Some of the Popular Monasteries That you Should Visit in Tibet

Tibet, with its panorama of beautiful snow-covered peaks and magnificent valleys, has been a point of attraction for many over the years. But what engages the attention of the tourists and keeps it there are the monasteries that are spread across the country, sometimes tucked safely in corners, and sometimes standing tall and proud on the peaks.

The monastery tour or rather the cultural tour of Tibet organized by the travel agents is aimed at giving a wholesome experience of these monasteries for the tourists. Here are some of the most popular monasteries of Tibet, and what you can expect from them.

Sera Monastery

Located 1.25 miles from Lhasa in the North, the Sera monastery stands tall and beautiful, with a backdrop of the hill best known for its wild roses. The name ‘Sera' translates to ‘wild roses' in Tibet, and the name stuck because it is said that when the monastery was being built, the wild roses were in full bloom on the hill behind.

Sera monastery is one of the oldest temples in Tibet and dates back to 1400s. It was built in the year 1419. Steeped well in history, the magnificent confines of this monastery holds precious relics, artifacts and many memories of millions of lives are lived and prayed here for centuries.  This is one of the must-visit monasteries on the list of every visitors who come on a trip to Tibet.

Drepung Monastery

Located about 3 miles from the city of Lhasa, the Drepung monastery presents a splendid view with a backdrop of Mount Gephel. The monastery is situated in its foothills. Drepung translates to ‘rice heap' in Tibet. This monastery is considered to be the tallest one in the world and can house more than 7000 monks at a time.

Amongst one of the three great monasteries of Tibet, Drepung also was built in 1416. This was the residence of the great Dalai Lamas till the Patola Palace was built. Acclaimed as a great learning place or the ‘Nalanda’ of Tibet, this monastery gives the visitors what they seek – peace, mystery and a great deal of historical significance.

Ganden Monastery

Another magnificent crown on the beauty of Tibet is the Ganden monastery. Many tourists go on a Ganden-Samye trek to just experience the panoramic view of the enchanting countryside. The monastery of Ganden was founded in the year 1409, and therefore is the oldest among the three.

It is located about 25 miles from Lhasa and is snugly preserved in within the confines of valleys and mountain peaks. It is situated on the top of the Wangbur mountain and gives its tourist a splendid view of life and beauty, both beneath and beyond. 

Samye Monastery

Samye monastery, located about 24 miles from the Tsedang County in Tibet. This monastery has the title of being the ‘oldest’ of monasteries built in the country. The structure is believed to be constructed in 775-779. The site is believed to have a lot of religious significance. People come from all over the world to visit and enjoy the view from this monastery.

Although the monastery itself presents an awe-inspiring reaction on many guests, which makes it even more interesting is its location. Samye, in Tibet, translates to ‘unexpected and full of surprise', and it truly stands to its name. The ferry ride to the monastery to the splendid view from the Mount Hero Ri and everything else between can very well match up with the enthusiasm of the travelers.

Apart from these four, there are several other monasteries, temples, and hermitages, which are designed as places of worship. Even if you are not inclined to visit them as a part of the pilgrimage, their sheer courage in standing tall through the test of times and hardships makes the visit much more interesting.

So, if you are in Tibet this holiday season, visit these monasteries to experience in firsthand what it takes to brave the force of nature to remain serene and calm, all through the year!

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Tibet Tour: When Should You Visit the Tibetan Plateau?

Tibet is best known for its enchanting views of the snow-covered peaks and the fascinating treks it has to offer to a traveler. The monasteries and the temples are again places of interest to many visiting the place.

However, there are several serious considerations and preparations that need to be done before one can embark on a trip to this fascinating destination. One of the major considerations is for the weather. With so much snow in place and all those peaks overlooking the plateau, it is no wonder that the country experiences harsh weather most of the year. The season or the peak season for visiting the country, therefore, is limited to a few months of the year.  So, if you are embarking on a Tibet tour, you need to plan well before your travel time.

