Tibet Tours

Southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region has earmarked 2 million yuan of special funding to preserve Tibetan opera, the regional government said Wednesday.

The funds would be used to train more performers and upgrade facilities of Tibetan opera troupes, the regional cultural department said in a press release.

The funds would benefit eight schools of Tibetan opera that enjoyed relatively long histories and were more popular among Tibetans, it said.

“These schools are popular in Doilungdeqen County on the outskirts of Lhasa, Namling County of Xigaze, Nedong County of Shannan, and Chagyab County of Qamdo,” it said.

Tibetan opera is more than 600 years old, about 400 years older than Peking opera, one of China’s more famous cultural treasures.

The performing art featuring vivid face masks, earthy dancing unvarnished singing and colorful costumes is staged for religious festivals and family celebrations.

The survival of the traditional art form is being challenged as some of its unique skills — especially singing techniques — have to be handed down through personal contact from generation to generation.

The death of one aged artist might mean the loss of the performance art of one school. Experts say it is imperative to train more young actors.

China stepped up preservation of Tibetan opera in 2005 and has since spent 10 million yuan to shore up village troupes and publish books and videos.

Yet money is still a problem for many village-run troupes with no regular financial sources. Earnings from performances barely cover the living and travel expenses of performers during the performing season, which discourages young people from taking up the art.

Tibetan opera was put on the world heritage list of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2009.

Advanced Everest Base Camp Trek, take the north face of Mount Everest Camp III. Heading along the Tibetan Plateau with an average altitude of 3,500 meters, Tibet is often described as the roof of the world.
On this trip we will be the path of friendship with some of the most beautiful landscapes and picturesque follow on earth.
We pass small Tibetan villages, nomadic herdsmen wandering across the vast dry plains and majestic mountains. Equally fascinating is the wealth of cultural interest and we will be many opportunities this side of Tibet to explore Lhasa, while the other cities that passed through our journey in Kathmandu.
We spent three nights in Lhasa, staying in the old town. This enables a lot of time for acclimatization and easy access to major attractions – the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple. Departure from Lhasa in our Toyota Land Cruiser four-wheel drive, we drive through this wonderful country. In the cities of Gyantse and Shigatse fully explore the Buddhist monasteries and immerse yourself in the culture. Undoubtedly, a highlight of the trip a visit to Everest Base Camp, and believe to a hike to Camp 3 at 6340m. Where to see the simple majesty of the north face of Mount Everest.
This walk takes you as close as any mountaineer can not all the way to Camp 3 and the base of the North Col of Everest Rongbuk Glacier East.

Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) urged its departments concerned and local people to guard against disasters brought about by flood and drought in summer, according to a meeting held on June 23 in its capital city Lhasa.

Pema Wangdu, deputy director of Tibet Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, required people involved to sign a responsibility pledge for flood control and drought relief, keeping a close eye on changes in major reservoirs, dikes, lakes with potential risks and projects under construction round the clock.

According to Tibet Meteorologic Bureau, areas in the vicinity of the Yarlung Zangbo River will expect much precipitation between June and September while other areas are likely to be hit by slight drought.

During the flood season, heavy floods will possibly break out in southeastern areas of Tibet at any time while rainstorms may trigger mountain torrents in some areas.

Moreover, people living along the Yarlung Zangbo River will go through a period with high temperatures and little rainfall.

Seven reservoirs in Tibet now being reinforced while another 23 in poor conditions have been strengthened to ensure safety in the high water season. But it is not certain whether they can withstand the flood.

In addition, emergency measures for improving flood-resistant capability of water conservation projects, reservoirs in all sizes, areas in danger of mountain torrents, and transferring people to safer areas were further optimized to guarantee the safety of local Tibetans and their properties.

Departments concerned warned people to enhance their vigilance during the flood season.

Source: China Tibet Information Center

The remote area of Mdog in Tibet is becoming an increasingly popular site for hikers, with a highway set to open the area in 2012, many intrepid travelers are taking the opportunity to visit China’s last county without paved roads before it is linked to modern civilization.

Located in the southeastern part of Tibet, on the region’s Indian boarder, the only way to reach Mdog is to climb over the 4,800-meter-high Galongla or 4,300-meter-high Duoxiongla snow mountains.

Nestled among the high traverses, Mdog boasts picturesque views and is home to the Mengba ethnic people. Mdog means secret lotus in Tibetan language and is regarded as a holy land by Tibetan Buddhists.

“Cliffs, waterfalls, nature – experiencing four seasons in one day and indulging in nature in the most simple way, all these add to the charm of Mdog,” said Jin Qiao, secretary general of China Volkssport Association (CVA), a walking and hiking group.

Due to its unique geographical position, beauty and isolation, Mdog has long been attractive to those who love the great outdoors. Only mountain paths connect local villages and towns, with residents mainly relying on horses and mules for transportation.

A popular trekking route is from Bom county to Bayi county, with Mdog in the middle and has been voted as one of China’s top hiking journeys on many travel websites.

