There are almost too many monasteries to count throughout Tibet. Every monastery represents a school of Tibetan Buddhism and reveres a respective teacher or Lama associated with that school of thought and practice. Here we aim to include monasteries of particular significance in Tibet’s past and present from the different regions of Central, Kham, and Amdo.

Following is a list of Top 10 Most Important Monasteries in Tibet, including the spiritual center Jokhang Temple, ancestral temple of Gelug – Ganden Monastery, official seat of Panchen Lamas – Tashilhunpo Monastery, magnificent Palcho Monastery, etc.

(1.)Jokhang Temple – Religious center of Tibet
(2.)Ganden Monastery – Holy Monastery of Gelugpa
(3.)Drepung Monastery – Once the Largest Monastery
(4.)Sera Monastery – Famous for Tibetan Buddhism Debating
(5.)Tashilhunpo Monastery – Home of Panchen Lamas
(6.)Palcho Monastery – Synthesis of Tibetan Culture
(7.)Sakya Monastery – The Origin of Sakyapa Sect
(8.)Samye Monastery – The First Monastery in Tibet
(9.)Rongbuk Monastery – The highest monastery in the world
(10.)Reting Monastery – Seat of Reting Rinpoche

Jokhang Temple – Religious center of Tibet

Jokhang Temple (or Jokhang Monastery) is the spiritual center of Tibet and the holiest destination for all Tibetan pilgrims. It is is listed in the World Cultural Heritages with Potala Palace and Norbulingka. Situated at the heart of the old town of Lhasa and surrounded by Barkhor Street, this 4 storied building, built in the 7th century by Songtsan Gambo, with roofs covered with gilded bronze tiles, demonstrates a combination of the architectural style of Han, Tibetan, India and Nepal, as well as a Mandala world outlook of Buddhism. It was originally called the ‘Tsuklakang’ (Tsulag Khang) – ‘House of Religious Science’ or ‘House of Wisdom’ during the Bon period of Tibet, which is referred to geomancy, astrology, and divination of Bon. Today it is more commonly known as the Jokhang, which means the ‘House of the Buddha’. Visiting Jokhang Temple for a real discovery tour in the mysterious and sacred land, you can get close to the religious part of Tibet and experience the devotion of Tibetans.

Ganden Monastery – Holy Monastery of Gelugpa

Ganden Monastery is one of the earliest and largest Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. With over 600 years of history for building in 1409 by Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug Sect, it stands atop of the six famous temples of Gelugpa, and also known as one of the Three Great Temples, together with the Sera Monastery and the Drepung Monastery. In the meaning of happiness and contentedness in Tibetan, Ganden Monastery is the main dwelling of successive Gelug abbots and their tombs were built into pagodas for over 90 numbers. With an orderly architectural layout of standing Buddha halls, towering roofs, splendid stupas, Ganden Monastery is arranged well with vivid colors of black windows, white walls and the golden roofs, like a castle under the heaven. Besides, the kinds of architectural buildings and a large quantity of cultural relics and handicrafts are worth visiting. Along the winding twisty road up, you can appreciate the authentic holy land under the blue sky.

Drepung Monastery – Once the Largest Monastery

Drepung Monastery is one of the three great Gelukpa monasteries, along with Sera Monastery and Ganden Monastery. As the largest monastery of Tibet constructed in 1416, there was a totally 10,000 monks once lived here in the peak times, Drepung Monastery plays an important role in Tibet Buddhism. Located on the Gambo Utse Mountain, it has magnificent complex of white buildings dotted around the hillside. The Ganden Potrang, once the residence for Dalai Lamas (1-5th) before the 5th Dalai Lama built Potala Palace, is the most featured historical building here, which makes Drepung Monastery enjoys the highest status among Tibet monasteries. Besides, the famous Shoton Festival is first to celebrate here, also called Drepung Shoton Festival, given rise to extensive attention and influence among Tibetans. Enjoy your exploratory tour to the most popular monastery to discover the charm of devoted belief.

Sera Monastery – Famous for Tibetan Buddhism Debating

Sera Monastery as one of the three temples in Lhasa, together with Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery, is a representative of Gelug temples, located on the northern suburb of Lhasa. Built in 1419 by one of the Tsongkhapa’s disciples, it is a complex of structures with the Great Assembly Hall, the dwellings in the eastern side and three colleges in the western side. Setting against a backdrop of mountains, it makes for a good photographic experience by climbing the halfway mountain behind. Noted for its debate session, Sera Monastery stored many precious relics, arts, scriptures for monks to learn Buddhist knowledge. What’s more, the daily Buddhism debating is a truly spiritual “class” to practice and test their mastery of Buddhism. As the top highlight in Sera Monastery, the debate is open to public for tourists to enjoy the charm of Buddhism and find some enlightenment, which can’t be missed out.

Tashilhunpo Monastery – Home of Panchen Lamas

Tashilhunpo Monastery as one of the six Gelug monasteries is the seat of successive Panchen Lamas. Founded by the First Dalai Lama in 1447, it is an important monastery in Tibetan history and culture. Located at the foot of Drolmari, western side of Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet, it means “all fortune and happiness gathered here” or “heap of glory” in Tibetan. Covering an area of nearly 150,000 square meters, the monastery is the largest temple in Shigatse, which has about 57 halls and 3600 rooms. Among them, the Coqen Hall can hold 2000 people chanting at the same time. Featuring an interesting sprawling amalgam of traditional Tibetan monastic style, those halls, chapels and other structures are connected by precipitous steps and narrow cobblestone alleys. The interplay between the golden roofs and the white, red and black exterior walls creates a striking composition.

Palcho Monastery – Synthesis of Tibetan Culture

Palcho Monastery, also called Palkhor Monastery is a typical combined building with stupa and temple, and quite different from other Tibetan monasteries in more aspects. By housing three sects of Sakyapa, Kadampa and Gelugpa together, it has a hard-won lenient tolerance among the Tibetan sects to balance them well. Therefore, the design and layout of Palhor Monastery is a synthesis of the three sects to combine different structural Zhacangs (room for monks), enshrined deities and more integrated Tibetan Buddhist Culture.What’s more, the Myriad Buddha Stupa (or Palcho Kumbum) as a powerful Buddhist symbol and a calling card, making Palcho Monastery becomes more attractive and special.Whether you come for Tibetan architecture art or the deep Tibetan religious culture, Palcho Monastery with different Buddhist sculptures, religion murals, monastery architectures can give you more than just you want to explore.

Sakya Monastery – The Origin of Sakyapa Sect

Sakya Monastery is the principal monastery of the Sakyapa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, located in Sakya County, about 160 kilometers southwest of Shigatse, on the road to Tingri in Tibet. Built in 1073 by Khon Khonchong Gyalpo, on the hill side with gray earth surrounded, it means the “Grey Soil” in Tibetan. Divided by river, this monastery is consists of the northern part (in the hillside) and the southern part (lies in the valley). Different from other monasteries in Lhasa, its wall painted in red, white and grey strips, which represent Manjushri, Avalokiteshvara and Vajrapani, as a special architecture to distinguish from other Buddhist schools, which is easily to find out from a distance. As the first temple of Sakyapa with over 900 years history, it kept many historical relics, including numerous stupas, Buddhist scriptures, magnificent surviving artwork, Tibetan Thangkas and more. Here, you can not only discover the history of the religion, but also explore a combination of cultures.

Samye Monastery – The First Monastery in Tibet

Samye Monastery was built in 762 when the great Tibetan emperor Trisong Detsen ruled Tibet. With the basic terms of Buddhism – Buddha, scriptures and monks, it is the first official Buddhist monastery in Tibet. For over 1,200 years of history, it is one of most influential monastery in Tibet. In this monastery, there was a famous debating about Buddhism between the ancient Indian Buddhism and Chinese Buddhism. Sitting on the north facing southward, and covers more than 25,000 square meters with a shape of a big oval, this monastery was built according to the description of universe in Buddhism scriptures. Being famous for its featured architectural structure which combines features of Tibetan, Chinese and Indian, Samye Monastery symbolizes the center of the universe for tourists to explore the ancient heart of Tibetan Buddhist world.

