TIBET AUTONOMOUS REGION OF CHINA

Tibet Autonomous Region has long been known as the "Roof of the world" and is no idle statement. The land veiled in secrecy, closed to the outside world for centuries. 'The Roof of the World" is now open to you. The valley bottom of Tibet are higher than the highest mountains elsewhere. Its now-covered plateau are the highest in the world. Apart from Everest, which Tibetans see form the other side, many a mountain ranges are over 1500Oft. We are introduced with chanting monks' stopped in prayer, the nomadic herds men of the Tibetan plateau single and wade through prostrating citizens as they circumambulate monasteries on their bellies w6ileprayer flags fan the burning incense as the smoke rise towards the heaven, to God who govern by a faith compassionate to all living thing.

TIBET, ' The Roof of the world", is a great land of beauty and mystery for tourists, mountaineers and explorers. When you step on the soil of the roof of the world, climb upon the world's highest peak, put on the beautiful Tibetan dress ride the Tibet pony or yak-" The boat of the Alpine plateau", look at the melting of the charming pastoral songs, spend a night in nomad's test taste mouthful of aromatic sweet Tibetan barley beer, drink a cup of specially flavored yak butter tea, eat some tasty mutton, sit around blazing, crackling fire, enjoy the melodious music form the 'Dannijan' six stringed flute, bask in the romantic charm of a night on the high plateau grasslands and explore on foot the mysterious, uninhabited, open spaces, the holy mountains and the sacred lakes, you will have on overwhelming and intoxicating experience which will be the most unforgettable time in your life. The best season for tours in Tibet is, April - November

LHASA: The capital of Tibet, at an altitude of 3650m, is situated on the north of bank of Kyichu River, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo river. Lhasa in Tibetan means " Place of the Gods" and Potala Palace, the Residence of Dalai Lama ( The God King), is the earthly representation of the celestial Palace of Avaloketeswora, The Buddha of infinite compassion whose incarnation in the human form is believed to be the Dalai Lama. It is a city truly blessed by the gods where life is unburried.

POTALA PALACE: The Potala Palace is surely one of the wonders of the world. It rises more than 3000m over the valley floor This legendary, palace, built a top a single bill is synonymous with Tibet. First built in the 70th century, as a fortress by Tibet's foremost king, Songtsen Gompo. It was expanded to its present Structure during the ]7th century by the 05th. Dalai Lama. The Potala teas seat and symbol of the Dalai Lama Unique rule other the temporal and spiritual affairs of Tibet. This 13 stored, 1000 rooms, living quarter of the Dalai lamas apartments for Regents, Tutors, High Lamas, splendid ceremonial areas, offices of Chapel, Shrine and corridors, Treasuries, cell for monks and servants, granaries and store rooms. The 5th Dalai Lama Kundung (Chorden) is covered with 3700 gold and the 13th Dalai Lama, with a ton of gold besides priceless jewels.

NORBU LINGKA PALACE: The 'Jewel Pard" as it is known in  Tibetan, was built in the 18th century and served as the Summer Palace of the 13th and the 4th Dalai Lamas. The palace is an interesting mixture of religious and modern elements and as we walk through to see the main throne ball, an audience hall, The Dalai Lama's Bed room and prayer room and the room for his mother. This colorful garden landscape was the site of picnic and public gatherings. The palaces are richly decorated, creating an atmosphere of peaceful repose.

SERA MONASTERY: Once it was the second largest of all monasteries in Tibet. Sera "Enclosure of Wild Rose ", it was founded in 1419 by a disciple of Tsong Khapa. At its peak, it housed over 7000 monks and was famous for its warrior monks, the "Dob-Doa " ' We will visit Ngawa chanting ball and see the remarkable murals in the Drezme college's chanting Hall.

JOLKHANG TEMPLE: Situated in the heart of old Lhasa, houses which was brought as a gift by the Chinese princes Wen Cheng on the occasion of her wedding the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gompo. Surrounding the Jolkhang Temple is the bustling Bharkhor market place which is the religious and social focus of Lhasa.

DREPUNG MONASTERY : Drepung lies 8km west of Lhasa on the main road, then 3km north a  steep unpaired road. Its name Drepung Means "Rice Heap ", was the biggest and the richest of all monasteries in Tibet. This monastery is said to be the largest monastery in the world, housing over 10000 monks and governed 7700 subsidiary monasteries and was divided into four colleges, each with its chanting ball, dormitories, kitchens and offices. It was founded in 1416 by the disciple of Je Tsonkhapa, founder of the Yellow Hat Gelukpa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The second, third and fourth Dalai Lamas lived and were entombed here. The entire monastic communities assemble only for special ceremonies and festivals. Today, about 400 monks lived there. Approaching Drepung, you will see the Nechung Temple, the home of the State Oracle the present oracle lives in India.

