The Dalai Lama once said, “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” His words ring true to every visitor who has had the privilege of ascending to the “roof of the world.” Kindness, hospitality, politeness, respect…this makes up an international language that is spoken fluently in Tibet. Its people are its greatest treasure, but they are just one of the features that make this land so remarkable. Tibet is often shrouded in mystery; let’s peel back some layers – and entice you to visit this magical land.
Language is culture. In Tibet, there are no hurried or impatient greetings. Whether one is greeting a friend, a relative, a visitor, or even a domestic animal, time is taken. There is a Tibetan proverb which says, “Tea has a good taste if it takes time to cook.” Likewise, speaking slowly and with thought will provide a “good taste” for speaker and listener alike. As mentioned, people tend to be very polite and courteous to one another, and to visitors, and dislike profanity or insults.
Love the yak. The yak is an integral part of Tibetan culture. These hardy creatures are still used for transport along steep and arduous mountain paths; their hair is woven into yarn; their hides can be used to make boots and boats; their meat is a nourishing source of protein; their milk provides healthy fat and is used to make butter, cheese, and yogurt; their dung is used to fuel fires. You might be lucky enough to visit during an annual summer horse festival, which often features yak races. The Tibetan people do not waste anything; the yak provides everything from transportation to food to clothing to tents to entertainment!
Tibet is not a free nation. In fact, the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, which was established by the Dalai Lama and 100,000 Tibetans, is not recognized by any country in the world. Tibet is officially a Chinese territory, though the Dalai Lama has “fought” for its independence for decades. The Dalai Lama, revered by his people and respected by non-Buddhists, received the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to liberate Tibet through non-violent action. The history and ongoing struggles of Tibet are as much a part of its rich tapestry as the landscape.
It’s up there! The world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest is on the border of Tibet and Nepal. The plateau of Tibet is the world’s highest plateau with an average elevation of over 4,500 meters. Visitors can get altitude sickness, so it is important to be as healthy as possible (train before your trip!). Ascend gradually, give yourself time to acclimate (you will probably experience symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and shortness of breath), don’t ascend higher if symptoms are present, keep hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity even if symptoms are only mild.
Enjoy Tibet; its rich culture, kind people, and stunning scenery make it a truly unique destination.
Tibet is a culturally rich destination that is perfect for anyone looking for more than the usual. To learn a little bit more about Tibet, Destination Specialist Justin Huff answered five common questions travelers have when considering Tibet as a travel destination.
1) What are some exciting places to visit in Tibet?
Most of the exciting places in Tibet are very hard to reach. For instance, Mount Kailash is spectacular for those who choose to journey off the beaten path. Another great place to visit in Tibet is Lhasa, which is the capital. Here you can see the beautiful monasteries and palaces. I highly recommend visiting Potala Palace. For those that do plan a journey to Tibet, it is essential to allow yourself ample time to see everything it has to offer.
2) When is the best time of year to visit?
Visiting Tibet in the winter months is not ideal. Travelers will enjoy more accommodating weather during May and June. July can become very busy with tourists, but if you don’t mind crowds it is also a good month to visit. I recommend avoiding visiting Tibet in March as there are a lot of demonstrations stemming from when the Dalai Lama was expelled from Tibet.
3) What is Tibet best known for?
Tibet is known as the epitome of adventure travel. Some consider it to be the farthest reaches of the Earth. This destination is perfect for the adventurous travel who wants to feel like they are the farthest away from home that they have ever been.
4) What is the cuisine of Tibet like?
The cuisine in Tibet is very hearty. The most common thing you will find on the menu is yak. Yak burgers, steaks, sandwiches and more are readily available. One very good Tibetan dish is momo. These thick dumplings filled with yak meat are a Tibetan delicacy. If you are not into yak, there are also delicious and spicy soups available.
5) Is there any special wildlife in the area?
Tibet is not widely known for its wildlife. If you travel off of the beaten path a bit, it is possible to catch a glimpse of snow leopards. Overall, people usually come to Tibet for culture and scenery rather than wildlife.
Lhasa is a mythical and beautiful city in the clouds located in the heart of Tibet. The name of this historic city literally means, “Land of the Gods”. While visiting, you will be charmed by sights of robe-wearing Monks spinning prayer wheels with the grandeur of the Himalayas in the background. From the ancient aura of the Tibetan city to the more modernized “Chinese” section, you will find that this city of gold is full of riches!
Getting around in Lhasa and Tibet can be a bit of a challenge. The trip can be made easier by arranging for group travel permits to Tibet. Everyone except for Chinese nationals must have this special permit. Agents in Kathmandu can help arrange this as they can obtain the necessary travel permits and Chinese visas very quickly. Flying is recommended over driving because driving tours may not allow travelers ample time to get used to the drastic change in altitude and altitude sickness is very possible. Driving tours have been known to leave sick travelers behind without a refund.
Once you finally make it to the beautiful mountain paradise, you will find that the journey was worth it! Lhasa is a destination that is great for a variety of travel budgets. For instance, in the Barkhor district you can find less expensive accommodations and shopping. There are also delicious restaurants that have Chinese, Tibetan, Nepali and Western cuisines. Teaming up with other travelers or organizing group tours can also help save you some money when exploring Lhasa.
A must-see while visiting Tibet is the Potala Palace. This palace has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage list and for good reason. Over the years, the Potala Palace has been built, rebuilt, and repaired by various Dalai Lamas throughout their lives. This amazing place has over 1000 rooms that served as the living quarters for the Dalai Lamas throughout their lives. Visitors are in for a rare treat, as it’s possible to see where they lived and worshipped. A tour allows for about an hour inside of the palace, so make sure you are prepared to explore most of the 14 stories of this palace.
For other intriguing glimpses into Lhasa’s past, you might want to consider traveling to the Jokhang Temple, Norbulingka Summer Palace, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery. You will also definitely want to explore the Barkhor Market where you will be able to will be able to bargain with merchants for rare souvenirs and walk on the same roads that Buddhist pilgrims have for centuries.
Lhasa is a city of gold that is carved into the mountains. It holds sights that you will never forget and experiences that are unparalleled throughout the rest of the world.
