From Worries to Wonders: A Journey to Tibet with Jojo

2024, An Email Arrived

Dear Jojo,

My name is Isabelle from Belgium. I will travel to Tibet with my dear friend Marianne from Switzerland. We are both 65 years old and have never been to Tibet. We are excited but also a little afraid. We worry about the altitude, the rules, and if we can manage the trip. Can you help us?

— Isabelle

From “Afraid of Altitude” to “Ready to Go”

Their biggest concern was altitude sickness. To ease their worries, I patiently explained the steps: on the first day in Lhasa, they should not have a busy schedule but instead rest well; during the trip, drink more water, walk slowly, and listen to their bodies. We would provide portable oxygen bottles and oximeters throughout the journey. I told them, “If you feel uncomfortable, don’t push yourself. We can always adjust the itinerary together.”

After this conversation, their fear slowly faded, replaced by excitement and confidence.

Planning the Journey

To make their first trip to Tibet more comfortable, I designed an itinerary based on their interests and energy level: Chengdu – Lhasa – Shigatse – Everest Base Camp – Lhasa.

In Chengdu, they would start gently, visiting the giant pandas they had always dreamed of seeing. From there, they would fly to Lhasa to gradually adapt to the high altitude. Then on to Shigatse and Everest Base Camp, our most classic route, to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas.

Helping with Travel Documents

Besides health concerns, they were also confused by Tibet’s travel policies. Neither of them knew what a Tibet Travel Permit was, nor how to apply for one. Step by step, I helped them prepare the required documents, double-checked their passports and visas, and filled out the forms. I kept them updated by email and arranged for the approved permit to be delivered safely to their hotel in Chengdu before departure.

When they held that piece of paper, they smiled at me and said, “Jojo, now it feels real—we are really going to Tibet!”

First Days on the Plateau

When their plane landed in Lhasa, Isabelle and Marianne felt both excited and nervous. Following my advice, their guide welcomed them and let them rest on the first day. They sipped tea, gazed out the window, and let their bodies slowly adjust to the high-altitude environment. Later, they messaged me a photo and joked, “Jojo, you were right—this first day of quiet rest is exactly what we needed.”

Temples and Prayer Wheels

The next day, their guide took them to the Potala Palace. The towering red-and-white fortress left them speechless. Later, at Jokhang Temple, they joined the pilgrims turning prayer wheels slowly, while the guide explained every detail. Isabelle messaged me: “Thank you, Jojo. Without the guide you arranged, I would never have understood the meaning behind what we were seeing.”

On Barkhor Street, they shopped for handicrafts, surrounded by the smell of butter lamps and the lively sounds of vendors calling out.

Yamdrok Lake and Shigatse

On the way to Shigatse, they stopped by Yamdrok Lake. The turquoise water sparkled like a jewel, with snowcapped peaks mirrored on its surface. Marianne whispered, “No photo could ever capture this.”

In Shigatse, they visited Tashilhunpo Monastery, lingering quietly before the great Buddha statues. “This peace,” they said, “is the most precious gift of this journey.”

At the Foot of Everest

The highlight was, of course, Everest Base Camp. Wrapped in warm coats and holding the oxygen bottles I had arranged for them in advance, Isabelle and Marianne stood together as the morning sun revealed the peak of Mt. Everest. Later, they wrote to me about that moment. Isabelle said with tears in her eyes: “Jojo, look—we really made it to the top of the world.” Marianne added softly: “Thank you. Without your support, we would never have had the courage to be here.”

A Perfect Ending

On their last day back in Lhasa, they enjoyed sweet Tibetan tea and hand-pulled noodles with their guide, and picked up a few handicrafts to bring home. Before leaving, they asked me to help upgrade their flight tickets from economy to business class for extra comfort - I quickly arranged it.

A Letter of Thanks

After returning home, Isabelle and Marianne wrote me a heartfelt email:

Dear Jojo,

Thank you for making our dream of visiting Tibet come true. At first, we worried so much about altitude sickness and the complicated permits, but you explained everything step by step. You arranged the Tibet Travel Permit, the oxygen bottles, and a thoughtful itinerary that made us feel safe to go.

Your plan was perfect—from the pandas in Chengdu, to the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, the stunning Yamdrok Lake, and finally the sunrise at Everest Base Camp. With the guide’s care and explanations, we not only saw beautiful sights but also understood the culture and history behind them.

This trip showed us the grandeur of Tibet and the professionalism and kindness of Asia Odyssey Travel. Jojo, without you, we might never have had the courage to make this journey. Thank you for turning our fears into confidence, and our dream into reality.

— Isabelle & Marianne