Travel Blog

Travel Blog

How Can You Make Your Tibet Motorcycle Tour Memorable?

featured image

The adventurous people lead the most fulfilling life. One of the greatest experiences for such people is to explore the whole world on two-wheels, i.e., the motorcycle. And when it comes to a trip across the lands of Tibetan plateau, no right minded biker would ever give it a pass. What could be more exciting than riding your own motorcycle in Tibet? Crossing the high altitude passes and vast arid plains of Tibet on your motorcycle is one of the most adventurous things that one can ever experience.

A tour taken in a car is a normal experience, but cycling is another. However, traveling on the open Tibet roads on a motorbike is a perfect combination of the two and could be the most interesting adventure of your life. The Tibet motorcycle tour can be one of your ultimate riding experiences as in this tour, you would ride free on the open road with lush wind in your face across the roof of the world. However, to make it memorable, there are certain tips that must be followed. Some of them are listed below-

  1. Travel documents required for Tibet motorbike tour

If you plan to enter Tibet from Nepal side, i.e., Kathmandu, then you need to take the Tibet Permit along with China Group Visa. You must also add at least three more days to your itinerary for a stay in Kathmandu to get the Group Visa processed. On the other hand, if you wish to enter Tibet from mainland China cities, including Shanghai, Beijing, Xining, Chengdu or Guangzhou, etc. then you need to get your Chinese Visa and then Tibet Permit. This permit is required to take a flight or train to Lhasa.

If you wish to drive your own motorbike legally in Tibet, then you must have the Chinese Driving License and the Chinese License Plates. Keep aside at least one or two days for the same. However, a more comfortable and efficient way would be to rent a motorcycle in Tibet. There are many travel agencies in the country that help in arranging the same. Many good brands of motorcycles are available to choose from ranging from Enfield to BMW.

  1. Select a Good Season for Your motorbike tour in Tibet

Tibet is a good motorbike destination all year around except for the wet monsoon season which starts from mid-July and lasts till early September. The time from mid-April to early July and September to early November is the right time to have a motorcycle tour for visiting the Himalayan Range, especially the Everest Base Camp. Enjoy the deep blue skies and crisp winds on your face.

 Find out about the precautions to undertake when planning Tibet motorcycle tour

Since Tibet is located at a high altitude, there are some unique risks to your health. Apart from these, one needs to be careful from road accidents and dog bites. Before you actually start traveling, ensure that you are fully healthy. If you have planned a long trip, make sure that your teeth are fine. Take your prescription, medical kit and spare spectacles, if you wear one. To meet any kind of contingencies, health insurance is a must. If you happen to get very sick or seriously injured, you would need to be evacuated by air in this remote location. Your health policy must cover evacuation. Additionally, carry chlorine tablets to purify the water that you drink or cook with but it is not completely effective. Alternately, you may arrange for iodine.

  1. Safeguard yourself from High Altitude Health Hazards during your Tibet motorbike tour

As Tibet is at high altitude, Acute Motion Sickness is common. Upper respiratory tract infections may also get aggravated here. Severe symptoms can strike at just about any time and the best way to prevent such conditions would be to avoid rapid ascents. Rest frequently. Frostbites are also common if you do not keep your body adequately covered.

Follow the above-mentioned tips to have a memorable Tibet motorcycle tour.

How to Choose a Reliable Tibet Local Travel Agency?

featured image

One of the most important tasks, when you are traveling abroad, is to ensure that you select a reliable local travel agency in the country which you wish to visit. If visiting Tibet is your plan this year, then apart from selecting the right travel agency, you must also prepare yourself with the necessary documents, packing list and tickets. The right Tibet local travel agency will help you save much time and hence, you also get the opportunity to prepare well for your Tibet travel.

Tibet is a travel destination in China that is still not much explored by the rest of the world. Most people travel to this small remote area to see the Mt Everest closely, to get a small peek into the unique lifestyle and to experience spirituality. To have the best experience in Tibet, spending some time to choose the best tour operator in Tibet would be the safest bet. Following are some of the tips that you can consider when you start to select the right travel agency.

