Tibet Tours

Tibet is under the real Shangri-la, the forbidden land, the roof of the world and to the Holy Land, of your deep desire. Tibet has snowy mountains and meadows, herds of yaks and nomads spread on the board, the monasteries and spectacular single smile, a calm sea and clear blue sky. These are just some of the reasons why visitors to Tibet can be found back often. The first stop for most Tibet tours is inevitably Lhasa, the capital of the province of Tibet. Colorful and historic, the holy city of Lhasa lies in a valley 3,700 meters above sea level. The Potala Palace, Jokhang is the appointment of destinations for visitors to Lhasa. Potala Palace is the symbol of Tibet. This palace is sacred in the hearts of Tibetans. With its splendor, the Potala Palace to impress the inhabitants of the world’s capital. Must consider the humble Tibetan pilgrims, who has always lived in a yak-hair tent, the Potala Palace with great respect. It is hard to believe that the building has 13 floors with 999 rooms built on a steep hill as early as the seventh century. Touring is like a huge maze. It makes you go and go. It is difficult to find a way out, if you go alone. Jokhang Monastery, built in 647, is the oldest wooden structure and brickwork is still in Tibet. It is the center of Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers. Thousands of pilgrims come here daily for worship. Many pilgrims were crawling on the floor. Apparently in their pilgrimage from their homes, prostate pilgrims on the ground after walking two steps, then repeat the process again and again. Many others have been spinning prayer wheels. In the city, visited many websites, the great monasteries of Drepung and Sera University, the Barkhor pilgrimage circuit, and the Tibet Museum. In addition to the mystical city of Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Tibet Tsetang and remain in the minds of many people. Gyantse was once of great importance as a trading center on the route between India, Sikkim, Bhutan, Tibet and China. Gyantse Stupa Kumbum is the symbol which 32 m high and contains 77 rooms and 100,000 images of Buddha. Kumbum Stupa is the finest example of art of the 15th Century Newar existing worldwide. Chode Monastery and Gyantse Fort Pelkor (built on a massive rock) are other major attractions here. Drive from Lhasa to Gyantse is a spectacular long way yet. On the way you have a fantastic view over the lake and Mt Yamdrok Tso Nojin Kangtsang. Shigatse (3,900 m) is located some 274 km west of Lhasa and the second largest city in Tibet. The road runs along the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) river through narrow gorges and broad river valleys. Farmers plow their fields with yaks, sheep graze on the plains, impressive sand dunes and rocky hills in the distance are the fruits of this scenic drive. Tashilhunpo Monastery, built in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama, Shigatse, the most important cultural and religious site. The main structures in the monastery chapel Tashilhunpo Maitreya, the palace of the Panchen Lama and the Kelsang Temple. Tashilhunpo is the seat of the Panchen Lama since the Fourth Panchen Lama took over the convent, and there are now nearly 800 lamas. Tsetang: In the long years Tsetang had many “first” for example, the first king Nyatri Tsenpo, the first palace Yumbu Lhakang, the first temple Tradruk, cropland Syarisotang first, the first Tibetan opera and Buddhist scriptures Pakhapu first Chagya Pangkong. Tsetang is also the place where King Songtsen Gampo United all over Tibet and has lived with the Princess Wen Cheng. The tanka is made and embroidered by Princess Wen Cheng still Tradruk temple, which remains a wealth of art and culture. Samye Monastery is the largest site Testang cultural and religious. Samye Monastery was built in the middle of the 8th Century built. Samye is the first official Buddhist monastery for monks in Tibet. The beautiful and unique Central Hall is three stories high. The first floor is in the Tibetan style architecture, the second the Han style and the third in Indian style. The rooms in the house of the monastery, many statues and wall paintings. Tibet has come back so many destinations, too numerous to list, making the visitors. This is a unique province in China for its magnificent temples, snow-capped peaks, nomad camps, pilgrims and ethnic culture. It is a real place for the senses stir and nourish the soul – all destinations in China.

