Tibet Tour - Information

Tibet Overview

Tibet lies on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau of the southwest border of China. The average height of the whole region is more than 4,000 meters above sea level, for which Tibet is known as "Roof of the World". The highest peak of Tibet, also the highest in Himalayas and in the whole world, is Everest Peak, which is 8,848 meters high above sea level. Although a part of China, Tibet has a unique culture of all there own. It is mainly inhabited by Tibetans, a minority nationality of old and mysterious people. Tourist attractions include the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Jokhang Temple, and a number of Buddhist sacred places.

Tibet (Xi Zang in Chinese) is to the south of Xin Jiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Qing Hai Province, to the west of Sichuan, to the northwest of Yunnan and to the north of India and Nepal. Its population of 2.3 million people come from a variety of ethnic groups including Tibetan, Han, Monba and Lhota. Its capital city is Lhasa.

Northwest Tibet, mainly Qing Hai plateau, is home to a variety of unusual and unique animals. Across the northern expanse of Tibet, you can see vast grasslands where horses, yak and sheep roam freely. The world's lowest valley, the Grand Yarlun-tzanpo River Valley lies in east Tibet.
Nearly all Tibetans follow Tibetan Buddhism, known as Lamaism, with the exception of approximately 2,000 followers of Islam and 600 of Catholicism. Tibetan Buddhism was greatly influenced by Indian Buddhism in its early time, but after years of evolution, Tibetan Buddhism has developed its own distinctive qualities and practices. A well-known example is the belief that there is a Living Buddha, who is the reincarnation of the first, a belief alien to Chinese Buddhism.
It is freezing cold in most time of the year. Most tourists come to visit Tibet only in the warmest seasons, June, July, August and early September.

Lhasa

Potala Palace
The Potala Palace, one of the most famous architectural works of the world, the construction of the world famous Potala Palace was started in the 7th century during the time of the Tubo King Srontsan Gampo. On the top of Mt. Putup, it is looming over the whole Lhasa city. As high as 110m, the Potala Palace consists of two palaces - the Red Palace and the White Place. With over 1000 rooms, the 1 storied palace covers an area of 10,000 square meters. It witnessed the life of the Dalai Lamas and the important political and religious activities in the past centuries. There are grand palaces within palaces. The palace stands up so high that it resembles a magnificent castle in the heaven. It makes itself a good example of the ancient Tibetan culture and architecture. The statues of the Tubo King Srongtsan gampo and his wife Princess Wen Cheng are being worshipped in the Palace. Among the 8 tomb pagodas of the Dalai Lamas, the 5th tomb is the most extravagant. It stands as high as 14m and used 11,000 ounces of gold in its gold plating, and the designs and decorations on them all are inlaid with diamonds, peals, turquoises, agates, corals etc. There also stored the world treasure - the gold hand-written Buddhist scriptures, valuable gifts from the Chinese emperors and a lot of priceless antiques. You will be amazed by the colorful sculptures and paintings. The top most flat glistens with golden roofs. The Potala Palace deserves the title of art gallery and museum. It is a symbol of the wisdom and power of the Tibetan people.

Jokhang Monastery

Situated in the centre of the old section of Lhasa, Jokhang Temple was built in the mid-7th century A.D. and later extended by successive rulers, it has now become a gigantic architectural complex. Located in the east, facing to the west, it is a four storied temple with splendid golden roofs. It has architectural feature of Tang Dynasty and also assimilated very much features from both Nepalese and Indian Buddhist temples. The murals in the temple mainly depict the life stories of historic characters. The temple houses many historical relics since Tang Dynasty and statues of King Songtesn Gampo, Princess Wencheng, and Princess Bhrikuti Devi. "Princess Willow" (a tree), and "The Uncle-Nephew Alliance Tablet" can be seen at the front gate of the temple.

