Geographic Description:

Tibet, also known as Xizang (in the Pinyin form), is one of the five autonomous regions of China and one of China's 22 administrative divisions. It is the largest region with the smallest population, amounting to only 2,285,000 in 1997. Existing almost in its own geological setting, as a vast plateau at an average height of some 15,000 feet, Tibet has remained at least for Westerners, one of the last great-unexplored regions on the Earth.

Nested in its rolling hills and steppes are immense lakes that give birth to many of Asia's mightiest rivers. For example, the Yarlung Zangbo cuts through the Himalayas to become the sacred Brahmaputra in India, and the Nu ("Black River") becomes the Salween as it flows through Myanmar (Burma) and the border of Thailand. The Mekong, the Yangtze, and the Hwang Ho rush down hundreds of miles of precipitous gorges to irrigate the rice fields of China and Indochina that feed more than a quarter of humankind. The Indus River of Kashmir and Pakistan also originates in the meltwaters on the Plateau of Tibet.

The geographical boundaries of Tibet have added to its isolation, with the Kunlun and Altun ranges to the north, the Himalayas to the south, the Pakirs or Karakoram Ranges to the west, and the high mountains of Szechwan to the east. Roads were bad, and the only means of travel in the interior were on foot or by horse or yak. Until recently, there was no wheeled transport, and the story is told of how the King of Nepal, on a visit to Tibet, had to have his car completely dismantled and carried piece by piece across the Himalayas by Sherpas.

In 1980, the People's Republic of China timidly reopened the borders of what now forms one of its largest provinces to a limited number of foreign tourists and mountaineers, most of whom have only been permitted to pay brief visits to Lhasa, the capital, and to Shigatse.

The whole Tibetan plateau and the Himalayas are constantly subjected to massive movements of the Earth's crust, which have gradually given them their shape and form. The entire plateau, with its vast mountain ranges, has been pushed up as a result of the collision of India (on the Indian plate with Australia at the southern end, all moving northwards) with Asia (on the vast Asian plate moving southeastwards).

Earthquakes are today's evidence of this continuing process. Scattered throughout Tibet are occasional outcrops of hot springs where water boils just below the surface as it emerges through deep fissures and faults in the Earth's crust. Settlements often take advantage of these "hot" springs and in modern times several geothermal power plants have been built to convert this heat energy into electricity.

Tibet can be roughly divided into two areas; the "high" plateau of the Quidam Basin, with average elevations above 15,000 feet, and the core area of Tibetan culture comprising the "low" plateau between the Himalayas to the south and the Transhimalayas lying not far to the north. In this area, some valleys lie below 7,000 feet, climate is comparatively mild, and some cultivation is possible. Here lies Tibet's main population cluster, including the crossroads capital of Lhasa. The Chinese government has made investments to develop these valleys, which contain excellent sites for hydroelectric power projects (some have been put to use in a few light industries) and several promising mineral deposits. The Qaidam Basin region however in the north, lying several thousands of feet below the surrounding Kunlun and Altun Mountains, has always contained a concentration of nomadic pastoralists. Recently, however, exploration has revealed the presence of oil fields and coal reserves below the surface of the Qaaidam Basin, and the development of these resources is now under way.

Historical Overview:

Tibet came under Chinese domination during the Manchu (Qing) Dynasty in 1720, but the territory regained its separate status in the late 19th century. China's communist regime regained control following the invasion of 1950; in 1959, China crushed a Tibetan uprising after Tibetan villages tried to resist the Chinese presence. Tibetan society has been organized around the fortress-like monasteries of Buddhist monks who paid allegiance to their supreme leader, the Dalai Lama. The Chinese wanted to modernize this feudal system, but the Tibetans clung to their traditions. In 1959, they proved no match for the Chinese armed forces: The Dalai Lama was ousted, and the monasteries were emptied. The Chinese destroyed much of Tibet's cultural heritage, looting the region of its religious treasures and works of art. Their harsh rule took a severe toll on Tibetan society, but after Mao's death in 1976 the Chinese relaxed their tight control.

Although amends were made (religious treasures were returned to Tibet, monastery reconstruction was permitted, and Buddhist religious life resumed), pro-independence rioting has been frequent since 1987, and the Chinese have again tightened their grip. Since its annexation in 1965, Tibet has been administered as an Autonomous Region.