While ideally, the tourist season starts from April to the middle of November, one can enjoy Tibet from April to middle of November too. Careful preparations and a good tour guide can make them visit possible even during the off-seasons, which might pose a challenge and a lot of adventure to the visitors.

The November to the beginning of January is a very sunny weather and even if it is becoming colder and the winter is already stared. During the day time, is still warm and comfortable weather. January and February is the coldest season and experience severe to very severe snowfall in the higher plateau of Tibet like Mount Kailash and Everest regions and all that it entitles. Since you come with a plan to enjoy the Tibet tour, the ideal seasons to travel would be what the Tour operators call the peak season. During the summer months or the late spring, the place will be all set to receive its visitors. The roads will be free of snow and the lakes that are high up on the mountains will be accessible through the road. And most of all, the Everest base camp would be open to the visitors and permits can be obtained to experience the Tibetan hospitality at large.

Another major factor which influences people to come to Tibet is those famous and colorful festivities during special occasions. There are many festivals that the Tibetans celebrate, either to welcome their new-year or as a special offering to the Goddesses. The offering day at the monasteries and the butter and lamp festivals, all present such a delightful sight to the visitors. The travel agencies and visitors plan their Tibet tours to fall during these festivals to enjoy the delightful sights.

And, peak seasons and permits aside, the planning for a travel to one of the highest locations of the world should be done keeping in view of your interests. Instead of just blindly booking into any tour package offered, look into what all is included in the tour. Are the treks taking you to the places of your interest? Are they going to provide you with the best stays along the way? Are you going to experience the Tibetan hospitality at those quaint little villages? These points make the most interesting lists when you are preparing for a Tibet tour, any time of the year!

After all, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity – make the most of it by planning well ahead of your travel!

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What Is The Procedure To Obtain Tibet Permit And China Group Visa?

Obtaining Tibet travel permit is often the most challenging and confusing part of Tibet travel planning that people, especially foreign visitors and first-time travelers to the Chinese territory face. The Tibet Permit is an essential document that travelers must secure and obtain in order to enter the territory, without which, there is no way that you can be allowed to visit the region. Here is a step by step rundown of the process you will likely go through when trying to obtain a Tibet travel permit:

1.    Passport preparation:

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your travel. The Chinese Embassy will not grant you a visa with a passport that has less than 6 months’ validity. Reserve at least one blank visa page for your China visa—amendment pages and bar-coded pages are not acceptable for stamping.

2.    Chinese Visa application:

If you are entering Tibet from the Mainland, you can either get a China visa through the Chinese Embassy or any associated visa center within your home country. If, however, you wish to travel to Tibet from Nepal, you must apply for a China Group Visa or a group tourists visa, which will be your equivalent to a China visa. This type of visa can only be obtained through a tour operator via the Chinese Embassy located in Kathmandu.

3.    Tibet Travel Permit application:

You will also need a local travel agent to assist you in obtaining a Tibet Travel Permit. This is because the TTB (Tibet Tourism Bureau) doesn’t issue permits to individual travelers. To apply for this permit, you will need secure documentation, including copies of your passport, passport photos, and China visa.

Tour agents play a huge part in obtaining China group visa and Tibet travel permits, which is why it is crucial to choose a reliable and reputable travel agency to assist you in securing these travel documents.

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Have an Awe-Inspiring Adventure Cycling: Know More About Tibet Cycling Tour

Cycling in and around the majestic Tibetan plateau, hills and regions is awe-inspiring and has memorable experiences for you to remember for your whole life. There is also a lot of sightseeing involved as well in a Tibet cycling tour, while the challenges keep the adrenaline pumping.

Tibet Cycling and Mountain Biking Tours

There are only a few and hand full of mountain bike or cycling tour providers in Tibet and you should only choose a reliable and licensed one. Shambhala Adventure, a leading tour operator in Tibet that is licensed by both the Tibet and China Tourism Bureaus, has for you the group tours, private tours, treks, motorcycle and mountain bike cycling tours, among many others. The firm offers you the best cycling and mountaineering tour of the region.