Tibet Museum
As Tibet's first museum in the modem sense, the museum of Tibet, situated at the southeastern comer of the Buddhist religious garden Norbulingka in Lhasa, was inaugurated in October 1999 on occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding the People's Republic of China and the 40th anniversary of the Democratic Reforms in Tibet as the product of one of 62 Chinese government funded projects launched in July 1994 in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the formation of the Autonomous Region of Tibet. Coveting 53,959 square meters, the museum is an enormous and magnificent building complex with a total floor area of 23,508 square meters, including exhibition halls with 10,451 square meters. In plan, strictly arranged along the axis of the com pound stand one after the other introductory hall, the main exhibition hall and the storehouse for culture relics. The architecture design, while bearing conspicuous signs of Tibetan ethnical tradition, obviously reveals the modernist emphasis on practical function and the post-modernist artistic features. It represents a harmonious application of those three distance elements. The whole treasure of cultural relics houses in the museum include a wide range of prehistoric cultural remains, statues of Buddha and Bodhisattvas made of different materials, ancient Tibetan scriptural texts written in inks of gold, silver and coral, delicate Thangka paintings, various musical instruments and ritual articles. To these are added handicrafts characteristic of Tibet, pottery of unique styles etc. The inaugural show was exclusively dedicated to the general theme of "the history and culture of and art; and the folk culture". The museum performs the concurrent functions of preservation, academic research and social education. Furnished with air-conditional devices, multi-functional saccousto-optic equipment, sophisticated.

Norbulingka

There is a beautiful park in the western suburbs of Lhasa. It used to be the Summer Palace for the Dalai Lamas where they handled political affairs, and practiced religious activities. The construction started in 40s of the 18th century, covering a floor space of 46ha. The whole park has more than 370 rooms of different sizes, and lawns, shaded by green trees and embroidered by various flowers. With the clear water, and the flowers and trees around, it is known as the "park within the park"

Drepung Monastery

It is situated 5km's distance to the western suburb of Lhasa at the foot Mt. Ganpoi Uze. Drepung Monastery was founded in 1416 by Jamyang Choje, a disciple of Tsongkapa, the founder of Gelugpa Sect. The monastery, occupying an area of 250,000 square metres with a fixed number of 7,700 monks, is the largest monastery in Tibet. The monastery keeps plentiful historical relics ,Buddhist scriptures, arts and crafts.

Sera Monastery

It lies on the foot of a mountain in the Northem outskirts of Lhasa. It was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Choje, one of the eight disciples of Tsongkhapa, the founder of Gelugpa Sect, covering an area of 114,964 square metres. The structure is imposing, picturesque in disorder, and splendid in green and gold. It is a typical Tibetan architecture. Sera Monastery, together with Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, is reputed as the Three Great Monasteries of Tibet.

Gandan Monastery

Located in Taktse County, founded in 1409 by Tsongkapa, the founder of the Gelugpa Sect, it is the earliest of the Three Great Monasteries of Tibet. Ganden Monastery (also Gaden or Gandain) or Ganden Namgyeling is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet, located at the top of Wangbur Mountain, Tagtse County, 36 kilometers ENE from the Potala Palace in Lhasa, at an altitude of 4,750m. (The other two 'great monasteries' are Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery.)
Its full name is dGa' ldan rNam rgyal gling or dGan-ldan rNam-par Gyal-wahi glin ("Continent of completely victorious happiness").
It was the original monastery of the Geluk order, founded by Je Tsongkhapa himself in 1409, and traditionally considered to be the seat of Geluk administrative and political power. The Ganden Tripa or 'throne-holder of Ganden' is the head of the Gelukpa school.

Tsedang

Samye Monastery

Tsetang (Zetang) is the birthplace of earliest Tibetans and the political and economical centre of Shangnan prefecture. It sits on the south bank in the middle section of the YarlungTsangbo River with a moderate climate at an altitude of 3,600 meters.
The nearby Yarlung River scenic area is a national scenic park with Samye Monastery, Yumbu Lhakang Palace, burial site for Tsampos and Traduk Monastery spotting the region. It is located between two mountain ranges(at the nothern side of Himalayas, to the south of Nyanchen Tanggula mountains,just by the Yalong zangbu river,with land area over 800,000 square kilomiters. The Yalong river flows from the sourh through the area and empty itself into Yalong zangbu river,hence the Yalong river formed a huge river delta at its end when it merges into another.