The pride of Lhasa is the Potala Palace, the former home of the Dalai Lama. Since Tibet’s spiritual leader fled into exile in 1959, the palace has been turned into a museum and it is one of the most spectacular sights in Asia. I find it far more impressive than the Chinese Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City in Beijing. While the Forbidden City is sterile, the Potala oozes faith. It is the Tibetan version of Versailles: 13 stories tall, 1,300 feet by 1,150 feet, with 16-foot walls protecting a warren of more than 1,000 rooms. The Government regards the Potala as a museum, but many Tibetans still regard it as one of the holiest spots in the world. They come not so much out of curiosity as out of reverence, which is seen in their eyes as they shuffle from room to room, lighting candles and praying before the jewel-studded tombs of past incarnations of the Dalai Lama.

They wind up narrow stairs, little more than ladders, and emerge on an open roof with views of all of Lhasa.

The rooms in the Potala have names like Chapel of Immortal Happiness and Chapel of the Stages on the Path to Enlightenment. The contents are as vivid as the names: altars and carvings are everywhere, all weighed down with gorgeous pieces of cloth of every conceivable color. White scarves, left by pilgrims to show their respect, adorn many of the altars. The entire Potala is a celebration of color, and clothes and books and carvings and tombs seem to be crammed wherever there is space.

THE Potala was built mostly during the rule of the fifth Dalai Lama, and the regent concealed news of his death in 1682 for a decade because of fear that the mourning would halt construction of the palace. Only when it was virtually completed did the regent announce the Dalai Lama’s death and launch the search for his reincarnation. By the time the successor was found he was already a teen-ager, and he proved to have a strong and rather ungodly interest in the opposite sex. The sixth Dalai Lama disappeared in 1706, but he is still fondly remembered for his poetry and sometimes roguish behavior.

Most visitors to Lhasa also tour the Jokhang Temple and the surrounding Barkor Market. This area is the political and religious focal point of Tibet, the gathering point of pilgrims who come from hundreds or even thousands of miles — these days usually by bus, instead of by crawling and prostrating. It is also the site of most pro-independence demonstrations in the last few years, but if there is a prospect of a protest then your guides are almost certain to keep you away.

The entrance to the Jokhang is crowded with pilgrims, prostrating themselves, and with vendors who peddle prayer wheels, bugles and other souvenirs. The atmosphere is half carnival, half mystical. Inside, the oldest part of the temple supposedly dates from the seventh century and houses an ancient Buddha that was carried to Lhasa 1,300 years ago from the Chinese capital of that epoch, Changan, now called Xian. This holy of holies is in a cramped, dark room that magnifies the spiritual intensity: pilgrims are shoulder to shoulder, murmuring prayers as they edge their way around the statue.

The Chinese are sometimes reluctant to arrange visits to the monasteries that surround Lhasa, because the monasteries function as an alternative university system and as centers of opposition to the Government. If a visit is permitted, it is well worth the trip. These used to be the largest monasteries in the world — Drepung Monastery near Lhasa once had nearly 10,000 monks — and they are still influential in Tibetan society.

In addition to Drepung, alternatives are Sera Monastery, on the outskirts of Lhasa, and Ganden Monastery, 45 miles by rough road from the city. Ganden is one of the most poignant sights in the area: the monastery was devastated in the Maoist period, and most of it today is only rubble. It is as if Notre Dame had been bombed. The destruction helps explain the bitterness that many Tibetans feel for the Chinese authorities.

In the evening it is well worth taking a bicycle-rickshaw to the area around the Jokhang Temple and perhaps popping into one of the small bars. Studying English is the rage in Lhasa, and it is likely that someone will approach to start a conversation. I remember a doctor who spoke to me for more than an hour about the political situation. He was torn in his emotions: he wanted to get his anger at the Chinese off his chest, but he was also terrified of being arrested for his candor. Speaking in Chinese, he repeatedly said he risked being beaten and imprisoned for years for talking to a foreign journalist.

Tourists are allowed to travel to certain other parts of Tibet, and I relished a three-day circuit that encompassed the towns of Shigatse and Gyantse. The trip begins with a six- or seven-hour ride along a newly constructed highway that still has a few rough edges: a truck became stuck in a patch of mud, blocking traffic in both directions.

Shigatse was the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, who ranks second in the religious hierarchy to the Dalai Lama. The 10th Panchen Lama died in 1989, and visitors to Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse stroll around the glass case in which his embalmed body is seated. A dozen or so monks constantly pray for a rapid incarnation of the Panchen Lama in the form of an infant.

