Invaded by China in 1949-50, the independent country of Tibet was forced to face the direct loss of life that comes from battles and, soon after, the loss of universal freedoms that stemmed from Communist ideology and its programs such as the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 1976). However, it is erroneous to believe that the worst has passed. The fate of Tibet's unique national, cultural and religious identity is today seriously threatened and manipulated by the Chinese.

China's policy of occupation and oppression has resulted in no more or less than the destruction of Tibet's national independence, culture and religion, environment, and the universal human rights of its people. China has broken international laws and routinely violates its own constitution by inflicting this destruction, yet time and again goes without punishment.
National Independence

With a written history of more than 2000 years, Tibet existed as an independent sovereign state prior to Chinese rule. As recently as 1914, a peace convention was signed by Britain, China and Tibet that again formally recognised Tibet as a fully independent country. But having no representation in the United Nations, the world largely stood by and allowed China's occupation and destruction to happen.

Tibetans have demonstrated repeatedly for independence from China. Ours has been a non-violent struggle, yet even when Tibetan children as young as ten whisper the words "Tibet is independent" or "Long Live His Holiness the Dalai Lama", the Chinese accuse them of trying to "split" the "motherland" and often sentence them to prison. Possessing an image of the Tibetan national flag can lead to a seven- year jail term. As of 1998, 1083 known Tibetans remain incarcerated in Chinese prisons on account of their political, religious or ethical views. Of these, 246 were women and 12 were juvenile.

Tibet (Tibet Autonomous Region, TAR for short) borders Xinjiang, Qinghai, Sichuan and Yunnan internally while India, Burma, Bhutan, Sikkim, and Nepal meet its external borders. It covers a massive 1,220,000 square kilometers (470,920 square miles), which is about 12.8 % of the whole of China. With an average height of 4,000 meters above sea level, Tibet is encompassed by some of the world's highest mountains. The Himalayas to the south, the Karakoram to the west, and the Kunlun to the north are the dream lands of all adventurers and mountaineers.

The vast land is also the cradle of several great rivers such as the Yangtze River, the Yellow River, the Nu River (Salween), the Lancang River (Mekong), the Yarlong Tsangpo (Brahmaputra), the Indus, and the Ganges. Tibet also offers awe-inspiring scenery of beautiful lakes and valleys.
Potala Palace in Lhasa

Debating of Buddhist Doctrines in Sera Monastery
Debating of Sutra in Sera Monastery
Over 1,500 lakes including Heavenly Lake Namtso and the holy Lake Manasarova make Tibet the plateau with largest amount of lakes. Without irrigation and nurturance of these rivers and lakes, the surrounding lands may not flourish.

The long history and exotic religion allures more and more tourists every year. Tibetan Buddhism inhabits most Tibetans' hearts. Thus, a great deal of splendid monasteries, vivid murals and sculptures, and solemn stupas were built to worship the unparalleled Buddha. Lhasa and Shigatse, the most important cities of Tibet, feature most of the religious monuments including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Ramoche Monastery, Tashilunpo Monastery and Sakya Monastery. Besides the monasteries, sacred mountains and holy lakes are also great places to show the Tibetan peoples' devotion to Buddha.

Western Tibet, Ngari, is a vast barren plateau and renowned as the Roof of Tibet. As the place where the Holy Lake (Lake Manasarova) joins the Sacred Mountain (Mt.Kailash), Ngari is a holy pilgrimage destination of both Tibetans and Hindus, as well as a popular challenge to trekkers. The ancient Shang Shung Kingdom and Guge Kingdom also exert a pull. As the climate is so inclement few people live in this region. Therefore, Ngari is also the home of wild yak, Tibetan antelope, wild donkey, and many other rare wild animals.