Check the reviews of different Tibet travel agencies on Trip Advisor and similar sites

There are a lot of agencies online, but it is not necessary that all are reliable and legitimate. To find out if any Tibetan owned travel agency is good, you can check the consumer reviews on websites such as Trip Advisor. Be vigilant to check the latest reviews about the agency that is under consideration. You can even compare the various aspects such as accommodation quality, tour cost, and services offered by them, etc. of various agencies. Check whether the Tibetan travel agent whom you are considering offers a wide range of activities such as spiritual tours, mountain climbing, over landing, cycling, photography tours, etc. Also check if the agency offers customized tours as per your time and budget.

There are many Tibet travel agencies that offer tour packages in nearby countries including China and Nepal. This will be especially helpful to you if you wish to plan an extensive tour wherein this one agency can make all the arrangements. Most agencies have guides who are well-versed in English but you must confirm the same before you zero-in one. Also check if they have the safety measures at proper place in case of emergencies. These days, most of them are available over the email. You can easily clarify your doubts by emailing them. Checking out the reviews on different portals is just one aspect to judge the services of any Tibet travel agency. There are many other qualities of the agency that need to be taken into consideration.

Cross check the listed cost and tour service

Different tour operators in Tibet provide different types of tour packages which include different packages. It would be wise to select the one that matches your preferences. There are many agencies that may charge extra for certain services which you need to pay at the time of booking. Check these services and their respective costs thoroughly to see if they match your preferences and budget. Tibet is an expensive place and if you find any travel agencies that offer services at a low cost, then chances are that they will compromise on some attractions or comfortable accommodation. If you find an agency making unrealistic promises, it would safer not to select it.

You may come across some agencies that offer certain packages for a higher price. Just because they have higher costs involved as compared to other agencies, do not turn a blind eye. Check out their agenda, services, and the other options that they are offering as they might be worth the money that you are paying. No matter what, spend some time in research and contact multiple agencies and clarify all the doubts that you have.

Check the past of the agency as well as their staff

It is important that the team of the Tibet local travel agency is experienced, kind and has proper work ethics. The ones with more years of Tibet tour running experience must be working more efficiently than others. Initial conversations are enough to make out how efficient the travel agency is. Ensure that you are provided with all services including ticket bookings for transportation and attractions, arranging guides and cars, emergency medical services, etc.

Most importantly, a good agency must make you feel comfortable, welcomed and at home. Take your time and select the best one so that you have a wonderful trip to Tibet.

How to Prepare Yourself for a Tibet Kailash Tour?

featured image

Mount Kailash is a divine place for many individuals of different faiths- Hindus, Buddhists, Bons, and Jains. Hundreds and thousands of disciples go for trekking around this religious mountain on a yearly basis. It is a trek that has been honoured for its holy significance for countless years and numerous more to come. The difficult and demanding nature of Kailash tour does not stop the tourists or pilgrims from signing up for this trek and finishing it. Mount Kailash, with the elevation of 6,638 metres is the highest peak of the Kailash range. The first thing on your mind while planning your tour to Mount Kailash shall be choosing proper climate and time of the year for visiting.

How to prepare for Kailash Pilgrimage tour?

  1. Sleeping bags

During your Tibet Kailash Tour, a sleeping bag is a must. The bags which have the capability to stand freezing climate are highly recommended. You can either buy these bags or even rent them. Many tourists even combine two sleeping bags to stay extra warm. You can also get fleece blankets for keeping yourself warm and safe from the cold. There is the availability of good sleeping bags in Tibet as well.

  1. Clothes and shoes

The climate in Tibet change very frequently. So, it is suggested to carry your warm winter clothes even if you go there in the summer season as the nights get extremely cold. You should not resist bringing proper warm clothing for yourself since you might even trek on high altitudes. If you don’t cover up yourself properly, you are prone to frost bites which will do nothing but make you miserable throughout your Kailash trek. You must also keep good snow hiking shoes since the regular or casual shoes might not fulfil the need of proper grip for trekking in the snow. Some more important clothes to keep are waterproof jackets, gloves, woollen clothes, cotton t-shirts & pants, hiking shoes, warm scarves, hats, tennis shoes, bandanas, etc.