Rongbuk Monastery – The highest monastery in the world

Rongbuk Monastery is the highest temple in the world above sea level, with an altitude of about 4980 meters. Situated in the north side of Mt. Everest, it is a perfect site to view the highest Everest and stay overnight before head to the Everest Base Camp (EBC) with 8 km away. Endowing the ideal location, Rongbuk Monastery itself is also worth visit. As one of the Nyingmapa Sect monastery built in 1899, it houses both monks and nuns here, which is quite special and different from other temples. Only several buildings remains, Rongbuk is simply and has a sense of untouched beauty not only for its quietness, but also the experienced history as a temple to witness the first person to conquer the Mount Everest. Acted as a rest site for climbers once upon a time, now it also does a favor for tourists to visit around before get to EBC.

Reting Monastery – Seat of Reting Rinpoche

Reting Monastery is about 150 km from Lhasa. Reting Monastery, at an elevation of 4,150m, is the seat of the Reting Rinpoche: this lineage started in the eighteenth  century when the seventh Dalai Lama appointed his tutor as abbot of Reting. The monastery dates back to 1056. It was initially associated with Atisha but in its later years it had an important connection with the Gulugpa order and the Dalai Lamas. Reting Monastery is 25 km from the crossroads settlement of Phongdo, which has a ruined dzong and is overlooked by a mountain of near-perfect conical proportions. There are a handful of shops and restaurants here.

The current main assembly hall, or Tsogchen, is half its original size. Enter the hall to the right to get to the main inner shrine, the Utse (women not allowed). The central statue of Jampai Dorje is an unusual amalgam of the gods Jampelyang, Chana Dorje and Chenresig.

To the left is an ancient Thangka of Drolma that, accoeding to the resident monks, was brought here by Atisha himself. A wooden box beside the altar holds the giant molar of Sangye Wosong, the Buddha before Sakyamuni. To the left of the Utse is a rare mural of the fourteenth Dalai Lama. To the right of the entrance is a picture of the current Reting Rinpoche. In front of the entrance is a platform used for creating sand mandalas. Behind the Utse is a storeroom stuffed with Tantric drums and Buddha statues. As you leave the chapel look for a second hall to your right. The hall contains a gold chorten with the remains of the sixth Reting Rinpoche. Lining the back wall are statues of all 6 previous Reting Rinpoches. The metal box in the right cornr holds a giant Thangka, unveiled once a year.

Lhasa is the capital city and center of the regional administration for the Tibet Autonomous Region. The city is located on the banks of the Kyi River in the south-central area of the Tibetan plateau. It is one of the largest tributaries of the Yarlung Zangbo River, also known as the Brahmaputra.  The city is at an altitude of 3,656 meters above sea level. It is the world’s highest capital city and the center of the Tibetan culture and religion. Every Tibetans in Kham and Amdo visit Lhasa once in a lifetime.

Traveling to Lhasa can be done at any time of the year, from April to February (Tibet is normally closed to international travelers in February and March for Losar, the Tibetan New Year). And when to go largely depends on your own personal tastes and what you want to do while you are there. Different seasons have different attractions in Tibet, even in the coldest month of January, travel to Lhasa is easily possible. It is not as cold as you may think. From April to the end of January, Lhasa is a city that is filled with life and spirituality, with the winter months being one of the best times to experience Tibetan Buddhism at its most devout.

Best Time to Go

Spring and autumn months are the best time to take a Tibet tour. Summer is also an ideal time to go if you don’t mind the occasional mild showers. The temperature is above 10 C during these months. These months are also the busiest time to travel. Though November and December are winter months, you can still travel and the views of Everest are best during these months.

Visit Lhasa in Spring

Spring months in Lhasa are late February to May. Spring is usually known as the windy season or dry season, because of the heavy winds during these months. There is little rain, lot of wind and snow only in mountainous regions. Daytime sees strong sunshine with strong radiation. It is advisable to use sunscreen lotions without fail. In spite of warm daytime temperature, there is quite a high temperature difference between day and night. The nights tend to get extremely cold. The pleasant climate starts to kick in May. This makes May the ideal month for family tours.

What to See

May is also one of the best months for photographers to capture the beauty of Lhasa. The famous Saga Dawa festival happens in the month of May. The months of Aril, May, and June are best for Everest Base Camp tours and uninhibited view of Mt Everest as there will not be rainy or foggy weather. But early spring is still too cold to visit Lake Namtso near Lhasa city for the lake is still frozen until late April.

What to Wear

Down jackets, long- sleeved shirts, cotton trousers and t-shirts, out-door jackets, warm clothing for the night, sunscreen lotions, sunglasses.

Visit Lhasa in Summer

Summer months of Lhasa are June, July, and August. The temperature during summer months range from warm to cool. These months also see mild showers during night times, so it is not really a hindrance for the tourists. Some days it showers in the afternoon but not for more than an hour. The oxygen content in the air is also higher compared to other seasons. The climate is overall mild with strong UV radiation due to the high altitude of the city. Make sure you use sunscreen lotions and caps to protect your skin. The temperature gets the hottest at noon. Although the temperature difference varies greatly between day and night, it is less compared to other seasons. Summer is when you see a lot of locals from China travelling to Tibet because of the holidays.

What to See

Due to the warm temperature, all the tourist spots are ideal to visit. Some of the must-visit spots are Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, and Drepung Monastery. June is an ideal month to take a day-trip to Lake Namtso from Lhasa. You can visit the holy lakes to capture the magnificent sunrises and sunsets.

A lot of sports contests and outdoor market fairs take place in the grasslands in the months of July and August. July and August is also the best time to take the famous Tibet Train to Lhasa through the Qinghai-Tibet railway for the flowers are fully bloomed and the mountains are still covered in snow and all the scenery looks bright and fresh with active wildlife and nomadic activity. Festivals like Shoton Festival, Nagqu Horse Racing Festival, and Ganden Thangka festival fall during the summer months.

What to Wear

Long trousers, full hand cotton t-shirts, and hats to avoid sunburns. Sunscreen lotion or sun block is very important to protect your skin. Carry water proof jackets and pants as it occasionally showers at afternoons and nights. The nights are still cold so carry warm clothes for the night.

Visit Lhasa in Autumn  

September and October are the autumn months in Lhasa and autumn sees the maximum inflow of tourists, locals and foreigners alike. The leaves turn golden brown and the forests give off a golden glow. The weather is clear and cool, no heavy clouds blocking the view of mountain peaks during autumn. The mild sunlight and dry winds characterize most of the day. The nights are not as cold as winter or spring. The weather conditions during autumn are ideal for exploring in Tibet and the scenery is breathtaking. If you are planning to visit Lhasa in autumn, pre-book the tickets, hotel rooms, and everything else at least two-three months in advance. The overall prices of air tickets and hotels rooms are significantly high during autumn.

What to See

Autumn is ideal time to do just about everything and anything in Lhasa. Be it visiting the tourist attractions like Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, holy lakes etc. or hiking tours, climbing tours, cycling tours, overland tours from Lhasa to other places in Tibet all are ideal to do during autumn. You can enjoy the clear views of the mountain peaks. Mid September to Mid October is also the advisable time to visit Everest Base Camp.

What to Wear

Plain t-shirts and jackets will be enough for travelling during day. As nights are still cold, wear thermal wear and warm clothing. If you are planning to the EBC trek or climbing the Everest bring appropriate clothing and other items. You can rent or buy them in Lhasa itself.

Visit Lhasa in Winter

One of the most common misconceptions tourists make about Lhasa is that, it is too cold to travel during winter and that it is inhabitable during winter. That is not the case at all. While winter is cold and there is a lot of snow, it is still warmer than many places in China. November- March is the winter months of Tibet and it is important to note that in February and March many attractions are closed off for tourism.

November is still a good time to travel to Lhasa as there is still some sunshine during the day, pretty warm around noon, but the nights get super cold. One of the advantages of travelling during winter is that it is off-season so the cost of tickets and accommodation is significantly less. You also don’t have to worry about the typical tourist crowd filling up the streets.

What to See

Tibet is at its most tranquil vibe during winter. Visit only nearby tourist attractions like Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, Barkhor Street etc. You can enjoy local Tibetan festivals like Tibetan New Year and Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival during this season. You will see Tibetans getting ready for their farming season and festivals, as winter is also the slack farming season. Winter shows a different side of Tibet that tourists don’t get to see during other seasons.

What to Wear

Thermal wear, gloves, socks, sweater, water proof jackets, moisturizer, and other clothing to keep yourself warm. Have both boots to walk on snow and comfortable shoes.

