Tibet

What You Should Know More About Tibet

• Q. Travel Advice

  • Pre-decide all your stay and traveling facilities in advance.

  • Obtain all the permits and Visa for visits and carry a copy of it wherever you go as the entry and permit checking is very strict here.

  • Tibet is an oppressed land where people struggle and are yet positive. So, do not offend them or their culture in anyway.

  • Due to high altitude, Tibet has 40% less oxygen than in normal atmosphere. Hence, consult a doctor before your visit and take the necessary precautions.

  • There are no proper defined trekking routes and hence, take care of being on the most frequented routes as you might lose your track.

  • Take care of carrying your own supplies in abundance while on trek.

  • Tibet is a naturally serene place and hence, do not litter it in any way.

  • Maintain silence and decorum at religious places like shrines and monastery.

• Q. Drinking Laws

  There are not very strict prescribed laws about drinking age in Tibet, but it is advisable to follow the rule of minimum age of 18 years in order to consume alcohol.

  
  

• Q. Our Recommendations: What you can’t afford to miss?

  Jokhang Temple

  Jokhang Temple is known as the spiritual heard of this sacred place. This was built during the mid-7th century and has been a witness to lot of important historic events. The intensely beautiful chapels, clouds of incense stick smoke, continuous hymns of religious prayers and monks worshipping is a sight which will leave you mesmerized.

  
  

  Mount Kailash

  Mount Kailash, the origin of 4 major rivers in Asia and supposed home of Lord Shiva is a magnificent peak located in Tibet. It is a pilgrimage site for worshippers as well as mountaineers, because this place is a trekking ultimate for a lot of people. This Precious Jewel of Mountains, always covered in Snow is a hectic trek and you need to have the right kind of endurance and medical fitness to trek on it.

  
  

  Everest Base Camp

  The Mt. Everest peak is indeed an aspired summit for a lot of people but the Everest Base Camp in Tibet is also a dream destination for trekkers. Located at an altitude of 5200m, you can reach here by jeep of on foot. The village houses a lot of camps, and will also give you a sense of the local Tibetan festivals, culture and lifestyle, against the backdrop of some of the most magnificent mountains of the Himalayas.

  
  

  Potala Palace

  The Potala Palace is an architectural wonder and the moment you see its glimpse, you will be stunned with the beauty it reflects. It is not a living monastery but a museum, which is actually a little depressing as it reflects the atrocities which Tibet faced and is a palace without the Dalai Lama living in it but still, this site is worth visiting once.

  
  

  Nam-Tso Lake

  This turquoise watered lake is a salt water lake at the foot of Byenchen Tanglha range and being at such a scenic spot at an altitude of 15,400 feet is truly a breathtaking experience. You can fill your soul with the beauty of the huge lake surrounded by blue skies and snow-clad mountains. This lake has been considered holy and sacred and hence, the aura around it is really different in a positive way.

  
  

  Drepung Monastery

  Constructed in the 15th century, the Drepung Monastery is one of the greatest monasteries in the world, which has been home to several Dalai Lamas. Located on a hillside, this is one of the least damaged holy shrines in Lhasa and has many of its heritage structures still intact. It still manages to reveal its true structure in the most authentic form and you should indeed visit this precious monument.

  
  

  Samye Monastery

  The Samye Monastery is the first Buddhist Monastery in Tibet and it is a complete adventure to go there because after driving till Lhasa, you have to take a ferry in order to cross the Tsangpo River and later get an open-air truck to reach Samye. You can also join a trek to reach here, which starts from the Ganden Monastery and witness the first and one of the most beautiful monasteries in Tibet.

  
  

  Draksum-Tso Lake

  This beautiful highland lake in Kongpo is encircled by sky-touching peaks clad with snow. This picturesque green lake has a lot of historical connections both related to Guru Rinpoche and King Gesar The Lake is known for a tiny island located in the middle of it and is home so several Nyingma nuns.

  
  

• Q. What will like you like there?

  Cultural heritage

  Despite of being exploited and half of it being nearly destroyed, Tibet has still managed to maintain the charm of its culture and traditions. People here follow their culture and tradition in the same way like was centuries ago and it is indeed a feeling beyond explanation to witness and feel this aura.

  
  

  Warm People

  Without any doubt, Tibetans are some of the most humble, warm and positive people you will ever meet. Despite of being oppressed for centuries, the kind of positivity these people have and the way they celebrate all the festivals with full happiness forgetting all their sorrows is something worth taking back.

  
  

  Nature’s Grandeur

  Housing the grandest peaks of the world like Mount Kailash and Everest base camp, Tibet boasts about some of the most scenic natural wonders in the world. The climate, the transparent lakes, mountain peaks, pollution free environment and freshness will leave you mesmerized.

  
  

  Monuments

  The monasteries and religious shrines at this place have architecture which is a treat to your eyes. Though a lot of it is destroyed during invasion, those that remain are a reflection of the grandeur that once existed and still, these monuments manage to charm tourists from all over the world.

  
  

  Local Cuisine

  The local cuisine, which is simple and non-spicy, consists of Thukpa, Momos, steamed vegetables and rice and once you eat it, you will forget all the other delicacies you have ever tried in your life and you will not get tired of eating the same things every day at all.

  
  

• Q. Recommended reads for destination

  Website

  Tibet Travel

  Forum

  Trip Advisor Travel Forum

  Books

  Trans Himalaya Discoveries And Adventures In Tibet, Vol.3