Tthere are sevral No.1s-- the first farming land,the first king of Tibet,the first palace (Yhongbulakhang), the first monastery in Tibet(Samye monastery). And several kings tombs are here: the world treasure- Pearl Tangka ( A type of painting ) was also and is still kept in Changdrok monastery.

The Chenpu meditation caves area (located to the north of Samye monastery) is still a dream place for Tibetan Budhism practicers. You can have a touch and visit to the holy lake Larmulatso--which was and now still the image reflection watching lake for finding clues to choose the reincarlated boy of the Past Dalhai Lhama and Panchan Lhama.

The Samye Monastery is at the foot of Mt. Haibusi, on the north bank of the Yaluzangbu River in Jialang county. Being the 1st monastery, belongs to the Nyingmapa and Sakyapa Sects., was built in 761. The 5th Tobu King Chisong Duosan sent envoys to Kashmir and India to invite famous lamas to teach Buddhism in Tibet. It is said that the monastery was destroyed by fire and was rebuilt three hundred years as the residence of the 6th Dalai Lama. Finally it was completed by Rating Rimpoche. The monastery had been combined the Chinese, Tibetan and Indian styles, in the centre of the monastery is a big square 3-storey hall with a floor space of over 8,900 square metres. The first floor is of Tibetan style, the 2nd Chinese and the 3rd Indian. To the direction of the 4 comers of the hall, 4 towers were built respectively in red, white, green and black colours. The Sangsu Monastery is a typical Buddhist building, it deserves its place in the history of architecture.

The First Castle-Yunbulakang

Yungbulakang is the palace for the 1 st Tube King Niechi in the Yalong River Valley. It is also called "the Mosher and Song Holy Hall". Yungbulakang, built in the second century B.C., is standing on the top of a hill on the east bank of the Yalong River in the southeast of Naidong county. The castle can be divided into front and back 2 parts. The front part is a 3-storey building, while the back part is a castle like tall building. Enshrined in the shrine are the statues of Thiesung Sangjie Buddha. King Niechi, KingSrontsan Gampo and the Tobu Kings after them. The legend goes that the "mysterious object" was on the roof of the castle, so Buddhists regard here as the holy-land.
Gyantse

Yandrok Yumtso Lake

The Yamdok Yumtso, one of the three largest lakes of Tibet, lies about a hundred kilometers' distance to the southwest of Lhasa, is within Langkamu county, with an area of 638 square kilometers and a coastal line of 250 kilometers. The deepest point is 60 metres. To the interior of the lake ten or so hilly islands stand independently one from the other which give homes to flocks of wild ducks. A lot of colorful ducks and geese are swimming on the surface of the lake. There is also plenty of natural fodder for the fish in the lake. The lake has a fish reserve of about 300 million kilograms. That is why it is called "the Fish Store of Tibet". The coast of the lake is an ideal pasture. All these make an intoxicating quite picture.

Kumbum Monastery and the 10,000-Buddha Pagoda
jiangba, the jamrese of a Thousand Hands and a Thousand Eyes in the monastery. There is a hall of arhat made during the Ming Dynasty. The arhats are so vivid that they look very much alive. Besides the monastery is the world famous 9-storey 100,000-Buddha Pagoda (Kumbum Pagoda). It stands 32 metres highly, has 108 doors, 77 Buddhist chambers and countless shrines. Enshrine in the Pagoda are 100,000 statues of Buddha. The Pagoda opens 8 doors, which are decorated with relief sculptures of lively flying dragons, running lions and walking elephants. It is a master-piece of the joint efforts of the Nepalese, Tibetan and Chinese.

