Tibet

Tibet lies to the north of Nepal and is situated on the highest and largest plateau on earth at an average elevation of over 4500m and an area of 2.5 million sq. km. The Tibetan Plateau, also known as the roof of the world, is surrounded by towering mountain ranges. The very name evokes feelings of wonder and mystery, a land of ancient Buddhist culture, magnificent wildlife, unparalleled landscapes, artistic monasteries, exotic cities, hidden valleys and centuries old caravan trails. Tibet offers a totally different experience and is an exciting and fascinating destination for the ultimate adventure seeker.

The main tourist road route into Tibet from Nepal is by way of the famous Friendship Highway, covering more than 900km, starting from Kathmandu, crossing the Hangmu Friendship Bridge which spans the Bhote Koshi River and marks the Chinese - Nepalese border. into Tibet, travelling through the second largest city of Tibet, Shigatse before reaching the Tibetan capital Lhasa.

Note: Tibet is a cold and dry land and travelling to Tibet in summer is found to be more popular, however some of our clients have recommended that travelling in Tibet in winter is “good” if you are interested in the cultures and festivals of Tibet.

Tibet at a Glance

• Location: Asia
•  Area:471,700sq.miles or 2.5 million sq. km approximately. The size of Western Europe.
• Terrain: 70% Grassland, from high plateau to tropical forest
• Climate: Average temperature 28 degrees Celsius (summer) - 15 degrees Celsius, extremely dry except during rainy season (July - August)
• Population: 2.62 million
• Ethnic Groups: Ethnic Tibetans, Menba, Lhoba, Mongols, Hui and a growing number of Han Chinese
• Religions: Tibetan Buddhism and Animism
• Languages: Tibetan, Chinese
• Festivals: Tibetan New Year, Shoton Festival, Bathing Festival
• Currency: Chinese Yuan Renmindi (CNY).

Travel Information on Tibet
Most importantly, all visitors travelling in Tibet should bear in mind that Tibet, being extremely remote and isolated by the most formidable Himalayan ranges, remains still one of the most captivating but least developed parts in the world. With its very short history of tourism the facilities for tourists, although being upgraded, are still basic and limited. Therefore, visitors are requested not to have too high expectations in terms of facilities in Tibet. However, Trekking Encounters will put every effort into making your journey as pleasant as possible.

Travelling to Tibet from Nepal is on rough, bumpy and bending roads. Particularly during the monsoon season (June-August) it can be temporarily obstructed by landslides and erosion, so appropriate clothes and boots are advised to allow travellers to walk over the landslides (especially in the Nepali section).

Overcoming Altitude Problems:
Travelling in Tibet is an adventure involving high altitude and can be very strenuous. Most visitors have only minor effects from the altitude, however, we advise (especially visitors with known heart, lung or blood disorders) to consult their doctor before travelling. Mild headache, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders can take place before acclimatisation.

By Road:
We advise travellers to drink four litres of water (minimum) per day , breath slowly and deeply and to take more rests than usual in order to avoid too much exhaustion.

Money:
Banks in Tibet/China are closed on Saturday and Sunday. So, you are advised to carry about US$ 200.00 per person in cash in order to cover your extra expenses for main meals en route to Lhasa. It is easy to exchange U.S. dollars in to Chinese Yuan, the local currency.

Guide:
We always try our best to provide a good English-speaking Tibetan guide, however, as per new regulations, guides are provided by the guide association on a queue basis. Guides in Tibet do not get enough exposure to the English language; please do not expect fluent and spontaneous explanation from the guides. Your frequent questioning will encourage them to explain well, question by question.   

Risk and Liability:
Trekking Encounters put every effort into making your journey smooth and pleasant, however, all our Tibet tours are run strictly under the Tibet Tourism Authority. Trekking Encounters or our Tibet agents shall not be responsible for any change or cancellation of programmes due to any unavoidable circumstances such as road blockage, flood, snow, political unrest, cancellation of flights, delayed arrivals, sickness or accidents. Any resulting additional cost must be paid by our clients. Therefore, we advise clients to have full insurance against medical and personal accident, etc. Cancellation insurance is also advised from your home country.

