Tibet- The Roof of the World

Known as the roof of the world, Tibet, the mystical land of fantasy is the heart of Buddhist culture and philosophy and the most mesmerizing destinations of the world today as it seems as reserved as ever.  It is not only the geographical and natural enchants but also a long historical culture and religion that appeal the foreigners to visit Tibet at least once in a lifetime. Rich and beautiful land with an average altitude over 4,000m (13,120ft) above sea level possessing more than fifty peaks above7,000m (22,960ft), Tibet is home to eleven Himalayan mountains over 8,000m (26,240ft). Bordered by China, India, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Burma and Kashmir Tibet is home of over two million people of rich ancient cultures.

Spiritual traditions, temples and monasteries, lakes and rivers, and mighty snow clad peaks are just a few of the intoxicating wonders to be experienced by adventurous travelers who get the opportunity to visit this land.  You will be enthused by watching how pilgrims brave hostile weather and altitude to visit the holy Mt. Kailash and how they prostrate in the flagstone country yard of the Jokhang, offering incense as they circumambulate the holy Buddhists sites to pay veneration to the Shakyamuni.
You will start from the sand dunes along the Brahmaputra basin.  Through the high passes ornamented with colorful flags beating endlessly against the stone cairns, to the blue salt lakes of Namtso, you will travel an ancient trail alive with color, ritual, and history.  The own unique cultures and traditions of the Tibetans Monpas, Lhopas, and Moslems and their style of large exciting celebrations will keep you astonished.
Outside the cities, you will meet natives in their long chubas and exquisite turquoise jewelry who will share with you whatever little they have, exhibiting inspiring Buddhist compassion.
So come and visit the land rich in mountains, monks, mystery, and adventure. Catch the truly nomadic lifestyle and share your experience with your friends.

Tibet is one of the world’s more extraordinary destinations for there is adventure indeed lurking around almost every corner. We present here short extension itineraries that start with the world’s most scenic flight over the mighty Himalaya from kathmandu to Lhasa.
Adventure on the road, is never short, on the Trans-Himalayan drive of 970 kilometers and four mountain passes, promising a panorama of culture and scenic diversity unsurpassable anywhere. All this culminates on an the awesome palaces of Norbulingka (the summer palace of the Dalai Lama) or the Potala Palace (the traditional seat of the Dalai Lama) envelop us. Ancient Barkhor Bazaar still barters the bric-a-brac in this region that’s not so much a little strage as utterly surreal.

Tibet Sightseeing Places

Potala Palace
The Potala, one of the most famous architectural works of the world, sits on top of the Red Hill in Lhasa. In the 7th century, after the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo's married Princess Wencheng of the Tang Court, the Plalace 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 completion.
The Potala is divided into two sections, namely, the Red Palace and 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 350 meters. The building was constructed of stone and timber with golden roofs. It is a majestic architectural masterpiece.
 

Jokhang Temple
Jokhang Temple, situated in the center 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 architecture complex. Located in the east, and facing the west, Jokhang is a four storeyed 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 center, and the holiest destination for Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims. It houses a sitting of 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. An evening walk (Kora) around the Jokhang Temple together with the Tibetan pilgrims is a lifetime experience.
 

Sera Monastery
Sera means "hailstone" in Tibetan. Set at the foot of the Wudu Hill to the north of Lhasa City, Sera is comprised of a great sutra chanting hall and a college. Situated at three kilometers distance to a northern suburb of Lhasa, Sera Monastery was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Choje, a disciple of Tsongkapa, the founder of Gelugpa Sect. 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.
 

Lhasa - The Land of Gods (11850 ft.)
Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region is located between 29o 36'N and 19o 06' E at the north bank of Kyichu river, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, at an altitude of 3650 meteres above sea level. Lhasa has a history of more than 1300 years and has been the center of politics, economy, culture and religi pung 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 7,700 monks, is the largest monastery in Tibet. The monastery keeps many historical relics, Buddhist scriptures, arts, and crafts.
 

Yamadroke Lake - The Sacred Lake (14300 ft.)
Yamadroke Lake is one of the biggest and beautiful lakes in Tibet. We pass by this lake with about 2 hours drive along its bank. Yamadroke means torquise in Tibetan language. In fact, the lake looks exactly as beautiful as torquise blue during the good weather days. This freshwater lake, unlike other Tibetan lakes, is sweet and non-saline, extending for 624 sq. km., in the shape of two pincers of a large scorpion. You can have a short stop on its bank and enjoy photography here.

Tibet Festivals