Gyirong Port is located in Gyirong County, southwest corner of Tibet Autonomous Region. Gyirong County belongs to the south side of the middle part of the Himalayas, some 831km away from Lhasa, 175km away from Katmandu. In history, it was the largest land trading port between Tibet and Nepal, also an important transportation hub of the cultural and business exchange between China and Southern Asia countries. Gyirong Port witnessed many historical events: Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal traveled a long journey to marry Songtsen Gampo; the famous diplomat Wang Xuance in the Tang Dynasty made several foreign visits to India; Indian Buddhist master Padmasambhava (Lotus-Born) entered Tibet to spread Buddhism. They all passed through Gyirong.

In the 1970s, Chinese government ranked Gyirong Port as National Second Level Land Port, attached with departments of customs and commodity inspection. Later on, due to the prosperity of Zhangmu Port, all export and import business through Gyirong Port have almost stopped and the relative departments were revoked. In the past, Yadong port, Zhangmu port, and Burang port are three major ports and business hubs in Tibet. Before the usage of Gyirong Port, Zhangmu port was the only land port that opened all year around in Tibet and it forced almost 90% of Tibet’s border business. But limited by geographical reasons, Zhangmu port’s clearance capacity is relatively weak, restricting the foreign trade development in Tibet. In April 2015, Zhangmu port was badly damaged because of Nepal earthquake and was temporarily closed. In December 2015, China Gyirong-Nepal Rasuwa bilateral port was put into formal use. Gyirong port becomes the bridgehead of Tibet’s opening to the world and a significant commercial road linked to Nepal and other Southern Asia countries.

Starting from Katmandu, going northward for about 175km, passing through Gyirong Port, you will reach Gyirong Valley, which is regarded as the “back garden of the Mt. Everest”. To continue going northwest for about 700km, there is the holy mountain of Buddhism, Mount Kailash; eastward for about 400km, there is the Mt. Everest. On southwest, Gyirong borders the Nepali city Pokhara, which is the most famous tourism spot in Nepal and is reckoned by worldwide visitors as a “Paradise of hiking”.

Nowadays, asphalt road has been constructed and open to traffic between Lhasa and Gyirong Port. Trucks from Chinese inland cities could go to Gyirong via Shigatse through Qinghai–Tibet Railway and Lhasa– Shigatse Railway, then passing through Gyirong Port to reach Katmandu. With the continuous improvement of infrastructures, transportation factor will not limit the development of Gyirong Port any more. It is estimated that after the railway between Lhasa and Gyirong is finished, it will further promote the exchange between China and the Southern Asia Continent.

Gyirong has always been a transitional zone of culture and economic exchange between Tibet and Southern Asia countries. Thanks to the establishment of nature reserves and constructions of roads and railways, the small town Gyirong is not just a simple courier station of cultural and economic exchange in history, but will be a pluralistic and radioactive transportation hub and international port, which presents an enormous business opportunity. It can be said that, through exploration and development, Gyirong, never fading charms in the past, will definitely become a shining superstar on the borderline of China.

Gyirong Valley

Gyirong Valley is at the southern foot of the central Himalayas. It stretches from north to south for over 100 kilometers, beginning at the Gyirong County and going all the way down to Gyirong Port, the China-Nepal border. With ridgelines on its both sides as its boundaries, the valley is 300 to 2000 meters in width and covers an area of about 2500 square kilometers. Because connections between Gyirong and Lhasa are hindered by Mount Marrah (altitude: 5770m) at the north of the valley, Gyirong Valley has become a relatively closed area where few people live and visit in history.

The altitude of Gyirong Valley is 1700 meters in the south before it is raised to about 7000 meters in the north. The difference in altitude in the valley plus the warm wet airflows coming from the Indian Ocean hitting the south slope of the Himalayas form a unique vertical ecosystem combination: in the south there’re ditches and rivers, in the central area there’re forests and in the north there’re snow mountains and glaciers. In just about 100 kilometers there’re all together six major ecosystems, forming a unique vertical landscape system.

The Himalayas sprawls from east to west, blocking the south-coming warm wet airflow from the Indian Ocean and making the climates of the north and south slopes very different. The north of Gyirong is a cold semi-arid plateau-valley monsoon climatic region with an annual average temperature of 2℃, the warmest month temperature of 10-18℃, the coldest month temperature of -10℃ and an annual precipitation of around 300-600 millimeters. It has a semi-arid continental climate. On the other hand, the south of Gyirong has a subtropical mountain region monsoon climate with an annual temperature of 10-13℃, the warmest month temperature of over 18℃, an annual precipitation of around 1000 millimeters and an annual number of frost-free days at above 200. Its winters are short and rainy and it doesn’t have four distinct seasons—it’s like spring all year round with flowers blossoming and it’s always warm and wet.

Gyirong Valley is an important part of the Himalayas National Natural Reserve and is the biggest area with the most beautiful ecological environment and the biggest variety of ecological species in the reserve. Key protective plants and animals in the Himalayas Natural Reserve are widely distributed in the area and some species only inhabit in this area, which makes the area one of the most important regions in the reserve. Therefore, Gyirong Valley is also called as “the back garden of the Himalayas”. Forests of picea smithiana, taxus wallichiana and pinus palustris grow in the area and there’re also many valuable and rare animals here, such as assamese macaque, himalayan tahr, semnpithecus entellus, moschus leucogaster, lophura leucomelana, himalayan goral, selenarctos thibetanus and blood pheasant.

Geologists have found palaeotherium orictocoenosis mainly features as Gyirong three-toed horse fossils in the western Gyirong County. The orictocoenosis includes over ten mammals like Gyirong three-toed horse, Tibetan chilotherium and Gyirong Ochotona. This relic implies that in pliocene epoch (30 million years before) the altitude of West Himalayas was between 500 to 1000 meters and Mount Everest was around 3000 meters in altitude. Climate was warm and wet and the places had natural landscapes like forests and grasslands. Since then, the Gyirong basin has risen by about 2500 to 3000 meters.

Places to see in Gyirong

Nitsun in Gyirong

“Nitsun” means “seat” in Tibetan, “the holy place blessed by divinities”, which cannot be called haphazardly as a village’s name. The terrain of the village is more featured as a royal throne. It is said that when Atiśa was invited to Tibet, he came from India to Nepal firstly, then went to Gyirong through Rasog, and lived in Nitsun for one year, Atiśa was enlightened and assigned as the host of this area. The story goes like this, when Atiśa looking from the above, he had his eyes on Nitsun, which is exactly a paradise, instead of being a human society. Though this is just a legend, it also illuminates how fascinating the landscape here is.

Located in the towering peak in the north of Gyirong Town, the village is a perfect choice to appreciate snow mountain, morning clouds, sunset and local folk customs. The Z-shaped hilly road, from the fascine dam at the foot of Simla Hills, travels 11 turns consecutively, then leads straightly to the cloud-covered hilltop. Villagers had to pass along the path up and down every day, winding through valley and forest, before the road was built in 2008. Those footpaths were the best way to hike in the village. It took always two to three hours uphill, while going downhill is more easily, taking just an hour. The hilly road stretches to the mountaintop, where there is a flat land for more than 10 km2. Two primitive villages, scatter at the western and eastern sides of the land, boast blue-green or white-red steel sheet roof, very eye-catching and orderly in this area, which is harmonious with distant snow mountain and forests. The two village, named as East Nitsun and West Nitsun, or Shang Nitsun and Xia Nitsun, is home to 68 families, almost some 400 villagers.

There are green farmlands planting barley and wheat in the neighboring, and rough roads sinuate across the fields. Outside the lands are grassplots, dotted with blossoming wild flowers and fluttering bees and butterflies. The southwestern greensward of the flatland is the fairyland for children playing. It is a green pastoral world, a heaven of peace. Pastures interlaced between these villages and fields, interspersed idle flocks and herds. When enjoying the rural idyllic scenery, the pure and hospitable villagers are willing to generously treat you with buttered tea, pancakes, home-made yogurt and barley wine in their homes.

Nitsun is the best spot to enjoy natural landscapes including icy peaks, sunrise and sunset because of its elevated land and wide vision. From this position and view, the snow mountains and glaciers seem more splendid and charming. The snow-capped Mt. Qumugula stands before your very eyes clearly across the western valley, snowy ridges stretch for miles and stone peaks stand in stalwart figure. Under a blue sky, Goddess Peak puts her hands together and sits up facing to the south, vividly and perfectly. In front of the snow hills, the thick-ink-saturated brush of Tiebi Peak points to the sky and sprinkling freely. The Snow Mount Rawobanba, lying in the northwest, with uneven peaks and sharp blades, looks like a huge white-jade screen looming over immense forests and peaks. In the northern stripes of land between mountains, the Purog Kangri glacier spans two peaks like a great wall.