In Tibet, five mountains exceed the altitudes of 8,000 meters (26,240 feet) and many of the mountains exceed the altitudes of 7,000 meters (22,960 feet). Hence, southwestern Tibet has been a popular destination for mountaineers. Mt. Everest towers over the region. Besides, more than 40 snow capped peaks are open to mountain climbing enthusiasts. Each year, thousands of adventurers and mountaineers come to Tibet to challenge both nature and themselves. Southern Tibet also offers primeval forests, running waters, and a relatively mild climate. Yarlong Tsangpo Canyon, the largest canyon in the world, is the home of rare plants and animals, and remains unknown to anyone other than the local people.
Jokhang Temple

Tibetan people are warm and hospitable. Tourists can visit local families and experience the daily life of Tibetan people. Holidays and festivals are the most important days in Tibet. Enjoying the local food and dancing with beautiful Tibetan girls are the most excellent ways to celebrate these joyful times. Buying some typical handicrafts in Barkhor Street or from other authentic vendors may add extra happiness to your visit.

Beside white snow capped mountains, verdant virgin forests, clean running rivers and tranquil beautiful lakes, the devotional pilgrim progress toward their places of worship by prostrating themselves under the sky and along the roads, making people humble and modest. Tibet, the lost paradise under the sky, is undoubtedly a place where the spirit lives!

The already famous Tibet Railway that was completed last October has been officially set for operation from July 1, 2006. This miraculous engineering achievement will make Tibet, the mysterious and amazing sacred land with a thousand-year history, witness many changes leading to prosperity.
Statue of Maitreya, Tashilunpo Monastery

Following the opening of the Tibet Railway, 3,000 - 4,000 tourists are expected to travel to Tibet every day. It is anticipated that the railway will enhance tourism to both Qinghai Province as well as the Tibet Autonomous Region, thus bringing prosperity to that part of West China that until now has not enjoyed all the benefits attributable to the tourist industry. The new rail link provides the traveler with a more convenient, comfortable, safer and economical way to go to Tibet. In turn the railway will alleviate the pressure on exiting passenger transport during the peak period of the high season. The Tibet Railway offers the tourist the opportunity to see more of the wonderful landscape that is unique to the 'roof of the world'. By opening up the connection between Lhasa and Qinghai, the railway will not only give outsiders the opportunity to take Tibet tours but will also facilitate economical freight transport for the benefit of the Tibetan people as a whole.

The miraculous railway now closely connects mainland China and remote Tibet, which will speed up economic development. The Tibet Railway will not only bring about a significant change of the mystical view of the outside world to Tibet, but will also create a better cognition of the Tibetan people by the outside world. There is a strong belief that Tibet will welcome a better tomorrow thanks to this widely hailed sacred road.

Tibet lies on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau of the southwest border of China. The average height of the whole region is more than 4,000 meters above sea level, for which Tibet is known as "Roof of the World". The highest peak of Tibet, also the highest in Himalayas and in the whole world, is Everest Peak, which is as high as 8,846.27 meters above sea level.

Although a part of China, Tibet has a unique culture of all there own. It is mainly inhabited by Tibetans, a minority nationality of old and mysterious people. Tourist attractions include the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Jokhang Temple, and a number of Buddhist sacred places.

Tibet (Xi Zang in Chinese) is to the south of Xin Jiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Qing Hai Province, to the west of Sichuan, to the northwest of Yunnan and to the north of India and Nepal. Its population of 2.3 million people come from a variety of ethnic groups including Tibetan, Han, Monba and Lhota. Its capital city is Lhasa.

Northwest Tibet, mainly Qing Hai plateau, is home to a variety of unusual and unique animals. Across the northern expanse of Tibet, you can see vast grasslands where horses, yak and sheep roam freely. The world's lowest valley, the Grand Yarlun-tzanpo River Valley lies in east Tibet.

Nearly all Tibetans follow Tibetan Buddhism, known as Lamaism, with the exception of approximately 2,000 followers of Islam and 600 of Catholicism. Tibetan Buddhism was greatly influenced by Indian Buddhism in its early time, but after years of evolution, Tibetan Buddhism has developed its own distinctive qualities and practices. A well-known example is the belief that there is a Living Buddha, who is the reincarnation of the first, a belief alien to Chinese Buddhism.