Cycling Tour Attractions and High Points

You will start the cycling tour from the cultural capital of Tibet, i.e. Lhasa and will move on to explore the region quite closely. The Mount Everest base camp will be your ultimate destination. The mountain bike tour will take you through the culturally important towns of Tibet including Shigatse and Gyantse, and beautiful lakes including Yamdrok, which are also the hottest tourist attractions of the region. You can also travel through the Sakya monastery and reach to the border of Nepal if you like. The tour operator also has for you then new cycling tour via the Kartha Valley that has immense panoramic views in store for you.

Among other fascinating cycling tours, Shambala Adventure also offers you the cycling tour around the Namtso and Yamdrok lakes. The Tibet cycling tour helps you closely witness and explore the cultural and heritage points of Lhasa, and you also see the majestic Brahmaputra river. On the route are the Tibetan villages, monasteries, fascinating view of snow-capped mountains, and serene long grasslands of Tibet.

The leading tour company also has for you and exclusive Tibetan mountain cycling tour as well, which is highly popular among the tourists. This particular tour also includes a visit to the seat of the Penchen Lama and offers you the view of the majestic Mount Everest.

The cycling tours are escorted by a Van and the presence of medical boxes, oxygen cylinders, and other necessities ensure that the Tibet cycling tour is always carried out safely. Shambhala Adventure has ample of variations when it comes to cycling tours, and you can make your choice as per your wishes and interests.

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Tibet Local Tour: Know All About Its Attractions and The Best Horse Racing Festival in Tibet

Are you planning for a Tibet local tour this holiday season? Tibet aptly called the rooftop of the world, is one of the most beautiful places where Mother Nature has bestowed its abundance without any reservations. From the enchanting valleys to those snow-covered peaks, all offer a wonderful panorama to stay forever in our lives.

While there are several things to see in this Himalayan Kingdom, the Horse racing festival is one of the attractions that get a lot of footfall to this area, from all over the world. The horse racing festival or festivals are a great attraction in Tibet. Although there are many such smaller festivals happening year around, the Nagchu horse racing festival, Damxung horse racing festival, Gyantse Dhamark horse racing festival in Tibet, which happen in summer is a splendid event to watch and admire.

When you go on a Tibet Local tour in summer,  we would recommend you to take your Tibet tour by connecting some Tibetan traditional festivals. Among them, the horse racing festival in Tibet is one of the most popular and interesting to see because during those horse racing festivals, you can see different kinds of other Tibetan traditional activities such as Yak racing, body wrestling, Tibetan traditional circle dance and many other different kinds of performances going on during the horse racing festivals in the summer time in Tibet so in order to get more authentic experience of your Tibet tour and in order to ensure the travelers learn more about the people and culture therewithin. The horse racing festivals run around the entire Tibet autonomous region and extends to a splendid more than thousand kilometers in the north and south eastern part of Tibet, known as Amdo and Kham in Tibetan. Usually, in all those regions, when they have horse racing festivals, they have between 3-7 days festivals going on by gathering all the people from different villages in beautiful Tibetan traditional clothes.

What makes the festival special is the traditional attire that the Tibetians sport on this occasion. With the horses decorated in festive colors and the riders adorning themselves with special colorful attire, the entire stretch of this horse racing festival is filled with rivalry and joie-de-vivre.

And, combined with it all, the Tibetian valley rejoices in glee and adorns itself with vibrant spring colors to meet up with the joy of the occasion. There are other such festivals too, such as the Tibetan New year, Shoton festival or the Saga Dawa festival, where you can find similar enthusiasm and sporting spirit exhibited by the locals.

Enjoy all this by booking yourself the best local Tibet tour during this holiday season, to take back a bag full of memories to cherish!

