Tibet: The Home of Dalai Lama
Tibet and Nepal share a long history of friendship and diplomacy. Thanks to some of the highest mountains in Earth, Tibet has a rooted affinity with Nepal. Along with the Everest at 8,848 meters and other peaks, Tibet and Nepal have a joint geographical interest.
Tibet is a historical region which diverts many people from across the globe to attend the serenity of Buddhist divinity. If you are feeling like basking in the warmth of holiness, then Tibet can’t be more ideal than it is and we are always here to assist in your journey.
About Tibet
Tibet is an exclusive region known for its isolation from rest of the world. The practice of Buddhism in Tibet is also an unparalleled issue. Tibet is an ancient homeland of Tibetan people including some other ethnic groups; Sherpa, Monpa, Tamang, Qiang, and Lhoba. Looking at the tradition, the original ancestors of Tibetan people are Se, Mu, Dong, Tong, Dru, and Ra, as represented by sic red bands in Tibetan Flag.
Keeping aside the quaint culture and tradition of Tibetans, Tibet holds a very eccentric beauty of Himalayas as it is the highest region on Earth with an average 4,900 meters/16,000 feet elevation. Everest, the towering peak of the world rising 8,848 meters above sea level also shares some part with Tibet.
Tibet is dominated by subsistence agriculture, while tourism is evolving at a rapid pace in recent decades. Although Tibetan Buddhism is a dominant religion, Bon, Tibetan Muslims, and Christian minorities also subsist in this region. As religion plays a vital part in Tibet, its influence can be seen in art, music, and festivals.
HISTORY OF TIBET
Taking a sneak peek at the history of Tibet, it dates back to the 7th century. However, with the fall of the Tibetan empire, the region soon got divided into several territories. Most of the western and central Tibet was often at least nominally unified under a series of Tibetan government in Lhasa, Shigatse or nearby location; this government was at various times under Mongol and Chinese lordship. So, Tibet prevailed a suzerainty of Mongol and later Chinese rulers in Nanjing and Beijing, with reasonable autonomy to Tibetan leaders.
Eastern region of Kham and Amdo (both historical region of Tibet) often maintained decentralized indigenous political structure being divided among a number of small principalities and tribal groups. However, most of this area fell under the Chinese provinces of Sichuan and Qinghai after the Battle of Chamdo. The current border of Tibet was established in the 18th century.
In 1912, following the Xinhai revolution against Qing dynasty, Qing soldiers were disarmed and escorted out of Tibet Area. Then in 1913, the region subsequently declared its independence without any recognition by the subsequent Chinese Republican government. Later, Lhasa took control of the western part of China, Xikang.
Tibet maintained its autonomy until 1951 when after Battle of Chamdo, it became incorporated into People’s Republic of China, and the previous Tibetan government was abolished in 1959 after a failed uprising.
At present, China governs the western and central part of Tibet as Tibet Autonomous Region while the eastern region is now mostly ethnic autonomous prefectures within Sichuan, Qinghai, and other neighboring provinces. However, there still exists tensions regarding Tibet’s political status and rebel groups that are active in exile, and those activists have been reportedly arrested or tortured.
ATTRACTIONS IN TIBET VISIT
Lhasa
Tibet an ancient town which still exhibits the primitive traditions and custom. Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, comprises two world heritage site; Potala Palace and Norbulingka, which were the residences of Dalai Lama. There are many significant monuments, temples and monasteries and Lhasa which are an architectural masterpiece and center of Tibetan tradition as well.
Tibetan Arts, Architecture and Music
Tibetan Arts are world-renowned for their exquisite beauty, detailed artwork and the spiritual meaning within. The representation of Tibetan art are intrinsically bound with Tibetan Buddhism and commonly depicts deities and variations of Buddha in various forms from bronze Buddhist statues and shrines to highly colorful thangka paintings and mandalas.
If you heed the architectural details of Tibet, you will see Chinese and Indian influence in them reflecting a profound Buddhist approach. However, the most distinctive feature of Tibetan architecture is that many houses and monasteries are built on elevated, sunny sites facing south and are often made out of a mixture of rock, wood, cement, and earth. Potala Palace standouts as an exemplary exhibition of Tibetan architecture.