  1. Food and drinks

If you go to remote or secluded areas, it will be very difficult to find much variety of food. And, after a point it’ll just be vegetables and fruits. You must carry some instant food and snacks like noodles, soup, almonds, energy bars, chocolates, biscuits, etc. which may provide instant energy to a person. Also, you are highly recommended to carry at least two 1L water bottles with some energy drinks. It is very important to keep yourself hydrated while trekking in high altitude ranges. You must also take small packets of electrolyte in case you feel dehydrated at any point of the tour.

  1. Travel permits and documents

Foreigners or outsiders require a special permit to cross the borders of Tibet, which is called the Tibet Travel Permit.  The Tibet Travel Permit can only be arranged via your travel agency. Documents required to get this permit are a few identification documents along with the passport. For trekking near Mount Kailash, you require two more permits which are Military permit and Aliens’ Travel permit. While choosing up a travel agency, you must make sure that the company is verified as an officially registered Tibetan travel agency. You must carry your passport everywhere you go and also carry your photo ID & the valid details of your travel agency.

  1. Drugs and other equipment

Since its health we are talking about, there must be no risking factors. So, before you go to the tour, you must visit your doctor once and get yourself prescribed for any kind of altitude sickness because most of the tourists experience it irrespective of their age and gender. There is plenty of necessary stuff that you might need during your trip which include medicines for diarrhea, altitude sickness medicines, bandaids, cotton, sprain bandage, antiseptic cream, antibiotics, etc.

  1. Skin protection and other equipment

In high areas, the UV rays are much more harsh and strong than in lower altitudes. It is necessary to use sunblocks for shielding your skin. It is suggested to buy the sun blocks with SPF more than 30. Also, carry extra toiletries in regards with personal hygiene since you might not find them very easily during your trip. You must carry stuff like wet wipes, sunglasses, sunblock, toothbrush and paste, lip balm, mouthwash, hand sanitizer, tissue rolls, etc.

  1. Other things to take

Other things that you must keep are as follows:

  • Books/ kindle
  • Playing cards
  • Extra batteries for cameras
  • Binoculars
  • Walking or hiking sticks
  • Maps and guidebooks
  • Money / credit or debit cards

These are the most important things that you must take during your tour to Mount Kailash to make your trip a success with ease. Also, buy a suitable and comfortable backpack to carry all the necessities.

Lhasa Sightseeing: Major Attractions in Lhasa

featured image

Lhasa, the highest city of the world, lives up to its name – ‘The place of Gods’. The first sight of the Potala palace rising above the clouds just enchants the visitors to no end and keeps them there for the duration of their stay in Lhasa and Tibet.

The Lhasa sightseeing tour is what gets many visitors to first get acquainted with Tibet and its culture. The city, aptly called the ‘Religious capital’ of the province has some very impressive monuments and sights. While there are countless attractions to enjoy in Lhasa, there are some worth mentioning again and once again till you can no longer find words to describe what it emulates. Here are some prime attractions on a Lhasa sightseeing tour.

The Potala Palace

No tour of Lhasa, or rather, Tibet autonomous region is complete without a visit to the Potala palace. This simply magnificent monument was the seat of the great Dalai Lamas and the winter residence. One of the most remarkable things people narrate about the place is the first sight of the palace from far. 

Built on the top of Red Hill or Marpo Ri as it is called in Tibet, the palace is well-known and much appreciated for its sheer magnificence. The history of the palace makes it all the more interesting and awe-inspiring.

The whole palace and its splendor is the first site that the visitors enjoy and remember of Tibet even years after they have visited the palace. The view from the top of the palace is quite breathtaking, and one of its kind.

Norbulingka and its gardens

The Norbulingka and the surrounding gardens make a very pleasant and interesting sight to the visitors. Here again, the Palace was built as a summer residence for the Dalai lamas and have some extremely significant religious artefacts in the area. Acclaimed as a UNESCO world heritage site like Potala palace, people visit all-round the year to enjoy the colorful array of flowers and unique flora of the area.

