The world is really a big place and must be explored. One such region on the Earth is Tibet which is tucked in between lofty mountains and follows an amazingly rich culture even amidst many disturbances. This small quaint region has a lot to offer and is often visited by foreigners who wish to learn more about its culture and experience rugged terrains at high altitude. Home to the mighty Mount Everest, Tibet has a lot more to offer than just this. There are two ways to travel in Tibet, just like in any other country. Tibet group tour, whether small or large or travelling independently. Most of the travelers are aware of the way in which they like to travel.

Almost everyone loves to travel. Most of the people do not like to get stuck on a large tour bus along with a lot of other tourists.  Tibet small group tours offer the right option to them as they allow tourists to cover more distances and attractions in a shorter span of time. Not only that people traveling in smaller groups are more comfortable and create good friendships with their fellow travelers. There are many travel agencies in Tibet that offer Tibet group joint tour to the travelers. These small groups facilitate easy traveling and you feel as if you are exploring the destination almost independently and at the same time, one doesn’t feel isolated. The small group size ranges from 10 to 20 people at the max.

Tibet small group tours help in striking the perfect balance between ‘your time’ and the planned activities. You can be at ease even when you travel with your fellow travelers. Although the itinerary is fixed, you will still find enough time to explore the destinations at your own place. There is always a scope to add some more fun and relaxation.

Tibet is a safe place where the crime rate is less. However, petty as well as violent crimes do occur at times, majority of them are related to pick-pocketing or bag snatching and the tourists are the soft targets. Taking precautions not to become a victim of such an offense must be taken.  Small group tour in Tibet presents this opportunity to the ones who are a part of the group. While each one is enjoying in their own way, they also keep a watch on their fellow tourists. Another way to be safe from these crimes is to avoid walking alone in unfamiliar streets and too late at night. Local guides assist all those who travel in group tours during the duration of your tour. It would be wise to take their assistance when you wander around in the evenings as they can help in bargaining while you shop.

Next, do not roam around with your smartphone in your hand. They can easily be snatched. Another crime that is on the increase is ATM crime. The government has installed a number of ATMs for facilitating foreign tourists. Some outdated ATM machines are still used here to dispense cash. If you really need to use the ATM, use the ones that are installed in more secure areas such as shopping centres or the banks’ lobbies. When you are a part of Tibet small group tours, such offenses can be minimized as there will be few people around you who can be more vigilant.

People traveling in small groups in Tibet also get the privilege of being taken care of when they fall sick. If, by chance, you do not have the required medicine for your stomach issues; the chances are that it may be available in your fellow traveler’s medical kit. While independent tours may offer more independence and flexibility, group tours or Tibet group joint tour are cheaper and are a great way to meet people from across the continent. Travel agencies in Tibet organize such group tours wherein you can join a pre-arranged group or form a group yourself. So, whatever your choice of travel, whatever your budget, you can choose from the various viable options provided by the various tour operators in Tibet and have a fulfilling experience.

If you are in a mood to set out for a heavenly tour to discover nature at its best, then Tibet retreat tour will be the best choice for you. The trips which are designed for exploring Tibet primarily focus on the monasteries and the natural beauty of Central Tibet. Besides being a vast magical landscape, Tibet will offer incredible reasons to witness the wealth of monuments. Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet is surrounded by snow-covered peaks rising to an altitude of 7,000 m. It houses Lake Nam Tso which is known to be the second largest lake of Tibet and offers magnificent views right at the Roof of the World.

For tourists, the ideal way to get a glimpse of this ancient land, and understand the culture of this enlightened civilization of Asia, is by knowing its faith: Tibetan Buddhism. The ideal way to know the culture and traditions of Tibet is by visiting the top monasteries, Tibet meditation retreats spreading across this magic land.

1.    Jokhang Temple:Being the house of Lord Buddha, Jokhang retained its position as one of the holiest destinations for Tibetan pilgrims; and a spiritual center located in Lhasa. It houses one incarnation which depicts Sakyamuni aged 12 years old. The architecture of this Monastery represents a perfect blend of Tibetan, Indian, Han Chinese, and Nepalese. Jokhang temple represents various sects of Tibetan Buddhism.

2. Ganden Monastery: Although this place is having a painful history, it still stands as the epitome of unfailing devotion towards spirituality. Once upon a time, this university monastery got destroyed, but it was afterward partially rebuilt. Presently, it is a place worth visiting. This monastery is honored as one of the “holy monastery” of Gelugpa. Gelugpa is a prime sect of Tibet Buddhism.

3. Drepung Monastery: Drepung Monastery used to be the largest monastery of Tibet. Its the home of Dalai Lama and also for 10,000 monks. It is now the major universities for the Buddhist monks, and visiting here will give you the chance to see a large number of activities. This Monastery is a must to include in any Buddhist pilgrimage tour. You can witness the 26-meter gold Maitreya Buddha. This Monastery is housing some 10,000 columns of sutras and tantras, large statues and palatial murals that depict various gods.

