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History: Tibet is known as the Roof of the World. A
land of ancient Buddhist cultures, majestic landscapes, richly
decorated monasteries full of artistic treasures, and
centuries-old caravan trails. Once the forbidden kingdom, Tibet
is now famous for its many cultural and adventure tourism
destinations.
Natural: The boundless expanse of the land is
awesomely beautiful. Visitors will marvel at the fantastic views
of the mountains, valleys and lakes, as well as the expanses of
the rolling Tibetan High Plateau. The majestic Potala palace,
with Sera, Drepung, Norbulinkha palace and many other
monasteries and ancient caves are unique repositories of
Buddhist culture and history. In western Tibet is holy Mt
Kailash, known to Tibetans as Kang Rimpoche, "the Precious Jewel
of Glacial Snow," perhaps the most exquisitely beautiful and
sacred mountain on earth.
Geography: Tibet, Autonomous region of China,
covers an area of 1.2 million sq. km. It is bounded by the
Kunlun Mountains to the north and the Himalaya to the south. The
land lies in the rain shadow of the main Himalayas, making the
summer months an optimal time to visit.
People: The Tibetan population numbers some 2.3
millions. Living at an average elevation of 4000m, these are a
deeply devout people, whose practices include the use of prayer
wheels (whose every turn creates merit for the devotee) and
prayer flags (marking high passes and religious places), as well
as mani stones (inscribed with the universal mantra Om mani
padme hum and other religious texts).
Entry procedure: A visa is required to enter Tibet,
Autonomous Region of China. This can be obtained from the
Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Two passport-sized photographs are
needed.
Access to Tibet: China Airline flies to Lhasa
from Kathmandu, Chengdo, Xian, Chong.
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