Tibet Travel Guide
Positioned in the southwest corner of China and covering over 470,920 square miles, Tibet is a spectacular land that has breathtaking scenery, mysterious and exotic religious culture and warm and friendly people.
Tibet is known as the roof of the world because of its extreme altitude and home to the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest at 29,029 feet. The region has had travelers and adventurers mesmerized since the beginning of the 20th century when it was discovered by the rest of the world. Extreme mountain climbing and treks are popular with adventurers enjoying the challenging and rewarding terrain.
The vast land has a plethora of spectacularly beautiful natural wonders including several large rivers, massive lakes and impressive mountain valleys. The Yangtze and Yellow Rivers pass through much of the land as well as neighboring countries and provide great opportunities for water activities. Lake Nam-tso is the world’s highest saltwater lake and offers truly breathtaking scenery and religious attractions.
The people of Tibet are warm and friendly offering fantastic hospitality to all visitors. In every town and city throughout the region you will be greeted with smiles. Shopping in Tibet is a great experience with an abundance of interesting and unique items and souvenirs to buy. The famous Barkhor Street in Lhasa is renowned for its authentic vendors selling traditional wares such as hand woven blankets and beaded jewelry.
Tibet has an array of festivals and events held throughout the year, which can be fantastic to experience. The Tibetan New Year is the most significant festival and is an occasion where friends, family and neighbors unite to wish for a more prosperous year than the one passing. Every town and city will have some sort of celebration that lasts for three days.
Tibet has a host of guided tours available, which take you across the spectacular land, stopping off at all the main attractions and sights. You can take buses, although the newly finished Tibet Railway Line is a memorable experience which travels through picturesque landscape and terrain.
Getting There & Away
Tibet is reached via road, railway or air. Lhasa Gonga Airport, which is located 40 miles out of Lhasa city, receives daily flights from most major cities in the region including Shanghai, Katmandu and Beijing. Flying from Beijing to Lhasa takes around 4 hours. There are five main highways connecting Tibet to surrounding countries and provinces and a host of bus services are available. A railway runs through Tibet connecting several attractions and linking with China proper. By rail Beijing is a 48-hour journey from Lhasa.