4. Galden Jampaling Monastery: This Monastery is located in Changdu Town, and known to greet Qinghai and Yunnan. This Monastery is no less than a gem located along Hengduan Mountain as well as the Three Parallel Rivers area. In honor of Qiangba Buddha, it was constructed 1444. Some hundreds of Buddha statues, tangka, and frescoes are there in the prayer halls. Tibetan New Year is an important festival during which tourists can witness Buddha Dance with a bizarre mask and, dramatic step setting a spiritual mood in the environment.

5. Sera Monastery: It is among the “Three Great Monasteries” of Lhasa. This monastery played an important role in the development of Tibetan Buddhism. The featured Debating Buddhism is organized here. It is a parent monastery for various hermitages as well as nunneries. Close to 3000 monks reside here and lead a simple life.

6. Tashilhunpo Monastery: It’s one of the six Gelug monasteries of Tibet and acts as the seat of successive Panchen Lamas. It was established by First Dalai Lama in the year 1447 and is a prime monastery for the Tibetan history as well as culture. It houses the giant Future Buddha Statue, valuable Buddha Stupas, and several manuscripts of Buddhist texts as well as numerous murals.
7. Palcho Monastery: Palcho Monastery, earlier popular as Pelkor Chode Monastery is among those monasteries of Tibet which under one roof represents 3 out of 4 schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It was constructed to continue the Yarlung Dynasty, after the assassination of King Langdarma. Earlier the monastery was shaped as a Sakya monastery, while parts of the major monastery were constructed by the local nobles. It houses Gyantse Kumbum, which is a 9-tiered stupa.

During your religious visit to Tibet, you can also explore or include many more monasteries in the itinerary like Tashilhunpo Monastery, Rongbuk Monastery, Sakya Monastery, Changzhou Monastery, Gama Monastery, and several others. Get in touch with the experts of Shambhala Adventure to plan your magical trip to Tibet.

Tibet is the highest region on the planet and Mt Everest, the earth’s highest mountain is located in Tibet. Religion is very important to all the Tibetans and it has a very strong effect on all the aspects of their lives. There is nothing that can make your visit to any country more memorable than experiencing its culture to the deepest. The same holds true for Tibet, wonderful small land of culturally rich people. If you are planning a tour to Tibet, check with your travel agent if he offers a family stay tour in Tibet. You can get a wonderful personal experience of the culture of Tibet and the daily life when you stay with a Tibetan host family. These Tibetan home-stays are simply incomparable and they are adventurous apart from being safe.

Tibet family tours are offered by the travel agents who make the arrangements in either nomadic tents or in local houses as per your preferences. Most of these families are well-known to the local travel agents and have been offering their houses for homestays. Many times, the homestays are combined with guesthouses and hotels. You may even have the option of camping under the stars. A stay with the family of nomads will offer you are completely different experience, such as milking the dri (female yak) and making cheese. If you wish to stay with rural farmers or nomads, you will get a chance to experience a very basic, simple, and rustic lodging. No matter what you select, these homestays offer an array of memorable adventures of one and all.

This small quaint region has its own do’s and don’ts for the foreigners who opt for a Tibet family stay tour apart from the regular tour. One of the main objectives for a family stay tour in Tibet is that you can experience the centuries-old culture and daily life of the local Tibetans. Despite the fact they are experiencing a lot of hardships in their life, they are very particular about their rituals in the daily life. You can be a part of the same when you have the opportunity to spend a few days at their home.

The people in Tibet are very peaceful and religious. They respect one-another a lot. It would be a good option to try and follow Tibetan culture when you stay with a local family there. Since they are very sensitive about their beliefs and religions, any topics like Tibetan religion and politics are best avoided during your Tibet family stay.

Tibetans expect the tourists to be civilized and do not like to addressed directly by their name. They prefer using suffix like- “Ajog”, “La” and “Agyi”. Tibetans believe that Gods reside in the head and thus, get offended if someone touches them in their head. They do not like foreigners to take their photos without their permission. Since they are unique and beautiful, you may like to be photographed with them, but do not do so without their permission. They enjoy their privacy. Tibetan people don’t eat Horse, Donkey, Fish, Dog and Birds hence, do not eat them while you are on your Tibet family stay tour. Since the Tibetan people are very courteous, they might like to offer you a gift. Make sure that you do not receive the gift with one hand. He may think that you are ignorant, rude, and impolite.

Living with the locals will also provide you with a conducive environment to master the Tibetan language which has its letters from the ancient Buddhist scriptures. Many local families also offer to take you on a local Tibet tour around their area of residence, which can also be very fruitful. You can discover more about the current situation and Tibetan culture by attending the lectures given by the experienced and esteemed members of the Tibetan community.

However, do not forget that you may get much lesser facilities than what you are used when you opt for a family stay tour in Tibet. If you are willing to sacrifice and open to learning what this wonderful opportunity offers, then you will definitely take back amazing lifetime memories in your heart. Endure lifetime friendships with ever-smiling heart-warming Tibetan families.

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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.

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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, 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!

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!

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!

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!