It is freezing cold in most time of the year. Most tourists come to visit Tibet only in the warmest seasons, June, July, August and early September.
Cultural Consideration

The Tibetans are among the easiest people to get along with in Asia. But still there are some cultural considerations you should better to pay attention to when you travel in Tibet.

Do not photo them without permission!
Always circumambulate gompas and other religious objects clockwise , thus keeping shrines and chortens to your right.
Don't touch or remove anything on an altar.
Don't take photos during a prayer meeting. At other times always ask permission to take a photo, especially one using flash. The larger monasteries charge photography fees.
Don't wear shorts or short skirts in a monastery.
Take your hat off when you go into a chapel.
Don't smoke in a monastery.
Do not eat dog, donkey and horse in Tibet.
Be aware that Tibetans often gesture with their lips to show a direction, so if a member of the opposite sex pouts at you they are just showing you where to go.

Travel with Children

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.

Tibet we need Tibet travel permit and Tibet china visa. If you are entering Tibet from Nepal must apply Tibet china visa in Kathmandu, So we (Himalaya Holiday Service - HHS) will take care Tibet visa with original passport. If you are Entering Tibet from mainland china must bring china visa from your Home. Your china visa copy must send to us one month before the travel date so please make sure you apply and get china visa on time.
Your passport must be valid over 6 months beyond the end of travel date.

There are many ways to get Tibet, depending on how quickly you want to get there and how adventurous you choose to be.
Getting to Tibet by Plane

Most tourists will want to go to Tibet by plane. Flights are available to Gongkar airport, 95km (59mi) from Lhasa, from Beijing, Chengdu (with daily departure), Chongqing, Xining, Chamdo, Xi'an, Zhongdian, and Kathmandu.

Chengdu is the most important hub for flights going to and from Tibet. There are at least two flights form Chengdu to Lhasa EVERYDAY. Flights to Tibet from Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, all go through Chengdu. Chengdu offers several tourist attractions, including its world-famous Giant Panda Bears, the Ancient Sanxingdui Ruins, and the "Terracotta Warriors No. 2" (The more well-known Terracotta Warriors are in Xian). We recommend staying overnight in Chengdu to take advantage of these attractions.

Flights going to Lhasa from Chengdu all leave very early in the morning. The planes are all Airbus A340s, so expect a comfortable flight. Remember to look out the window! Along the way you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Tibet's snow-capped mountains. Bird View from Aircraft

On the way to Lhasa, the plane flew ever soooo closely to the snow capped mountains, so close that I could almost touch the peaks! Never have I seen so many mountain peaks at an altitude of over 7000 meters concentrated in a single location! Yes, Tibet has numerous of them! It was quite an exhilarating experience even if I only got to see it from the inside of the plane.
Drive to Tibet in 4 Wheel Vehicles

For the adventurous, driving a 4 wheel-drive vehicle to Tibet provides an incredible experience that you will be remember for the rest of your life. It is a difficult route, not for the faint of heart!
You can drive to Tibet via 5 routes

• Sichuan (Chengdu) to Lhasa : 2159 kilometers to 2407 km
• Yunnan (Kunming) to Lhasa: 2317 kilometers
• Qinghai (Xining) to Lhasa: 1947 kilometers
• Xinjiang (Yecheng) to Lhasa: 2743 kilometers
• Kathmandu to Lhasa

The Qinghai and Kathmandu ("friendship highway") routes are the most accessible. We do not recommend any of the other routes unless you are a ‘professional driver’, equipped with all the necessary gear and backup support.

