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General Information: Tibet – with a population
of about …. Million and an area of nearly half a million square
miles – is one of the most sparsely inhabited places anywhere
in the world. Lying mostly above 4,500 m. (15,00 ft.) it’s height
above sea level. The land can support only the most robust crops
– especially hill-barley, which is the staple food of the people.
Yak, cows, sheep and goats provide protein in the form of milk,
cheese and meat.
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People: The Tibetans are naturally likeable people and
their love of life and fellowship. They revere nature and respect
and cherish animals even when they have to kill them for food.
Their lifestyle is aimed at achieving a harmonious balance between
their daily chores and the spiritual forces, which they believe
to exist all around them. The most religious living beings on
earth…
Religion: Buddhism / Bon:
Buddhism: “Buddha”, originated from the word Buddho – the one
who has every answer – “The Enlightened Being”. Sakyamuni is a
little of respect for the man named Siddhartha Guatama who was
born a prince at Lumbini – Nepal around 500 B.C. He grew up in
luxury, shielded from contact with human misery and married young.
One night curiosity led him outside, where he saw shocking examples
of disease, old age and death. Determined to find a way to save
mankind from suffering, Siddhartha left his wife Yasodhara and
child Rahoola, renounced his prince-hood and spent long years
wandering as an ascetic. At last, fasting and meditating under
Bodhi Tree, he received enlightenment and thus became Buddha “
The Light Of Asia”.
Buddha’s insight into ultimate reality was embodied in
Four Noble Truths and an Eight fold Path. He wished to be a guide,
not an authority and early Buddhism was way of life rather than
a religion. It’s teaching encouraged people to take full responsibility
for their thoughts and actions on a path to Spiritual Growth.
Buddha’s followers formed communities of Monks and Nuns, open
to all, where they lived disciplined lives and sought wisdom,
their prime virtue. For 500 hundred years, while Buddhism spread
throughout Nepal and India, all the teaching was oral. In the
3rd century B.C. this early form of Buddhism, called Hinayana
or “The Small Vehicle”, took root permanently in Sri Lanka and
spread outwards parts into other parts of South Asia.
In India, a new form of Buddhism appeared, called Mahayana
“The Great Vehicle”, which appealed to many people. Though sharing
basic doctrines with Hinayana, it’s emphasis changed. Compassion
was it’s chief virtue and it’s ideal was the Bodhisattva, a perfected
individual who gave up heavenly bliss in order to return to earth
and help the sentient beings.
Buddha was treated now like a God. Countless “Mythical
Buddhas”, were invented to embody all of his aspects and their
images were worshiped in temples. By the first century A.D. scriptures,
called sutras, laid down doctrines and monastic rules and recorded
Buddha’s sermons as they were remembered. Mahayana Buddhism spread
to China, Central Asia, and Japan and on.
A third
type of Buddhism saw man’s harmony with the universe as the key
to salvation. Adepts to Trantrism in India tried to manipulate
external forces by magic, followers of Chan in China inner harmony
through meditation.
Buddhism died out in India around 1200 A.D. as Hinduism
revived and harsh Moslem invasions destroyed its Buddhists centers.
But their doctrines and scriptures survived in Tibet, where Buddhism
was promoted by the Kings. The faith almost vanished in the 9th
century B.C. When it arose again. Tibet’s decentralized conditions
allowed Buddhism to split into many sects. The following four
became the most important.
Ngyingmapa, the “Ancient One”, began around 750 A.D.
with Padmasambhava. It absorbed the Bon faith and produced the
“The Tibetan Book OF the Dead”.
Kargyupa, began around 1060 A.D. with the teacher Marpha
and Milarepa. Most typically Tibetan in its methods, it stressed
yoga as the way to seek enlightenment.
Sakyapa, arose around 1073 A.D. Sakya Monastery, which
later governed Tibet. It was worldly and practical in outlook,
less concerned with metaphysics.
Gelugpa, the “Virtues Ones”, or Yellow Hats, began with
Tsong Khapa in 1407. It absorbed and carried on Atisha’s (Indian
Saint) tradition. It dominated Tibet after the 17th century, leaving
other sects to play minor role.
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Bon:
A Shamanistic cult that was originated and was in practiced in
the far western Tibet before the birth of Historical Buddha. It
was in the Kingdom of Zhang Zhung the cave city “The Cradle Of
Tibetan Civilization”, where Bon was taught, shared and developed.
