One of the world’s far and away enthralling and mysterious tour destinations, Tibet is the upmost location for campers, trekkers, adventures and those interested in Buddhism. Positioned in the dominant part of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, China’s southwest frontier, and covering a location of 463,320 square miles, at an average of elevation of 13,123 feet above seat level, Tibet is known as the Roof of the World for good reason. Isolated from the Indian subcontinent by the Great Himalayan, this mythical realm is residency to several of the world’s highest summits, with over 50 peaks that are more than 22,996 feet above sea level.

Though Tibetan past can be traced back thousands of years, the written history dates back to the 7th century when King Songtsan Gampo, who united Tibet, sent his minister Sambhota to India to study Sanskrit. On his return, Sambhota invented the present Tibetan script based on Sanskrit. The majority of Tibet’s population is native Tibetan, with good numbers of ethically related minorities and smaller numbers of ethic Chinese, Mongol and Kazakh. A farming culture complex, peasants total up 90 percent of the population. Mahayana Buddhism is the dominate faith of Tibet, though Bon is still practiced. The Buddhist faith is deeply rooted and encompasses all aspects of activity in Tibet and to its people.

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Major Attractions in Tibet – What to See

Lhasa: town of the deity in Tibetan, and capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, is set along the northern bank of the Kyi-chu River, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangpo River (itself a headwater of the great Brahmaputra). Sitting 12,139 feet above sea level, Lhasa is rich in culture and history, a panorama of Buddhist architecture and lofty vistas. It is also known as the “Solar City” because it enjoys sunshine longer than .

Potala Palace

Named after the sacred mountain abode of the bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokiteshvara, Potala is a treasury of traditional tibetan culture, the typical example of wisdom, authority and devotion of the Tibetan people. Globally, it is perceived as the symbol synonymous with Tibet. Inclusive a field of 101 acres and set above Lhasa, the 361-foot high complex with its two palaces – the Red and the White Palace – and its resplendent golden roofs fills the city’s skyline.

A sensational aesthetic complex, construction began atop Mount Marpori in the 7th century during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo. Little remains of Gampo’s original palace, for much of today’s Potala was built as massive reconstruction under the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th Century. The original foundations were preserved, then supplementary development took place in the 18th Century, and further renovations and restorations have occurred in this past century.

Witness to the lives of the Dalai Lamas, the Potala has been the epicenter of Tibet’s major political and religious affairs for the past many centuries.

Zhigatse

Once Tibet’s capital – 440 years ago – and now its second largest city, Zhigatse is at a slightly higher elevation than Lhasa, 12,467 feet above sea level.

There is much to see here, especially the Tashihunpo Monastery and the Kunbum – the Stupa of 100,000 Deities – in nearby Gyantse.

The Tashlihunpo Monastery

Seat of the Panchen Lamas and among Tibet’s six largest Gelukpa monasteries, Tashilhunpo is built atop a sacred sky-burial site, southwest of Zhigatse. Inclusive a territory of about 74 acres, it gives the appearance of a monastic metropolis. Painted red and white, its building stand close together in terraced rows, offing one a grand and majestic view. Tashilhunpo is also home to the world’s largest gilded copper image, a 26-meter tall Maitreya. Exuding an aura of benevolence, it is composed of 6,700 teals of gold

And 150 metric tons of copper, encrusted with ornaments and precious stones, and surrounded by murals depicting 1,000 Maitreyas drawn in gold on red backgrounds.

Mt. Everest

Fabled Mt. Everest, at 09,029.3 feet above sea level, is the world’s best known peak. This lofty silver giant echoes the exploits of adventurers who have confront withd its height, while allureing thousands of adventurers and journeyers each year.

Mt. Kailash

Set in Far-west Tibet, Mt. Kailash is considered to be the heart of the world, the world axis and the center of Asia by Buddhists, Hindu, Jains and other religions. Buddha himself was said to have flown to Mt. Kailash, the watershed of South Asia, with 500 saints. From Mt. Kailash’s slopes four great rivers flow in the four cardinal directions: the Indus north, the Brahmaputra east, the Karnali into the Ganges south, the Sutlej west. Given such geographic importance, Kailash is believed to be imbued with cosmic geomantic power. It is also one of the epic journeys of travel.

The Yarlung Tsangpo River

A headwater of the Brahmaputra, known initially as the Tachak Tsangpo, the Yarlung Tsangpo flow east, twisting and turning like a silver dragon, for some 1,127 km. After it is forcibly channeled south through the imposing Mt. Namchak Barwa and Mt. Gyala Pelri, it enters India, in the Arunachal Pradesh Province, where it is known as the Dihang.

Yamdrok Yutso Lake

Set at an altitude of 13,123 feet above sea level, Yamdrok Yutso covers an area of 638 sq. Km. A sacred lake, it is revered as Tibet’s talisman. It has nine islands – one of which there is a monastery and a Padmasambhava stone footprint – and offers lovely scenery: snow-capped mountains, pastureland, hot springs, and mountain animals and plants.

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Tibet delights visitors with its attractive and spectacular landscape, unique folklore, colorful festivals, and brilliant culture. It is a realm where mystical and inconceivable delights await one in every nook and cranny. You will be fascinated by the awe-inspiring gorgeousness of its mountains and peaks covered with silvery snow glistening in the sun; its grasslands, rolling highland pastures, and pristine lakes and rivers. You will find unique cultural traditions unlike many others in the world, and meet people that are harmonious with their environment, warmhearted, robust and friendly – inviting you into their homes for food, drink and cheer. Tibet is unambiguously an empire of joy.

Now we invite you to join our Tibet tour to go to the roof of the world.

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