GEOGRAPHY OF TIBET
Area : 1.2 million sq.km
Capital : Lhasa
Temperatures : 23C/73F in summer -15C/5F in winter
Population : 2.2 million
Where the Himalayan
Sprit Lives & Breathes
with an average elevation of over 4,000 m,
Tibet is considered to be the highest region in the
world and is often called the "Roof of the World."
This comes as no surprise, especially since southern
Tibet is located in the Himalayas, which contains many
of the world's highest summits. In addition to its incredible
heights, Tibet is also one of the most isolated areas
on earth, with most of the people living in elevations
ranging from 1200 m to 5100 m. One of the most famous
peaks found in Tibet is Mount Everest (8848 m), the
highest mountain in the world.
Tibet with it's mountains is the source
and dividing line of the Asian continent's major rivers,
with the Brahmaputra being the most important. Many
of the rivers in Tibet can be used for hydroelectricity,
but this potential hasn't been developed as of yet.
THE
FESTIVALS OF TIBET
New Year (February
or March)
It is the greatest festival in Tibet. In ancient times
when the peach tree was in blossom, it was considered
as the starting of a new year. Since the systematization
of the Tibetan calendar in 1027 A.D., the first day
of the first month became fixed as the new year. On
the New Year's day, families unite " auspicious
dipper" is offered and the auspicious words "
tashi delek" are greeted.
Saga Dawa Festival
(May or June)
It is the holiest in Tibet, there memorable occasions
coincide on this day, Buddha's birth and Buddha's enlightenment.
Almost every person within Lhasa join in circum ambulating
round the city and spend there late afternoon on picnic
at " Dzongyab Lukhang" park at the foot of
Potala.
Gyantse Horse
Race (May or June)
Horse race and archer are generally popular in Tibet,
and Gyantse enjoys prestige of being the earliest in
history by starting in 1408. Contests in early times
included horse race, archery, and Shooting on gallop
followed by a few days' entertainment or picnicking.
Presently,ball games, track and field events, folk songs
and dances, barter trade are in addition to the above.
Changtang Chachen
Horse Race Festival (10 August)
As the most important festival in North Tibet during
the golden season on the grassland, thousand of herdsmen
throng to Nakchu riding fine horses, and carrying the
local products. They form as city Of tens south of Nakchu
town. There will be thrilling horse race, archery and
demonstrations of horsemanship. Songs and dance troupes
from all part of Tibet will add to the fun.
Harvest Festival
(September)
The farmers in Lhasa, Gyantse and Shangnan to celebrating
their bumper harvest in this time. During that time,
people enjoy with horse racing games, costume fashion
show, songs and dance Archery and picnic etc.
Kungbu Traditional
Festival (November of December)
Long long ago,when Tibet was in danger of large scale
invasion, the Kongpo people sent out an army to defend
their homeland.It was in September and the soldiers
worried that they might miss the New Year,highland barley
wine and other good things. So people had the
Tibetan New Year
on
1st October ahead of time. To memorize those brave soldiers
Kongpo people present three sacrifices and stay up at
night from then on. And now it has become the Kongpo
Festival for entertainment like Kongpo dancing, horse
race, archery and shooting.
RIVERS
AND LAKES IN TIBET
Tibet is full of rivers
and lakes, which provides abundance of hydroelectric
power and aquatic products. Bushy banks of the rivers
and lakes are the homes of swans and geese.If you do
not watch your step,you might stride on their eggs.On
the banks of the salt water lakes,there are great heaps
of alkali which also contains niters and borax.
The Yaluzangbu River :
As long as 2,057 km, the Yaluzangbu River turns and
twists like a silver dragon from the west to the east
into the valleys of South Tibet.It runs through Muotuo
county.After a 90-degree turn,it empties into the Indian
Ocean.People could have a good time with their yak hide
boats on canoes in the upper level of the River with
going down to the lower level is quite exciting and
challenging.
The Manasarovar Lake :
A Holy Lake The lake is situated 30km southeast of Mt.Holy.It
has an area of 400 square km.The Buddhists believe that
the lake is the bestow from the heaven.The holy water
can cure all kinds of diseases,wash people clean and
get rid of people's worries.After walking around the
lake and taking baths at the four bathing Gates,the
pilgrims can be free from sins and can be bestow happiness.The
great monk Juan Zhuang praised it " the Holy Lake
in the West Heaven".
Not far from the lake stands Mt.Holy.It does not only
attracts pilgrims but also many tourists from home and
abroad.
Fish Store-the Yangzongyong
Lake: The Yangzongyong Lake is within Langkamu county,
with an area of 638 square km and a coastal line of
250 km.The deepest point is 60 meters. There is plenty
of natural fodder for the fish in the lake. The lake
have a fish reserve of about 300 million kg. That is
why it is called "the Fish Store of Tibet".
A lot of colorful ducks and geese are swimming on the
surface of the lake. The coast of the lake is an ideal
pasture. All these make an intoxicating quite picture.
The Namu Lake : With an
area of 1940 square km,the Namu Lake is the 2nd largest
salt water lake. In the lake there are 3 islands, which
is an ideal habitat for all kinds of aquatic life.One
of the islands is made of calcareous sandstone. It is
characterized by the stone pillars,natural stone bridges
and the stalactite caves. The beaches of the lake are
a beautiful natural pasture. Wildlife is having a good
time there.
