The
3,000 kilometre chain of the Himalayas have
prevented passage to life-giving monsoon rains
and foreign invaders alike. North of their ramparts
the land suddenly and dramatically changes to
the dry and unforgiving high altitude wilderness
of the Tibetan Plateau. This most isolated region
in the world, the earth's highest ecosystem
and one of its last remaining wild places defies
belief in its stark beauty and grandeur. Its
people also are some of the most resilient and
self sufficient. Their spiritual riches and
deep religious convictions grew a cohesive and
peaceful society in balance with itself and
nature, alone and undisturbed on the Roof of
the World. These riches, physical and spiritual,
live on in Tibet's fabulous gilded monasteries,
holy places and monuments.
HISTORY OF TIBET
For
centuries, Tibet has fascinated mankind. This
land beyond the mighty Himalaya on the highest
plateau of the world, was hardly accessible
to the out side world and has always been a
challenge to all mortal beings. This "land
of mysteries", a "forbidden land",
forbidden not only by man but also by nature,
appeals to so many explorers, scholars, pilgrims
and adventurers in the past, hoping to find
probably a real "SHANGRILA" . In the
past, Lhasa, the capital and centre of Tibetan
culture, religion and Lama theology, was so
far from anywhere and the journey to it so ardous,
from any direction, that only the hardiest souls,
impelled by the strongest motive or curiosity,
penetrated to the holy city. Now fortunately
there is an opportunity to visit Tibet.
GEOGRAPHY
With an average altitude of 4,000m above sea
level, Tibet is located at the main part of
Qinghai Tibet Plateau, south west of China.
Tibet has an area of 1.2 million sq. km and
borders with Sichuan, Yunnan, Qinghai, Xingjiang
to the south and contiguous to India, Nepal,
Bhutan, Pakistan & Burma. Tibet has more
than 50 peaks above 7,000 m out of which 11
are more than 8,000m.
CLIMATE
Tibet has low humidity, moderate rainfall and
an average of 10 hr of sunshine daily. With
more than 3000 hrs. of sunshine annually, Lhasa
is famed as "The city of Sunshine".
Contrary to popular belief, winter is the best
time to visit Tibet. Night tempratures seldom
drop below -5 degree centigrade in Lhasa and
it rarely snows in the Lhasa valley.
RELIGION
Almost all practice, Mahayana Buddhism and belief
in present day religious reincarnate teachers.
There are few followers of pre Buddhist Bon
Po and also Islam.
IMMIGRATION
All visitors to Tibet must hold a valid passport.
The visa is issued by the Chinese Embassy, after
a package tour is confirmed and arrival in Nepal.
All others issued elsewhere must be endorsed
by this Embassy.
CUSTOMS
As long as registered with a Custom Office in
Tibet, there is no prohibitation on still and
video cameras, tape recorders and radios. Printed
matters are considered as unsuitable by Chinese
Government. Custom regulations forbid the export
of art objects created prior to 1959 or souvenirs
in amounts deemed to be excessive.
CURRENCY
Renminbi, is the people's money used by millions
of Chinese everyday. It circulates in notes
of 1,2,5,10 and 50 Yuan. Current exchange rate
is US$1.00 = RMB 8.20.
AIRPORT TAX
The Airport tax at present is US$ 12.00 or RMB
90.00 per person.
ITINERARIES
We pride ourselves on our knowledge and experience
that we have gained in. Below are a few number
of our set itinerary that we offer in this country,
which explore some of the most beautiful and
fascinating locations. We also specialize in
tailor-made tours, so if you have a more specific
plan in mind then feel free to contact us for
an individual journey plan and quotation. Additionally
we have put together some information that we
think you will find useful.
For more detailed information
please contact
us.
VISA FOR
TIBET HAS TO BE ISSUED BY CHINESE EMBASSY IN
KATHMANDU, NORMAL CHINESE VISA ISSUED OVERSEAS
IS NOT VALID FOR ENTRY INTO TIBET FROM NEPAL
CLIENTS
TRAVEL TO TIBET, AT THEIR OWN RISK AT ALL TIMES