A recent group from Beijing saw 24 hikers take on the 300-kilometer journey. Arriving in Tibet by train, then taking a bus to Bom, the group covered an average 30 kilometers a day.

Hit by altitude sickness, snowblindness and leeches, most of the group agreed that the trip was worth it due to the amazing views, dramatic climactic changes and enchantment of the forests.

Taking on the famous snow mountains in Tibet. Photos: Pan Hao

One hiker, 33-year-old Pan Hao, who was part of the Beijing group, said he is concerned that the new road will change the people and the area irrevocably.

“Their words and smiles always come to my mind during my daily life back in Beijing. Their life is peaceful and simple. For us in a metropolitan city, we have too much desire,” Pan told the Global Times.

Pan said that a local man told him that while the road may alter their peaceful lives, it will also allow the delivery of goods and services, with residents no longer needing to lug heavy backpacks of food and daily necessities over the mountains any more.

A tunnel passing through Galongla will also be built when the 118-kilometer-long highway is finished with Pan saying that locals he met along the way told him Mdog would be turned into a commercially-managed scenic area, a prospect that many of the hikers said could ruin the natural beauty of the area.

Hikers enjoying a break at a refreshing river spot.

To speed up the pace of tourism development in Lhasa, Lhasa tourism information to further enhance service levels, creating a plateau, and ethnic characteristics of international tourist city, Lhasa City will Touzi more than 1500 million to build a tourist distribution center, completed, will provide them with tourist information dissemination, emergency relief, information consulting and other services received complaints from tourists.

Four functional Lhasa Tourism Services

Tourist Center is to improve the tourism industry chain core, and the realization of travelers travel to promote capital flow, information flow, the role of tourism center of the basic functions of gathering radiation carrier. It is understood that the Lhasa City Tourism distribution center is one of the national tourism infrastructure is also part of 180 projects.

“Travel distribution center will establish an information distribution hall, travel goods showrooms, exhibition hall and other tourism image through the physical display, electronic screen scrolling, picture display, etc. to provide services for tourists.” Lhasa City Tourism Bureau, said Wang Ping, Deputy Secretary, Travel distribution center will not only provide services for the group visitors, will feature attractions based on my area and the characteristics of self-help tourists, design history, travel, Wenhuayichan travel, non-material cultural heritage travel, leisure travel or a beautiful natural and cultural tourism among the various collocation lines, while providing personalized service, so that visitors can self-selected self-tours. Staff in the tourism sector to provide information service for visitors, while expected to be 10 to 20 travel agents stationed in Lhasa City Tourist Center and provides visitors with accommodation, travel, tour guides and other services. By then, tourists can also network, telephone and other multimedia platform for consultation.

Moreover, the Lhasa City Tourism distribution center early completion, if there needs rescue stranded tourists were injured or the situation, emergency service personnel will contact 110,120 to rescue the tourists. In the perfect center for Lhasa tourism facilities, visitor services, telephone and through travel distribution center of Lhasa City, the staff contact, staff will send a car sent people to rescue. For tourists complaints, the Lhasa City Tourism distribution center will be set up window handle problems, an effort to make the tourists satisfied.

It’s not wise to bring a very small kid to travel to Tibet. Kids are usually getting more easily tired of an endless round of monasteries. But on the other hand, children can be a great ice-breaker and generally generate a lot of interest. There are certain things you could bear in mind if you are obliged to travel with children:

Choose to stay in connected rooms which are available in most of up-class hotels in Lhasa, Shigatse and Tsedang. (see the hotel list ) .Added bed is usually not very comfortable, meanwhile most of hotel rooms in Tibet are not spacious for adding beds.
Try to stay in Lhasa or around as living conditions ( medical , accommodation, food) in remote areas of Tibet are very basic and harsh.
Get more contacts with local people may bring fun and interest of children. Kids are easily getting bored by sitting in coach. Arranging some easy walk in local village will be a sound idea.
You could visit some local school, let your children communicate with their cotemporary kids may be constructive and funny. There is a Blind School in Lhasa which is built by a German Blind lady is a good and easy place to visit.
Bring all supplies( including nappies and medicines) with you . Small spoons can be useful as most places have only chopsticks. There is plenty of boiling water to sterilize bottles etc.

If the plan is to lie on the beach all day does not appeal to you, and the contemplation of the European tourist attractions, it seems, not too exciting, if you travel a way to understand self-knowledge, Tibet is a good place for your next trip.

Tibet, the so-called ‘Shangri-La’ or ‘the roof of the world’ has always been a mystery and a magnet for the West. For a long time it was the largest enclosed space on earth, but in 1984, opened its doors to the foreigners. Visiting Tibet you need a special permit, but does not usually encountered.

Tibet is one of China’s provinces now, but it is historically linked to India and Nepal as well. Tibet, situated high in the Himalayas, but this is not a very cold, snowy place. In fact, this is the land of the sun – it shines turn, and almost without interruption.