The Bon Master “Buddha Tongba Shenrab Mewoche”, (1907 B.C.) was
the main preacher and the profound Master of this cult. The Kingdom
of Zhang Zhung consisting of Guge, Purhang, Maryul, Gyasumdo,
Tsum, Nubri, Ngari, (Tibet) Ladakh, Zhanskar, Sipiti, Lahul, (present
India) Mustang, Dolpo, Humla Jumla, Lharke and most of the northen
Belt of Nepal was the epicenter of Bon culture.
The Seven Sister States of North Eastern India – present
days Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh were
believed to have the same cult into practice.
There are many areas in Chinese provinces adjacent to
Tibet, which in ancient times were part of Imperial Tibet, where
the people are still predominantly Bon at heart. They were independent
of Tibetan and Chinese rule and pursued own spiritual faith in
ancient times. The Tumi, Mongur and Tibetan of Kansu, Qinghai,
the Golok, Moso, Yi, Li, Pumi, Chiang, Nakhi, Lisu of Shichuan
and Yunan have flourishing Bon population.
There are significant communities of Bonpos in Eastern
Tibet where entire districts belong to Bon followers from very
ancient times. The tradition is strong in shand region of Tsang,
in Kongpo, and Ngawa region of Amdo. At Dechen in Chamdo County
alone current followers of Bon is estimated to be around 130,000
with 300 monks. Of these 90 are reincarnated High Lamas.The history
of Zezhol monastery as a bon shrine can be traced back to 3,000
years ago. It was rebuilt in the middle of fourteenth century.
The Lhonba people on the Lhonyul region numbering around 350,000
are Bonpos. In the entire southern Tibetan region along the Himalayan
belt Moinba people numbering around 100,000 practice Bon religion.
They prefer either Sky burial or Water burial of their dead.
Tibet has a number of holy places of pre-Buddhists bon
where followers still visit and pay respect to the deities connected
with the place. Kongpo Bon Ri in Southeastern Tibet is regarded
as the holiest mountain of Bon religion and believed to be the
ancient pilgrimage site associated with Tongpa Shenrab. It was
here that Shenrab had subdued his arch-rival Khyab Pa Laring and
taught bon doctrine to the Tibetans.
Mount Tise (kailash) and the Lake Mapham (Mansarowara)
are other important pilgrim for the Bnpos and so are Lake Dangra
and Mt. Targo. The expedition led by Mr. Belezza has recently
discovered Khyunglung the reputed Cave City, the capital of ancient
Zhang Zhung Kingdom in southwestern Tibet. The Gurugam Gompa near
Kyunglung is another very important site for the Bonpos. Menri
Gompa in Namling county, east of Shigatse was the premier institution
where Bon students of all Tibet came to study various subjects
and most important Logic. Nyame Sherab Gyaltsen, a native of Gyarong
in 1405, founded it. Kharna Gompa in the Tobgye valley wa another
important Bon center. Yungdrung-Ling Gompa , 50 miles east of
Shigatse, was founded in 1834 by Dawa Gyaltsen. Gyelmo Murdo,
a mountain peak in Ngawa prefecture is one of the most important
power place of ancient Gyarong Kingdom. These places being the
cradle of Tibetan civilization, Tibetans have a sense of great
attachment to them and make a point to visit them once in their
lifetime. Yungdrung-ling and Menri monasteries near Shigatse are
the most important Bon monasteries, which have given inner strength
and sustenance to bon religion over the centuries.
As such, it is proven that when Buddhism first made its
appearance in Tibet in the middle of the 7th century A.D., there
were different religious and cultural traditions in Tibet. A Shamanic
cult, strange and yet very popular and natural among the people
and was known as Bon religion. The believer of supernatural powers,
yet collectively referred to as “Jig-Rten-Pa”, the local Gods
of mountain, rocks, rivers, lakes, space so on… The sacrifice
of animal and even human was integral part of ancient Bon, called
Bon Gnag ( Black bon) Latter it was abolished by the Buddha Tongpa
Shenrab and took the birth of “Yungdrong Bon”.
Bonpos then believed in cosmic creation by Gods or Lhas where
as the Buddhists believed in five Skandas as related in Abhidharma
Literature.
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Climate of Tibet: Tibet is cold in winter,
cool in summer and generally dry, receiving only about 45 cm.