Lhasa, the administrative and religious capital of Tibet, is actually divided into two distinct sections. The entire modern part surrounding the Potala palace has been built by the Chinese during the past 40 years. It is in these new block-shaped buildings with corrugated metal roofs that the majority of the Han (Chinese "proper") population lives. The Potala itself was mostly built by the "Great Fifth" Dalai Lama in the 17th Century and has been the residence of all successive Dalai Lamas up to the present 14th holder of the title.

An Introduction of Tibet: -

Tibet is one of the world’s more extraordinary destinations for there is adventure indeed lurking around almost every corner. We present here short extension itineraries that start with the world’s most scenic flight over the mighty Himalaya from kathmandu to Lhasa. Adventure on the road, is never short, on the Trans-Himalayan drive of 970 kilometers and four mountain passes, promising a panorama of culture and scenic diversity unsurpassable anywhere. All this culminates on an the awesome palaces of Norbulingka (the summer palace of the Dalai Lama) or the Potala Palace (the traditional seat of the Dalai Lama) envelop us. Ancient Barkhor
Bazzar still barters the bric-a-brac in this region that’s not so much a little strage as utterly surreal.

SIGHTSEEING DESTINATIONS IN TIBET

With a view to giving you a brief introduction to the major places where you pass by and sightseeing spots as mentioned in the itinerary, we have prepared a brief description of each spots as follows. We hope this description will be of a little assistance to you.

Zhangmu (7000 ft.)

For Nepali, this place is called Khasa. For Tibetan. better known by the name of Dram. Zhangmu is a small settlement clinging to a hillside 10 Kms. from the Friendship Bridge that crosses the Bhotekoshi river. Zhangmu has become the major trading point between
Tibet and Nepal. The climate is quite different from the hinterland. The hills around Zhangmu are heavily wooded with many waterfalls in summer and impressive ice formations in winter. It has a bank, a post office, a government store, and is presently undergoing a construction boom to meet the demands of trade and tourism.

Nyalamu (12200 ft.)

Known as 'Kuti' to Nepalese traders, Nyalamu used to be an important trade centre. Now-a-days, barrack style Chinese communes surround the typical old flat roofed, mud-brick houses. Although vegetation is sparse, one can see an abundance of alpine fauna on the hillside during the summer months.

Tingri (old) (14100 ft.)

Tingri is an old Tibetan settlement with typical clustered Tibetan styled housing at the foot of small hillock. A short exploration in the settlement can expose you to a typical remote Tibetan lifestyle. Right from the roadside of Tingri, you can see the MT EVEREST towards the southern direction.

Xegar (New Tingri) (13800 ft.)

A new Chinese commune built at the foot of the ruins of Xegar Dzong, 7 kms. from the main road. With a population of 3000, it is the centre of this large and remote area and a base from which expeditions to Mt. Everest and other peaks are launched.

Lhatse (13100 ft.)

Lhaze is situated where a main Tibetan road turns westwards towards Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. During the short summer season, the whole valley is covered with green barely fields and bright yellow mustard meadows. It is a welcome change after the barren lands of the Tibetan plateau. There is also a small, hot spring located a few kilometers away.

Xigatse ----- The Estate that Fulfils One's Wishes (12600 ft.)

It is situated between 29o 02'N and 88o 08'E in the southwest of the Tibet Autonomous Region where Nyangchu River joins the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Shigatse is the second biggest town in Tibet and it is the center of transportation and distribution of agriculture and husbandry products from the southeastern part of Tibet. "Shigatse" in Tibetan means the "Estate that fulfills one's
Wishes."

Tashilhunpo Monastery

Tashilhunpo Monastery is the biggest Gelugpa monastery in the Tsang region of Tibet. It is located in the town of Sigatse and was founded by Gedun Drup, a disciple of Tsongkapa, the founder of the Gelungpa Sect. Gedun Drup is recognized as the first Dalai
Lama. It was first built in 1447 and continuously expanded by the successive Panchen Lamas. The Ngagpa College (Tantric College), one of its four monastic colleges, is the residence of the Panchen lamas. The most amazing image in this monastery is the statue of the giant Maitreya (Future Buddha) erected by the 9th Panchen Lama in 1914. It took four years to build this monumental statue which stands twenty six meters high and is composed of 275 Kg. of solid gold, and a great quantity of precious things such as pearls, turquoise, coral and amber. The 4th Panchen Lama's funeral stupa was built in 1662 and it stands eleven meters high and is covered in solid gold and silver.