It is noted that in the southeast of Nitsun, there is a stretching snowy peak across Mount Laduo which straightly pointing into the sky. It is Annapurna peaks and Lattice Rooney Peak, which can be appreciated in Pokhara, an outstanding tourism city of Nepal. Annapurna peaks, or Kutang Peak, has an altitude of 8,091 meters, ranked as the tenth highest peak on the earth. It is regarded as the hardest snow mount to climb in the world. To conquer it, the mountaineering community have paid a heavy price. While on the south of the Annapurna snow-capped mountains, there is Geluni Peak, which is 6,977 meters above sea level. Its peak is divided into two parts, just like a fishtail, so it is also called Fish Tail Peak. As one of the national signs in Nepal, it remains a bouncing silver fish end in the skyline.

The various and rapidly changing clouds make these majestic and lofty glaciers more fascinating. Sometimes, slight clouds haunt over the shiny snow mountains, neither friendly nor aloof. The outstanding and stalwart snow hills are manifested by the gentle clouds, while the forceful mountain also sets the elegant and tender clouds off to an advantage. The sunshine not only spreads warmth and bright to the lofty plateau but also bring heavenly and beautiful scenery to Gyirong. In the morning, the genial sunshine warms up the floating clouds and edges a golden halo for the eastern glaciers. The sun is unwilling to go down in the evening at eight or nine. Twilights shine upon clouds, wreathing the mountains, and sunset tints the snow mountains in spectacular glamor.

Jifu Canyon in Gyirong

Jifu Canyon is located at two kilometers southwest of Gyirong Town. The canyon is formed under the effect of strata fracture and river erosion. It begins at the high land of Bangxing Village in Gyirong Town and ends at the mouth of Jifu Canyon at the low land. Fifteen kilometers in length, the canyon is over 300 meters deep at its deepest and 20 to 50 meters in width at average. Facing the Jifu Village from which the canyon gets its name, it has a most outstanding feature that it is situated on the edge of an open flat land, which means from a sightseeing pavilion built there tourists can overlook the whole canyon.

Rumble from the water deep down can be heard constantly at Jifu Canyon. A hanging bridge connects the east and west sides of the canyon with countless colorful prayer flags and hadas (pieces of silk used for greeting) suspended onto it, dancing in the wind. Designed by a Swiss engineer and built in 2006 under the guidance of the engineer and the help of international aid agencies, this Jifu hanging bridge is the main passageway between Jifu Village and the outside world. The bridge is 1.5 meters wide, 60 meters long and 250 meters above water. It is one of the best spots to view the Jifu canyon. Tourists can overlook the canyon on the bridge, seeing the roaring Gyirong Zangbu River as a blurry curve and feeling the wet cold wind that blows continuously and makes the experience more adventurous and exciting.

A winding paved road on the west of the hanging bridge leads to Jifu Village, a village that leans on the snow mountain and faces the canyon. Only dozens of residents live in the village. Strong yellow fruit trees hide their Tibetan-style stony houses in the greenness of trim vegetable plots and croplands developed in accordance with local geography. In Tibetan language, Jifu means departure. Legend has it that Monarch Songzain Gambo married Princess Bhrikuti from Nepal to promote peace in the two regions, and the Nepalese team to see the Princess off departed the Princess in this village with blessings and love. Therefore the village was named Jifu and this section of mountain road has become a famous one in Turfan-Nepali ancient path.

Pakba Monastery

Pakba Monastery, one of the monasteries built to guard border towns, was built by King Songtsan Gampo for Princess Bhrkuti from Nepal. Its architectural style is mainly in accordance with the format of Nepali temples. The monastery is located around 30 meters near to the eastern side of Gyirong Town government, with the altitude of 2,850 meters.

Pakba Monastery has a distinctive architectural style, whose overall shape is a storied stone pagoda with stairs spiraling up to the top in the middle of the tower. There are 4 floors altogether from the bottom up. Cornices have been built on each floor, which get smaller with the increase of height. Each floor has pot doors, little windows, overhanging eaves, rafters, flying angles and corrugated tiles, etc. From the ground to the top, the cornices on the first and second floors are set with brass-made angle modillions in the shape of flames, while on the third and fourth floors are leaned-out upturned eaves. On the top of the tower is a brass-made tower spire, which is connected by circular light, an upward moon, lotus canopy and pearl. The roof is covered with red copper. The porch has the same area as that of 4 columns, with a pair of round wood sculptured lions on both sides of the lintel, interlinking two chambers on each side. The Buddhist hall is square-shaped in plane, 3-room both in depth and in width, with 14 columns (10 square columns, 4 round columns). There are 5 Dharmapalas lions above the lintel of the hall, among which the image of the founder of Dgelugspa is painted; The image of the Calligraphy Master is painted on the first column in the southeast of the hall; A record of the monastery in Tibetan is also written on this column. On the south wall of the hall, windows are built for lighting at its east, middle and south sides. On the north wall, there was originally a sandalwood statue of the Buddha Sakyamuni in his 8-year-old height enshrined there for worship, and there were eight Buddha statues on the east and west walls. On the west side of the east wall, there was the clay sculpture of 13th Dalai Lama Terengganu, all of which are around 10 meters high; In the corner of the west wall enshrined the clay sculpture of Padmasambhava, about 8-10 meters high. Before the main worship, two golden and two silver butter lamps shall be provided, which are of 30-40 cm high, with brass-made butter barrels, etc.

The columns in the hall are wrapped in brocade, hanging with the divine flags of victory made of five-colored satin. In each closet of Buddhist Texts on east and west wall, there deposited a copy of Kanjur and Tengyur. However, the above mentioned dharma-vessels were destroyed during the “Cultural Revolution” which no longer exist now. Best of all, most of the frescoes have been well preserved, which are the monastery’s treasures with high historical and artistic values.

“Ri-Song-Gong-Bo” statues in Gyirong

“Ri-Song-Gong-Bo” statues (meaning the stature of three protectors) are carved on a huge rock behind Bangxing village. The rock is around 2.2 meters tall and 3.2 meters high. The stature is 1.5 meters high. It depicts a total of three deities: in the middle, there is Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (the Bodhisattva of compassion) ；on the left, Vajrapani Bodhisattva (the Bodhisattva of power); on the right, Manjushri Bodhisattva (Bodhisattva of wisdom). They are known as Three Protectors and together were called “Ri-Song-Gong-Bo”.

All three wear high jewelry crowns, have long ears that touch the shoulders, and wear earrings of interlined large circles. Most parts of the statures are naked, except for the “T” shaped wide band on their waists. They stand shoeless on the lotus seat. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva wears a high crown in the shape of a Chinese character “山”. In the middle, there is a pagoda. Her right hand points to the ground whereas the left hand touches the decorative band on her left leg. Her hip leans slightly towards the right, creating an “S” shape in her body. There are bracelets on her left arm. Behind her head, there is a halo. On her left side, there is a blooming lotus whose stem is decorated with lotus seedpod and leaves. Below the stature there are two servants on both sides, all wearing lotus crown, large earrings, necklace and they are naked except for a “T” shape band on their waists. They have large breasts and slender waists. They each kneel on their side upon a lotus seat.

Vajrapani Bodhisattva has fire-shaped decorations on both arms. In the middle of the decoration, there is a stature. His right hand points to the ground, resting on a lotus seedpod with palms facing outside. She holds a lotus bud that is about to bloom. From the right hip to legs, there is a loose band on beside her thighs. He stands with two slightly parting feet.

Manjushri Bodhisattva wears one band from the left shoulder to the waist. From the right hip to the thigh, there is also a wide band beside the left thigh. His hands naturally rest beside him, with right palm facing outside, touching a pair of lotus seedpod. He stands with slightly parting feet. Above the stature, there are dense curving grasses and auspicious clouds.

“Ri-Song-Gong-Bo” stature is made by craftsman from Nepal in the mid 7th century. The carvings are exquisite and involve sophisticated techniques. The proportion of the statue’s body is well balanced. Even the wrinkles on the clothes are of the same depth. The lines are soft and smooth. The style is clearly influenced by South Asian culture. The “T” shaped band on the statues’ waists could be traced back to 2r century BC in the carvings of male and female Yakshas in India. The well-preserved “山” shaped high crown are valuable heritages from the ancient time.

