
Great three Gelugpa Monasteries
Lhasa Buddhist Temples Great three Gelugpa Monasteries
Gelugpa is a sect that follows the latest school of thought in Tibetan Buddhism.
Also, known as the Yellow Hats Sect, it was founded by Tsongkhapa in 15th century.
Around 17th century, this school of thought spread widely and many practice it today.
People built many monasteries following Gelugpa school of thought all around Tibet.
In Lhasa, the three most important Gelugpa monasteries are a popular attraction for those who want to know more about the religion and culture of people who follow Buddhism.
The three monasteries are:
Ganden Monastery
Sera Monastery
Drepung Monastery
The devoted followers and students of Tsongkhapa built these monasteries.
Ganden Monastery
Standing at an elevation of 3,800 m on the side of Wangbur Mountain, Ganden Monastery was built in 15th century.
It is a large monastery with more than 50 buildings inside it.
The main attraction is the Tsochin Hall with 100 massive pillars.
The monastery has pagodas, chambers, prayer halls, shrines, and assembly halls.
With beautiful scenery surrounding the monastery, you can hike around with the pilgrims performing Kora.
Sera Monastery in Lhasa
You can also trek from Ganden Monastery to Samya Monastery where you be hiking across small valleys, temples, lakes, and ancient villages.
Sera Monastery
Built in the year 1419, Sera Monastery is located in an area where wild roses bloom every year.
This monastery houses three colleges of which Sera Je College is the most popular.
Visitors can tour this college and see the many spectacular Buddha statues and stupas.
The main attraction of this monastery is the debating sessions that happen at 3:00 pm.
Except Sundays, monks gather in the courtyard at 3:00 pm to debate.
Visitors can witness the debate but cannot take pictures of them.
Drepung Monastery Gambo Utse Mountain
You will see junior and senior monks clapping loudly and debating vigorously to make their point.
Drepung Monastery
Located at the foothills of Gambo Utse Mountain, this monastery looks like a white heap of rice.
It is respected as the Mother Monastery of Dalai Lamas’ owing to the fact that many Dalai Lamas have studied here.
At one point of history, Drepung Monastery was the largest monastery in Tibet and housed as many as 10,000 monks in the monastery.
Today there are only around 700 monks.
There are four academies in the monastery.
In the forests surrounding the monastery, there are many courtyards.
One of the main highlights in the monastery is the 15 m high Maitreya Buddha statue.
Visiting Lhasa Buddhist temples and monasteries
Remember, Tibet is a place where people’s way of life and religion are closely intertwined.
The holy sites of Tibet carry history and stories of the past which the devout locals still preserve.
Visiting the Buddhist attractions (Tibet in April) will be an enriching experience.
Traveling to Tibet Hacks – How To Prepare For Tibet
Their government does not allow doing so for safety reasons.
Whether you are travelling alone or in a group, you have to go through a certified Tibetan travel agency.
Tibet tours are expensive, and there are agencies that offer cheap packages.
Don’t book through agencies just because it is cheap; they compromise on safety and comfortable travelling.
Book with a reliable agency like Tibet Vista.
Tibet Vista has been arranging tours in Tibet for more than three decades and is one of the largest travel agencies in China.
Tibet Vista thrives to provide travelers with a safe, enjoyable, and thoughtful experience.
With a promise of arranging tours with no hassles, decades of experience, and a hard working team, it’s easily the best agency to book your trip with.
Tibet Vista not only provides standard package tours, you can also customize your trip with them.
The staff and guides are well versed in English which makes communication easier.
Customize Your Tibet Trip
Work with your travel consultant to customize your Tibet tour, keeping in mind Tibet has so many things to offer.
You can go on any type of trip:
Fully adventurous trip filled with mountain climbing and over landing
Full-scale cycling trip
Fully spiritual tour which involves exploring many monasteries and old Tibet
Trip that provides you a bit of both — adventure and spirituality
There are so many attractions in Tibet, do a quick research of what Tibet has to offer before booking a tour.
Decide also if you want to arrive to Tibet by flight or train.
Consider if you want to do an overland or cycling trip or will you travel by car.
Once you decide what kind of trip you are looking for, you can choose any existing packages or customize your itinerary.
You can customize your own itinerary depending on budget, time available, attractions you want to visit, and the month you are traveling to Tibet.
You can plan your ideal trip, the way you want, with help of travel consultants in the travel agency.
Tibet Travel Permit Hack
What do you need to travel to Tibet?
E-mail your travel documents to apply for Tibet permit to China.
You need certain documents to enter Tibet.
Along with your Chinese visa, you need a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) to enter Tibet.
You can obtain your Tibet Travel Permit through your travel agency.
You will have to email them copies of your passport and Chinese visa to the agency at least 20 days before your date of travel.
The permit can be obtained within 5-7 working days.
This permit is checked and asked for in airports, hotels, and at the entry of some attractions.
It is important to have them with you at all times.