The monastery is built against a hill, and the tombs of past Panchen Lamas are on display, as is the site where the tomb of the 10th is now being prepared. The monks consult oracles and study divine lakes for hints about where to find the infant 11th Panchen Lama. A few candidates will presumably be selected within the next year or two, and in theory the child who recognizes the personal belongings of the last Panchen Lama will be pronounced the new one. There is considerable room for manipulation of the process, and many Tibetans fear that the Chinese authorities will try to select a boy whom they can control and turn into a spokesman for the regime.

AS I wandered through the lanes and corridors of Tashilhunpo, admiring the sculptures and altars, I chatted with Barsan, who came to the monastery in 1947, when he was 7 years old. Then there were perhaps 3,000 monks at the monastery, now there are 800, and Barsan says there will never again be as many as there used to be. In the Cultural Revolution, he was forced to work for five years as a construction worker and farm laborer, but today he hides what bitterness he may feel.

From Shigatse it is less than two hours by car to Gyantse, a small town whose claim to fame is the Kumbum, part of the Palkhor Monastery on the edge of town. The Kumbum, built in 1427, is the largest stupa, a kind of Buddhist tower, in Tibet: built with a dome, it soars heavenward and dominates the arid landscape for miles around. A few monks will show you around the dim interior, illuminated by yak- butter candles and crammed with ancient manuscripts.

In the evenings, after the official tourist itinerary is completed, it may be possible to take a four-wheel vehicle and drive independently to a nearby village. Traveling without any Chinese official, I found that villagers were extremely friendly and happy to show me around their crude homes.

One of the best reasons to visit Gyantse is simply to enjoy the road connecting it to Lhasa. Yes, the dirt road is miserable after rain — on my trip, many trucks were stuck in the mud, and my four-wheel-drive vehicle frequently had to drive across open fields rather than the road itself — but the scenery is spectacular. The terrain is the classic image of Tibet: a vast emptiness full of mountains and glaciers and occasional herds of yaks. The emptiness is broken only by a telephone wire that goes along the road. Because of the absence of trees, the telephone poles are not made of wood but of mud bricks. SIGNPOSTS FOR A VISIT TO LHASA The Border

While the police sometimes tolerate individual tourists who sneak into Tibet by overland routes, the only legal way to enter is as part of an organized tour — even if it is a tour of one. The difference between an illegal individual tourist and an authorized tour group with one person is that the latter has a schedule and an escort and pays hefty fees.

Day 01: Delhi (Arrival)
Around midnight arrival in Delhi. The cosmopolitan city and capital Delhi is the main gateway for travellers. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel.

Day 02: Delhi – Paro (by air)
In the morning you will drive to the airport for the flight to Paro. This beautiful valley with its rich terraced farmland, is home to some of the Bhutan’s oldest temples and monastries. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel in Paro. In the afternoon you will visit the Rinpung Dzong. It was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan. Rinpung Dzong means the fortress on a heap of jewels. This fortress now houses the Paro monastic school and the office of the civil administration. Then you will visit the National Museum. After the visit of the National museum you will go for an excursion to Takstang monastery. In April 1998 a fire destroyed the main structure of Taktstang Monastery, perched on the side of a cliff 900 m above the valley floor. It is also known as “tiger’s den” because Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site on the back of a tigress in the eighth century.

Day 03: Paro
In the morning you will visit the Ta Dzong. The Ta Dzong was built in 1651 as a watch tower. This dzong is round more like parts of an European castle. In the afternoon you will visit the Drugyal Dzong. It means the victorious fortress which was built in 1647 by Shabdrung to celebrate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Strategically built over the only passage into the Paro valley, the dzong helped to rebel various invasions through the course of Bhutanese history. Evening free for leisure.

Day 04: Paro – Thimphu (about 65 kms.)
Today after having breakfast you will drive to Thimphu. Thimphu is the modern capital of Bhutan. It lies at an elevation of 2300 m in a valley traversed by the Wang Chu river. This city maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. This morning you will set out on a sightseeing tour of Thimphu. First of all you will visit the Tashichho Dzong on the bank of the river. It is the main Secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan and is also the summer residence of the central monk body. After visiting the Secretariat building you will visit the national library to see the rare and precious collection of Buddhism.

Day 05: Thimphu
In the morning you will visit the 17th century Simtokha Dzong. It is the oldest Dzong in the country which stands on a lofty ridge at the end of the valley. It was built in the year 1627 and now houses the school for Buddhist studies. Today you will also visit a painting school. In this painting school the young children learn the ancient art of paintings. After visiting the painting school you will visit the centre of traditional medicines. Bhutan has its own brand of Himalayan herbal medicines.