Monument of the Mission to India in Tang Dynasty

“Monument of the Mission to India in Tang Dynasty” rock inscription was called as “Awaxiaying” by Gyirong local people, which means “father Chinese characters”. The rock inscription was engraved on a precipice, about 4.5km northward away from Zongga Town, Gyirong County, with the altitude of 4,130m. The precipice measures around 1.5m in width, 4m in length, and 8m above the earth. A cliff shelf juts out from above the precipice and Langre water channel sinuates around the foot of the cliff. The rock inscription, 1m in length and 0.9m in height, is carved in intaglio with Kai style calligraphy. All characters were carved in intaglio strokes and divided by square frames. Now only 24 lines exist for around 300 characters. The title was engraved in Lizhuan calligraphy, with each character covering about 100cm2. The seven Chinese character of “Monument of the Mission to India in Tang Dynasty” were written from right to left and the text was aligned vertically.

Research shows that this rock inscription could be traced back to AD 658 (period of Emperor Gaozong of Tang) and was left by a famous explorer and diplomat, Wang Xuance, and his team when they passing through Gyirong on their diplomatic journey to old India. It is the most archaic one among all alike rock inscriptions in Tibet, even 165 years earlier than the famous Tang and Tibetan League Monument (established in AD 823), which now exists in front of the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. Gyirong’s rock inscription tells all the hardships and dangers Tang government’s envoys have experienced on their way to Tianzhu (India), and they recorded their merits on this precipice at the early age of Tang Dynasty.

The inscription roughly means: The Great Tang Dynasty was powerful and prosperous. In the succession of Emperor Taizong’s tremendous contribution of uniting the nation, in June AD 658, Emperor Gaozong strived to spread its civilization to across the world. As a result, he sent an envoy, Left Imperial Guardian Wang Xuance, together with some talented young men who were carefully selected from respectable Chinese families to conduct a diplomatic mission to Tianzhu. They spent one year, climbing snow mountains and trudging cliff roads, finally passing through western Zhangzhung to go abroad to Tianzhu. In memorial of the arduous journey and the spectacular view of the border area, they left a few lines on the rock.

After the discovery of the rock inscription, The People’s Daily published an article in September 1992 titled “Tibet discovery: Monument of the Great Tang Mission to India”, which received a sensational response from both China and Overseas academia. Some experts said, “it is a very important substantial material that can be matched with the historical documents, a treasure of Chinese inscription art.” On 25 June 2015, the rock inscription of “Monument of the Mission to India in Tang Dynasty” was listed as Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level by State Council of China.

Wang Xuance was recorded as an outstanding diplomat in Tang Dynasty. During his lifetime, he served as an envoy abroad to India for several times (some documents recorded as 3 times, some 4) under the Tang Emperor’s demand. He is a significant figure who pushed the development of transportation and cultural exchange between Tang Empire and different states of Tianzhu to a higher level and even being equally as famous as the Great Master Xuanzang. Wang Xuance was born in Luoyang, Henan Province. From Zhenguan to Longsuo period of Tang Dynasty, he was assigned diplomatic missions to the Western Regions for several times. Considering the transportation condition at that time, it must be a challenging journey.

In AD 657, Wang Xuance went to India on a diplomatic mission for the third time. Fayuan Zhulin volume 16 recorded as: “In the second year of Xianqing period of Tang Dynasty, Wang Xuance and some other people was sent to deliver Buddha kasaya to the Western region countries under the Tang Emperor’s demand.” At this time, their major goal was to conduct a series of Buddhist activities. He visited the sacred Mahabodhi Temple again and met with the abbot Jielong. Fayuan Zhulin volume 39 recorded as: “On 27 September, the fifth year of Xianqing period of Tang Dynasty (AD 660), Wang Xuance came. The abbot Jielong of Mahabodhi Temple gave a banquet to Wang and other envoys from Tang. Till 1 October, the abbot and monks set a farewell banquet for all envoys.” Until the next year’s spring, they returned Chang’an.

On his way the third time to India via Tibet, Wang Xuance passed though now Gyirong County and left a valuable rock inscription “Monument of the Mission to India in Tang Dynasty” for future generations, which is a precious substantial material for the research of the history of transportation between China and India in Tang Dynasty. Even until now, scholars still not yet reach consensus about whether it is three or four times that Wang Xuance has been to India and the exact engraving time of the rock inscription. But it is unquestionable that Wang Xuance went to India on diplomatic missions for several times; he passed through Gyirong and left the world-famous rock inscription on Marra Mountains, 5km northward away from Zongga Town. These are all undeniable facts.

The Ruins of Gongtang Kingdom

The 11th century AD witnessed a division of Tibetan Kingdom. The descendants of Songtsen Gampo fled to Gyirong and then founded Gongtang Kingdom, whose Ruins are now in the southwest of Gyirong County. Back to that time, militaries of Tibetan Kingdom all separate to establish their own power and conflicts happened from time to time. People all lived in an abyss of misery due to fierce tribal hostilities. Gongtang Kingdom, foot on a border area, had to fight with forces of Tibet, at the same time; it must fend off the invasion of Nepal and India. The palace of Gongtang Dynasty, at the cost of three centuries building, is not so much a palace than the system of military defense. The Kingdom finally extended to a 23rd generation and ruled Gyirong for more than 600 years.

Among all the existing walls and turrets, the Chimaiqudan Tower, at the eastern corner of Gyirong County, is a relatively complete ruins. Chimaiqudan means “eliminate calamity and exempt disaster”.

The city walls were built by man hands. The peripheries of the foot of walls are based on the local natural stones, and the middle is filled with soil to form a base for about 1m high. Then the walls were built in layers with local loess mixed up with gravel. The thickness of each layer was up to 40-60cm, and that of the walls was over 2m, with some parts placed with planks. This building technique was popular from the countries of Central Asia to Central Plains of Tang Dynasty. Once the sticky soil, exposed to the strong sunlight on the plateau, drying and forming, it could be as hard as the cement of our age. Even one hit the walls with hard metal tools; there will just leave a few white dots. The walls all had loopholes to shoot and scout. The loopholes are shaped as wider in the inner part and become narrower to the outside, and of various types: trapezoid or square. Moreover, the embrasures between the floors were meticulously constructed and interlaced distributed, so that soldiers were able to form a tense firepower and defensive shields without a weakness place. The turrets spread as the shape of “日”. The doorway is wide enough for only one person to pass at a time. Standing high at the city gate, one could have a further view for 5km in every direction to control the whole city. If there was alert, the guards could give an alarm to the inner city, as well as organize an effective defense network, depends on enemies’ condition.

Gongtang Kingdom Palace Ruins now has four existing parts. The four corners have turrets; the middle segments are built with forts. Besides, there is an old temple named Dolma Lhakhang in the city. The incomplete barbican and the time-honored watchtower now are witnesses of history.

Pelkutso Lake in Tibet

From Tingri County, whether one is going southwest to Gyirong County or northwest to Mt.Kailash in Ali region, a piece of a tranquil blue lake will always be in sight for a long while, sometimes on the left or right, sometimes in the front. The lake is Pelkutso Lake (Lake Paiku). Located at the intersection of Gyirong County and Nyalam County, Pelkutso Lake is the largest lake in Chomolungma Nature Reserve. It is more than 300 km, sits at 4,590 m (15,070 ft.) above the sea level, and its watershed area is 2820 km2.

The north part of Pelkutso Lake is filled with saltwater while the south part is mainly freshwater, which is drinkable. The reason is that in the south, many streams fed by glaciers cascade into the lake. Pelkutso Lake is located in the ancient plateau in the South-Tibetan valley, which remains intact from other water systems. The fresh and clear water gives the lake a crystal blue color. On the shore, expanding meadows stretch all the way to the towering snow mountains afar. The lake is home to large groups of water birds, wild horses, kiangs, Tibetan antelopes, cranes and yellow and grey widgeons, all of which make the lake quite a scenic spot. In good weathers, the clear water could even show the reflection of Mt.Shishapangma, the only snow mountain more than 8000m high that is completely within Chinese territory.

Lying in the cradle formed by surrounding mountains, the pure blue Pelkutso Lake is sometimes as intoxicating as a dream. The tranquility of the lake is barely disturbed by ripples. With the azure sky mirrored by the water, the passing clouds sometimes look like flocks of sheep. The reflection of the sky beautifully overlaps with the reflection of the river, so much so that sometimes one cannot tell them apart. Although the lake is not as famous as Namtso or Lake Manasarovar, the magnificent Mt.Shishapangma nearby makes the gourd-shaped, auspicious lake the favorite spot for many.