A brief description on sightseeing in Tibet

Zhangmu (2300m):
For Nepali, this place is called Khasa. For Tibetan, better known by the name of Dram. Zhangmu is a small settlement clinging to a hillside 10kms from the Friendship Bridge over the Bhotekoshi River. Zhangmu has become the major trading point between Tibet and Nepal. The climate is quite different from the hinterland. The hills around Zhangmu are heavily wooded with many waterfalls in summer and impressive ice formations in winter. It has a bank, a postal office, a government store and is presently undergoing a construction boom to meet the demands of trade and tourism.

Nyalam (3700m):
Nepalese traders, know this as being an important trade centre, know as Kuti. Now days, barrack style Chinese communes surround the typical old flat roofed, mud brick houses. Although vegetation is rare, one can see an abundance of alpine fauna on the hillside during the summer months.

Tingri (4100m):
Tingri is an old Tibetan settlement with typical clustered Tibetan styled housing at the foot of small hillock. A short exploration of the settlement can expose you to a typical remote Tibetan lifestyle. Right from the roadside of Tingri, you can see Mt. Everest (8848m) towards the south.

Xegar (New Tingri) (4050m):
A new Chinese commune built at the foot of the ruins of Xegar Dzong, 7kms from the main road. With a population of 3000, it is the centre of this large and remote area and a base from which expeditions to Mt. Everest and other peaks are launched.

Lhatse (4350m):
Lhatse is situated where a main Tibetan road turns westwards to Mt. Kailash (6714m) and Manasarovar Lake. During the short summer season, the whole valley is covered with green barley fields and bright yellow mustard meadows. It is a welcome change after the barren lands of the Tibetan plateau. There is also a small hot spring located a few kilometres away.

Shigatse (3900m):
It is situated in the southwest of the Tibet Autonomous Region where the Nyangchu River joins the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Shigatse is the second biggest town in Tibet and it is the centre of transportation and the distribution of agriculture and husbandry products from the south-eastern part of Tibet. 'Xigatse' in Tibetan means the 'Estate that fulfils one's Wishes'.

Tashilhunpo Monastery:
Tashilhunpo Monastery is the biggest Gelugpa monastery in the Tsang region of Tibet. It is located in the town of Shigatse and was founded by Gedun Drup, a disciple of Tsongkapa, the founder of the Gelungpa Sect. Gedun Drup is recognised as the first Dalai Lama. It was first built in 1447 and continuously expanded by the successive Panchen Lamas. The Ngagpa College (Tantric College), one of its four monastic colleges, is the residence of the Panchen Lamas. The most amazing image in the monastery is the statue of the giant Maitreya (Future Buddha) erected by the 9th Panchen Lama in 1914. It took four years to build this monumental statue, which stands twenty-six meters high and is composed of 275kgs of solid gold and a great quantity of semi-precious stones such as pearls, turquoise, coral and amber. The 4th Panchen Lama's funeral Stupa was built in 1662 and stands eleven meters high and is covered in solid gold and silver.

Gyantse (3950m):
A small agricultural town famous for its wool carpets and the Phalkor Choide Chorten, Gyantse lies between a monastery and fort. This unique structure, built in 1414, consists of five stories representing the five steps to enlightenment and is topped by thirteen rings, which symbolise the stages of advancement towards Buddha hood. There are 108 halls inside, each with frescoes and Buddha Shrines.

Phalkor Monastery:
Located in Gyantse and founded jointly by Kedup Je of the Gelugpa Sect and Rabten Kunsang of the Sakyapa Sect in 1418. The Phalkor Monastery has a special influence over Tibet's Buddhism owing to its unification of three different Sects, the Gelugpa, the Sakyapa and Bhuton Sects in a single monastery. The famous Kumbum pagoda, built in collaboration with Newari artists from Nepal and Tibet, also stands in the same courtyard with nine storeys, 108 doors and 77 chapels containing clay sculptures and various murals. The pagoda is said to have 100,000 images, either sculptured or painted, this is the reason for the name '100,000 Image Pagoda'.