Day 06: Thimphu – Paro (about 65 kms.)
In the morning you will drive to Paro. Enroute visit the 17th century Simtokha Dzong. It is the oldest Dzong in the country which stands on a lofty ridge at the end of the valley. It was built in the year 1627 and now houses the school for Buddhist studies. In the afternoon reach Paro. Rest of the day free for leisure.

Day 07: Paro – Kathmandu (by air)
In the morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel. In the afternoon you will enjoy the first impression of Kathmandu.

Day 08: Kathmandu
In the morning you will start your sightseeing by visiting Durbar Square. Durbar Square is the spiritual heart of Kathmandu. The old royal palace at the centre of the city was surrounded by temples and other important buildings. This is the most important point in Kathmandu to observe the culture and religion of Nepal. After the visit of Durbar Square you will proceed to visit Swayambhunath. Swayambhunath Stupa is famous for the eyes of Buddha which seem to observing the world from all 4 directions. After Swayambhunath you will visit Bodhanilkantha. Bodhanilkantha is one of the most photographed sights. Here, you will see a Vishnu statue of 5th century reclining on his bed of serpents in the pool.

Day 09: Kathmandu
Today you will drive to Patan. Patan was the second largest town in the valley but it has been absorbed into Kathmandu. Patan was previously known as Lalitpur, the beautiful city. After visiting Patan you will proceed to Bhaktapur, the third biggest city of the valley. Bhaktapur has preserved it’s medieval character better than Patan. Here, you will visit the golden Door, the Palace of 55 windows (15th century) and Pagoda Nyatapola (18th century).

Day 10: Kathmandu
Today you will visit the temple city of Pashupatinath which is Nepal’s most important Hindu pilgrim site on the banks of the Bagmati river. The temple of Pashupatinath is dedicated to god Shiva. Pashupatinath is one of the seven most important holy cities to Hindus. After the visit of Pashupatinath you will visit Bodnath. Bodnath is the largest Stupa of Nepal. Around the octagonal base of Stupa there are 108 images of Buddha where prayer ceremonies of Buddhist Lamas are taking place since over 2000 years.

Day 11: Kathmandu
Today you will drive to the Changu Narayan Temple. This temple is 125 m above the Kathmandu valley and dates from 4th century AD. This temple is famous for its sculptures of god Vishnu showing him in different reincarnation. In the afternoon you will drive to Nagarkot. Nagarkot has the best vantage point for a view of the Himalayas from the Kathmandu valley. On clear weather you can enjoy the view from Annapurna range upto Mount Everest.

Day 12: Kathmandu
Today you will drive to Dakshinkali. On the way you will pass through the villages and small localities. On the way to Dakshinkali you will see the rural area where most of the people make their living by cultivating their fields. The temple of Dakshinkali is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus where still animals sacrifices for the goddess Kali are performed. In the afternoon you will drive to Dulikhel. Dulikhel lies at an altitude of 1650 m and offers a beautiful view of Himalayas on clear days. Later return back to Kathmandu.

Day 13: Kathmandu – Lhasa (by air)
In the morning after having breakfast transfer to airport to connect flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Upon arrival at Gongor airport at Lhasa, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Rest of the day free for acclimatization in Lhasa.

Day 14: Lhasa
In the morning after having breakfast you will visit the Sera Monastery. Sera is more like a small town on the outskirts of Lhasa at the base of Tatipu hill. It is the main teaching monastery and one of the three great Gelukpa Universities – once housing more than 5500 monks. Here one can see the young novices learning scriptures in the Debating Garden. After visiting the Sera Monastery you will drive to visit the Jokhang temple. Jokhang temple was built in the 7th century AD and houses the most prized Buddhist relic, a 1300 year old Sakyamuni Buddha statue. The main section of the temple is topped with golden roofs found nowhere else except in Tibet. In the evening you will have a walk in the Barkhor Bazaar. It is a lively and colourful market where you can bargain over such treasures like ornate long bladed knives, prayer wheels and exquisite jewellery.