Standing on the road beside Pelkutso Lake, one could see the towering Mt. Shishapangma shines the silver lights under the sun. Compared with many other highland lakes in Tibet, Pelkutso Lake looks indeed like a sapphire falling from heaven. Sitting on the open plateau, her tranquil blue and unworldly beauty are highlighted by the surroundings. Besides the magnificent Mt.Shishapangma, it looks rather like a drop of tear in the breast of the Himalayas, a tear of a lover. The lake is free of hustling, ostentatious prettiness. Besides sparse travelers and cars, the lake is accompanied by rare animals like kiangs, and black-neck cranes.

Tibet has a diverse geography. The northern areas are covered in high altitude grasslands home to yaks and nomadic herders. The eastern region is rugged with deep river valleys giving way to huge, snow-capped peaks. The western area is the most remote and is largely uninhabited, while the southern region is the most developed and most densely populated. The southern region has Tibet’s most famous and holiest temples and monasteries as well as the famous Himalayan mountain range.

Tibetan people are broken up into 3 main categories. The first are the nomads. Tibetan nomads live on the remote, high altitude grasslands of the north. The living conditions here are harsh with winter temperatures often dropping below -25C. Though remote, the nomadic areas are the best regions to travel to if you are interested in traditional Tibetan culture. The second main category that Tibetans fall in is the farmers. Tibetan farmers grow mainly high altitude barley, potatoes and wheat. Though they live lower than the nomads, they still live between 3000 meters and 4000 meters above sea level. The last category of Tibetans is those living in cities and towns. These Tibetans own businesses such as restaurants, guesthouses and small shops.

Tibet has some of the world’s most amazing scenery and has some of the most friendly people. We at Natraj Trekking would like to welcome you for exploring a trip to Tibet- the Roof of the World through us.

Tibet Travel information

About Tibet: – Its people, religion, culture & landscape

Tibet, known as ‘the Roof of the World’, is a jewel in the Himalayas and a place filled with hope and secrets. Its wild and overwhelming landscape will cause you to be weak in the knees. The big smile of Tibetan people will warm your heart, while their strong spiritual faith will touch your soul; the splendid and mysterious Tibetan culture will astound you. Come to Tibet to explore its charm in person!

When to Visit Tibet?

Tibet Weather and Climate

The topography, geographical location and high altitude create special climate of Tibet. In general, Tibet climate is a little harsh, with thin air, intense ultraviolet radiation, and distinct rainy season and dry season. But the climate is not as harsh as many people imagine it to be.

It is quite different from southeast to northwest and temperatures vary a lot within a day. Summer in Tibet is cool while winter is not very cold owing to the intense sunlight.

Most annual rainfall comes in the rainy season, staring from June to September, when the precipitation covers 90% of the whole year. Usually it rains at night in Lhasa, Shigatse, and Chamdo areas.

Tibet Visa & Permit

More about Tibet Visa & Permit
Why a permit needed for foreigners? Considering the special ethnic traditions, the cultural relics, the environmental protection and the transportation capacity of Tibet, when non-Chinese citizens, including foreign tourists, Taiwan tourists and overseas Chinese travel to China, you need not only a Chinese Visa but also Tibet permit.

Tibet Permits & Visa Categories

Please be noted that Chinese Visa and Tibet Permit are two things totally different. There are overall four documents required if you want to travel freely in Tibet.

Chinese Visa – you can apply for in Chinese Embassy in your country.
TTB (Tibet Entry Permit) – It is issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau and is a must for foreign tourists entering Tibet
PSB (Alien’s Travel Permit) – It is required when you are planning to travel to the closed areas in Tibet, which you can obtain it after you arrive in Tibet;
Military Permit – you have to obtain if you are planning to travel to some military sensitive areas.

Travel to Tibet from Nepal

If you enter Tibet from Kathmandu, Nepal, you are required to obtain a Chinese visa in the consulate of P.R China in Kathmandu; the opening time for the Consulate of P.R China in Kathmandu is only available between 9:30 A.M and 11:00 A.M on each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Please note this visa application is compulsory despite you have already had a Chinese visa in your country or not since this is regulated by the border treaty signed between Nepal and China.

The Chinese visa you get in Kathmandu is a “group visa”. A “group visa” is not entered in travelers’ passports but is a separate sheet of paper issued in duplicate by the Chinese consulate in Katmandu, listing all members of the group. It usually allows a stay of 15 or 20 days. Obtaining a group visa requires at least two clear days in Katmandu.

Tips When Planning Your Trip to Tibet

It is not a good idea to mention that you plan to travel to Tibet on your Chinese visa application.
Do not plan to travel to Tibet in late February, through the month of March or the first week in April. This is a sensitive time when the Chinese government has closed access for the past 5 years.
Always discuss with the travel agency their cancellation policy should entrance to Tibet be restricted after you have made plans or paid deposits.

Even though you are required to hire a guide, you do not need to spend 24/7 with the guide. You can negotiate some free time for wandering or shopping but if you wander off to someplace that you aren’t supposed to go, your guide and the travel agency may get in trouble.

If you have a special interest, there is probably a company and a guide who can fulfill provide the services you want.

Important issues about Tibet Travel Permits

(1.)You have to tell us your real occupation because journalists and people involving in political matters (such as diplomats and government officials) require more complicated procedures to be issued a permit.
(2.)All kinds of people can get Tibet permit through a travel agency except diplomats, journalists, and government officials who need to contact the Foreign Affairs Office of Tibet Government to arrange a permit.
(3.)It’s advisable to apply for your travel permits at least 10 days prior to your entry date.
(4.)After you have got a TTB Permit, your travel agency can buy the air/train tickets for you. And only with the permit in hand can you pass the airport check-in counter.
(5.)Beware that no travel agency can provide “permit-only” service according to the Tibet Government and Tibet Tourism Bureau. A MUST service includes vehicle and tour guide. So if you don’t book any tour from us, we cannot help you get any Tibet permits.
(6.)It will cost us 3-5 working days to get the travel permits if you could supply the full necessary documents in time.
(7.)We never SELL a permit. We only help you obtain a permit from local authorities.
(8.)Only the tour guide could hold the TTB Permit after you establish yourself on Tibet land. You may not carry it by yourself or travel with it to anywhere in Tibet. PSB Permit is required for travel outside of Lhasa.

High Altitude Sickness in Tibet

What is High Altitude Sickness?

High altitude sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), or altitude illness, is a pathological condition at high altitude which is caused by the combination of reduced air pressure and lack of oxygen.

An altitude above 8,000 ft is usually defined as high altitude, and most places in Tibet are higher than this level. Therefore, AMS is one of the biggest challenges when travelling in Tibet.

Most people will experience AMS during the acclimatization process. Adverse reactions may vary from person to person. In most cases, the symptoms are mild and will subside in several hours to several days as the body acclimatizes.

Mild Symptoms of AMS include:

-Headache
-Shortness of breath with exertion
-Rapid pulse (heart rate)
-Nausea or vomiting
-Fatigue
-Loss of appetite
-Poor sleeping
-Dizziness or light-headedness

In some, adverse reactions may process to severe altitude sickness, even life-threatening one, such as high altitude pulmonary edema and high altitude cerebral edema. Therefore, tell your tour guide if you are feeling bad and don’t hesitate to go to hospital is your symptoms become worse and worse!

How to Avoid High Altitude Sickness?

Before you go:

Get as fit and healthy as possible, both physically and psychologically. Don’t be too nervous.
A medical examination is necessary if you’ve never been to plateaus.
Avoid catching cold or respiratory problems before entering Tibet.
Prepare AMS medication with your doctor’s advice.
Other things you need to pack for Tibet travel

After your arrival:
(A.) Avoid brisk walking or running immediately after your arrival, especially if you arrive by air.
(B.) Avoid strenuous activity or move higher during your first 24 hours in Tibet. But light activity during the daytime is better than sleeping because respiration decreases during sleeping, exacerbating the symptoms.
(C.) Don’t take shower at the first day! Avoid catching cold!
(D.) Drink plenty of fluids (3 to 4 liters daily).
(E.) Eat high-carbohydrate food.
(F.) Avoid tobacco, alcohol or depressant drugs, including barbiturates, tranquilizers, or sleeping pills.
(G.) Better not to take oxygen if your AMS symptoms are mild. It helps you acclimatize faster. If your symptoms become worse and worse, please take oxygen and go to hospital.
(H.) Take it easy and move to higher altitude gradually. Breathe deeply and take more rest than usual.
(I.) Stop moving higher if you begin feeling ill. If symptoms increase, move to lower altitude!
(J.) It’s advisable to have a body check-up or have your doctor’s advice before visiting Tibet

What to Pack – Tibet Travel Equipment

You are advised to consider the following equipments as essentials while packing for the Tibet Tours. Please use this list as a guideline. Adjustments to the list can be done according to your needs, interests, duration of your trip, season of your trip, etc

Here is a thoughtful collection of the must-have items to ensure you a safe and comfortable Tibet tour.