The gardens and the palace itself are serenely cool and comfortable, even when the sun is beating down his rays on a summer day.

Sera and Drepung Monasteries

There are three monasteries which are the oldest, built in the 1400s by the Tibetian kings. The Sera, and Drepung both are present in the outskirts of Lhasa and the Ganden is a little far away.

The Sera and Drepung monasteries, with their whitewashed walls and mammoth pillars, can provide a sample as to how the monasteries work and operate in Tibet. If you think all monasteries are the same, then think again! Every single one of these monasteries and the things that they protect within those huge walls carries great significance to the Tibetians and splendid attraction for the tourists. The silent corridors, the chanting monks and the fragrance of essence sticks make you forget the outside world for a moment. 

The kind of environment that the monasteries provide cannot be had anywhere else in the world. If you think meditation can create wonders to your soul and inner core, a simple visit to the monastery will leave you astonished and completely peaceful with the world.

Jokhang Temple

Jokhang temple is located bang in the middle of Lhasa in the Barkhor square. As the name suggests, it is a place of religious significance to the Buddhists and an architectural wonder to those who have come to explore. Not only is the building impressive, but what it holds within its walls is as exciting as ever, especially to those who have a penchant for both mystery and history.

Apart from all these wonderful monuments and excellent sights, you have the snow peaks raising their lovely head and the lakes flowing bellow to make Lhasa a mystical city.  So, any visit to Tibet is incomplete without a Lhasa sightseeing tour. Remember this when you are making your bookings, to take back memories to last a lifetime!

Some of the Popular Monasteries That you Should Visit in Tibet

featured image

Tibet, with its panorama of beautiful snow-covered peaks and magnificent valleys, has been a point of attraction for many over the years. But what engages the attention of the tourists and keeps it there are the monasteries that are spread across the country, sometimes tucked safely in corners, and sometimes standing tall and proud on the peaks.

The monastery tour or rather the cultural tour of Tibet organized by the travel agents is aimed at giving a wholesome experience of these monasteries for the tourists.  Here are some of the most popular monasteries of Tibet, and what you can expect from them.

Sera Monastery

Located 3km miles from Lhasa in the North, the Sera monastery stands tall and beautiful, with a backdrop of the hill best known for its wild roses. The name ‘Sera’ translates to ‘wild roses’ in Tibet, and the name stuck because it is said that when the monastery was being built, the wild roses were in full bloom on the hill behind.

Sera monastery is one of the largest and oldest Buddhist colleges in Tibet and dates back to 1400s. It was built in the year 1419. Steeped well in history, the magnificent confines of this monastery holds precious relics, artifacts and many memories of millions of lives are lived and prayed here for centuries.  This is one of the must-visit monasteries on the list of every visitors who come on a trip to Tibet.

Drepung Monastery

Located about 6km from the city of Lhasa, the Drepung monastery presents a splendid view with a backdrop of Mount Gephel. The monastery is situated in its foothills. Drepung translates to ‘rice heap’ in Tibet. This monastery is considered to be the tallest one in the world and can house more than 7000 monks at a time.

Amongst one of the three great monasteries of Tibet, Drepung also was built in 1416. This was the residence of the great Dalai Lamas till the Potala Palace was built. Acclaimed as a great learning place or the ‘Nalanda’ of Tibet, this monastery gives the visitors what they seek – peace, mystery and a great deal of historical significance.

Ganden Monastery

Another magnificent crown on the beauty of Tibet is the Ganden monastery. Many tourists go on a Ganden-Samye trek to just experience the panoramic view of the enchanting countryside. The monastery of Ganden was founded in the year 1409, and therefore is the oldest among the three.

It is located about 45 km from Lhasa and is snugly preserved in within the confines of valleys and mountain peaks. It is situated on the top of the Wangbur mountain and gives its tourist a splendid view of life and beauty, both beneath and beyond. 

