About Tibet

Location

Located on the Quinghai-Tibet Plateau, Tibet makes up the southwest frontier of China. Sichuan, Yunnan, Quinghai, and Xingjian border Tibet to the North; and to the south is India, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Burma. Kashmir is located on Tibet's western border.

Geography

Lying on the highest region of the earth, the total land area of Tibet is 1,200,000sq km. Tibet has a population of 1,890,000 people. Tibet can be divided into three major regions, North , South/Central, and East. The northern portion consists of grasslands occupied by nomadic herders who raise yaks and sheep. This northern territory occupies approximately one half of Tibet. The South/Central region sustains Tibet with agriculture and is where all the major cities such as Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, and Tsetang can be found. The Eastern region is forested and occupies approximately one fourth of the total land area.

History

Tibetan history can be traced back thousands of years to the great King Gayalpo Songtsan Gampo, the 33rd Tibetan King. Historical records show that during the 7th century, King Gayalpo Songtsan Gampo sent his minister Shambota to India for the purpose of studying Sanskrit. After his return, Shambota developed the present day Tibetan script which is based on Sanskrit.

Traditional Art

There are numerous mediums for Tibetan art. Many are based in religious practice. There are the beautiful painted Thankas, fresco, and puja tables (which are often carved as well). There is also sand painting, as well as elaborate carvings of wood, butter and stone. Tibet is also famous for its beautiful Tibetan Rugs.

Fairs and Festivals

There are many mind blowing festivals in Tibet. Some of the traditional holidays are the Lingka festival celebrated from the 15th day of the fifth month for 3 to 15 days. Lord Buddha's birthday is celebrated on the 8th day of the fourth Tibetan month. New years day is celebrated on the 23 day of the last Tibetan month of the year.

PLaces to See

Tibet is famous for its monasteries. The Potala Palace in Lhasa is one of the worlds most celebrated Buddhist sites. It is situated on the top of Mt. Putup, It has 1,000 rooms and is a huge storehouse of Buddhist artifacts. The Samye Monastery is at the foot of Mt. Haibusi. This Monastery is the combined effort of Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan architecture. Norbulingka Park is located in the western the suburbs of Lhasa. It used to be the Summer
Palace for His Holiness the Dali Lama, where political affairs and religious activities were attended to. Mt. Kailash is considered the most sacred mountain by Buddhist and Hindu alike. Buddhists believe it to be the axis of Mt. Sumeru. Hindus believe it to be the throne of Lord Shiva. Manasarovar Lake is believed to be bestowed on earth by heaven. It has an area of 400 sq km. It's waters are said to be holy, If one walks around the lake and immerses themself at the four Bathing Gates, disease of the body as well as of the soul can be cured.

Climate

Tibet is cold in winter, cool in summer, and generally dry receiving 450 centimeters of rainfall or snow annually. The sunlight is extremely intense. The sun shines brightly even in the winter, but the air is cold. It would not be surprising to receive a sunburn in the middle of December in Lhasa. The night time low in Lhasa averages -9 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher you go the colder it gets, and the winds in winter are ferocious. Rainfall in southern Tibet occurs intermittently between May and September.

Programs

Tibet - Tour of Lhasa (10 days hotel)

Tibet Kharta Valley Trek and Everest Base Camp (Kangshung Face)

Pilgrimage Tour to Holy Mt. Kailash & Manasarovar