(18 inches) of rain or snow annually. Temperature can vary greatly
within a day, however, passing 29* C (85* F) in desert areas in
summer and plunging below 4*C (40*F) at night. The sunlight is
extremely intense. Winds in winter are ferocious. Rainfall in
southern Tibet occurs intermittently between June and September,
bringing moisture to barley fields and greenery to the valleys.
The pleasantest months for tourism are April to October.
What to wear & Bring: Clothing
should be simple and consist a layers, which can be added or removed
as temperatures vary during a day. A warm windbreaker and stout,
comfortable shoes are especially recommended. Formal attire such
as a necktie or dress is never needed. Slacks and sweaters are
the best. Special items to bring are sunscreen lotion, sunglasses,
hat, flash-light, salve to lips and personal medical support.
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Geography
& Natural history: In geological terms the creation
of the Himalayas and the rising of the Tibetan Plateau are extremely
recent events. The mountains originated less than four million
years ago, making them among the youngest in the world. The abrupt
and violent creation of mountains and plateau can be explained
fairly simply. About 80 million years ago India broke away from
an early massive proto continent. Slowly and steadily it moved
across the ancient Sea of Tethys, collecting hard sheets of rock
on its way. Eventually, it rammed into the soft underside of Asia,
which the rock easily penetrated and pushed up, creating the Himalayas.
From sea level these rose rapidly to a height of 9,000 m. (30,000
ft.) Today the succession of parallel ranges, running east to
west for nearly 3,200 km. (2,000 miles) reveals this original
plate boundary between India and early Asia. In fact, the mass
of sub-continental India is still forcing the Himalayas upwards
at the remarkable rate of several centimeters a year.
The rivers of Tibet existed before the collision of India and
Asia. As the soft sedimentary rocks, which formed, the bottom
of the sea to Tethys was original north to south course. (The
Yarlung Shangpo River is a major exception). As a result there
are many spectacular gorges and mountain ranges that are sliced
up into individual massifs. Much of Tibet, once well forested,
lush and fertile, is today one of the world’s most highest cold
dessert. For as Himalayas increased in height, less and less moisture
reached the areas north of the range. The result has been a slow
botanical death to the great northern plateau, the desertification
of Tibet and Xinjiang.
There are three clearly different geographical regions
in Tibet, which as a whole far exceed the political borders. By
far the largest natural region is the Northern Plateau, or Chang
Tang, an enormous expanse of over 1,000,000 sq. km. (386,100 sq.
miles). It covers about the half of Tibet’s total surface area
and is delineated in the west by the Great Karakoram Range, in
the north by the wall of the Astin Tagh and in the northeast by
the Nan Shan Range.
The Chang Tang undoubtedly has one of the challenging
climates on earth, with strong winds every day and bitterly cold
temperatures throughout the year. There is little rainfall and
no outlet for the rivers. As a result, it is characterized by
myriad salty and brackish lakes. These factors – constant wind,
low rainfall and salt in the soil – severely limit the types of
plant life that can survive : there are fewer than 60 species
of flowering plants, only three of which are woody. Understandably,
the flora is made up mostly of grasses and herbs. One outstanding
feature of the Chang Tang is the Zaidam or “Salt Marsh”, in the
north. It used to be an enormous salt lake, which has now mostly
dried up, retaining some marshy areas. The Zaidm is distinguished
by its large numbers of waterfowl and waders: more than 200 species
of birds have been identified there. It should be noted that most
of the Chang Tang is never visited by humans. The hunters and
nomads who live permanently on the Northern Plateau generally
confine their wanderings to the southern and eastern parts of
the Great Wilderness.
The second main geographical region of Tibet, the Outer
Plateau, extends in a great arc for nearly 3,500 km. (2,200 miles)
from Baltistan in the west to beyond Xining, the capital of Qinghai,
in the east. It is relatively narrow strip. with the Himalayas
forming the southern boundary. It is the most populous part of
Tibet and contains almost all the human settlements. The Outer
Plateau differs from the Northern Plateau in several important
ways. First, the temperature and climate are milder and consequently
there is a richer floral and faunal distribution. Secondly, agriculture
exists in the Outer Plateau and there are many old and well-developed
agricultural regions. The area around Lhasa and the Shigatse Valley
are clear examples of this.
Contrary to popular images of Tibet, Lhasa has a pleasant
climate with nearly all rainfall showering in the summer. Most
of the year it is entirely sunny and dry, mils during the day
from April to October and not unbearably cold in winter.
