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Tibet Even under Chinese occupation, Tibet is a fascinating place to visit. The Potala Palace, the great monasteries, and the sheer high of being on the Tibetan Plateau call people to Lhasa. Kathmandu is one of the easiest entry points to Tibet, with overland trips and flights readily available. A Chinese government requirement that all visitors to Tibet be part of an "organized group" means that your program must be planned in advance through an agency. The "groups only" restriction is not as bad as it sounds, even for small parties. In practice, it means only that you must arrange your transportation in and out of the country, and make lodging arrangements, when you apply for your visa. Many packages include some guided sightseeing, which you can take or skip - it's a very small portion of the cost. Best of all, as few as four people constitute an "organized group", and we can usually match you with others on popular trips, even if you are a solo traveler. Most people who want to trek should go to Nepal or Bhutan. While Tibet is high, it is mostly a flat plateau, with relatively uninteresting trekking. Two exceptions are worth noting: Eastern Tibet, the Kham region, is very interesting and very much off the beaten path, and the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash involves a three-day trek around the holy mountain. The trip to the North base camp of Everest and Rongbuk Monastery is mostly overland, with a short hike to the base camp and surrounding hills. The trips to Lhasa, by air both ways and by air and overland, (below) operate every week from April until late October. They are the best bet for solo travelers as the trips almost always attract a small party. North Base Camp, Kailash, Eastern Tibet and custom programs all require a minimum of four people, per Chinese rules. Sometimes the rules can be stretched, but always at higher cost. Trips on the dates listed for North Base Camp, Kailash and Eastern Tibet will operate only with a party of four or more. We'll keep you informed of the status of the trip(s) you are interested in. |  |
Sample Programs
Lhasa by AirStarting every Tuesday, April to mid-October $1,175 pp: flights, hotels, guides and service, visa 
Overland for the Adventurous TravelerStarting every Saturday, April to mid-October $1,375 pp: flight, hotels, vehicles, guides and service, visa 
Everest North Base Camp$1,750 pp: flight, hotels, vehicles, guides and service, visa 
Mount Kailash & Lake Manasarovar$2,415 pp: hotels and camping, vehicles, guides and service, visa 
Eastern Tibet Trek$2,490 pp: flights, hotels and camping, vehicles, guides and service, visa |
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 Main attractions in LhasaThe PotalaThe Potala was the palace of the Dalai Lama. It was originally built in the 7th century by King Songtsan Gampo and rebuilt to the present size by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century. Situated atop a hill, it consists of thirteen stories including some 1,000 rooms and is divided into the Red and White palaces. The red Palace, which is mainly for religious use, includes funerary stupas of the Dalai Lamas, audience halls, and various shrines. The White Palace, which is for governmental use, includes offices, treasure rooms, and the Dalai Lama's living quarters. Apart from these there are too many things beyond mention. As a whole, however, the Potala is a comprehensive work of Tibetan architecture, wood carving, painting, sculpture, etc. Jokhang It is the most sacred and oldest temple in Tibet, built in the 7th century particularly for the enshrinement of the Sakyamuni image brought by Princess Wencheng, which is believed to be in existence in the lifetime of Sakyamuni. Pilgrims are always seen at the main entrance prostrating and paying homage to the Sakyamuni image and asking for blessings from it . The annual Great Prayer Festival, participated by all monks of the three great monasteries, it held here since 1409 during which the greatest ritual services are performed as if this Sakyamuni image were the living Sakyamuni himself and philosophical debates are held for the candidates to partake in the examination of the Master of Metaphysics degree. Barkhor Street Situated at the heart of the old section of the city, Barkhor Street is the liveliest and best preserved section of the traditional aspect of the city. Pilgrims are in crowds here making circumambulations round the Jokhang, lips unceasingly murmuring prayers. Drepung Founded by Jamyang Choje, a disciple of Tsongkapa, in 1416. It is the biggest monastery in Tibet, once harbored some ten thousand monks, though as a rule, it was to house 7,700 monks. Main relics: (1) Image of Maitreya (the Future Buddha), which is said to be so passionate and vivid that only seeing it would release one's sufferings: (2) White Conch Shell, which is said to have been dug out from under the earth by Tsongkapa at its construction site: (3) the funerary stupas of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Dalai Lama. Sera Founded by Sakya Yeshe, another disciple of Tsongkapa, in 1419. It is the second biggest monastery in Tibet and once harbored some eight thousand monks, though as a rule, it should be no more than 5,500 monks. Sakya Yeshe had been to the inland of China and had interviews with the Ming Emperor. Main relics: (1) The Horse-necked One, or Hayagriva in Sanskrit. It is a guardian deity, a wrathful emanation of Avalokitesvara, which is said to be very fierce in destroying the evil and guarding the good. Pilgrims line up in queues praying for protection: (2) A set of Kagyur (the Translation of the Commandments) and Thangka (scroll painting) presented to Sakya Yeshe by the Ming Emperor. Norbulingka Park Norbulingka, or "Jeweled Garden", was the site of the Dalai Lamas summer palace. From the mid 18th century, each successive Dalai Lama moved to the park during the summer season, and carried out all their religious and political affairs from there. The site of the Norbulingka was originally chosen for its lush green scenery. The Lhasa river flowed through the 1750's the 7th Dalai lama spent much time in the peacefulness of this area, studying Buddhist texts. It was during his lifetime that the tradition of a "Summer Retreat" began. |
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