History: Tibet is known as the Roof of the World. A land of ancient Buddhist cultures, majestic landscapes, richly decorated monasteries full of artistic treasures, and centuries-old caravan trails. Once the forbidden kingdom, Tibet is now famous for its many cultural and adventure tourism destinations.
 


Natural: The boundless expanse of the land is awesomely beautiful. Visitors will marvel at the fantastic views of the mountains, valleys and lakes, as well as the expanses of the rolling Tibetan High Plateau. The majestic Potala palace, with Sera, Drepung, Norbulinkha palace and many other monasteries and ancient caves are unique repositories of Buddhist culture and history. In western Tibet is holy Mt Kailash, known to Tibetans as Kang Rimpoche, "the Precious Jewel of Glacial Snow," perhaps the most exquisitely beautiful and sacred mountain on earth.

Geography: Tibet, Autonomous region of China, covers an area of 1.2 million sq. km. It is bounded by the Kunlun Mountains to the north and the Himalaya to the south. The land lies in the rain shadow of the main Himalayas, making the summer months an optimal time to visit.

People: The Tibetan population numbers some 2.3 millions. Living at an average elevation of 4000m, these are a deeply devout people, whose practices include the use of prayer wheels (whose every turn creates merit for the devotee) and prayer flags (marking high passes and religious places), as well as mani stones (inscribed with the universal mantra Om mani padme hum and other religious texts).

Entry procedure: A visa is required to enter Tibet, Autonomous Region of China. This can be obtained from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Two passport-sized photographs are needed.

Access to Tibet: Chsina South-West airlines flies to Lhasa from Kathmandu, Chengdo, Xian, Chong...