Tibet tour
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.
Attractions Potala Palace
Located in downtown Lhasa,it was set up in the 7th century during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo covering an area of 41 hectares. The 13-story main building is 115.703 meters high.It was the headquarters of the Dalai Lamas, and is a treasure house of traditional Tibetan culture. It is a relic under the state protection, and had been listed as a World Heritage Site.
Jokhang Monastery
Located in the old district of Lhasa, the monastery was built in the mid-seventh century. Facing west, this four-storey building is built in the Tang style but incorporates features of Nepalese and Indian architecture. Jokhang Monastery enshrines the statue of Sakyamuni, which was said to be brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng. There are murals depicting legendary figures and telling buddhist stories in the corridors and the halls. The monastery also enshrines the statues of King Songtsen Gampo, Princess Wencheng, and Princess bhrikuti Devi.
Sera Monastery
It lies at the foot of a mountain on the northern outskirts of Lhasa. It was built in 1419 by one of the eight disciples of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Ge-lug-pa Sect. Covering an area of 114,964 square meters, the structure is imposing and splendid in green and gold. It is in typical Tibetan architecture.
Ganden Monastery
built in the 15th century by the founder of the Gelug-pa Sect. Tsongkapa is located in Dazhi county, 60 kilometres east of Lhasa. The main boundaries are Raky hall and Chiduokang. The former can contains 3,000 sultras-chanting monks. The statues of Maitreya and Chongkhapa are made with elegance and refined workmanship.
Drepung Monastery
built in 1416 and located at the northwest suburb 5 kiometres from Lhasa, it is the largest of the six big shamanist monasteries in China.It occupies a land of 250,000 square metres and had once boasted 10,000 monks, among whom, many became buddhist talents. The 5th Dalai Lama lived here before he moved to Potala Palace. There is an abundence of historic reliecs and buddhist Scriptures in Drepung Monastery.
barkhor Street
It is a flourishing street around the Jokhang Temple. Along the street are stores and groceries selling light industry products and handicrafts made by locals or Nepal makers. It is also the main route for prayer wheels rotating.
Norbulingka
Located at the west suburb of Lhasa, it was constructed during 1740s, and is 36 hectares in area.After 200 years of expansion, it has become one of the many typical Tibetan Palaces and gardens. Now, people go to Norbulingka with tents and foods on holidays for dancing and singing throughout the day and night.
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