Overview:
Tibet, nestled between the Himalayas in the south and the Kunlun Shan in the north, conjures images of blue skies, flapping prayer flags and red-cheeked Tibetan monks. Tibetans have survived for thousands of years in the harshest environments - physical and political. A visit to Tibet is not a walk in the park, but proper preparation combined with a healthy attitude for the rustic will make any visitor to Tibet fall in love with the place.Location:
Tibet is officially called the Tibetan Autonomous Region by the Chinese, or Xizang, pronounced "she-zhang" which means Treasure House of the West. It sits at the far west of China, just south of Xinjiang Autonomous Region. The northern tip of India borders Tibet's western side and Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar snuggle up to its southern border. To the northeast lies Qinghai province and to the east lie Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.The Tibetan plateau averages about 4,000m (12,000 feet) above sea level. Some of the world's highest mountains surround Tibet: the Himalayas to the south, the Karakoram in the west and the Kunlun in the north. Over 1,500 lakes are scattered throughout Tibet and the mountain waters give way to several major river systems in Asia: the Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo), the Indus and the Mekong (Lancang Jiang).
Features & Attractions:
With over 1,500 lakes, eight peaks over 7,000m (21,000 feet) and a rich cultural heritage, there are countless things to see in Tibet. Read a short article highlighting What to See in Tibet.Or take a look at this itinerary showing you how to spend Ten Glorious Days in Tibet.
Travel Permits & Restrictions:
Traveling individually to Tibet is officially not allowed. Aside from visas for China, travelers to Tibet must also obtain permits from the Tibetan Tourism Bureau.Additionally, travelers must officially be part of a group tour with a guide. Sometimes this means a couple books a tour package through an agent and sometimes this means several travelers hang out in Chengdu (see Getting There) waiting for enough people to make a group. In any case, this translates into a bit of hassle and extra money spent by the traveler, but once in Tibet, it is fairly easy to make arrangements to see the sights you'd like.
Getting There:
There are three ways to get to Tibet: by air to Lhasa, or by rail and car - both routes ending in Lhasa. Read on to find out How to Get to Lhasa.Essentials:
- Population: 2.7 million
- Weather: The winter in Tibet can be very fierce. Winds whipping across the plateau coupled with plunging temperatures make a visit in winter months to Tibet the stuff of the hearty traveler. Temperatures are much more varied in the summer months: it can be at freezing before sunrise and hit 100F by noon.
- Ideal time to visit Tibet: The spring and autumn when temperatures are milder and less extreme.
- Recommended time for visit: As long as you can afford. Five days is probably the minimum to take your time and see the most important sights. Remember, with the altitude, even the fittest traveler will find himself moving very slowly. This itinerary details how to spend Ten Glorious Days in Tibet.
