Winter in Tibet

In Lhasa, ringing in Losar, the Tibetan New Year celebration, has much to recommend it. Not only can visitors witness important cultural and spiritual rituals but also they can enjoy the city's scenic spots free from the throngs of tourists. Sun Ye soaks in the atmosphere.

Believe it or not, visiting Tibet in winter is actually very pleasant. Yes, the air is a little thinner and you'll have to wear layers of clothes in case the night chill gets to you. After all, it's 3,600meters above sea level in Lhasa.

But here are two huge perks to visiting during the winter season: There will be no crowds to tackle (and there will be hefty discounts at hotels, and vacancies at otherwise impossible-to-book locations, like entry to the Potala Palace), and there is the joyous week long celebration that is Tibetan New Year, known locally as Losar.