If you want to travel out of Lhasa and other remote areas you have to obtain Aliens Travel Permit and Military Area Entry Permit.
These two permits can be obtained after entering Tibet, but you need TTP to enter Tibet.
Book your Tibetan flight, train tickets, and hotel accommodations ahead
It is important and advisable to book travel tickets and accommodation in advance.
Especially during peak tourism season, the flights, trains, and rooms get booked fast. Sometimes even the hostels get fully booked.
The Tibet tourism season is in peak from May to October…we like Tibet in April
The later you book, the more expensive gets the cost of stay and travel.
Train tickets have to be booked at least 4-5 weeks in advance as hundreds of people travel to Tibet by train, including the locals.
In case of hotel accommodations, if you want to stay comfortably in 3-star and budget hotels, you need to book at least a month in advance.
Sometimes even the youth hostels and home stays get fully booked by climbers or backpackers.
When you look for accommodation in the last minute, you might not get the room you want and might end up paying a lot for a room with very basic facilities.
Also, plane tickets are cheaper when you book at least a month in advance.
The travel and accommodation costs reduce by half during winter and off-season months, as the inflow of tourists are very low during those times.
Traveling to Tibet Packing Hacks
Double check your packing list before travelling
Tibet, the roof of the world, is located at an average elevation of 4,000 m.
You’ll experience even higher altitude in some places as you traverse mountains and various Tibetan attractions.
It is important to bring appropriate clothing and other necessary items.
Must Haves For Traveling to Tibet
Your Tibetan packing list should have the following items:
Travel permits, passport, other travel documents
Cotton t-shirts, thermal wear, down jacket, waterproof jacket, woolen gloves, socks, warm pants, sweaters, UV protected sun shades, hat
Sunscreen, lip balms, hand sanitizer
Emergency aid kit
Energy bars, dry fruits, energy drinks, water bottle with filter or LifeStraw
Small bag to carry your essentials
Comfortable walking shoes; appropriate shoes for hiking if appropriate
Hiking poles and sleeping bags if you are trekking
Small waist pouch to carry money and permits
Extra batteries, portable chargers for phones and laptops
The most important thing of all is the medication.
Most of the travelers irrespective of age, gender, and health condition, experience symptoms of altitude sickness like mild headaches and loss of appetite.
This is normal and the tourists are advised to visit their physician before the trip.
Get medicines for altitude sickness before the trip.
You can easily find small oxygen tanks to buy in Tibet in case of shortness of breath due to less oxygen in the air.
In case you forget to bring anything, you can find most easily in Lhasa.
Visiting Tibet
When traveling to Tibet you’ll discover for yourself what a wonderful place it is to visit.
The weather was unbearable and we had to leave 2 weeks early.
So, would it be the same in South East Asia?
Well, now we’ve been here for nearly 2 months, and for all of you who wonder what the off season is like.
Here is a sum up from our experiences…
Off Season In South East Asia What Was Correct
Off-Season In South East Asia
Southeast Asia It’s Hot & Humid
The off season can get scorching hot, but while 33-36 degrees does sound pretty hot, it’s not the temperatures that breaks you – it’s the humidity – the more humid it is, the hotter it feels.
33 degrees in 80% humidity feels more like 40.
Walk outside for 15 minutes after 10am and you’ll be sweating like crazy and begging to go home again.
This makes you actually appreciate and welcome the rain, since whenever it rains, it cools everything down, and afterwards it’s actually really pleasant to be outside.
Some Months Are Hotter Than Others
We were told to avoid Thailand during May, as that is the hottest month of the year
In Malaysia, March and April are the hottest months, while May is an ideal time for many parts of the country.
Tuol Sleng Phnom Penh – Angkor Wat Siem Reap, Cambodia Videos 15 Most Awesome Destinations in Asia You Cannot Ignore
Off-Season In South East Asia What Was Wrong – It Rains All Day
Looking at the weather forecast on my iPhone, the weather looks seriously depressing: thunderstorms and rain every day.
The truth?
I can almost count the number of days it has rained during the last month in Malaysia on ONE hand.
Now I’m talking about days, not nights – we were expecting to experience lots and lots of rain, only to find that it almost only rained during the night.
This has been absolutely perfect – as the rain cools down the city, making it perfect to explore.
Waking up when the next morning with the streets still wet from the rain the night before has been ideal.
Don’t be put off by the weather forecast – it really isn’t always what it seems.
Rainy Season Is A Bad Time To Be In South East Asia
I was told that the off-season is a bad time to be anywhere in SEA, but this is simply not true.
In fact, some parts of the area is actually ideal at this time of the year, only it takes more planning.
Sometimes parts of the same country often have an off and high season at the same time.
In Sri Lanka, the western part of the island experience their off season, while the eastern part of the island has the best weather of the year right now.
Malaysia is even more obvious, right now is the best time to visit Borneo and the eastern side of the Peninsular, while the western side has its off season at the moment.
