A Dream Journey to Tibet: From Worries to a Perfect Reality

In early April 2025, I received an inquiry from two sisters from Hong Kong. Excited yet cautious, they told me: “We’ve always dreamed of visiting Tibet, but we’re worried about altitude sickness. We’re not sure if we can handle it.”

Patient Communication: Balancing Dreams and Concerns

Over the next six weeks, we communicated frequently. Their questions were very specific:

Should we go to the Potala Palace on the very first day?”
What if we get a mild headache?”
“Will the hotels have hot water and oxygen supplies?”
“Are the toilets along the way too basic?”

I answered each one patiently. For example, to avoid overexertion, I suggested a light program on their first day in Lhasa; to reassure them, I arranged portable oxygen bottles in advance; and for their practical concerns, I even described restroom conditions along the way and shared tips.

They laughed and said: “Mamie, your detailed answers really give us confidence for this trip to Tibet.”

Preparing for the Journey: Peace of Mind

To make sure their dream trip would be worry-free, I revised the itinerary five times. In the end, they chose a 9-day Tibet Panorama Tour, covering the Potala Palace, Yamdrok Lake, Namtso, and Everest Base Camp, while still maintaining comfort.

Before departure, I also sent them a personalized Travel Tips List:

• Altitude Adaptation: Rest on the first day, drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activity.
• Diet Suggestions: Light, easily digestible meals; avoid alcohol and too much coffee.
• Essentials: Portable oxygen bottles, lip balm, sunscreen, a thermos.
• Hygiene: Restroom conditions can be basic—carry tissues and wet wipes.
• Mindset: Stay relaxed; the guide and driver will take care of everything.

They replied with a voice message: “Mamie, it feels like we have a family member looking after us from afar.”

Journey Begins: Setting Foot on the Sacred Land

By late June, the sisters boarded their flight to Lhasa. When the guide welcomed them at the airport with traditional white khatas, their eyes welled up with tears: “So this dream really can come true.”

On Barkhor Street, they slowly joined the pilgrims in their clockwise kora, hands clasped together in silence. Helen whispered: “This power of faith is something photos could never capture.”

At Sera Monastery, they watched monks debating in the courtyard, clapping and chanting—an unexpected highlight of their trip.

Potala Palace: A Dream Fulfilled

The next day, they finally climbed the steps of the Potala Palace. The stairs were steep, and the elder sister paused halfway, breathing deeply. The guide stayed by her side, reassuring her gently: “Take it slow, there’s no rush.”

When they reached the top and stood before the palace overlooking Lhasa, the younger sister’s eyes shimmered with tears: “This is the place I’ve dreamed of for years.”

Inside, they listened intently to stories behind the statues and murals, feeling a power that transcended time. Later, they told me: “No number of photos can match the feeling of actually being here.”

Yamdrok Lake and Everest: Awe and Wonder

At Yamdrok Lake, its sapphire waters glistened among snowcapped mountains. The sisters held hands, posing for photos by the shore. “We’ll show this to Mom,” the elder sister said. “She’ll be so proud we made it here.”

At Everest Base Camp, dawn was unforgettable. As the sun slowly rose above the Himalayas, golden light spread across the world’s highest peak. They hugged each other tightly, tears streaming down their faces: “Dreams really do come true.”

Namtso: A Gentle Farewell

On their final day, they sat quietly by Namtso Lake, watching prayer flags flutter in the wind as the waters shimmered gold in the sunset. Helen murmured: “Every single step was worth it. Even our early worries now feel like part of the journey.”

A Perfect Ending: Dreams Made Real

After the trip, they wrote me a heartfelt note:

“Mamie, thank you for your patience and care. You didn’t just arrange a trip—you helped us fulfill a dream. Tibet will always stay in our hearts, and you made the journey warmer and safer.”

For me, helping them overcome their worries and experience Tibet’s beauty was more than just trip planning—it was about turning long-held dreams into reality.