RELIGION
OF TIBET
No other religion apart
from Buddhism has been able to take root in Tibet. Only
a small population of about 2,000 throughout Tibet have
faith in Islam, while there is no trace of Christianity
at all. The Bon, the aborigine religion of Tibet, a
sect of Shamanism which chiefly worshipped idols and
the Nature and practiced driving off of evil spirits,
had at one time prevailed in Tibet but lost round with
the penetration of Buddhism.
Thus, Buddhism can as
well be said to the sole religion of Tibet, and the
faith has taken so deep in root that it means almost
everything to the Tibetans as already mentioned. Well-to-do
families even built in their compound their private
chapels of prayer-rooms. to begin with, the first Buddhist
scripture printed in Sanskrit was said to have been
descended from Heaven in the 5th century during the
reign of 28th Tsanpo Tho-Tho-Ri Nyantsan. It was translated
into Tibet, and later in the 8th century after the visit
the Indian Master Padmasambhava, the spread of Buddhism
got accelerated and religious sect started taking shape.
In the 11th century the visit of the Bengali Master,
Atisha, to Tibet greatly encouraged the study of Buddhism
into Tibet and sowed the seed for Gelugpa, the greatest
sect that was to come. Finally, in the 15th century,
Tsongkapa, the great reformer of Tibetan Buddhism, came
to Tibet from Qinghai and founded the Gelugopa sect,
the Order of Excellence, and here after Buddhism went
all-out spreading like a wild fire into Tibet and the
absolute ruler both of the claret and the state is another
decisive victory for Buddhism to rise to its paramount
as the religion of the entire Tibetan nationality.
TIBET TRAVEL & TOUR
INFORMATION
Most importantly, all
travelers traveling in Tibet are kindly requested to
bear in mind that Tibet, being extremely remote and
isolated by the most formidable Himalayan ranges, remaining
still one of the most captivating but least developed
parts in the world. With its very short history of tourism.
The facilities for tourist, although being upgraded
are still at basic and limited scale. So, the visitors
are requested not to high expect luxurious facilities
in Tibet. However, we will always put all our efforts
in making your journey as pleasant as possible. In the
case of road condition between Tibet and Nepal is not
up to the standard. it is rough, bumpy and full of bends.
Particularly, during monsoon season (July- August),
it can be temporarily obstructed by landslides and erosion.
So, a bit sporty wears and shoes are much advised facilitating
the travelers to walk over the landslides some time.
Altitude Problem
and Health Tips :
Traveling in Tibet is an adventure high altitude as
Tibet lies at an average altitude of 4000m. you are
likely to experience some of the minor symptoms and
discomfort of altitude sickness (headache, mild nausea,
loss of appetite) until your body adjusted to the elevation.
Most of the visitors have only minor effect from the
altitude but some of them will have serious problem,
we advice specially the Gust with known heart or lungs
or blood diseases to consult their doctor before traveling.
Our advice to get ride of altitude is drink plenty of
non-alcoholic drinks every day minimum 4 liter. A day,
do not smoke, do not drink alcohol, do not exhaust your
self so much and take rest more then usual.
Money :
Bank in Tibet / China are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
So, you are kindly requested to carry about some USD
per person in case to cover your extra expenses for
main mails and other in route until Lhasa. If it is
case dollars, even local people help you to get them
exchange in Chinese Yuan. Traveler's cheques and credit
cards are very difficult to be cashed outside the banks
especially out side Lhasa.
The Guide :
We always try to provide a good English-speaking guide.
However, as per new regulation, the guide association
on a queue basis provides guides. Guides in Tibet do
not get enough exposure to English language. Please
do not expect fluent and spontaneous explanation from
him / her. Your frequent questioning will encourage
him / her to explain well.
The Clothes :
As the temperature in Tibet is low most of the time.
It is always advised to carry warm clothes along with
the sleeping bag with you. as the weather is harsh and
dry, Cap, stick, sun cream, sun hat, sun glasses, with
sporty shoes, camera and films, batteries, medicine
kits, toiletries, a small first aid kits are recommended.
The Hotels in
Route :
As the facilities in Tibet are very basic. Even hotel
in Lhasa do not have proper facilities. So, in remote
areas, it is obvious that hotels many not have enough
double rooms and clients sometimes many have to have
trips, four or five bedded rooms in some places. However
we always try to provide twin bedded rooms. Especially,
first two night have to be spent in such basic hotels
that many not have bathroom attached and could require
you to use common toilets. So, you are kindly requested
not to have a high expectation from the tour in terms
of facilities in the hotels.
Our Terms and
Condition Booking and Visa :
Minimum three weeks in advance for booking outside of
Kathmandu, and one weeks need for booking from Kathmandu
with full payment and full passport details should reach
us. For visa procedure, five full working days are required
with a condition that clients should be available in
Kathmandu, otherwise urgent visa fee will be charged
from the clients, visa fee and ticket fare can be changed
without prior notice.
If Tour Cancellation
:
There will be 50% cancellation charge if clients did
cancel with in 15 days in advance, booking outside of
Kathmandu and no refund will be make then after. If
you cancel 5 days in advance USD 100 will be charged
booking in side of Kathmandu and no refund will e made
then after.
Risk and
Liability :
We shall always put all efforts in making your journey
smooth and pleasant. However, as all Tibet tours are
run strictly under tourism authority. Our agents or
we shall not be responsible for any change or cancellation
of programs / cost. Our agents or we shall not be responsible
for any change or cancellation of programs due to any
unavoidable circumstances such as road blocked, flood,
snow, unrest, and cancellation of flight, delay arrivals,
sickness or accident. Any extra cost incurring therefore
shall bear by the clients. So it is most advisable that
clients to have full insurance medical and personal
accidents risks. |
