Fancy spending the winter on the world's highest plateau? This doesn't sound very inviting but anyone lucky enough to visit Tibet autonomous region now will find it relieved of its hordes of summer tourists and will fall in love with it.

A traveler's primary concern is heating but it is no big deal for the locals. During the day, the bright sun keeps them warm and happy. At night, they burn dried yak dung in stoves, possibly the most environmentally friendly heating system in the world.

Life in the capital, Lhasa, also fires up in winter. Farmers from across the plateau have finished harvesting and have plenty time to party, since preparations for next year's crops don't begin until the traditional Tibetan New Year, which this year falls on Feb 25.

But perhaps the best part of wintry Lhasa is watching the folk artists who enjoy themselves while entertaining audiences in the streets.

Some devoted pilgrims set out on months-long journeys to pay homage at holy sites, measuring the route by prostrating themselves at each step. Monasteries in Tibet stage dances and ceremonies that regular tourists often miss.

You can also visit hot springs, which are scattered all over Tibet. Yangbajain to the north of Lhasa is the most famous but locals talk of miraculous medical effects being experienced at many others, too.

A route of sunshine in Tibet is recommended: From Lhasa, one can head east for Nyingchi, then turn west to Shannan, two prefectures with unique charms.

The stories first appeared in Trendy Traveler magazine

(China Daily February 1, 2009)