Shigatse

Tashilunpo Monastery

The Tashilhunpo Monastery, the biggest Gelugpa monastery in the Tsang regions of Tibet, sprawls on the slope of Mt. Niser, south-west of Shigatse. It covers an area of about 300,000 square meters with a floor space of about 30,000 square meters. Painted in red and white' the buildings in the monastery stand closely together in terraced rows, offering a grand and majestic view. The monastery was founded in 1447 by Gendun Zhuba, one of the principal disciples of the Founder of the Yellow Sect Zongkaba, and was then enlarged consistently by different generations of Panchen Lama until it acquired its present dimensions. Gendun Zhuba was first abbot of the monastery, and in 1600 at the invitation of the monastery, the 4th Panchen Lama became the 16th abbot of it, thus made the monastery abode of the succeeding Panchen Lamas ever since. The Ngagpa College (Tantric College), one of its four monastic colleges, was the residence of the Panchen Lamas, the most amazing image in this monastery is the statue of giant Maitreya (Future Buddha) erected by the 9th Panchen Lama in 1914, and took four years for its establishment. This giant statue stands twenty-six metres in height and 275kg in weight of solid gold, great quantity of precious things such as pearls, turquoises, corals and ambers have absolved for its construction. The 4th Panchen Lama's funeral stupa was built in 1662 and it stands eleven metres high and is covered with solid gold and silver. There are many other valuable and rare historical articles in the monastery, among them are found a lot of gold and jade signets, and imperial certificates bestowed by Emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties as well as a seal of "Daitu" of the Yuan Dynasty scribed in the new Mongolian language reformed by Basba. They are of great value for the study of history.

Sakya Monastery-an Art Gallery

The Sakya Monastery located in Sakya County, stands in the southern and the northern, two parts on either side of Dongchu River. This monastery is the centre of the Sakyapa Sect (White Earth Order). The construction of the monastery was started in 1073 by Kung Gung Quijiepuo with the order from basba. The southern founded in 1268 by a famous abbot of Sakya named Pagpa who once had ruled the whole of Tibet under the Yuan Dynasty's supervision. So it is of typical Yuan Dynasty style resembling powder or cinnabar. It has over 10,000 volumes of books on astronomy, medicine, calligraphy, and history. Owing to its valuable and voluminous amount of Buddhist sutras and cultural remains, the Sakya Monastery is often considered as the "Dunhuang the Second".

Shalu Monastery

The Shalu Monastery is situated in Rikuozuo within the Shalu village. The construction was started in 1000 by Jestun Sherab Jungne. Its architecture is of typical combination of the Tibetan and Chinese styles with the archways, carved pillars, tiled roofs and the Song and Yuan style murals, a rare and unique work of art, mixed feature of Tibetan and Han. Besides the various sorts of statues of Buddha, The monastery enshrines various relics such as religious objects, Buddhist scriptures written on "pattra" leaves, and an important decree of Pagpa, the Sakya abbot. It also has 4 treasures to be enshrined. The first is a scripture printing board carved out of sandal wood. The second is a copper jar to contain holy water. It is said that the water is changed every other 12 years, but the quantity and quality of the water do not change even if it has been in the jar for 12 years. The third is a stone basin which is said to be used by Shaja Banzhida. The fourth is a stone Board with the 6-character principle engraved on it. On the 4 comers of the board are also engraved four clarit pagodas. It is said that when the construction first started, the board was unearthed.

Mt. Everest base camp.

Qomolangma meaning "Goddess" in Tibetan, is the highest mountain on earth with an altitude of 8, 848.13 metres. Mt. Qomolangma, known to the western world as Mt. Everest, stands at the south of Tingri county in southern Tibet, at the border of the central Himalayas, between China and Nepal, capped with accumulated eternal snow. Its snow peak sends out silver radiance year after year. Its waist is hidden in the clouds. The optimum weather to visit Mt. Everest is from April to June, a golden period for mountaineers. Each year, a great number of brave robust mountaineers come from all over the world to visit and climb Mt. Everest, hope to fulfill a life-long wish by climbing onto and looking over from the world's highest peak.