Samye Monastery

Samye monastery, located about 50km from the Tsedang County in Tibet. This monastery has the title of being the ‘oldest’ of monasteries built in the country. The structure is believed to be constructed in 775-779.  The site is believed to have a lot of religious significance. People come from all over the world to visit and enjoy the view from this monastery.

Although the monastery itself presents an awe-inspiring reaction on many guests, which makes it even more interesting is its location. Samye, in Tibet, translates to ‘unexpected and full of surprise’, and it truly stands to its name. The ferry ride to the monastery to the splendid view from the Mount Hero Ri and everything else between can very well match up with the enthusiasm of the travelers.

Apart from these four, there are several other monasteries, temples, and hermitages, which are designed as places of worship. Even if you are not inclined to visit them as a part of the pilgrimage, their sheer courage in standing tall through the test of times and hardships makes the visit much more interesting.

So, if you are in Tibet this holiday season, visit these monasteries to experience in firsthand what it takes to brave the force of nature to remain serene and calm, all through the year!

Key Highlights of Kathmandu to Lhasa Overland Tour

featured image

If you are someone who is fascinated by the snow-covered peaks, the glories of nature, the delights of winding roads, and the high altitude, then Tibet will welcome you with open arms! This quaint little region tucked in the confines of the Great Himalayan Range presents itself differently to every visitor who had the opportunity to come and enjoy its warmth.

Yes, we say warmth because although it can be bitingly cold, the hospitality and love of these local crowd gives a warm and glorious feeling that can very well beat the weather. Even the purpose of the visit- the tours and treks take a second place when you land here in this magical place. Since the travel agents take care of a whole lot of arrangements and everything else you require, you are left in peace to just experience the magic.

That is what the Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour provides you with – a sort of engaging, enchanting and simply beautiful encounter with everything that is there to experience. Since the trip specifies ‘Kathmandu- Lhasa’ it is an overland tour. Here, you will be witnessing the delights of Tibet, and finally, pass over the friendly border of both countries.  This is a special tour to ensure you get to see both Tibet and Nepal, which share a common border and also those snow-covered peaks showing their heads at the most unexpected occasions.

So, here is what you can expect from a Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour:

Nepal – Tibet friendly gateway

Tibet autonomous region and Nepal share a common border of about 830 kilometers at and is connected through the Sino—Nepal friendship bridge. This makes it convenient for the tour operators to arrange trips and treks along the border for people who visit Tibet from Nepal and vice versa.

The Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour starts from the city of Lhasa, the highest city of the world, secluded serenely in the Himalayan plateau. The city, with its famous attractions and the buzzing atmosphere, makes up handsomely for the sudden surge in altitude our blood experiences. 

The delightful historic city of Lhasa is well-known for its Palaces or rather the one palace people cannot resist visiting and exploring – the Potala Palace. The palace is shrouded with history and mystery, thereby making the beginning of the tour a splendid experience.

It is said that when the beginning is auspicious and good, the whole tour proceeds along in similar lines. The same happens with the Kathmandu to Lhasa overland tour. You take a long and scenic route to the borders, passing along some very captivating places such as the Karola glacier, the Yamdrok Lake, and the quaint little towns. Every place you visit has a history and a story to tell of their own. The Yamdrok lake, for instance, is considered to be one of the holy lakes of Tibet and has some interesting stories to narrate. The monasteries along the way, such as the Sakya, Palchoe and the Drepung and Sera, all come with their very own attractive presence.

The whole tour, therefore, is not just an ‘overland’ trip across the uninterrupted and well-laid highway. The trip takes you to the valleys below and climbs up the peaks to take a dip again along the passes.

There are snow-covered giants to see, the stupa and other religious factors to experience, and of course, local delicacies to be had, when you are on this exploration tour. Both Lhasa and Kathmandu have their own religious and cultural beliefs and significance. But what makes it interesting is to encounter them in person and the gradual shift from Buddhism to Hindu cultural beliefs as we go along from Lhasa to Kathmandu.

And, if those monasteries and valleys and lakes have not fascinated you enough, have a look at the spectacular view of Mount Everest at its best to satisfy your curiosity!  If this is not a historical moment or a moment of a lifetime, then nothing more can be said on this account!