In the west, the Outer Plateau is an expanse of gravely
land, where vegetation is poor, but to the east it becomes the
grassy steppe, running all the way to the Yellow River. Where
there is more rainfall, warmer weather and significantly more
vegetation.
The third and the final geographical region is the Southeastern
Plateau or “River Gorge Country”, Although comprising only one
tenth of the total are of Tibet, plant and animal life here is
vastly richer than that of the other regions. Forest are very
much a characteristic of Southeastern Plateau, its western and
northern boundaries follow the natural limit of trees.
The transition from the Outer Plateau to the Southern
Plateau is gradual, though marked by a steady increase in trees
and decline in altitude. The Lowest Point in Tibet is 1,615 m.
(5,297 ft.) which lies near the great bend of the Yarlung Shangpo
River, as it turns southward towards India. This region has an
abundance of alpine and tropical plants such as laurels, rhododendrons,
azaleas, bamboo, magnolias, oaks and even tea and bananas, most
of which appear in or near dense, moist, evergreen forests. The
most dramatic geographical phenomena here are the deep river gorges
formed by the upper reaches of the Salween, Mekong and Yangzi,
among Asia’s mightiest rivers. These gorges erode and dissect
land, allowing moisture-bearing winds of the summer monsoon to
reach the Southeastern Plateau.
Turning to the fauna life in Tibet, many animal species
are impoverished because of the high altitude and severe climate.
There are a very small number of amphibians and reptiles. Insects
are few and so are the insectivorous birds, moles and shrews.
Fish are generally members of salmon and carp family. They abound
in the rivers and some large lakes like Namtso but in many lakes
there is so much salt not fit for fish.
Most of the species of wild animals in the Northern and
Outer Plateau belong to desert steppe fauna These animals – particularly
the hoofed variety – are well adapted to harsh conditions and
wide open landscapes that require them to migrate for long distances
in search of food. The shaggy, powerful Yak is a shining example
of animal adaptation of the awful demand of Tibet. Another typical
animal is Kiang, or wild ass. It often gathers in large herds,
especially in western Tibet and makes extremely long journeys
in search of pastures. The Kiang is the fasted runner on the Plateau.
Another remarkable and very beautiful beast is the Tibetan antelope,
outstanding for it’s long, thin, almost vertical horns that can
attain 70 cm. (28 inches) in length.
The most numerous mammals in Tibet are rodents, which
are ubiquitous wherever there are sufficient plants to feed them.
Predators, such as wolves, foxes and bears rely to a large extent
on these rodents. Another predator and perhaps the most magnificent
of all Tibet’s creatures, is the extremely rare Snow Leopard.
More than 500 species of birds have been recorded in
Tibet and even the most casual observer can easily identify 20
or 30 separate varieties of birds. This number can quickly double
with careful study or visit to one of the Tibet’s Great Lakes.
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Accessibility:
By Air: One can fly into Tibet from Kathmandu & Chengdu,
for the western tourists we suggest Kathmandu is the best choice.
Since Kathmandu is the nearest and the flight duration is pretty
short: no jet leg !
By Land: This is the life time experience ! As
the Land Cruiser takes you over the thin Air…
Wow ! Just on the Roof Of The World… The highest overland
drive on Earth with rare human settlements, under the open blue
firmament and over the calm plateau. Just imagine over 5,000m.
on wheels, while crossing the few highest La (Passes) on Earth.
Duration: Kathmandu to Zhang Mu (Border
Point) 06 hrs. Zhang Mu to Shegar 07 hrs. Shegar to Shigatse 05
hrs. Shigatse to Lhasa 4 ½ hrs.
Tibet Over-Land trip is only conducted from Kathmandu
and is hassle free and smooth + adventurous and challenging. In
Monsoon there will be slim risk of land-slide, until now we have
managed to conduct our regular trips smoothly, so we shall.
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Passport
and Visa: According to the regulation of Chinese Embassy
of Kathmandu: Visa will be issued 03 days a week, Monday, Wednesday
and Friday. US $ 28 will be incurred for normal tourist visa,
additional 14 $ for US national and $17 for other nationalities
for urgent visa.
We suggest you for your convenience to enter Kathmandu two days
earlier then your planed trip. As there is many things to taste
feel and experience, while your visa get processed in the meantime.
