Should there be a homeland
for all beliefs in the mind, Tibet is such a place. The
open country without any worldly noise, the clear and
high sky like having been washed, the yonder snow-capped
mountains and peaks lofty and awesome, mirrored still
like lowered humble heads in the boundless and
unfathomable lake at their feet... as you are and let
yourself deserted in all these, you definitely feel a
sublimed mind. Tibet couldn't be more ideal a place to
self.
Tibet is a land as abstruse as that millions of pilgrims
all embrace it as the world center of holiness. But it's
natural enough for Tibet, for that the Himalayas has
been the venue of rich legends and myths since a time,
for that the river Brahmaputra is running the same way
as it surged before mankind, and Ngari, the region known
as the Roof of the World, that strikes associations with
the heaven.
Tibet enlightens you, and
insight is interpreted everywhere. The all-year-round
ice and snow that cover and seal this land and the
subtle blinking waves of lakes betray it. It's echoed
through murmuring prayers floating in the air between
temples invisible among mountains and lakes. In front of
the majestic Guge Dynasty relics, you feel the time
backing. On the vast grassland, hearing the neighs of
troops of free wild horses, you produce an admiration to
the crude life in Tibet as it has been.
It means it is an adventure
for courageous people who overcome the hardships and
dangers to come to it. It's where dream is realized for
people who love the world and are seeking its beauty.
It's pursued by scholars for its age-old relics. It's
meanwhile a shrine for pious souls. And whoever you are,
if you come to Tibet, one share is always for you,
inevitably a thought tourist.
For centuries Tibet has
fascinated mankind. This land beyond the mighty
Himalayas on the highest plateau in the world was almost
inaccessible to the outside world until recently. This
the "Land of Mysteries", "Forbidden Land" has appealed
to explorers, scholars, pilgrims and adventurers hoping
to find a "Shangri La".
Lhasa, the capital, is the center of Tibetan culture,
religion and Lama Divinity. The Tibetans, Monpas, Lhopas
and Muslims who inhabit the plateau have their own
distinct values.
Loshar, the Tibetan New Year, is the largest and the
longest festival. Sky burials, water burials, stupa
burials and cremations are the events of great interest.
Ayurvedic medicines, Buddhist philosophies, astrology,
drama and debating form the basis of Tibetan science and
culture
Tibet has avoided the influence from the western world
and has developed its own unique culture and traditions.
The infrastructure of the tourist industry is yet very
basic in this remote region. Therefore, it is advised
not to expect high standards as you may be accustomed to
in the West in regard to accommodation and amenities.
The Road to Lhasa:
Travel between
Kathmandu and Lhasa or Kailash is an incredible journey
where you can perceive the world's highest mountains,
drive on the world's highest plains, meet nomadic
Tibetan pilgrims and chanting Tibetan monks.
Heli
Tour: Heli tour
to Mt. Kailash: Helicopter journeys are provided for
devout pilgrims who have limited time to visit or cannot
undertake a long drive due to age or other physical
problems. This tour is also more comfortable for people
who have lung or heart problems. This tour begins from
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj by flight from where we travel to
Hilsa by helicopter on to Mt. Kailash.
Climate:
Tibet's climate is extreme continental with vast
difference of temperatures between day and night around
the year. The average temperature ranges from 3 to 12
degrees centigrade. While traveling in Tibet one can
feel some discomfort like breathlessness and headaches
before becoming acclimatized. Many hotels keep bottled
oxygen for emergencies.
Clothing:
Casual wear and
comfortable walking shoes are essential for all Tibet
tours none the less warm clothes are a necessity as the
nights and mornings are quite chilly.
November to April: Down jacket, thermal underwear, warm
trousers, warm sweaters, woolen shirts, gloves, warm
hats and scarves and water proof hiking shoes suitable
for snow also.
May to October: Rain coats
or wind breakers, jackets, sweaters, sunhats, cotton or
woolen shirts, comfortable shoes suitable for rain.
Altitude Sickness:
As you pass
through high terrain, you are likely to experience minor
symptoms and discomfort of altitude sickness until your
body gets adjusted to the altitude. It is advisable to
drink large quantities of non-alcoholic drinks to avoid
dehydration.
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