How to Obtain a Permit and Visa for Visiting Tibet?

featured image

If you are planning to travel to Tibet this holiday, you would require a permit or a visa to explore this beautiful place on the top of the world. The Tibet travel permits are arranged by the tour operators with whom you have booked your treks and tours of Tibet. However, below are some details about the Tibet travel permit, China visa and what you can expect.

The entry permits of Tibet might vary depending upon where and when you are traveling, or what is your entry point. Although a part of China, the Tibet autonomous region would require a special permit called the ‘Tibet entry permit’, which needs to be obtained by the international travelers to visit Tibet.

This entry is issued by the Tibet tourism bureau for simple trips within the Tibet autonomous region, such as the Lhasa city tour, Everest Base camp tour or the cultural tour of Tibet. The tour operators can obtain these permits within 15 days or less, thereby helping you to crossover peacefully into Tibet.

However, there are certain special permits and entries which need permission from the Foreign affairs office or the Military Lhasa head office and so on. These permits, such as those given for the Mount Kailash tour or the Eastern Tibet tour come with special permissions. These are tours which require multiple permits.

The point of mention here is that the whole thing is highly organized and arranged by the local tour operators at the time of booking your trip.

So, why do you need a tour operator to travel within Tibet?

For one, they are the experts who can help you with the trip within Tibet. Unlike other countries, Tibet is unique, both with its beauty and the very extreme climatic conditions. The roads, alleyways, the rugged paths, and the plunging valleys all are fascinating and yet might require suitable guidance for safe and secure travel.

Every visitor who comes into this enchanting world of llamas and Palaces and Monks need someone for the initial (or complete) handholding. This is very impressively done by the local tour operators. They take care of your trip from beginning to end. Here is what they do:

  • When you book your trip to Tibet, you approach them for the kind of tours they organize. So, be it the Mount Everest base camp tour or the Ganden-Samye trek, or the Festival tour of Tibet, they will provide you with some very interesting options.
  • When you pick a tour from their kitty, they will take care of further things such as permits, Visas and special entry tickets to anywhere within Tibet where you will be visiting. For instance, there are Train tours of Tibet or the special treks which might need extra Tibet travel permits. All these will be arranged by the tour operators. While the whole process might take about one week to 10 days, your tour guides will ask you to keep a timeline of 20 days before travel for all the permits to come in.
  • One needs to remember that there is one more permit called the P.S.B permit that is to be made when you move out of Lhasa and enter the interior part of Tibet. All this again is the responsibility of the tour guide.
  • You can then book your plane tickets, and decide your entry point – either directly landing in Lhasa or enter from Nepal border or the China side. The travel agents will be waiting at these entry points with your permits to help your trip from then on.
  • The other things, such as the stay, food, and medical emergencies are the responsibility of your local tour guides. While they do the work, you can relax and have a fabulous holiday in this magnificent part of the world.

So, if you are planning to experience the delights of Tibet and its beauty, contact the best tour operator in place to have a fabulous holiday this season!

What Makes Ganden Samye Trek One of the Best Trekking Tours in Tibet?

featured image

When you are in a place like Tibet, there is no way you can experience its uniqueness unless you do it on foot. The Trekking tours in Tibet are aimed at providing just this kind of once – in- a- lifetime experiences to the visitors.

Each of these treks or the trekking tours is arranged according to the personal preferences of an individual. There are Everest base camp treks, Ganden Samye trek, and many such one of a kind tour that are aimed at giving you what you want from this beautiful little Kingdom on the top of the world.

The Ganden Samye trek, for instance, is one of its kind routes that the pilgrims and tourists alike, love to visit. The whole trek is organized in such a way that from day one to the last day of the tour, you will have enough time and energy to explore and enjoy the visit completely. Not only is the destination the focal point of the trip, but the whole enchanting view of the mountains and peaks, lakes and rivers, all make a mesmerizing panorama.

