Tibet - the roof of the world

Tibet is located in the south-west border of China and shares an international border with India, Bhutan, Burma and Nepal. Although today it is under Chinese occupation and known as Chinese province, its historical territory would make it the 10th largest nation in the entire world. As the 13th Dalai Lama said, Tibet is actually “...a small, religious, and independent nation”.

History of Tibet

Tibet’s history witnessed a huge ups and downs and that continues still now. It passed through Yuan Dynasty, Phagmodrupa, Rinpungpa and Tsangpa Dynasties, Ganden Phodrang and Qing dynasty and after the Chinese Civil War, the Republic of China took over Tibet region.

Attractions in Tibet

Several of world’s tallest mountains, ranking in the top 10, are found in the holy land of Tibet. Needless to say, this nation is randomly called the ‘roof of the world’. Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak of the world, is climbed mostly from the base camp near Lhasa. Tibetan plateau is the source of most of the prime rivers of Asia like Ganges, Indus, Salween, Yangtze and many more. The lakes, hot springs, temples, monasteries, colossal mountains, cultures, life-style of the people, large rivers, festivals –everything is so awesome in Tibet that all of them together create an atmosphere that can haunt anyone in the world and they even response to such irresistible call.

Visit Tibet

Places to Visit
How To Go

Nam-tso

This is the second highest salt lake of China, situated in the foot of the snow-peaked Nyenchen Tanglha range. A day long trip from Lhasa will get you to this enchanting place. You should get back to Lhasa if you do not want to stay overnight here in the altitude of around 4718 meters because this place has very basic options for accommodation.

Potala Palace

An awesome view of mountainous Himalayas is waiting for you from the top most constructed palace from sea level in the world. Fifth Dalai Lama began to use Potala Palace as a winter home. Literally it is now used as a museum and seat of government.

Yangbajing Hot Spring

The town of Yangbajing in Damxung Country is famous for its geothermal resources. You will find a hot spring here which is the highest one in China. It is very enjoyable and good for health to have a bath in the here.

Drepung Monastery

The unique architecture of is the prime attraction about this place, which was once the largest monastery of Tibet. It was built in the 15th century. The Dalai Lamas used to live here before Potala Palace was built.

Lulang Forest

If you are travelling on national Road 318 in Tibet, you will watch a typical plateau forest on mountain slope. This is called as Lalung forest in Tibetan, meaning ‘dragon king valley’. You can also watch a cultivated meadow area in the middle of the forest of bushes, dragon spruce, and pine trees etc.

Jokhang Temple

The holiest and most active temple in Tibet is the Jokhang temple and it is the spiritual heart of Tibet too. The central golden Buddha inside the temple brings a touch of peace from within. The Barkhor Square and prayer paths surround this temple which was built in 7th century.

Mt Everest Base Camp

In the geographical border of Tibet and China, the Mt Everest is a utmost attraction for adventurous travelers. At the foot of this gigantic natural entity, Rongbul Monastery and Everest Base Camp is the place from where you can experience the scenic beauty of the highest peak of the world and surrounding exquisite sites.

Mount Kailash

Walking around the Mount Kailash is a popular ceremony to the people of different faiths including Buddhist, Hindu, Jain and Bon. It is in the Kailash range of the Transhimalaya part in Tibet and gave birth to four of the major rivers of Asia.

Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, Tibet

The river Yarlung Tsangpo starts at Kailash and flows to make one of the most famous, longest and deepest canyons of the world, the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon. This most beautiful canyon of China consists of high mountains, great waterfalls, dense forests, turning canyons and is a home to wide range of flora and fauna.

BY AIR

Currently there is only one international flight to Lhasa (Tibet) which is from Kathamandu (Nepal) and more flights from different cities in mainland China. You will get flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa thrice in a week which is operated by the Air China. There are more flights from mainland China to Lhasa, but all foreign travelers need the TTP to board the flight.

BY TRAIN

The Qinghai-Tibet (Qingzang) Railway, also China Tibet Train railway, from Golmud to Lhasa started operating in July 2006. The journey all the way from Beijingtakes just under 48 hours. Direct trains to Lhasa originate in Beijing, Xining, Lanzhou,Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Chengdu. In case of altitude sickness, oxygen supply system is a common feature in every train when it reaches the area over 4000 meters of altitude.

BY ROAD

There are four roads into Tibet, and there are travel bans which must not be broken by any cost. North: The road from Golmud (Geermu) is the easiest legal land route at present. It's possible to travel this way by hitch-hiking on trucks if you are well prepared (camping equipment, food and water for a day).

East: There is no legal way to travel this road. Travellers do get through this way, but for people who are obviously not northeast Asians it's difficult.

West: From Kashgar (Kashi) much of the way is technically off limits. It's much farther to go to Lhasa viaUrumqi and Golmud but the better transport (trains and good paved highways) make it no more time consuming to travel this way.