Explore Tibet And Experience The Grandeur And Beauty Of The World’s Highest Plateau.

Posted by Rhiannon Morely
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Dec 7, 2012
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Nepal Tibet Tour is one the most fascinating countries to visit in terms of religious pilgrimage centres, challenging mountaineering treks, wildlife and natural scenic spots and adventure sports.

Lumbini, said to be the birth place of Buddha is located here; Pashupatinath temple, the largest one in the world dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracts thousands of pilgrims, and the geographically challenging terrain conducive to adventure sports.


Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. The Kathmandu Valley is an important tourist destination. Within an area of 30km, there are seven UNESCO declared world heritage sites, including the famous Lumbini, the birth place of Gautam Buddha. Kathmandu Valley highlights include the Buddhist Swayambhunath Pagoda and the colossal Bodhnath. We also visit Patan Durbar square, which is brimming with temples and unique architecture.

Kathmandu to Lhasa is a scenic flight to the Roof of the world, which is what Tibet is referred to as. Travel to Tibet requires some amount of planning and preparation depending on which area you plan to explore and through what means. It is necessary to have all the necessary papers and documentation in place to enter and exit the land.

Travel and tourism in Tibet is strictly controlled by the Chinese government. All foreign visitors to Tibet need to have one or more permits. The basic one is the Tibet Tourism Bureau issued by the Chinese officials. It is imperative to carry permits as one is likely to be stopped and physically checked at any time during the travel.

There are several amazing tourist destinations in Tibet. They include the impressive Potala Palace, the traditional home of successive Dalai Lamas, in Lhasa. The 'Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama is located about 1km south of the Potala Palace. The Jokhang Temple in Lhasa which was built in 647 AD by Songtsen Gampo and is considered one of the holiest sites in Tibet. The Barkhor Street again in Lhasa has a street of traditional Tibetan buildings that encompasses the Jokhang Temple. Some of the beautiful ancient monastries include Samye Monastery constructed in 779AD. It was the first Buddhist Monastery to be established in Tibet and is located near Dranang, 150 km south-east of Lhasa. There are two branches of Lamas, the Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas. The traditional seat of Panchen Lamas is the Tashilhunpo Monastery, constructed in 1447, located in Xigatse. Your trip cannot be complete without visiting one of the world’s highest monastery The Rongbuk Monastery, from where the view of the Mt. Everest is awe inspiring.

The traditional Tibetan diet is largely limited to barley, meat (mutton or yak) and dairy products, with very few spices or vegetables. Even good Tibetan food is very monotonous with most Tibetan restaurants serving nothing other than thukpa (noodle soup) and tea. Tea houses are an important social venue in Tibet, and offer a chance to sit down and relax. Tibetan butter tea (pöcha) is a must try, though it may not be a pleasant experience as it is a salty mixture of black tea and Tibetan butter. A must are the small Tibetan restaurants who serve authentic Tibetan food.

It is important to keep in mind that while travelling anywhere in Tibet, one must always be prepared for the transport to depart late or break down. Carry a snack on short trips and enough food for a few days or a week or more for longer journeys.

Tibetan people in general are wonderful and friendly innocent people who always have a warm smile and a ready hospitable nature. Some speak a bit of English and are happy to have a chat with you. For an authentic, fulfilling visit to Nepal and Tibet, you must ideally have a native guide. This is because many of the guides may be relocated from other areas and don't have a real understanding of the people or culture of Nepal and Tibet that make these countries so amazing.  A true native guide would be able to impart an understanding of the land, its people and also infuse a great deal of respect towards the traditions and culture of these amazing lands.

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