Day 15: Lhasa
In the morning you will visit the Potala Palace. Potala Palace is the dominant landmark of Lhasa which is situated at a height of 117 meters above the sea level. It was both the residence of the current Dalai Lama and tomb of the former head of state. The Potala is full of elaborate art work and frescos that tell many stories. After the visit of Potala Palace you will visit the Norbulingka Summer palace. On the banks of the Kyichi River, there is a tree and flower filled pard known as the Norbulingka or the Jewel Park. Covering a total area of 360,000 square meters, the park was originally laid out in the year 1750. Norbulingka is also the site of the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas (8th to 14th). In the evening you will visit the Drepung monastery. This monastery is situated in the west suburbs of Lhasa city. It was formerly the largest and richest monastery in the world with 10,000 monks. Of particular interest is the medieval monk’s kitchen with its great cauldrons of steaming barley ’stamp’ sitting on top of huge earthen stoves and tented by saffron robed monks wielding massive ladles. From the roof of the monastery one can enjoy the natural beauty of the Lhasa valley.

Day 16: Lhasa – Kathmandu (by air)
In the morning after having breakfast transfer to airport to connect flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure for personal activities.

Day 17: Kathmandu – Delhi (by air)
In the afternoon transfer to airport for the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel.

Day 18: Delhi (Departure)
Around midnight flight to home destination.

Brief / profile

With an area of about 638 square kilometers, the Yamdrok Yumsto Lake is one of 3 largest holy lakes as well as the largest freshwater lake in Tibet. Surrounded by many snow-covered mountains and small streams, the lake with the length of 130 kilometers is not only a scenic spot but also a pilgrimage destination, attracting numerous devout worshippers every year.

Location
It’s located in Nankartse County on the southern bank of the Yarlong Tsangpo River in the Shannan Region of Tibet.

Why got its this name
This lake is also named Coral Lake due to its irregular shape. Besides, the lake boasts smooth clear water just like the surface of jade. Under the sunshine, the water is really like a mirror, hence it also another name: the Green Jade Lake.
Architecture / Structure / Each scenery
With a length of 130 kilometers and width of 70 kilometers, the Yamdrok Yumtso Lake is fan-shaped, extending from northwest to southeast. This salt lake of low consistency usually freezes every mid-November.
Moreover, there’re many isles providing ideal living environment for the abundant fishes in the lake. Here is also the largest habitat for water birds in the north of Tibet. Every year, numerous birds such as swans, pigeons and so on will fly here from south to spend the winter. If looking from the nearby mountain, you will see the holy sapphire-like Yamdrok Yumtso Lake with small islands.
Besides, the lake is also rich in hydroelectric power and there’s a power station completed in 1996. Furthermore, it’s the largest one in Tibet.
Nowadays, a large number of tourists and pilgrims come here to enjoy the tranquil scenery along the lake, the snow-covered mountains as well as the sporadic villages nearby.

Legend and Story
It’s said that a female Guardian of Buddhism in Tibet turned into Yamdrok Yumtso Lake after her departure of the Heaven, adding mystery and holiness to the lake.
Therefore, the locals believe it will bring happiness and protect them.

Transportation
Tourists can take a bus in Lhasa and get off at the Great Bridge of the Yarlung Tsangpo River and then take a taxi to the lake. Besides, renting a car is also good choice to have a tour and may cost you RMB 1,500 to 2,000 a day.

Eventually it was time to travel back. 1000 km Lhasa – Kathmandu. But this time I managed to get a bus which would need two days to take me to the Nepali border. Two days in a vehicle with no heating, tons of dust and God knows how many high passes, but hey. At least I had a proper seat. Well, sort of. A seat. I met a bunch of Germans in the bus (they are bloody everywhere, aren’t they?) and we had a great time. The Chinese soldiers travelling in the bus were not amused, ah well. Almost no Tibetans in the bus which was a shame. Bus tickets were too expensive. Which says a lot, doesn’t it?

The Ngari Plateau, formed millions of years ago due to the rising of Kunlun Mountains and the orogenic movement of Himalayas Mountains, is called the “roof of the world”. The early history of Ngari civilization dates back to the periods of Zhangzhung Kingdom, Tupo Kingdom, Guge Kingdom, and so forth.