Access Tibet Tour operates 4 wheel driving tours to Tibet. If you would like the real adventure of driving all the way up to the rooftop of the world, please click here to contact us .
Travel to Tibet by Train

A modern train runing on the Qinghai-Tibet railway going to Lhasa
First time for the Tibetans taking a train on the roof of the world

It is now possible to go to Tibet by train via the Qinghai-Tibet railway, the world's highest altitude railway. While traveling to Tibet by train takes much longer than by plane, you will be witness to thousands of miles of the most stunning landscapes in the world, rolling by outside your window.

In general, travel to Tibet represents the sightseeing tours but even the land is situated in average of above 13000 feet, this inaccessible land have lots of possibilities of trekking routes for the adventure seeker. Whether it is a pilgrimage trek or a mountain expedition, Tibet offers trekking trips from short one day to month long as per ones requirement. But the treks are not feasible in the wintertime as the temperature goes very low (-30 to -40ºF) and also the days are much shorter.

We offer many different types of treks to Tibet, with a range of hotels to suit every pocket. What's more, as we understand that a visit to this special country is a highly personal experience, we can also arrange a trek to meet your specific needs.

Tibet is probably the only destination among the Himalayas that's not as known for its adventure circuits as the rest are. But do not underestimate this destinations as just another trans-Himalayan area of the Himalayas. There's much more to Tibet than Buddhism, monasteries and cold desert-like weather.

Climate & Trekking Season In Tibet
Tibet's high altitude and the atmosphere allow the sun's solar radiation to strike the earth with unusual intensity. To protect your eyes and skin, you'd better to bring the sunscreen, which with a sun protection factor of 15 and sunglasses are also useful. And lip creams and balms are also sold with SPF ratings, zinc, oxide creams provide 100% block out. Generally from April to October is the best season for opting a Tibet tour. But it really depends on your route and a normal winter Tibet tour schedule is quite comfortable, because in winter, the tourist rush is not much and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery freely.

Major Trekking Regions In Tibet

Everest Region:
Usually Everest is more known as a part of Nepal and trekkers have explored numeorus trek routes towards this world's highest peak from Nepalese Himalayas. Still, if you like trekking in the unexplored zones then opt the routes to the Everest range from the Tibetan Himalayas side. One Everest trek tour option from Tibet is from Kathmandu drive across beautiful Nepalese countryside to the Chinese boarder town of Zangmu before negotiating the road up through the deep gorges of Sunkoshi River to Tingri. Trek past the ancient village of Tingri to the base camp from where one can see the magnificent and huge dimensions of Mt. Everest.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra:
Kailash Mansarovar YatraFor well over a thousand years, pilgrims have journeyed Kailash Mansarovar to pay homage to the mountain’s mystery, circumambulating it is a ancient ritual of devotion that continues to this day. People have been visiting Kailash - Mansarovar for centuries. Almost all the major passes of Uttaranchal Himalayas lead to Kailash - Mansarovar. The important ones in the Kumaon region are Lipulekh, Lampiya Dhura, Nuwe Dhura, Lowe Dhura, Unta Dhura, Jayanti and Kungri Bingri. Under the administration of the Indian ministry of external affairs and with the cooperation of the Chinese government, Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam has been conducting trips to Kailash - Mansarovar through the Lipulekh pass.

Namchag Barwa Trek:
Namchag Barwa is an excellent short trek for nature lovers and amateur botanists. It includes the delightful Nyima La and the lushly forested Rong Valley. The route begins in Pei, a small village that is also the staging post of treks to the great bend of the Tsangpo via Pelma Kochung and to Metog. Here a ferry crosses to Timpe on the north bank of the river, site of a revered Guru Rinpoche cave and monastery.

A splendid trail leads north to the Nyima La through some of the finest virgin forests and flower gardens in southeastern Tibet. The idyllic walk passes a nomad camp and groves of flowering rhododendrons along the way. Many plant species abound on the open moorlands near the pass. From the pass there are tremendous views of the Assam Himalayas, including nearby Gyala Pelri and Namche Barwa. On the far side of the Nyima La is the Rong Valley, a heavily forested scenic valley that is luxuriantly carpeted with primulas and violet irises from May to July. The best time for this trek is from May to October.

