Tibet: the Land of Snows, the roof of the world. For centuries this mysterious Buddhist kingdom, locked away in its mountain fastness of the Himalaya, has exercised a unique hold on the imagination of the West. For explorers, imperialists and traders it was a forbidden land of treasure and riches. Dreamers on a spiritual quest have long whispered of a lost Shangri-la, steeped in magic and mystery. When the doors were finally flung open in the mid-1980s, Tibet lay in ruins. Between 1950 and 1970, the Chinese wrested control of the plateau, drove the Tibetans’ spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, and some 100, 000 of Tibet’s finest into exile and systematically dismantled most of the Tibetan cultural and historical heritage, all in the name of revolution. For a while images of the Buddha were replaced by icons of Chairman Mao. Today, Tibetan pilgrims across the country are once again mumbling mantras and swinging their prayer wheels in temples that are heavy with the thick intoxicating aroma of juniper incense and yak butter. Monasteries have been restored across the country, along with limited religious freedoms. A walk around Lhasa’s lively Barkhor pilgrimage circuit is proof enough that the efforts of the communist Chinese to build a brave new (roof of the) world have foundered on the remarkable and inspiring faith of the Tibetan people.
Potala Palace
Lasa, the capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region, has a long history of more than 1.300 years and is reputed to be the “City of Sunlight” because of the long sunshine time. Situated at the downtown of the city is the magnificent potala place, the construction of which was started by King Songtsan Gambo of Tubo Dynasty in the 640. The palace covers an area of 41 hectares, and its 13-story main building is 115.703 meters high with a total area of 120,000 square meters, which consists of 1,000 rooms of living quarters of the Dalai Lamas, ceremonial halls, funerary pagoda halls and the servants’ bedrooms.
The complex is divided into two sections, the Red Palace and the white Palace. The later served as the living quarters for them to handle political affairs. The Red place, which houses eight funerary pagodas of Dalai Lamas, are covered in sheets of gold. The palace roofs are covered with gilded bronze tiles, so the palace has a glittering and magnificent look and is considered the “holy palace on highland”. The palace was designed and built to take best advantage of the sunlight on the plateau and in its wide and solid foundations there are tunnels and vents. Each hall and bedroom has a skylight to allow daylight and fresh air in. The columns and beams of the palace are carved while the are painted with colorful murals. Since ancient times. Tibetans have painted their timber, pottery articles and the murals in the Potala Palace total some 2,500 square meters.
Tangka or Buddhist scroll paintings are usually dine on cotton and some are patchwork or embroideries. Tibetan ones are painted on cotton cloth. As with paintings, Tangka are based on different themes such as Buddhas and historical figures, as well as history, medicine architecture and arts. The paintings are usually in vivid colors.
Potala Palace houses many iron, bronze gold and sliver articles such as weapons, from the Tubo Kingdom. There are also sacrificial articles from the same period and leather, textile, paper, porcelain and carved stone goods as well as gems seals and the golden documents issued by emperors to the Dalai Lamas.
In 1961 Potala Palace was listed as a national historical and cultural site under state protection. The place was repaired in 1989 with funds provided by the central government.
In 1994, it was included in UNESCO cultural Heritage by the World Heritage Committee.
Climate & Clothing
Because of the slight difference in annual temperature, the climate of the most area in Lhasa is pleasant all the year round. Although the temperature here varies gratly during a day you can wear the same clothing as you do in the north of China if y ou do not plan to climb mountains in winter. As the highest temperature in summer wi-ll not exceed 27c sweaters are only needed in the morning and evening. Tibet is the right place enjoying the most sunshine all over the world. The total radiant quantity in Lhasa is 195 kilocalorie/ cm per year. The duration of sunshine in Tibet is also longer than other places at the same latitude, e.g. the whole year’s sunshine in Lhasa totals 3,021 hours, chengdu 1,186 hours and Shanghai 1,932 hours. When you visit Tibet a sunbonnet a pair of sunglasses and suntan protection cream are needed.
Bookings & Visa
Minimum of 1month in advance, a firm booking with a photocopy of passport by fax should reach us. We arrange Tibet/ China Visa. However, 5 full working days is required with a condition that client should be available in Katmandu; otherwise an urgent charge for visa will have to be borne by the client.
Altitude & Health Problems
Traveling in Tibet is an adventure involving high altitude and could be strenuous. While most visitors have only minor effect from the altitude, we advise specially the guest with known heart or lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor before traveling. Mild headache, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorder can take place in a process of acclimatization. Our advises for better acclimatization drink 4 l. of water minimum a day, do not exhaust yourself so much, breathe deep and take rest more than usual.
Money
Banks in Tibet / China are closed on Saturday and Sunday. So, you are kindly requested to carry about USD 150 per person. In Cash to cover you extra expenses for main meals and others en route until Lhasa. If it is cash dollars , even local people help. You to get them exchanged in Chinese yuan. Travelers cheque and credit cards are very difficult to be cased outside the banks especially outside Lhasa.
Next, if any of the clients pay for the Tibet tour in TC , one afternoon you are kindly requested to accompany the guide to the bank Lhasa for about 15 minutes and please make an extra counter signature on the TCs you have paid. Your direct presence and counter signature ensures immediate encasement of the TCs to your agent in Lhasa. Otherwise, it may take months. Your kind co-operation in this regard will be highly appreciated.
Guide
We always try to provide a good English speaking Tibetan guide. However, as Tibetan guides do not get enough exposure to English language in Tibet, please do not expect fluent and spontaneous explanation from Him / her. Your frequent questioning will encourage him/her to explain well, question by question.
Visa Splitting
As Tibet tour requires visa in-group, some time people staying longer will have to get the group visa split. It costs generally Chinese Yuan 200-400 depending upon different nationalities. Applicable only if any one /some of the members from the group visa document have different programme. If all members are following the same programme , there is no need of splitting.
Hotels in Route
As the facilities in Tibet are very basic, hotels although they look gorgeous, do not have proper facilities even in Lhasa. So, the remote areas. It is obvious that hotels may not have enough double rooms and clients sometimes may have to have triple, four or five bedded rooms in some places. However, we always try to provide twin bedded rooms. Especially, first two nights, have to be spent in such hotels that may not have bathrooms attached and could require you to use common toilets. So, you are kindly requested not to have a high expectation from the tour in terms of the facilities in the hotels.
Rist & Liability
We always put its all efforts in making your journey smooth and pleasant. However as all Tibet tours are run strictly under Tibet Tourism Authority, Happy Adventure Trek & Expedition or its agents shall not be responsible for any change or cancellation of programs due to unavoidable circumstances such as road blockade, flood, snow, unrest, cancellation of flight, delayed arrival of clients, sickness or accidents, breakdown of vehicles. Any extra cost incurring thereof shall be borne by the clients on the spot. So, it is most advisable that clients to have full insurance against medical and personal accident risk. Cancellation insurance is also most recommended.