A Ganden Samye trek typically starts from the city of Lhasa, where the tourists are gathered together to acclimatize them with the altitude. The city of Lhasa offers countless fascinating sights, including some of the monuments which are listed as World Heritage site. The Patola palace with its grandeur, the Norbulingka and its beautiful gardens, the Jokhang temple and monasteries, all provide you with a welcome distraction when your body acclimatizes itself to the high altitude. The day flows by without letting you worry about the effects of staying in a place that is very well called the rooftop of the world.

The route from Lhasa to Ganden again has the power to just keep you enthralled and fascinated with the beauty. The view of the lake below and the clear blue sky above, dotted with snow-covered peaks just makes you wonder at the significance of life and beyond. While you ponder upon some significant facts of life, your trek will reach Ganden monastery, one of the oldest and largest of Buddhist monasteries in the country. It is about 28 miles from the capital city of Lhasa, and is located on the Wangbur Mountain.  The Ganden monastery, with Drepung and Sera is considered the three significant temples of Tibet. While you relax in the south banks of the Lhasa river, surrounded by the gardens, your tour operator will be there to see to your more basic requirements of food and stay.

The Ganden- Samye trek is arranged in such a way that while you experience the delights of what Tibet has on offer, you are also left enough time to relax and rejuvenate. After all, you have come to a place known for its meditational powers and prayers. So, instead of passing on those peaceful mountain peaks and lakes without a thought, you are left with plenty of time to experience it wholeheartedly.

When you have your fill of the Ganden monastery, you come across Drupshi village and Yamado campsite, again some of the prime attractions of Tibet. Here, you can have fun doing some shopping or just visiting the campsite for some socializing. And again, you might not have time enough to do that when you become overwhelmed with the nomad camp, the enchanting grasslands and meadows you encounter along the way.

The Samye monastery, when you finally gaze at it, relieves you of all the hardship you faced along the way to get here. This is one pilgrimage or trek that one needs to take to have an encounter with some of the glories of nature along the way.

There are more such beautiful treks and tours in Tibet which are specifically organized according to your choice. Most local tour operators do such treks everyday of the week, and have many starting points, again according to your convenience and travel plans.

Hence, if you want to go on any of the Tibet trekking tours, contact the best tour operators to have the most enchanting, exhilarating and never-before- had experience!

Everything you Need to Know About Tibetan New Year Festival

featured image

The arrival of a new year is a very special and significant occasion for the Tibetians and the visitors alike. The whole beautiful kingdom on the top of the world transforms itself into colorful congregations, with people dressed up in silks and traditional dresses. Several visitors come in for the Tibet festival tour around this time to witness an awe-inspiring sight.

If you are thinking about taking that Tibet festival tour to enjoy the festivities first hand, then here are some details about the occasion and what you can expect on your visit.

When is New Year celebrated in Tibet?

Every one of us has different ways to enjoy our new year. The Tibetians too, have a very unique and colorful way to commemorate the end of the year and the coming of new beginnings. The New Year is called ‘Losar’ in Tibet and is a very special time for the people of this country. The Tibetans follow the lunar calendar, and therefore, for them one year is twelve months. So, the first day of the first month of the year (Like January 1st) is considered New Year. Although, unlike the other cultures and countries, the festival or rather, the beginning of New Year is celebrated for 15 days, the first three days being the focus of attention.

What is special about the New Year in Tibet?

While New Year is special everywhere, it has extra significance for this kingdom located within the confines of Himalayas. The reason behind this is that for them, this time of the year is occupied to wade away the evil spirits and bring in prosperity and good health. The tradition has been followed for several centuries now and comes with Buddhists religious beliefs. Although, many historians believe that this tradition of celebrating New Year through a series of rituals was followed by Bons even before Buddhism was introduced to them.

The same is followed even today, with innumerable small and beautiful rituals following one another, for the tenure of fifteen days. And thus, the visitors coming at this time of the year will be inundated with fragrance of the incense sticks, colors on those newly erected flags and the aroma of delicious cooking all around!

Several Special Tibet festival tours are organized for people who come from all across the world to experience the magic of New Year celebrations in Tibet.

How do the Tibetians celebrate their New Year?