Attractions
Tibet is the biggest, highest and the youngest plateau in the world. It claims to be the "Roof of the world" and "The Third Pole". Mt. Kunlun, Mt. Himalaya, Mt. Gandis and Mt. Henduan are all scraping the sky. Tibet is full of rivers and lakes, which provides adequate hydroelectric power and aquatic products. Bushy banks of the rivers and lakes are the homes of swans and wild geese. If you do not watch your step, you might stride on their eggs. On the banks of the salt water lakes, there are great heaps of alkali which also contain nitro borax.

The Holy Snow Land
The mountains and peaks in the Tibetan Plateau are covered by silver snow, shining under the sunlight. It would be even more beautiful looking down from airplane.

High Peaks
Among the 14 peaks above 8,000 meters on earth, 5 are in Tibet. Besides Mt. Everest peaks like Luozi, Makalu, Zhuoayou, Xixiabangma and Nanjiabawa are all competing to stand up higher than other peaks on earth. Huge rocks are piercing into the sky. Endless ice and snow are depicting a silver world. White ice towners, stalagmites and stalactites, the serene looking ice sheep against the ferocious looking ice are master pieces of ice carving by the great nature. What is not white? What is not pure here in Tibet?

Three Rivers
The Gold Sand, Lancang and Nu Rivers flow down from north to the south into Yunnan Province. Accompanied by the grand sceneries of Mt. Hengduan, the 3-river area is a famous scenic spot.

Yarlun zangbu River
The 2051 km long Yarluzangbu River turns and twists like a silver dragon from the west to the east into the valleys of South Tibet, running through Muotuo county. After a 90-degree turn, it empties into the Indian Ocean. People can have a good time on their yak hide boats or canoes at the upper level of the River with going down to the lower level, which is quite exciting and challenging.

Tibetan Buddhist Sects and Characteristics
Numerous Buddhist Acts emerged after the mid-11th century, including the Nyingma, Gatang, Sagya, Gagyu, Zhigyed, Gyoyul, Gyonang, Kodrag and Xalhu sects. The latter five were rather weak owing to the lack of political support. They were thus forced to join force or were otherwise annexed by other sects, and as individual entities fell into the oblivion of the long flow of history. The following five sects enjoyed impressive popularity:

Tibetan Custom

Presenting Khada;
Present Khada is a common practice among the Tibetan people to express their best wishes on many occasions, such as wedding ceremonies, festivals, visiting the elders and the seniors, and entertaining guests. The white Khada, a long narrow scarf made of silk, embodies purity and good fortune.

Greetings;
Greetings Don't forget to add "la" after saying hello to the Tibetan people to show respect . Make Way to others. Try not to make any sounds while eating and drinking.
Proposing a Toast and Tea;
Proposing a Toast and Tea When you come to a Tibetan family, the host will propose a toast, usually barley wine. You should sip three times and then drink up. To entertain guests with tea is a daily etiquette. The guest has not to drink until the host presents the tea to you.

Sky Burials;
Sky burial is a common form in Tibet. There are many prohibitions. Strangers are not allowed to attend the ceremony. Visitors should respect this custom and keep away from such occasions.
At the top of the ridge, on a platform of stones encircled by prayer flags, the tomden, or yogin-butcher, unwraps the body and slices it from head to toe, exposing the underlying flesh and bones. Drawn by the smoke from the juniper fire and the smell of fresh meat, huge vultures begin to gather on the surrounding rocks. His soul already transferred to celestial space, the dead man's body is used to benefit other living beings. The majestic vultures, thought by Tibetans to be manifestations of flesh-eating dakinis, glide down from the high ridges and surrounding rocks and dance restlessly around the tomden and the unveiled corpse. "Shey, shey," (Eat, eat"), shouts the tomden. The birds descend, enveloping the dead man's body in frenzy of dark shifting wings.

'The dead man's body is used to benefit other living beings'
Like a bodhisattva shaman, the tomden goes back in among the vultures and begins to dismember the skeleton, throwing arm and leg bones to the ravenous birds. Then, with a stone mallet, he pulverises the remaining bones. Reciting mantras, he takes the skull and crushes it with a large rock. He mixes the brain and powdered bones with tsampa flour and again invites the birds to feast. Soon there is nothing left: only wisps of smoke from the juniper fire drifting across the barren stones. The birds fly heavily to the crest of the ridge to digest; then, slowly, they soar off into the heavens - black shapes fading against a pale, unending sky.

