Tibet

Tibet is 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 Tibet finally opened the borders the country lay in ruins. Between 1950 and 1970, the Chinese took over 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. 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.

For travelers, Tibet tour is, without doubt, one of the most remarkable places to visit in Asia. It offers fabulous monastery sights, breathtaking high-altitude treks, stunning views of the world’s highest mountains and one of the most likable peoples you will ever meet. Your trip will take you past glittering mountain turquoise lakes and over high passes draped with prayer flags. You can also find yourself a quiet spot in a prayer hall full of chanting monks, hike past the ruins of remote hermitages or make an epic overland trip along some of the world’s wildest roads. The scope for adventure is limitless. For many people, Tibet is a uniquely spiritual place. Those moments of peace, fleeting and precious, when everything seems to be in its proper place, seem to come more frequently in Tibet, whether inspired by the devotion apparent in the face of a pilgrim or the dwarfing scale of a beautiful landscape. Tibet trekking can truly claim to be on a higher plane. Economy - The Tibetans traditionally depended upon agricultural work and animal husbandry, with most of the people being farmers and herders. And now the tertiary sector has surpassed the area's primary industry and contributed more than half of its GDP growth. Local handicrafts and tourism are greatly developed. Weather - The average temperature is 28 degrees Celsius (in summer) and 15 degrees Celsius (in winter). It is extremely dry except during the rainy season (May to September). Winters in Tibet, as might be supposed, are fiercely cold. But for half the year, strong sunlight warms the thin air, making most days in Tibet travel comfortably mild and, owing to protective mountains, relatively windless. Summer temperatures hover above 30'C (high-80s F) and only to drop to -23'C (-10'F) in midwinter. The best time to visit is from late spring to early fall.

Animals: Wild yak, Bharal (blue) sheep, Musk deer, Tibetan antelope, Tibetan gazelle, Kyang (wild ass), Pica. You will find our tours to Tibet in the section TOURS. Alternatively, feel free to contact us and we will draw up an itinerary together.