Ngari is the cradle of the ancient Zhangzhung Culture and the homeland of the Tibetan religion of Bon. Zhangzhung Kingdom (from 2nd to 7th century) was founded in the western part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau as early as the 2nd or the 3rd century. During the 7th century, Liyifu, the King of Zhangzhung Kingdom married Semaka, daughter of Trison Detsanm, King of Tupo Kingdom (629 A.D～842/846 A.D), thus starting the alliance between Zhangzhung Kingdom and Tupo Kingdom. However, Prince Semarka’s marriage ended up in divorce. Then Tupo Kingdom waged a war on the Zhangzhung Kingdom and dethroned Liyifu. In 644, Tupo conquered Zhangzhung by force.

In 846 (or 842 according to some historic records), Glang Darma, the last King of Tupo, was killed. After his death, fierce fights for the throne broke out in Tupo. The imperial courts also suffered attacks from the populace and slave uprisings. Gyide Nyimagun, a grandson of Glang Darma, ran away to Zhabyran of Yangtung (Zhada County today) and married Melhu, daughter of a local official of Yangtung. They built the Gukanisong Castles in the eastern part of Gar of Burang, which became the center of Ngari. Gyide Nyimagun became the King of Ngari. To avoid repeating lessons of his ancestors, he divided the Ngari region into three parts and let his three sons to rule over them. The eldest son Ribagun occupied Moyu, which centered on Leh of current Kashmir. Ribagun later became the leader of Ladakh (the present Indian Kashmir). The second son Zhaxi Deguan held Burang, an area centering on the current Burang County and became the local leader. The youngest son Dezogun occupied Zhabyran, an area centering on the current Zhada County. For the first time in the history of Ngari, the “three Ngari kingdoms”, Ladakh Kingdom, Burang Kingdom and Sanga Kingdom, were formed.

Later, Dezogun founded the Guge Kingdon in Guge (the present Zhada County). In 1076 (the Fire Dragon Year according to the Tibetan calendar), under the sponsorship of Dezogun, a Grand Summons Ceremony was held in the Tholing Monastery, which was 20 km away from the Guge Palace. During this Ceremony, senior monks from Tibet and Dokang Region [Do means Amdo, kang means Camu, the Dokang region is the area of the present southern Qinghai, the Chamdo Prefecture in Tibet and Garze region in Sichuan] discussed rules of the Tibetan Buddhism and passed on religious doctrines. This Ceremony was historically significant in the history of Guge Kingdom and the development of the Tibetan Buddhism.

As the Guge Kingdom became more and more mighty, the Burang and Ladakh Kingdom acknowledged allegiance to it. At that time, Guge Kingdom was famous in the whole Tibet, even the central Asia. When Guge Kingdom was at its prime period, the Tibetan Buddhism culture thrived. The quality of the entire nation was also developed. Nine skills, toxophily, stone bumping, jumping, walking, swimming, rassling, talking, writing and calculating were popular for men to practice at that time. What’s more, fossicking, smelting, pottery making, foundry, construction design, painting, sculpting and printing skills had developed to a high level.

In the 1730s, the King of Ladakh took over the control of the Guge Kingdom and occupied Guge, Burang and Rutog for nearly half a century. In the 1780s, Ladakh’s army were defeated by the Mongol-Tibet army dispatched by the 5th Dalailama. From then on, the politics, economics and transport of Ngari centered in Gargunsa (Gardakh) until Ngari was liberated peacefully in 1952 [Gar is located 120 km southwest to the present Shiquanhe Town, the capital city of Ngari. Gar is made up of two places: Gargunsa (meaning the winter barracks, also the living place in winter) and Garyar-sa (meaning the summer barracks, also the living place in summer)].

Located on the north bank of Shiquanhe River, the upper Indian River, Shiquanhe Town was built first in 1964. It is not only the center of politics, economics and culture of Ngari, but also an important juncture of the transport from Xinjiang toTibet.

Qinghai-Tibet-Railway-map shows  which provinces and municipalities the Qinghai-Tibet Railway goes through.Qinghai Tibet Railway is safer and cost less than airplane.

Transportation has been improved a lot for Tibet in recent years. There are flights and trains to Lhasa
from many cities in China incl. Beijing, Chengdu, Xi’an, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc. We can also drive overland
to Lhasa via the five main routes from Yecheng (XiJiang), Gelmud (Qinhai), Chengdu (Sichuan), Kunming (Yunnan) and Kathmandu respectively.