The celebrations or rather, the rituals begin in the last two days of the old year. This is when people gear up for the new beginning by cleaning their house, preparing special ingredients for delicious recipes and visit the monks in monasteries for delivering their peace offerings.

The New Year dawn is when the real celebrations start. Food, drink, and frolic all are done with full fervor. New and glittering flags are erected; special reunions and parties are organized, celebrating the beginning of a New Year.

The whole of the Himalayan kingdom comes alive with all this festivity, giving the visitors a perfect insight into the lives of those who live here. Unlike the other times when the tourists come to enjoy the snow-covered peaks, this time of the year is when they just come to experience the festivities that lights up the sky beyond. The snow-covered peaks somehow lose their prime attraction spot when the whole of the country comes out to celebrate the new dawn.

Is it possible to visit Tibet during New Year?

Yes, it is very much possible to visit this beautiful Himalayan kingdom to take part in their New Year celebrations. The tour operators arrange special Tibet festival tour packages for their guests. This allows them to mingle with the locals in their festivities, and enjoy many exciting and ancient customs that the Tibetians follow during their New Year.

If you are planning to be a part of these celebrations, remember to book your tour with a local tour operator, well before the New Year. This is one of the busiest of the time wherein people from every corner of the world visit the place to have an experience of a lifetime! So grab your seats and plan your trip to make it a worthwhile visit!

Explore Tibet with Lhasa Sightseeing Group Tour

featured image

Lhasa, the historical capital of Tibet, and one of the ancient cities of the world are shrouded with mystery and history. It has not only hosted a variety of different developments and wars and conflicts over the years, but it has also been an abode to some great spiritual leaders of the world.

A Tibet group tour is a must-have, therefore, when you are on a trip to Tibet. While any tour package will definitely include Lhasa visit as one of the prime attractions, an exclusive tour of the city is required to understand the very essence of the country and the people living in it. The Lhasa sightseeing tour will take you through the labyrinths and rugged streets to help you explore some of the finest sights in history.

What can you expect on such a tour to the ancient city of Lhasa? Here are some details.

Potala Palace

The Potala palace is one of the finest masterpieces in history. The Palace has stood tall and erect for many years, and have been the seat of Dalai Lamas for years. Here, in this Palace built in the 7th century holds the secret to the Tibetan culture and religious beliefs. The palace was originally built by the 33rd Tibetan King, Songtsan Gampo. The present size of nine stories was extended by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century. With 1300 hundred years of history captured within its confines, the Palace has been deemed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The Palace stands tall near the Lhasa River, on what is called the ‘Red Hill’.  The view from the top of the Palace is simply breathtaking. However, what is more fascinating are those artifacts that are present within its confines.

Jokhang Temple

Another famous and most popular attraction in Lhasa is the Jokhang temple or the Jokhang monastery. This is again a spiritual center of Tibet, with several pilgrims traveling from across the plateau to visit the temple. Jokhang temple is situated in Lhasa, in Barkhor Street and is a four-story building, again built in the 7th century, by the same king who built the Palace. The temple, which was earlier known as the ‘House of religious science’ or Tsuklakang, is now called – Jokhang, or the House of Buddha. The temple has also stood tall and survived through the anti-Buddhist movements and the test of time.

Norbulingka Palace and Garden

The summer palace of the Dalai Lamas, Norbulingka is another attraction to the visitors to the city of Lhasa. This Palace houses the biggest manmade garden in the Tibet autonomous region or the TAR.  This, like Jokhang and the Potala Palace, is a world heritage site.

Sera and Drepung Monasteries

The Sera monastery, the Drepung and the Ganden monasteries are the three monasteries within the Lhasa city. All the three are constructed in the 1400s and houses some very ancient artifacts and religious relics. The monasteries also are set in the backdrop of the mountains and therefore, hold serious attractions to the tourists coming on the Lhasa sightseeing tour.

There are several other beautiful locations, scenic roads, and bazaars like Bharkor Bazzar in Lhasa that are a must to explore on a sightseeing tour to the city. Take up the best Tibet group tours to ensure you visit all these places of interest in one of the ancient cities of the world, to have an experience of a lifetime.

sc