About 70 million years ago, the ancient plateau lay beneath the ocean. The same titanic collision of continental plates that created Mt. Everest lifted the seabed 4,000 meters into the sky. Tibet, also known as the rooftop of the world, is a region higher than any other on the planet.
Biting winters, unforgiving panorama, and an oxygen level of less than two-thirds at sea level make it a hostile environment to most entities. Although survival is quite problematic, the natives have acquired genetic traits to cope with this type of environment. The people in Tibet are adjusting to another big change and that is modernity. With a population of only over 3 million living in an area almost the size of Western Europe and just over one person per square kilometer, there is a vast emptiness in this Chinese autonomous region.
The most suitable time to visit Tibet is from April to November when the weather is more pleasant. April to June is spring in Tibet. It is quite favorable to travel at this time due to milder weather, clearer skies and not much rain, budget-friendly, less jam-packed, and vibrant scenery. The average high temperature is 16 degrees in April to 26 degrees in June. While the low temperature is a bit above zero degrees to 9 degrees in June. When it comes to July and August Tibet welcomes summer where things get a bit complicated but it is still an amazing time. Since the weather is even milder than spring lavish sceneries will fill your heart. The high temperature is around 24 degrees while the low temperature is 9 degrees with a rainfall of around 100 mm, which accounts for 80% of the yearly rainfall in Tibet. However, you can tell it is the monsoon season in Tibet.
Tibet, occupying the central part of East Asia with its well-endowed culture and scenic aesthetic has drawn a large number of voyagers over the past few decades. Tibetan tourism first started blooming due to the religious significance of the region. However, the remote location and political concerns are some of the challenges in the tourism industry of Tibet. There are a few key points that might be useful during your trip to Tibet:
Permits: Necessary permits are required to travel to Tibet. The registered tour operators issue permits to tour around. If you are willing to visit some of the restricted areas in Tibet, extra permits are required.
Altitude: Situated at an elevation of over 3,600 meters above sea level, the high altitude can be challenging for travelers. Acclimatizing gradually is essential to reduce the effects of high altitude.
Respect the culture: Buddhism in Tibet is the foundation of the culture and traditions followed by the Tibetans. So, it is important to respect and follow some of the ground rules while visiting Tibet. Dressing culture is slightly conservative, so make sure to pack full-length clothes for the trip.
Eco-tourism: The Chinese government has formulated rules and regulations for preserving the surroundings and the tourist sites in Tibet. So book a trip with a travel agency or company that follows a sustainable tourism approach.
Transportation: Traveling is quite tricky in Tibet as it is an unspoiled location. Travelers arrive via flights but to China. There is a railway service available from Qinghai to Tibet. Your travel operator will arrange your transportation. Tibet is a very secluded land with rich cultural diversities and untouched mother nature. Maintaining the authenticity of Tibet has become somewhat of a challenge since tourism in Tibet has only grown day by day. So, every traveler must respect their land, their culture, and their way of life.
Tibet entices travelers from all around the world with its unfathomable and brisk ambiance. From a sublime view of Mt. Everest to the pristine waters of Namtso Lake and Yamdrok Lake that whisper the music of sanctity, Tibet truly is a picture painted by god himself. The land of Tibet is blessed with some of the most marvelous tourist attractions of Tibet like temples and monasteries like Potala Palace and Jokhang temple in Lhasa. The cultural tapestry of Tibet will generate a new sense of alertness when you maneuver the ancient streets of Barkhor usually charged with worshippers, wanderers, and traders.
Potala palace: The name Potala is a Mongolian word that means a palace for Dalai Lama. The palace is painted in three different colors; white, yellow, and red. The white building was constructed by the great Dalai lama whereas the red and yellow building was built by the late King Songsten Gampo. At 12,000 meters above sea level, the Potala Palace stands as an architectural marvel bearing valuable cultural significance.
Jokhang temple: A Buddhist sanctuary located in Lhasa, Jokhang temple was built in the 7th century. The Jokhang temple is also listed as one of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites in Tibet. Its architectural framework is a concoction of the Chinese, Nepalese, and Indian designs melted together and shaped into a masterpiece. For the last 2500 years, the temple of Jokhang has protected the holy statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, attracting thousands of Buddhists and Hindus from across the globe.
Barkhor Street: Mostly known for its high-spirited vibes, and strings of shops selling souvenirs, ritualistic objects, and collectibles, Barkhor Street is a historic orbits that surrounds the Jokhang temple in Lhasa. The worshippers circumambulate around the street of Barkhor with a Tibetan prayer wheel in a clockwise motion as a part of the ritual.
Namtso Lake: The second largest lake in Tibet, Namtso Lake is located 190 km north of Lhasa. Namtso is 4718 meters above sea level and is the third-largest saltwater lake in China. Namtso means heaven lake in the Tibetan language. Every year it attracts followers from different places to seek the transcendence of the soul. According to the beliefs of the Buddhist pilgrims, Namtso is a holy lake that predicts bad luck and good fortune. It is also said that you can get a glance of a spiritual phenomenon in the lake if you are a destined person.
Yamdrok Lake: Yamdrok Lake, situated in the Shannon region is a high-elevated sacred lake in Tibet. Yamdrok lake in Tibetan language means jade lake which is perfectly suited as the lake looks like the color of jade, unbelievably blue. The area of Yamdrok is 675 square kilometers with the backdrop of one of the holy mountains in Tibet, Ningjin Kangsha Peak. Driving around the Yamdrok lake is quite hard due to the irregular shape of the lake and it might take up to a few days to explore the area entirely.
Gyantse Tibet: The third largest city in Tibet, Gyantse is conveniently located at the junction of the most important trading routes to Lhasa from Nepal, India, and Bhutan. Part of the old town in the east of the Gyantse contains mainly old farm buildings that have retained their original rural character right up to the present day. The people in Gyantse live in humble conditions. The picturesque lanes of the town give a very real impression that time has stood still. For centuries, Gyantse was Tibet's main center for wool and weaving products that provided its population with a reasonable income. The Gyantse monastery, also famous with the name of Melkor chode monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Tibet. The monastery showcases the intricate details and religious artistry of Tibetan architecture.
In conclusion, Tibet is a landmark of unprecedented charm, ethereal importance, and cultural abundance. The iconic heritages, sacred lakes, and mountains are a treat for voyagers hunting for lifelong experiences and wisdom. Explore Tibet with Abound holidays and embark on a journey of discovery and sustainable tourism.
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