Trekking Permits In Tibet
There are two requirements for foreign tourists tour in Tibet. One is the Chinese Visa, which you can apply for in Chinese Embassy in your place. Another is the Alien' Travel Permit, which issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau. There are no independent trek tours allowed in Tibet. You should join an organized group or have the local travel operator arrange a trek tour for you.

High Altitude Sickness
High Altitude Sickness could happen to any guest in high altitude. The effect of HAS usually remains 2 days till the body acclimatizes. Headache, nausea, vomiting and short breath are the common symptoms. To avoid HAS take garlic soup, more water frequently. Diamox tabs are also recommended.

Here is a short information about the common trekking routes available in Tibet:

Ganden to Samye Trek

• Duration: Total 12 days
• Accommodation: hotels in the cities and camping during trekking.
• Activities: Sights Seeing, Trekking
• Trip Grading: Hard
• Trip Type: Popular
• Group Size: 2-10 pax

Kharta Valley and Everest Khangshung Face Trek

• Duration: 21 Days
• Accommodation: Hotels, guesthouse and tented camps.
• Activities: Sightseeing, Trekking/Hiking
• Trip Grading: Hard
• Group Size: 2-10 pax
• Start From: Lhasa

Lhamo Lha-tso-The Oracle Lake Trekking

• Duration: 12 Days
• Accommodation: Hotels in the cities and camping during trekking.
• Activities: Sightseeing, Trekking/Hiking
• Trip Grading: Moderate
• Trip Type: Non-Touristic
• Group Size: 2-10 pax

Nam-Tso, The Heavenly Lake Trekking

• Duration:10 Nights
• Accommodation:Hotels, guesthouse and tented camps.
• Activities: Sightseeing, Trekking/Hiking
• Trip Type: Popular
• Group Size: 2-10 pax

Tibet - Everest Base Camp Trek

• Duration: 16 Days
• Accommodation: Hotels, guesthouse and tented camps.
• Activities: Cultural Touring, 4WD Adventure , Strenuous Trekking
• Trip Grading: Hard
• Trip Type: Non-Touristic
• Group Size: 2-10 pax

Tsurpu to Yangpachen and Dorjeling Nunnery Trekking

• Duration: 9 Days
• Accommodation: Hotels in the cities and camping during trekking.
• Activities: Sightseeing, Trekking
• Trip Grading: Hard
• Trip Type: Popular
• Group Size: 2-10 pax

Adverse reactions to the high altitudes of Tibet are one of the biggest challenges in traveling there. However, if you are properly informed and prepared, high altitude should not be an obstacle to safe and comfortable travel.
What is the definition of High Altitude?

• High Altitude: 1500 - 3500 m (5000 - 11500 ft)
• Very High Altitude: 3500 - 5500 m (11500 - 18000 ft)
• Extreme Altitude: above 5500 m

When acclimatization lags significantly behind ascent, various symptoms occur. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) represents the body's intolerance of the hypoxic (low oxygen) environment at high elevations.

What are the symptoms of AMS?

• Hyperventilation (fast breathing)
• Shortness of breath during exertion
• Increased urination
• Altered breathing patterns at night
• Frequent nighttime awakening
• Strange dreams

Tips to avoid AMS

• Do exercise to improve your fitness before coming to Tibet.
• Try to avoid catching a cold (frequent hand-washing, etc.).
• Make sure to get a good night's sleep the night before flying to Lhasa.
• Avoid strenuous activity during your first day in Tibet.
• When arriving in the airport in Lhasa, walk slowly, take deep breaths. Take time to acclimatize.
• Ascend to higher altitudes gradually. DO NOT ASCEND ANY HIGHER if you begin feeling ill.
• Prepare AMS medication, in accordance with a doctor's advice.