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Tibet Travel Company: Make Your Holiday Dreams Come True

Have you always dreamed of exploring Tibet like a local? Make that wish come true by choosing the right tour operator to help you arrange your trip. Just make sure that it is a Tibet travel company that is owned and operated by Tibetans whose local knowledge, experience, and expertise will be helpful in planning a memorable trip. They can ensure that you see and experience the country the best way possible. Reputable Tibetan travel agencies can handle any kind of tour, including custom-tailored tours, cycling and trekking, mountain climbing, family tours, festivals, and day tours.

Tibet is rich in culture and history, with unique traditions and breathtaking sights that are unique to it. Only a good Tibet travel company will be able to help you experience everything you want during your trip. Their assistance will be helpful throughout the planning process, from choosing where to go and planning your itinerary, getting your Chinese visa, and most importantly, getting your Tibet travel permit, which is essential to every international traveler. Keep in mind that the best way to get your travel permit is via a Tibetan travel agency that is internationally licensed, fully registered, and acknowledged by the China National Tourism Bureau and Tibet Tourism Bureau.

The Tibet travel company specializes in trekking, peak climbing, pilgrimage, mountain biking, and motorbiking tours. They can arrange trips to the less visited parts of Tibet, with tailor-made tours that can take you to off-the-beaten paths aboard a yak or a horse. Rest assured, all adventures come with experienced Tibetan cooks who are used to catering to international travelers. So, you can count on them to prepare Western, Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan cuisine no matter where you go.

Consider a Tibet travel company that will go the extra mile to take you beyond the popular destinations. Some companies can even arrange trips to the base camp of Mount Everest, as well as round-trips to any area of Tibet, including Amdo and Kham in Eastern Tibet, and Mount Kailash.

Plan Peak Climbing Tour in Tibet to Enjoy Real Adventures

Booked to go on a Tibet peak climbing tour? Here is what you can expect on a trek among those glorious peaks and beautiful valleys.

A beautiful paradise on earth, Tibet not just enchants the visitors but mesmerizes them and keeps them that way for the duration of their stay and after. One of the beauties of Tibet lies in its unexplored and inaccessible nature, although with the advent of modern transport systems, it is easier to reach the place by air. However, what makes the trip adventurous is that even with all that modernity, one need to trek and walk through the rugged planes to reach wherever you want to visit.

The peak viewing is one of the foremost and primary attractions of Tibet Climbing tour. Located at that level, the valley of Tibet is surrounded by all important peaks including the Mount Everest. So, whichever way you turn, you get a sneak peek into those glorious giants, without even having to work hard for it.

Shisha Bangma and Joyu mountain peak at the elevation of over 8000mts above sea level is another great adventure and peak climbing trekking in Tibet. You can get to the expedition by coming from Kyirong border between Nepal or Tibet and from Kyirong to Shisha Bangma is just 3 hours drive and 5 hours drive to Jo Oyu Base Camp. These two great peaks are next to the Mount Everest.

Mount Kailash, the peak of religious importance for those of the religions including Buddhism, Hindu, Bon and Jan etc, Mount Minyak Gangkar, and several others stand guard while you travel through Tibet. Every peak has some significance, according to the local legends and that makes it all the more interesting to look at them and wonder at what all they had witnessed over the centuries – the silent spectators standing on when the time passes on.

Tibet Shambhala Adventure always tries to look for new Tibet trekking tour and Tibet small peak climbing adventure which have not been discovered by others in order to provide more unique and authentic Tibet trekking and adventure experience to our customers.

The Labchikang peak is another extremely beautiful and adventure small peak climbing. The Labchikang valley has a great trekking trail from Langkor monastery in old Dingri and you can explore a couple of peaks with glacier at the elevation of 6000m. From the top of the 6000m peak, you can have a great view of the entire Himalayan mountain peak. If you an adventurer of loving trekking, you can trek to 6000m peak and if you are an adventurer of peak climbing, you can climb to Labchikang peak at the elevation of 7000m.

So, get set to enjoy, enthralled and thrilled on your Tibet Peak climbing tour! Ask your tour operator about the different treks and tours available in Tibet to get maximum out of your travel- it is not every day that you get to visit this Himalayan kingdom after all!