For Tibet travel you must have valid passport, China Visa, and
Tibet Autonomous Region TAR Permit. We can process for your China
Visa and get also you TAR Permit. We need the following information
when you are making your reservation: full name, date of expiry,
and place of issue, nationality, date of birth, sex and occupation.
Two passport size photographs are also required. 60 day's Nepal
Visa can be obtained from all Nepalese Embassies abroad or upon
your arrival in Katmandu airport paying US$ 30.00 per person.
You need Nepal reentry visa while coming back from Tibet. Hence
we advise you to take Double entry Nepali Visa paying US $ 50.
Per person.
Airport Tax : US. $ 23.5 @ Kathmandu Airport.
US $ 12 @ Lhasa Airport.
Foreign currency regulation:
Tibetan use RMB (Yuan), in the denomination of 1, 2, 5, 10, &
100 Yuan. US $ 1 = 8 Yuan.
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Customs Formalities: Upon entering T.A.R.
(Tibet Autonomous Region) all foreigners are required to register
watches, camera, lap-top etc. in their possession. These must
be accounted for on leaving.
Art objects and antiques in Tibet fall under special restrictions
forbidding their export. Anything made before 1959 is considered
as antique. Rugs, Pashminas are allowed to be bought and can be
shipped in international standard services. In the Local markets
the gift items and souvenirs are in ample. “NO DRUGS… PLEASE”.
Insurance: We recommend you to insure yourself
against sickness, emergency rescue, accident, Hospitalization,
cancellation etc., as we accept no responsibility or expenses
which may arise from mishaps to persons or their belongings during
these tours.
Cultural shocks and a few tips
The Tibetan people are friendly and hospitable by nature and the
tourists in general will have no difficulty in adjustment.
Visitors must take off the shoes to enter Buddhist shrine or your
host's room. In fact, a pair of open sandals is more convenient
and comfortable while visiting the monasteries and stupas.
In some of the alters in the monasteries, entrance may be prohibited
for the women.
Walking around Monasteries or Stupa is traditionally done clockwise.
Generally in Monasteries, Stupas and monuments photography is
allowed but it is better to seek permission first.
It is better to be decently clad when visiting any place. Sun
and beachwear is not ideal when roaming around the city or village.
Brief shorts, bare shoulders and backs may not be appreciated.
One need not to be stiff, and overdressed but just comfortably
and decently covered. Public displays of affection between man
and women are frowned upon. Do not do something that is totally
alien to our environment.
Remember it when a person shakes his head from left to right,
he means "YES".
We are hard on drug abuse; trafficking and possession of drugs
are taken as serious offences.
Cheap charity breeds beggars but does not solve their basic problem.
Therefore, do not encourage beggary by being benevolent, if the
beggars are young. Although, donations in the Monasteries and
Nunneries is appreciated.
Cancellation policy: A cancellation
charge of 50% for reconfirmed booking up to seven days before
departure to Tibet will be charged after which No refund will
be entertained. Further under no circumstance will there be a
refund on No show ups and Delay in arrivals.
Book Me !
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Festivals and calendar:
January – February ( Anniversary of Great Yogi Melarepa , Anniversary
of great Naropa, Anniversary of Marpaha the Great Translator)
Parinirvana of 7th Karmapa)
February – March ( Loshar – Tibetan New Year, Anniversary of 9th
Karmapa, Anniversary of 10th Karmapa)
March – April ( … )
April – May ( Anniversary of 14th Karmapa, Anniversary of Taranath
)
May – June ( Birth Day, Enlightenment & Parinirvana of the
Great Historical Buddha – The Sakyamuni Buddha )
June – July (First sermon bestowed by the Sakyamuni, Guru Padhma
Sambhava went to the Rakshasa ( Devil’s) realm,
July - August ( Birth Day of Guru Padhma Sambhava, Anniversary
of 3rd & 11th Karmapa, Birth Day 16 Karmapa)
August – September ( Anniversary of 4th Karmapa, Anniversary of
Khyungpo Naljor, Anniversary of Drukpa Kunkhyen Padhama Karpo)
September – October ( Anniversary of 5th & 8th Karmapa)
October – November ( Descent of Sakyamuni Buddha from Celestial
Realm, Anniversary of Atisha - Indian Yogi )
November – December ( Anniversary of Great King Emperor Shrong
Tsen Gampo )
NOTE: In Tibet Every New Moon Day & Full
Mon Day are great events in the Monasteries and Nunneries …
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