For transport in Tibet, it forms a road network with Lhasa as the center. Except some remote and dangerous areas, we
can get to most places in Tibet. We have different types of vehicles to cater for your needs. The most commonly used is
the 4WD Toyota 4500 Land Cruiser. But for travelling in Lhasa, Tsedang, Nyinchi, Shigatse, Gyantse, an ordinary car will
be good enough. And our Toyota Haice coach can even take you to the Mt. Everest Base Camp and Zhangmu. Every year, the local
government invest a lot of money in developing and maintaining the roads in Tibet. When
consulting with our travel advisors, they can provide the updated information regarding the main
roads in Tibet.

The charming autumn scenery of Nyingchi Prefecture in Tibet Autonomous Region, photo from Xinhua.

The charming autumn scenery of Nyingchi Prefecture in Tibet Autonomous Region, photo from Xinhua, Oct. 16.

The charming autumn scenery of Nyingchi Prefecture in Tibet Autonomous Region, photo from Xinhua, Oct. 16.

Located in the southeast of Tibet at 3,100 meters above the sea level, Nyingchi Prefecture has been entitled as the “Little Jiangnan of Tibet”, boasting gorgeous natural beauty of forests, snowy mountains, fresh air and profound ethnic cultures.

What is high altitude sickness?

Almost every visitor is affected by the high altitude in Tibet. The reaction may varies from person to person. This has nothing to do with age or sex, but it does have to do with physical fitness. Most of the visitors get acclimatized to the high altitude by taking it easy for one or two days.

Most of Tibet is high enough to produce some adverse reaction in most people. For the majority of people, the reaction will be a matter of discomfort, breathlessness, poor sleeping patterns or limited capacity for physical exertion. In some, more serious reactions can develop. These can be potentially life-threatening conditions that may only be relieved by moving to a lower altitude; travelers should inform themselves about the symptoms so that they can recognize them.

How to prevent high altitude sickness?

Here we have some precautions and tips to lessen the effects of altitude sickness and prevent acute mountain sickness, according to previous experiences in Tibet. 

1. Before you visit Tibet, ensure you are in good health. Avoid catching a cold before entering Tibet, for it is difficult to recover from a cold on high altitude and it might lead to more serious illnesses. Mentally adjust yourself to the forthcoming trip and don’t feel too nervous or worried.

2. In addition to the normal medications for traveling, like the Aspirin and Ibuprofen etc, it is advisable to bring high altitude medication. Some visitors take Diamox pills one day before you ascend to Lhasa. However, you’d better ask your doctor for suggestions. Click to learn more about what to pack for Tibet travel.

3. Many visitors who have been to Tibet suggest flying to Xining (the capital city of Qinghai province) and then taking the train to Lhasa from there, instead of taking a direct flight up to Lhasa. Getting acclimatized in Qinghai can be a wise decision and will make a big positive change. For comparison, the elevation at Lake Qinghai is already 3200m compared with the 3700m at Lhasa that will greatly help when you arrive in Lhasa. Besides, you can have the opportunity to enjoy the unique high plateau scenery passing by the train windows. Click to find out more about air travel and train travel to Tibet

4. Upon your arrival, just take a good rest, drink more water, and don’t take shower at the 1st day, usually you will be fine in following 2 days. It is better to spend the first two or three days at ease to get accustomed to the high altitude in Tibet. Lhasa lies considerably above the altitude at which one’s body begins to feel oxygen deficiency. Headaches, vomiting and heart palpitation are common ailments that appear in the first two or three days. That’s why most travel agencies do not arrange any activities for their guests on the first day upon arrival.

And whenever you feel shortage of breath, just drink more water, or the dry air and evaporation of sweat may cause dehydration. Avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of dehydration, and don’t smoke to prevent upper respiratory infection.

Please don’t take shower at the first two days, for it is easy to catch cold and make you feel exhausted.

5. Remember to take things a little slowly when climbing stairs etc.

6. If you lack of oxygen, you can take the oxygen in the hotel, clinic or hospital. Oxgen canisters are easily available in Tibet and can be purchased from hotels. However, if you do not feel too bad, it is suggested to try to avoid take any oxygen and adapt to high altitude by yourself. Because there is still a long way to go, and if you quite depend on oxygen, you will find it harder to adapt to higher altitude at Shigatse, Rongpu Monastery and Everest, which are above 3400m.