Tibet is one of the fast-growing tourist destinations in the world. The region offers breathtaking scenery, rich cultural heritage and many unique opportunities. For these reasons, it is also one of the most favorite bucket list destinations. And, to the surprise of many, Tibet is a year-round destination. Many travelers share various misconceptions about traveling in winter. Yet, a travel to Tibet in Winter is especially rewarding just then.

For example, the welcoming region is most authentic in winter. You will hardly have many tourists about. Hence, you'll have gorgeous landscapes and tourist attractions virtually only for yourself. Plus, winter temperatures are not as low as travelers usually believe. For instance, you are likely to have higher temperatures in Lhasa than in Beijing. January, which is the coldest month in the Tibetan capital, features average temperatures between 7?C/45?F and -10?C/14?F.

Finally, expenses are the lowest by far for traveling Tibet in winter. In some cases, discounts range up to 50% when compared with the same type of service during other seasons.

So, if you ask yourself why you should travel to Tibet this winter, there are 3 compelling answers only to start with. And these are scenery, authenticity and prices.

Soak up the best pilgrimage atmosphere in Barkhor Street, Lhasa

Tibetan Buddhism is a religion playing a big part in the lives of the Tibetans. And their devotion to traditional beliefs are best appreciated during pilgrimages in winter. Then, the locals' religious fervor is most intense. Plus, the majority of the local populace is free from their farm works in winter. Thus, most people are able to take part in religious ceremonies.

There are many places in Lhasa where you can observe holy performances. Those are the Jokhang Temple, Ramoche Temple and the Canggu Nunnery among others. Yet, Barkhor Street is the focal point for a grand display of religious devotion. The street is usually filled with travelers during other seasons. In winter, though, Tibetan people replace the visitors, which are few and far between. Since few tourists are out there, every display is traditional and completely authentic.

Tibetans of all ages join the procession and monks perform koras on the street. Mantra chants, meditations and other performances take place in the early morning at the Jokhang Temple. The prayer wheel, a traditional religious item, is the object you’ll see many Tibetans use while praying. According to traditional belief, the wheel spreads spiritual blessings.

Winter is a perfect time for photography

If you are a fan of photography, put Tibet at the top of your must-see destinations in the winter. This time of year, unparalleled photo opportunities will delight you. And not only in Lhasa, but throughout the Alpine countryside. Many areas are accessible in Tibet during winter, and constant sunlight will warm you up with ease.

December and January are the months with the least quantities of precipitation during the year. Consequently, the sky is clear for the most part, featuring bright sunlight. Hence, photos of mountains, lakes, plains and landmarks are of the exceptional quality. More so, migratory birds, including some rare species, flock to Tibetan lakes and riversides.

With the cloudless sky overhead and the absence of fog, visibility is top-notch. Snow-covered mountain peaks make a perfect background for a postcard-quality photos against blue sky. Furthermore, you'll take stunning photos of meadows abounding with greenery. Hardly a scene most travelers associate with Tibet in winter, right? Yet, if the winter photography is what drives you, visit the lakes of Yamdrok, Manasarovar or Namtso. During winter, these tend to freeze in short time despite their size.

With the outstanding visibility and few tourists around, every detail in your photo is much clearer than usual. So, use the chance to take photos of monasteries, attractions and temples. You will also have a great pleasure while taking photos of the smiling Tibetans. Migratory birds flocking to Tibetan waterways and wetlands offer other stunning photo sessions. Black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese and ducks are some species you should be able to take photos of.

Tibet in winter is definitely a great chance for budget-minded travelers

Discounts down to 50%, even 75% in some cases, are especially attractive to budget travelers. Because of the wrong assumption that Tibet winters are very cold, many tourists arrive from late spring to early autumn. So, visitors in winter benefit of many advantages, not only of low rates.

During winter, you are likely to pay as much as half the price for a journey by train or plane to Lhasa. More so, you don't need to book far in advance due to low demand. Hotels also charge down to 50% compared to the summer season. Besides savings, you are likely to benefit of an improved service. As for the tour to the Mount Everest Base Camp should cost you 30% less in the winter season.

Finally, visiting attractions such as the Potala Palace gets you the 50% savings. And not only that. You also get a few hours for your visit instead of half an hour or a bit more.

Enjoy amazing Buddhist festivals in Tibet in winter

Winter is the time for joyful festivities in Tibet. Tibet New Year, which lasts around 2 weeks, is the grandest of them. It is also known as the Losar Festival, and its beginning depends on the Chinese solar calendar. Tibet New Year involves various entertaining performances. The struggle between good and evil, chants and dances are some of them.

The Palden Lhamo Festival, also based on the Chinese calendar, is another spectacular event. Barkhor Street in Lhasa is one of the best places for taking part in it. The festival pays homage to Palden Lhamo, the protector of Tibetan Buddhism and Dalai Lama, a spiritual leader of the Tibetans. The float of Palden Lhamo, interesting costumes and the generosity are the main features of this popular festival.

The Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival is another traditional Tibetan event. It celebrates Tsongkhapa, a reformer of the Tibetan Buddhism at the beginning of the 15th century. The Jokhang Temple is the focal point for the celebration. A myriad of butter lamps illuminate the religious structure. During that time, monks play trumpets, while worshipers with prayer wheels chant with passion.