Bali and Singapore are the same pretty much all year round, and are good places to go at any time of the year.
I will say though that some places in SEA are much more uncertain than other.
Going on holidays to Vietnam should perhaps wait until after August, as parts of the country can be both very busy with kids going on school holidays, and get lots of rain.
The Good Thing About Off Season in South East Asia
The dusty brown countryside becomes lush and green during the off season.
It’s a great time to go for a Cambodia holiday if you’re interested in seeing the best of Angkor Wat.
It usually rains in the afternoon and at night, so it’s easy to plan around the weather.
Angkor Wat will be more beautiful than ever, with lush jungles, green moss and lichen on the ruins, and the pools are full of water creating beautiful reflections of the temples.
We still have some time left, and we haven’t yet been to Thailand, so we’ll see if our thoughts about it change – but so far, I doubt it.
We had planned to visit Philippines, Borneo and Vietnam, but when The Europe Train Challenge became a reality, we had to postpone those plans for another time and focus on the challenge ahead of us.
Leaving South East Asia, there are some things that I know I’ll really miss:
What I Will And Won’t Miss From South East Asia
The Cheap Living
Not even the cheapest soup kitchen in Europe can compare with the 1 dollar meals and 20 cent drinks you find in South East Asia.
Luxury suites and resorts for the same price as a 10 bed dorm in Europe just doesn’t make any sense.
I know that I will question leaving a continent where we lived on a combined budget on 25 dollars a day, to a continent where 20 dollars will barely get you food for the day.
Miss From South East Asia
The Food
I didn’t realize how much I would miss the food until I arrived back in Europe.
Already the next day I longed for Asian food, spices and variety.
Plus, in South East Asia we never cooked our own food – what a luxurious life!
The Never Ending Surprises
A day in South East Asia will never let you down on surprises.
Quirky details are part of the every day life for a traveler here.
Funny interactions, signs, things that happen – you’re always surprised.
What I Will And Won’t Miss From South East Asia
Asia’s Religion and Strong Beliefs
The culture and traditions here really blow life into the world.
While I’m not religious, I truly appreciate the dedication they have in South East Asia and their strong bond with their traditions, implementing it in every part of their daily lives.
I will really miss this colorful way of life, with prayers and traditional clothing.
The Misunderstandings and Culture Shocks
Misunderstandings and culture shocks are things that I both hate and love at the same time.
Travel would be more boring without them, and you get some funny memories afterwards.
I learned how to love it and appreciate it, because it taught me something about myself as well as others.
And – What I Won’t Miss
Kuala Lumpur
The Traffic
Pollution so thick you could almost touch it, the never ending beeping horns in Kuala Lumpur and the ignorance for pedestrians are some things I really won’t miss.
Knowing that you’re putting yourself in danger every time you buy a bus ticket in Laos just isn’t very comforting.
The Customer Service
Some people really get it, and those who do make it an incredible experience.
But then there are those who really don’t get it, who are afraid of confrontations, and instead of fixing it and apologizing, they pretend it never existed.
After a while you get used to not getting a straight answer if your cockroach infested room is cleaned and OK, but I would be happier if they could sometimes swallow pride and deal with it.
Perhaps they handle embarrassing mistakes differently from us, or just don’t see the problem.
The Rain
The last week we were there it rained more than it had in decades.
You couldn’t even go outside – so what’s the point then? :p
I’m happy to be in Europe for the dryer summer months, and will let Asia dry up before I consider returning.
What are some things you loved and/or hated about Asia?
Asian Escapes to Sample
The largest continent in the world boasts of limitless number of wonderful travel destinations.
It is almost impossible for a single individual to sample all the amazing travel experiences that the continent of Asia has in store.
So, you have to make choices and try the most popular ones first.
If you are interested to explore Asia, try the following top 6 Asian escapes to sample.
Sri Lanka Asian Escapes to Sample
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a destination with balmy rain forests, colorful reefs, palm-fringed beaches, local legends, religious relics, ancient ruins, flavorful food, famous tea, fun trains, rolling surf, oodles of elephants and welcoming people.
To ensure you don’t miss out on anything that this country has to offer, you should book with a Sri Lanka holiday specialist.
You can expect to have plenty of unique experiences in this island country in the Indian Ocean.
China
China is a different world within the world.
The Chinese cuisine, its unique culture and wonderful attractions like the Great Wall, the Forbidden Kingdom and Terracotta Army make it one of the must visit travel destinations in Asia.
You will enjoy planning a trip to experience any of these countries.
Efate Island – Vanuatu
Efate Island – Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a place with many extremities – we were there during the monsoon season, and while most days were sunny, the weather was so humid that I sweated more there than I ever have in my whole entire life.
The dry season is a lot cooler, but the scenery is just as lush and beautiful at any time of the year.
The people in Vanuatu are among the friendliest I’ve met, and we were amazed by how we could snorkel with huge tropical fish only meters away from the beach.