Gyantse (13050 ft.)

A small agricultural town famous for its wool carpets and the Phalkor Choide Chorten, Gyantse lies between a monastery and fort. This unique structure, built in 1414, consists of five stories representing the five steps to enlightenment, and is topped by thirteen rings which symbolize the stages of advancement towards Buddhahood. There are 108 halls inside, each with frescoes and Buddha Shrines.

Phalkor Monastery

Located in Gyantse and founded jointly by Kedup Je of the Gelugpa Sect and Rabten Kunsang of the Sakyapa Sect in 1418, the Phalkor Monastery has a special influence over Tibet's Buddhism owing to its unification of three different sects, the Gelugpa, the Sakyapa and Bhuton Sects, in a single monastery. The famous Kumbum pagoda, built in collaboration with Newari artists from Nepal & Tibetan artisits, also stands in the same courtyard with nine storeys, 108 doors and 77 chapels containing clay sculptures and various murals. The pagoda is said to have 100,000 images, either sculptured or painted, this is the reason for its name "100,000 Image Pagoda".

Yamadroke Lake - The Sacred Lake (14300 ft.)

Yamadroke Lake is one of the biggest and beautiful lakes in Tibet. We pass by this lake with about 2 hours drive along its bank. Yamadroke means torquise in Tibetan language. In fact, the lake looks exactly as beautiful as torquise blue during the good weather days. This freshwater lake, unlike other Tibetan lakes, is sweet and non-saline, extending for 624 sq. km., in the shape of two pincers of a large scorpion. You can have a short stop on its bank and enjoy photography here.

Lhasa - The Land of Gods (11850 ft.)

Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region is located between 29o 36'N and 19o 06' E at the north bank of Kyichu river, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, at an altitude of 3650 meteres above sea level. Lhasa has a history of more than 1300 years and has been the center of politics, economy, culture and religi pung Monastery was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choje, a disciple of Tsongkapa, the founder of Gelugpa Sect. The monastery, occupying an area of 250,000 square meters with a fixed number of 7,700 monks, is the largest monastery in Tibet. The monastery keeps many historical relics, Buddhist scriptures, arts, and crafts.

Sera Monastery

Sera means "hailstone" in Tibetan. Set at the foot of the Wudu Hill to the north of Lhasa City, Sera is comprised of a great sutra chanting hall and a college. Situated at three kilometers distance to a northern suburb of Lhasa, Sera Monastery was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Choje, a disciple of Tsongkapa, the founder of Gelugpa Sect. The monastery was erected on a mountain slope. Sera Monastery together with Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery in Lhasa are known as the Three Great Monasteries of
Tibet.

Jokhang Temple

Jokhang Temple, situated in the center of the old section of Lhasa called Barkhor, was built in the mid-7th century A. D. It was later extended by successive rulers, and has now become a gigantic architecture complex. Located in the east, and facing the west,
Jokhang is a four storeyed Temple with splendid golden roofs. Its architecture features art from the Tang Dynasty but also assimilated many features from both Nepalese and Indian Buddhist Temples. The murals in the temple depict the life stories of historic and religious characters. The temple houses many historical relics, including statues of King Songtsen Gompo, Princess Wencheng, Princess Bhrikuti Devi (Nepalese). "Princess Willow" (a tree), and "The Uncle-Nephew Alliance Tablet." Jokhang is Tibet'
s spiritual center, and the holiest destination for Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims. It houses a sitting of statue of Sakyamuni when he was 12 years old. The circular Barkhor Street has innumerable shops, and wayside peddlers intermingle with devotees walking clockwise around the Jokhang. An evening walk (Kora) around the Jokhang Temple together with the Tibetan pilgrims is a lifetime experience.

Potala Palace

The Potala, one of the most famous architectural works of the world, sits on top of the Red Hill in Lhasa. In the 7th century, after the
Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo's married Princess Wencheng of the Tang Court, the Plalace was built to provide the Tibetan court with a place of worship and meditation. In the mid-17th century, it was re-built by the 5th Dalai Lama to its present size, and became the Winter Palace of the Dalai Lamas. The construction took fifty years from beginning to completion.

The Potala is divided into two sections, namely, the Red Palace and White Palace. The total height of the Potala is 117 meters spanning thirteen storeys. The length of the Palace from east to west is 400 meters and the breadth from south to north is 350 meters. The building was constructed of stone and timber with golden roofs. It is a majestic architectural masterpiece.