Bag:

v A large backpack and a smaller one. The smaller one can be used for daily activities and be put into the large backpack when necessary.

v A waist bag to put important documents and property.

Clothing:

-It’s advisable to dress in layers that can be easily added or removed as temperatures vary greatly within a day in Tibet.
-A windbreaker is advisable at any time of year.
-A pair of durable and comfortable shoes. Water-proof and warm-keeping climbing shoes are recommended.
-Waterproof clothing and raingear are highly recommended if you come to Tibet in July and August because it rains frequently during this period.
-You’d better dress in dark colored clothes as the road outside of Lhasa is very dusty and dirty.
-A down jacket (better with hat) together with other warm-keeping clothing is necessary if you want to travel into remote areas or to have a trekking tour.
-Women should avoid skirts or dresses.

Avoid Sunburn:

(a.)High SPF sunscreen cream, sun block, skin cream and lip balm to against intense sunlight and dry weather.
(b.)Sunglasses and sunhat can protect you effectively from being exposed to the scorching sunlight.

Medicine:

Medicine to prevent and lessen High Altitude Sickness
Medicine for cold, headache, stomachache, diarrhea, nausea, insect bite, etc.
Band-aids or other wound dressings.
Nasal ointment and throat lozenges if you are sensitive to chilly or freezing weather conditions.
Multivitamins
Please consult your doctor prior to your Tibet tour!
Other Equipment:

v A water bottle;
v A solar flashlight (in case of power cut);
v Oxygen canisters are easily available in Lhasa. You can buy them from hospitals, hotels, downtown markets, etc. if necessary.
v Trekking equipment (such as sleeping bag, compass and Tibet map) if you plan to have a hiking or camping tour in Tibet. Or you can buy in Lhasa.

Travel light! Heavy baggage will weaken you on the plateau. But the things mentioned above are essential since Tibet is on the roof of the world and most part of Tibet is remote area.

Do’s and Don’ts – Tibetan Etiquettes and Taboos

Tibetan people are friendly and easy to get along with. However, Tibetans have different ways of behavior in many aspects due to their unique culture and religion. Be sure to respect local their local culture and customs.

(1.) Don’t take photos without permission. You’d better ask for permission before taking pictures of Tibetan people. Most Tibetan monasteries are not allowed to take pictures or you need to pay.

(2.)Don’t enter a monastery without permission. Don’t smoke in monasteries. Don’t touch Buddha statues, religious objects or prayer flags.

(3.)Walk around monasteries, temples, dagobas, Mongolian cairns (Mani piles) and other religious structures in clockwise order with the exception of the Bon sites.

(4.) Don’t step on the threshold when entering a tent, house, or monastery.

(5.) Don’t touch the head of a Tibetan. The head is considered as a sacred part of the body.

(6.)Don’t drive away or hurt eagles. Eagles are considered holy birds in the hearts of Tibetan people.

(7.)Don’t disturb or injure cows or sheep with red, green or yellow ribbons because they are Tibetan sacrifice to worship gods.

Tibetan people are getting more used to habits of foreigners and being more tolerant due to rapidly developing tourism in Tibet. However, we still hope you can show respect to Tibetan traditions and behave well since their unique lifestyle is part of the charm of Tibet.

If you are interested in Tibetan customs and etiquettes, here we provide more as follows:

(8.)Tibetan people stretch out tongues to show respect and it is a courtesy to put their hands palm to palm in front of chest.

(9.)Remember to cross your legs when you are asked to have a seat. Don’t stretch your legs with feet pointing to others.

(10.)Accept and present gifts with both hands.

(11.)Don’t kill any animals or insects in monasteries.

(12.) Don’t whirl round prayer wheels in an anti-clockwise direction.

(13.)Don’t spit or clap your palms behind Tibetan people.

(14.)Don’t use a paper with Tibetan characters as tissue.

(15.) Generally, Tibetan people don’t eat horse, dog, donkey, or fish.

Money Exchange and Credit Cards in Tibet

Currency

Ë In Tibet, the currency is still Chinese Yuan or known as Renminbi (RMB). Notes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Yuan and 1, 2, and 5 Jiao. 1 Yuan (or Kuai) = 10 Jiao (or Mao).

Ë Foreign currency cannot be used directly.

Ë Coins are not acceptable in Tibet.

Currency Exchange

(a.)Foreign currency and traveler’s checque can be exchanged only at the Bank of China, which has one main office in Lhasa and a few sub-branches in Lhasa, Shigatse, Lhoka, and Nyingchi.
(b.) Passports must be shown to exchange currency.
(c.)Several up-market hotels in Lhasa offer currency exchange services, but only available for their guests.
(d.) To change RMB back into your home banknotes, you must keep the exchange receipt given to you at the bank or money exchange counter.
(e.)If you are traveling out of Lhasa, try to get your cash in small denominations (less than RMB 50).
(f.)Banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays in Tibet.

Credit Cards

Ë Credit cards are not recommended as a way of payment in Tibet because they are only accepted by the Bank of China and few hotels in Lhasa.

Ë Only Tibet Branch of the Bank of China in Lhasa offers credit card advances.

Ë ATM is not widely available. Most of time, you couldn’t get cash by ATM from branches of the Bank of China. You need to go to the Tibet Branch of the Bank of China (the main office in Lhasa).

Tibet Travel FAQ

Is independent tour allowed in Tibet?

Independent tour is prohibited in Tibet. You should take part in an organized group or have the local travel operator to arrange for you.

When is the best time to visit Tibet?

It is said the suitable time for traveling to Tibet is from April to October while the golden time is August and September. However, if you can bear the cold weather a winter tour is dollar-saving and you can avoid the crowds.

If I travel via Nepal to Tibet, are there any special requirements on China visa?

If you want to enter Tibet via Kathmandu, you’d better get Chinese visa from Kathmandu as no matter you’ve already got the visa in your country or not, you must get a GROUP visa in Kathmandu, which is an official agreement between China and Nepal.

Which documents is essential, when foreign travelers travel to Tibet?

For Tibet tours, foreign travelers must have not only a standard Chinese visa but also a special travel permit which must be issued either in Lhasa, Chengdu, Kunming, Beijing, Xian or Xining. That means that a standard Chinese visa is not sufficient for Tibet tour, and individual travel for foreigners is not permitted within Tibet, in some special places, travelers must even have military permit also. Chinese visa are generally obtained from most Chinese embassies and consulates.

How to obtain the Alien’s Permit?

To obtain such permits, it is necessary to make your travel arrangements through a bona fide agency, providing details of full name, sex, nationality, date of birth, occupation, and passport number. Please note that it’s also impossible to obtain flights to Tibet without the Travel permit. The permits themselves specify every destination and town that you wish to visit and can not be changed once you have arrived in Tibet, therefore be certain to detail all possible destinations in your request as well as the route you wish to follow.

How to Get in Tibet?

By air, there are several routes are available now: Beijing-Lhasa, Shanghai-Lhasa, Chengdu -Lhasa, Xi’an-Lhasa, Xining-Lhasa, Guangzhou-Lhasa, Chongqing-Lhasa, Kathmandu-Lhasa. By land, the possible routes are: Qinghai-Lhasa, Sichuan-Lhasa, Yunnan-Lhasa and Kathmandu-Lhasa. However, land transportation takes much longer time, and can be very tough, especially the Sichuan-Lhasa route.

What are some popular places in Tibet?

Lhasa, Tsedang, Gyantse, Shigatse, Tingri, Zhangmu etc. are the most popular places in Tibet, for both normal and trekking itineraries. For expedition, Mt. Everest and Mt. Kailash are the most exciting and accessible areas

What are the hotels like in Tibet?