Geographically, Tibet can be divided into 3 parts – East and North and South. The East is the land covered by forests, the location of the northern plains. Here, the nomads and Yaks grazing sheep. In the south, with its ancient cities and temples can be regarded as the cultural center of Tibet.

It’s in Tibet, where 4 major Asian rivers account at the beginning – Gang, Ind, Sutledge and the Brahmaputra.

If you plan to visit Tibet is usually two options – to participate in the tour of Nepal and China. The trip lasts about 2 weeks. The best time to visit Tibet from April to June and September to November. The weather will be smooth – about 15

KingCamp2010 foot Fifth International Conference and the Nam Co holy lake edge events scheduled today in the Beijing organizing committee announced that the Assembly will be held July 24 to 28 started in Tibet, and invited fans to attend the country’s foot.

According to reports, the Nam Co International Walking from the Tibet Autonomous Regional Tourism Bureau, the Sports Council and the Lhasa city, Damxung set foot government-sponsored activities and sightseeing as one foot site located at an altitude of 4718 meters in Tibet, the famous Tourist attractions – Nam Co Lake, the event has been held for the fifth. This event will launch “demonstrated the Tibetan national characteristics, to promote international cultural exchange, promotion of eco-tourism in Lhasa superior resources, promote low-carbon life” theme, and developed a new foot Conference road map.

The activities of the project in a rich foot the General Assembly the same time, more attention to security personnel in possession of the security application. Nan Pang said the organizing committee, except in outdoor activities, pre-equipped with professional trainers to provide training from time to time in advance, the registration officer may also at any time to the Registration Office in Beijing or Shanghai for medical testing and counseling. In addition, the organizing committee for all registration staff also customize a special outdoor life insurance, equipped with complete facilities and vehicles, and medical, safety, made a careful plan.

Tibet has selected 21 intangible cultural heritages as major protection projects in 2010, announced by the Department of Culture in Tibet Autonomous Region on June 11.

The protection expenses are expected to reach nearly 4.4 million yuan, according to the Department of Culture.

The selection is based on the applications from various areas and cities of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

The 21 intangible cultural heritages contain seven traditional dances, namely the Lhasa Nang-ma, Tingri Do-she, Guge Dynasty Dance, Ga’er Dance, Dingga Re-ba, Puduiba Dance and the Geng Dance; eight traditional operas, namely the Menba Opera, Xiangdui Tibetan Opera, Jiangga’er Tibetan Opera, Jiongba Tibetan Opera, Juemulong Tibetan Opera, Kazhuobindun Tibetan Opera, Yalongzhaxixueba Tibetan Opera and Xiangba Tibetan Opera; three traditional crafts, namely Gama Village silverware from Changdu County, Bangdian textiles from Jiedexiu County and Tibetan incense; one folk literature, named “Gesar;” one folk custom, Lhoba clothing from Milin County; as well as one traditional musical art form, Tibetan nursery rhymes.

Sour Milk Drinking Festival Organizing Committee from the first meeting was informed that, according to the traditional Tibetan calendar, Lhasa Shoton Festival 2010 will be August 10 to 16 held.

Lhasa Shoton Festival 2010 organized by the Lhasa municipal government, good for the organization of the Sour Milk Drinking Festival, set up in Lhasa Municipal Committee, mayor of Dorje plays Pearl as director of the organizing committee, consists of information reported, tourism by negotiation exhibition, art performances, ethnic and religious events, traditional sports and other professional groups 12.

According to reports, during the Sour Milk Drinking Festival this year, will hold “Snow Dayton Star” singing contest, festivals in Tibet and the World Expo Industry Development Opportunity Forum, Buddha, and the opening exhibition activities, Arts Festival and the Tibetan Opera performances, trade fairs and home exhibitions Motor Show, trade talks , Damxung “When Ji Ren” Horse Racing Festival, the fifth, “Namco” International Walking and other activities, also using radio and television, newspapers, Internet and other channels on the Sour Milk Drinking Festival and Lhasa Tour Lhasa-depth, extensive media coverage , domestic tourists to the full display of snow-covered plateau and the long and splendid history and culture of the unique flowers and tourism resources in Lhasa. At the same time, through the organization of Sour Milk Drinking Festival, Lhasa, to further promote and facilitate tourism industry, the rapid development of cultural industry, as the Lhasa City, “Six City Face” working to create a good atmosphere for public opinion.

Sour Milk Drinking Festival for the efforts to build a Tibetan Lhasa Tourism Culture Festival, the Deputy Mayor of Lhasa, Shoton Festival Organizing Committee Deputy Director Chang Chen told reporters, Sour Milk Drinking Festival 2010 will be guided by the government, social participation, market mode of operation to guide the whole people, whole sections of society participate in the organization, strive to hold mode, open (closed) screen, the people and visitors to participate and experience, publicity on innovation.