A Honeymoon on the Roof of the World: From Lhasa to Everest & Namtso

In 2024, an email from the UK arrived in my inbox. It was from Elise, who wrote that she and her husband Solomon had just gotten married and were dreaming of an “unconventional honeymoon.”

They were tired of beach resorts and cookie-cutter romantic packages. Elise had studied books on Tibet during her university years and had long kept a dream close to her heart: to one day stand before the Potala Palace and feel its ancient, mysterious power. Solomon smiled and said that all he wanted was to give his wife a perfect surprise—a “love story on the roof of the world.”

A Carefully Designed Journey Across the Snow Land

I spent three days comparing routes and finally crafted a 12-day panoramic honeymoon itinerary through Tibet. From the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in Lhasa to the sapphire waters of Yamdrok Lake; westward across the plateau to Shigatse and Everest Base Camp, to witness sunrise over the world’s highest peak; and northward to Namtso Lake, to greet the stars under the night sky.

I also arranged for a local Tibetan guide to host a traditional blessing ceremony, and coordinated with a mountain lodge at over 4,000 meters altitude to prepare a special honeymoon suite—with snow-capped peaks just outside their window.

Surprises Along the Way

In Lhasa, they began at the Potala Palace, climbing the steps that symbolize faith. At Jokhang Temple and Sera Monastery, they felt the incense smoke, the monks’ debates, and the flutter of prayer flags. I also arranged for them to don traditional Tibetan attire for a “plateau wedding photo” that belonged just to the two of them.

At Yamdrok Lake, the turquoise waters shimmered like a sapphire set among the mountains. Hand in hand, they posed for a gentle portrait by the shore, prayer flags snapping in the wind. In that vast landscape, their love felt profoundly tangible.

At Everest Base Camp, they were struck by true awe. At dawn, as the sun lit up the Himalayan peaks, the world fell silent. Elise squeezed Solomon’s hand, her eyes brimming with tears: “We’ll remember this for the rest of our lives.”

At Namtso Lake, they reached the climax of their journey.

The Secret Surprise by Namtso Lake

Before departure, Solomon had sent me a private request: “Could you help me prepare a special moment by Namtso Lake?”

I understood. Together with the guide, I prepared white khatas, butter tea, and a small butter lamp. That evening, the golden glow of sunset spread across the sacred lake. Solomon led Elise to the water’s edge, dropped to one knee, and revealed a silver ring he had carved himself—engraved with the date of their first meeting and the Tibetan word for “eternity.”

Elise burst into tears, her face lit by both laughter and emotion. In the distance, their Tibetan guide sang a soft blessing song as the butter lamp flickered in the breeze. In that moment, it felt as though heaven and earth were bearing witness to their love.

A Postcard from Everest

On their final day, they visited the world’s highest post office at Everest Base Camp and sent me a postcard. It read:

“Thank you for making our honeymoon an unforgettable memory for life.”

When I held that postcard in my hands, I could almost still see their smiles beneath the snow-capped peaks. It was as if I had been invited to witness their love story—from the planning, to the journey itself, to this note of gratitude.

My Reflection

As a travel consultant, I often sit behind a screen—answering questions, crafting itineraries, solving problems. Most of the time, I cannot witness my clients’ most moving moments firsthand.

But it’s feedback like this—a postcard from Everest, a heartfelt thank-you—that reminds me of the true value of my work. It’s not just about creating a flawless itinerary; it’s about turning someone’s dream into a reality they can hold, feel, and treasure.

For Elise and Solomon, this journey was a “love story on the plateau.” For me, it was a gift of trust, and one of the most precious sources of fulfillment and joy in my career.