Tourism is Tibet is in its infancy and hotel facilities and service standard may not be as you would expect from a hotel in other parts of the world. Staff will probably not speak much English. Hotels in small cities and the Everest Base camp are very basic. They will usually have a public bathroom with squat toilet.

Does the hotel room have access to internet?

Some hotel rooms, not all, in Lhasa have access to internet, so you should inquiry your travel advisor for accurate information before making decision. But some hotel has business center where you can use internet service.

Is there 24-hour hot water running?

Due to basic condition in Tibet, sometimes with the poor pressure, the water flow may small and water sometime is not hot but just warm. In remote area, the condition can be even worse.

What can I eat in Tibet?

In Lhasa, you can choose Chinese food, western food, Nepali food, Tibetan food as well as Nepalese food and Indian food. But in remote towns and areas, choice is limited.

Other than Chinese currency, what else currency is acceptable in Tibet?

USD is acceptable only in a very limited range, e.g. tips. However, for convenience, Chinese currency is the best choice. If you want to change USD to Chinese currency in Tibet, you can change in Lhasa Hotel or the Bank of China in Lhasa.

Can I draw cash from the local banks in Tibet?

Yes, but only the Bank of China in Lhasa has this function. However, the ATM there doesn’t always work properly. So we suggest you to bring some cash with you.

What should I keep in mind when I contact with the Tibetans?

Tibetan people are very kind and hospitable; you can feel free to talk with them. But there are some rulers you should go by:

ü Do not photo them without permission, please show the respect to them!

ü Do not talk about the sensitive topics like political or religious matters!

ü Do not eat dog, donkey or horse in Tibet!

What medicines should I bring for the high elevation?

Try to bring the following medicines that will be very useful during your travel: cold and flu tablets, throat lozenges, nasal decongestant, Aspirin, Multivitamins. Or you can ask your local doctor for suggestions.

What should I bring for the plateau weather?

Tibet’s high altitude and the atmosphere allow the sun’s solar radiation to strike the earth with unusual intensity. It’s very easy to get sun-burnt there. Sunscreen of high sun protection factor, quality sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are good means of protection. Calamine lotion is good for mild sun-burnt. Those with fair complexions should bring reflective sunscreen with them. Apply the sunscreen to your nose and lips as well.

What vehicle do you use in Tibet?

If the tour is mainly around Lhasa, you are suggested to use minivan as the road condition around Lhasa is pretty good, and the minivan cost less as well. If the tour is covering some places with bad road condition and long distance to reach, we are offering 4WD off road vehicles.

Yamdrok Lake  is one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. It is over 72 km (45 miles) long. The lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and is fed by numerous small streams. The lake does have an outlet stream at its far western end. Around 90km to the west of the lake lies the Tibetan town of Gyantse and Lhasa is a hundred km to the northwest. According to local mythology, Yamdrok Lake is the transformation of a goddess.

Yamdrok Lake, has a power station that was completed and dedicated in 1996 near the small village of Pai-Ti at the lake western end. This power station is the largest in Tibet.

The lake with an area of 621 square kilometers and the unknown depth is fan-shaped, spreading to the South but narrowing up to the North. The mountainous lake has a dozen of islands, the largest of which is about 3,000 square kilometer. The lake freezes up in winter. Like mountains, lakes are considered sacrosanct by the Tibetan people, the principle being that they are the dwelling places of protective deities and therefore invested with special spiritual powers.

There are shoals of fish living in Yamdrok Yumtso lake, which are commercially exploited by local population. From April to October, fish caught from this lake are sold at markets in Lhasa. Besides, the lake’s islands serve as rich pasture land to local herdmen.

Culture of Scenic Spot

It is said that devout Buddhists go around the lake’s perimeter every year, and it takes a month or so by riding a horse. This is equal to their pilgrimage to Lhasa, in so doing, at least “Buddha will bless him good luck and happiness and everything goes well in this year”.

However, Yamdrok Lake is called “sacred lake”, it is said that the main reason is that it can help people find the Incarnated lama. After the parinirvana of Dalai Lama, a finding reincarnation group which is made up of Tibet upper the sangha and the laity responsible for looking for reincarnation, first the living Buddha tells them fortune according to the divinatory symbols, then wizard befalls and points out that the large orientation of reincarnation; And then go to the Yamfrok Lake to chant sutra and throw Hada,  Wish-granting Vase, medicine material, etc. into the lake; Finally, the ceremony will see develop from the lake, instructs the more specific orientation of reincarnation. If the orientation as shown in the above three kinds of ritual is the same one that can send people looking for reincarnation according to indicated orientation.

Mongolian people worship the Yamdrok, and she is the Tibetan female Dharmapala Dorje Gegkyi Tso. Therefore, Yamdrok is not only the incarnation of drakan, it is also the living quarter for female Dharmapala, with multiple functions or divine power.

Legend

According to folklore, a fairy maiden left the heaven and became Yamdrok Lake. According to records, the Yamdrok shapes like scorpions, according to legend it were nine lakes, the Dakini Yeshe Tsogyal worried many creatures in the lake would die of dry, so she threw the 7 liang (a unit of weight =50 grams) golds in the air and on wishes, recited the mantra, and put all the small lakes in an organic whole, and it looks like the shape of handheld iron scorpion of Padmasambhava. Some place names related to the scorpion in the basin, and Yuanbuduo island in the heart of the scorpion there is a 16th century AD Nyingma small temple site, near the temple there is padma sambhava handprint. And in the southwest of lake there is Samding Temple, therefore Yamdrok was called one of the three largest holy lakes in Tibet.

Yamdrok Yumtso is known as the world’s most beautiful water. “Yam” means upper; “drok” means pasture; “yum” means jasper; “tso” means lake so Yamdrok Yumtso means “jasper lake of upper pasture”. This is the literal interpretation of Yamdrok Lake, and in the heart of the Tibetans Yamdrok Lake was seen as “scattered turquoise earrings by fairy”, because no matter which angle you are in, you can’t view the overall perspective of Yamdrok. She has three sisters, Kongmucuo Lake, Chen Co Lake and Bajiucuo Lake, the four lakes in great lake basin are like sisters linked together, it is difficult to separate, jointly formed the sacred lake that we can’t see the end of it by naked eye. Her body is winding in the mountains reached more than one hundred and thirty kilometers, and because of different moment sunlight, she will show represents extremely rich blue, like a dream.

Yamdrok Lake is picturesque scenery, and it is in an organic whole of unique natural scenic area of plateau lakes, snow-capped mountain, island, pasture, temple, hot springs, wildlife and other landscapes. There is perennial insoluble snow mountain surrounded, the highest altitude is more than 7000 meters.

Cultural Meaning

Yamdrok Lake and its surrounding area are closely associated with Padmasambhava, the Second Buddha, who brought Buddhism to Tibet in 8th century AD. The lake is home to the famous Samding Monastery which is on a peninsula jutting into the lake. This monastery is the only Tibetan monastery to be headed by a female re-incarnation. Since it is not a nunnery, its female abbot heads a community of about thirty monks and nuns. Samding Monastery is where Samding Dorje Phagmo, the most important female incarnate Lama in Tibet, stayed and presided, and stands to the south of Lake Yamdrok Yumtso.

Today, both pilgrims and tourists can be seen walking along the lake’s perimeter. One of the lake’s islands contains an old fort or castle called Pede Dzong.

Economic Significance

There are shoals of fish living in Yamdrok Lake, which are commercially exploited by local population. From April to October, fish caught from this lake are sold at markets in Lhasa. Additionally, the lake’s islands serve as rich pasture land to local herdsmen.

Transport Information

Going west of Lhasa, after the Yarlung Zangbo river bridge, along the Raya highway heading south for 170 km and passing over 5030 meters Gambara Mountain Pass, then the beautiful, like jasper Yamdrok Lake appeared in front of us.

Down from mountain pass to Yamdrok Lake takes about 30 minutes, and then can go along the lake road to see Yamdrok Lake views. And until 60 km to Langkazi county, this beautiful mirror will gradually disappear in your line of sight. Go this route, after passing about 40 kilometers from the Langkazi county people will see Ningjinkangsha Peak closely.

Or going south for 100 kilometers from Lhasa, about 2 hours, visitors can rent a car or take a bus to go. If visitors take the bus can take to the side of the Yarlung Zangbo river bridge (Qushui Bridge), and then visit Yamdrok Lake by taxi. General rent a jeep of six seats cost about 1500 to 2000 RMB a day.