Music in Tibet is more than sound; it is the reflection of culture. It will be more accurate if we say, Tibetan music is religious music reflecting the profound influence of Tibetan Buddhism in culture.
Tibetan Festivals
Tibet celebrates many auspicious festivals throughout the year to worship Lord Buddha. Amongst those festival, Losar is the most vibrant and joyful festival. The preparation of the festival is manifested by special offering to family shrine deities, painted doors with religious symbols and other painstaking jobs done to prepare for the event. Monlam Prayer Festival, Tibetan New Year also some major festival of the year.
Authentic Cuisine
Tibet offers a variety of dishes which are so much devouring. Noodles and steamed dumplings called momos have extra crave; these are made with dough from barley flour.
Yak, goat or mutton serves as the meat dishes which are often dried or cooked into a spicy stew with potatoes. Yak yogurt, butter, cheese, and butter are frequent food item of Tibet while well-prepared yogurt is considered something of a prestige item.
INFORMATION ON HOW TO REACH TIBET FROM NEPAL
It is the general misconception of people that Tibet is an extremely difficult place to reach and its credit goes to the reputation of Tibet itself and inaccurate information on travel websites and on personal travel blogs. Well, it might be, but from Nepal, it is quite easy. So, here are some information delineated for you.
-There are three ways to get Tibet from Nepal; overland journey, flight, and trekking from Simikot to Hilsa.
-Travelers going to Tibet must be an organized tour, and only travel agency can arrange an organized tour.
-You must obtain a Group Chinese Visa to visit Tibet from Nepal, and it can be obtained only with the help of a travel agency.
-Chinese Embassy in Nepal issued Group Chinese Visa, and it can be issued to solo travelers who are on organized tour.
-Group Chinese Visa doesn’t have an extension facility.
-Everyone traveling on the same Group must exit the country together.
Well, if you are enticed to visit the homeland of the holy, Dalai Lama which is also a pool of Buddhism practice and has the inexpressible beauty of Himalayas, then contact us. We are always here to assist in your journey.
WAYS TO TRAVEL TIBET FROM NEPAL
Overland route to Tibet
One of the three ways to travel Tibet journey by overland. The Tibet border is about 130 km away from Kathmandu. To travel overland to Tibet, we will first travel to Rasuwa, the last town on Nepal side and from Rasuwa it is few hundreds meter away. You can easily find buses travelling to Rasuwa to Kathmandu or else; you can arrange a private vehicle with travel agency help. There is no way of entering Tibet without an organized tour.
Flying to Tibet
Now, this might be a good option for you if you are wary of a long journey. The flight will take you to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet in just about 75 minutes. In this option as well, you won’t be granted permission to board any flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa without proving you have an organized tour arranged in Tibet.
Trekking to Tibet
For all the trekking-lovers, who wants to explore both Nepal and Tibet, however not entirely, then trekking to Tibet will serve the interest. Simikot is located in the northwest of Nepal, and the only way to access is by flight. First, we will take a flight to Nepalgunj and another flight to Simikot.
Then, from Simikot we will embark on a five-day trek to Hilsa, Nepal. The moment we reach Hilsa, we are steps away from entering Tibet. We can just cross a bridge and enter Tibet.
PERMITS YOU NEED FOR TIBET TRAVEL
Tibet Travel Permit
To enter Tibet, Tibet travel permit is the most important document. You can take a flight or train to Lhasa without showing a permit. Your tour operator applies for this permit after you have booked Tibet tour. This permit will help you obtain other permits and visas
Chinese Group Visa
Although Tibet is in China, you don’t have to apply for Chinese Entry Visa, what you need is Tibet Group Tourist Visa, which is issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. It will be applied by your tour operator and it requires your original passport, Tibet Travel Permit, and a complete application form.
But remember, you don’t need to join a group to enter Tibet. Although you apply for Group Tourists Visa, you can book Tibet tour as an individual. You can book for a private or a group tour, but your trip must be organized by local travel agency of Tibet.