Yamdrok Lake - The Sacred Lake (4425m):
Yamdrok Lake is one of the biggest and most beautiful lakes in Tibet. We pass by this lake with about two hours drive along its bank. Yamdrok means turquoise in Tibetan language. On the days when the weather is good the lake does take on the beautiful blue aspect of turquoise. This lake unlike other Tibetan lakes is fresh water, extending for 624 sq km, in the shape of two pincers of a large scorpion; you can have a short stop on its bank to take photographs.

Lhasa - The Land of Lords (3650m):
Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region is located at the north bank of Kyichu River, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, at an altitude of 3650m above sea level. Lhasa has a history of more than 1300 years and has been the centre of politics, economy, culture and religion in Tibet since ancient times. 'Lhasa' in Tibetan means 'the land of Lords'. In Lhasa, there are plenty of scenic spots and historical attractions such as the  Potala Palace of the Dalai Lama with thirteen storeys and 1000 rooms, Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple-the holiest shrine of Tibet and the famous Rimpoche Temple.

Drepung Monastery:
Situated five kilometres distance to the western side of Lhasa at the foot of Mt. Ganpoi Uze, Drepung Monastery was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choje, a disciple of Tsongkapa, the founder of Gelugpa Sect. The monastery, occupying an area of 250,000 square meters with a fixed number of 7700 monks, is the largest monastery in Tibet. The monastery keeps many historical relics, Buddhist scriptures, arts and crafts.

Sera Monastery:
Sera means 'hailstone' in the Tibetan language. It is set at the foot of a hill situated three kilometres to the north of Lhasa city. Sera is comprised of a great sutra chanting hall and a college. Jamchen Choje, a disciple of Tsongkapa, the founder of Gelugpa Sect, founded Sera Monastery in 1419. The monastery was erected on a mountain slope. Sera Monastery together with Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery in Lhasa are known as the 'three Great Monasteries of Tibet'.

Jokhang Temple:
Jokhang Temple, situated at the centre of the old section of Lhasa called Barkhor, was built in the mid-7th century A.D. It was later extended by successive rulers and has now become a gigantic architectural complex. It is located in the east and facing to the west. Jokhang is a four storied temple with splendid golden roofs. Its architecture features art from the Tang Dynasty but also assimilated many features from both Nepalese and Indian Buddhist temples. The murals in the temple depict the life stories of historic and religious characters. The temple houses many historical relics including statues of King Songtsen Gompo, Princess Wencheng, Princess Bhrikuti Devi (Nepalese), Princess Willow (a tree) and 'The Uncle-Nephew Alliance Tablet'. Jokhang is Tibet's spiritual centre and the holiest destination for Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims. It houses a sitting statue of Sakyamuni when he was 12 years old. The circular Barkhor Street has innumerable shops and wayside peddlers intermingle with devotees walking clockwise around the Jokhang Temple. An evening walk (Kora) around the Jokhang Temple together with the Tibetan pilgrims is a lifetime experience.

Potala Palace:
The Potala, one of the most famous architectural works of the world, sits on the top of the Red Hill in Lhasa. In the 7th century, after the Tibetan King Songsten Gompo's marriage with Princess Wencheng of the Tang Court, the Palace was built to provide the Tibetan Court with a place of worship and meditation. In the mid 17th century, it was re-built by the 5th Dalai Lama to its present size and became the Winter Palace of the Dalai Lamas. The construction took fifty years from beginning to end. The Potala is divided into two sections, namely, the Red Palace and the White Palace. The total height of the Potala is 117 meters spanning thirteen storeys. The length of the Palace from east to west is 400 meters and the breadth from south to north is 250 meters. The building was constructed of stone and timber with golden roofs. It is a majestic architectural masterpiece.

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it