BHAKHOR MARKET: Walk along the Barkhor street that circles the Jolkhang  and you are in the heart of the old Lhasa with its narrow streets whitewashed stone homes, windows framed in black and brightly painted woodwork and almost everyone has got something to sell over there.

TSURPHU: Tsurphu (Tuling Churba Gompa), lies northwest of Just off the main Lhasa.

TSEDANG: No tour of Tibet is complete without a visit to Tsedang, situated 170km Southeast of Lhasa in the Yarlung Valley along the banks of the Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra) The cradle of Tibetan civilization. This region abounds with important historical landmarks such as Samye, Yumbulkhangm Chonggye, Mindroling and others.

YAMBULAKHANG PALACE: Situated about 12 km south of Tsedang, Si  the first palace built by the Tibet and for their first recorded king Nyatri Tsedpo, who is believed to have descended from heaven. It is a 05 storied fortress-like dwelling built on the spur of a bill that commands an impressive view of the entire fertile valley. It was destroyed during the cultural revolution and the present structure is an exact replica of the original rebuilt 1982.

SAMYE MONASTERY : Lies about 40km to the west of Tsedang across the Tsangpo River. It is the first monastery built by King Trisong Detsen in the latter part of the 08 the century. Samye Monastery combines 03 distinctive architectural styles that of India, China and Tibet, symbolizing the source, stability and spread of the Buddhist faith. With the building of this monastery, the community of monks began.

GYANGTSE: Is a pastoral town between Lhasa and Shigatse. It is 264km South west of Lhasa. It still retains the charm of a traditional Tibetan town untouched by modern expansion. It made world headlines in 1904 when colonel Young Husband, who led a British expedition to Tibet, defeated the Tibetan army there. As a crossroads on the principle trade route to India, it used to be renowned for the excellence of the carpets. The compound, encircled by an impressive wall, once contained 19 monasteries, presided over by the still intact fortress Perched a top a nearby mountain.

KUMBUM: Is one of the most unique and magnificent buildings in Tibet consisting of 06 story complete with a Buddhist hall and a prayer hall. It has 112 chapels and its wall are adorned with religious paintings. Built in the 15th century, it has withstood all battles and revolutions since.


SHIGATSE: Is the second largest town in Tibet and the capital of Tsang, lying 254km west of Lhasa at an altitude of 281Otn.

TASHILHUNPO MONASTERY: Founded in 1447 by Dendun Drup, the first Dalai Lama. It is the seat of the Panchen Lama who is second to the Dalai Lama in Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy. The 05 the Dalai Lama declared that his teacher, then the Abbot of Tashiliunpo, was a manifestation of the Buddha Amitabha and the fourth in line of incarnate lamas who would hence forth be referred to by the title of Panchen Rinpoche, Tashilhunpo has one of the world's largest statues-a 09 storied gilded bronze statue of Maitriya, of the future Buddha.

SAKYA MONASTERY: Lies 143km to the southwest of Shigatse, Sakya Monastery, the center of the sakya order of the TibetanBuddhism, was founded in 1073 by Knochok Gyalpo. During the rule of the Skayapas the priest patron relationship between Tibet and China was established. Sakyapas rulers reigned over Tibet for nearly a hundred years from 13th - 14th century. Many of its priceless images, frescos, statues holy scriptures remaining today date back to the time of its founding.

Time: As China has only one time zone (Beijing), early starts in Tibet oftern occur during dawn. This is done to allow arrival into particularly city in time to take in all the sights.

Altitude Sickness: As Lhasa lies at over 12000 ft most people will experience some of minor symptoms and discomforts of altitude sickness (headache, mild nausea, loss of appetite) until their body adjusts to the elevation. This can take form a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the individual. Take it easy and rest when you first arrive. Eat lightly but drink plenty of non alcoholic liquids. Proper hydration is is critical to acclimatization. 

Accessories: Handy items include a water bottle, a Swiss army knife, a flashlight, a rain coat or a collapsible umbrella, a toilet kit, a can opener, adequate film rolls and a first aid kit. etc.

Clothing: Casual wear and comfortable walking  shoes are the ruler for the Tibet. Be sure to bring warm clothing as night and early mornings can be quite chilly to down cold in winter months. Bring al the films, medicine, cosmetics, personal toilets items, etc. That you will need  from home as these are difficult if not impossible to obtain in Tibet. A small first air kit is also a good idea.

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