Pilgrimage
The immediate motivations of pilgrimage are many, but for the ordinary Tibetan it amounts to a means of accumulating merit or good luck. The lay practitioner might go on pilgrimage in the hope of winning a better rebirth, cure an illness, and end a spate of bad luck or simply because of a vow to take a pilgrimage if a bodhisattva granted a wish. In Tibet there are countless sacred destinations, ranging from lakes and mountains to monasteries and caves that once served as meditation retreats for important yogin. Specific pilgrimages are often proscribed for specific ills; certain mountains for example expiate certain sins. A circumambulation of Mt. Kailash offers the possibility of liberation within three lifetimes, while a circuit of Lake Manasarovar can result in spontaneous Buddha hood.

COMMON RELIGIOUS OBJECTS
Throughout Tibet, monks and laymen have always used religious articles as part of their daily lives. Some of those most commonly encountered are listed below:

Prayer Flag – Found in clusters fluttering on roofs, mountain passes, strung across rivers, above paths, etc. Prayers and mantras printed by woodblock on five colours of cotton cloth are thought to be carried heavenward by the wind





Prayer Wheel – A hollow cylinder containing printed prayers or sutras. Every rotation equals a recitation of the contents. In all sizes, most are hand–held or hand–turned in fixed rows around temples. Some are turned by water or heat.

Dorje and Bell – The dorje represents a thunderbolt, fundamental symbol of Tantric faith. It is used with the bell in all rituals. The note of the bell, or trilpu, is said to drive away evil by its magic music.

Mani Stone – A smooth stone inscribed with the universal mantra Om Mani Padem Hum. Found in piles near temples and beside pilgrim paths Juniper Hearth – Big stupa shaped fireplace found near temples and holy spots, fuelled with juniper wood whose sacred, fragrant smoke constitutes an offering and bestows blessing. Butter and Tsampa Sculpture – Torma or “holy food”, ritually presented to the gods, is usually a cone of coloured tsampa (barley meal) supporting decorated medallions of butter. Elaborate, gilded versions made at New Year remain on altars in glass cases throughout the year.

COMMON TIBETAN SYMBOLS
some symbols recur on the walls of almost every temple, shrine and monastery, or on the walls of private houses. The most common decorative motifs of all are the Eight Sacred Emblems of Buddhism, as follows:


Dharma Wheel (chakra) – represents the unity of all things and symbolises Sakyamuni himself.




Conch Shell (dun) – used in Buddhist worship as a trumpet or offertory vessel and symbolises the “spoken word”. Lotus flower (padma) – as the flower rises from muddy roots, so Nirvana arises from this shabby world and thus it symbolises purity.

Umbrella (gdugs) – is a token of royalty and symbolises the protection of the Dharma


(Faith).

Golden Fish (gser–na) – a water allows fish to swim freely, so Buddhist belief emancipates the soul. They symbolise spiritual liberation. Vase (bum–pa) – is used as a storage urn or a sacred receptacle and thus symbolises hidden treasures.

Banner of Victory (dpal–be) – a unique Buddhist object, the cylindrical layered banner symbolises victory over ignorance and death. Endless Knot (apal–be) – an auspicious geometric diagram, it symbolises the unity of all things and the illusory character of time. Asta Mangal Sign –Endless know, chhatter, conch, golden fish, vase, wheel, lotus & banner of victory in one vase.

FEW OTHER COMMON SYMBOLS ARE THE FOLLOWING:

Wheel of Life – Found in vestibule murals. The hub shows the “Three poisons”: greed, hate and delusion (pig, snake, cock). The six big sections show all realms of existence Heaven (top); Demi–gods (top left); Humankind (top–right); Hell in awful detail (bottom); Hungry Ghosts with big bellies but tiny necks (low right); Animals (low left). The demon of Impermanence holds the whole wheel Mystical Seal of the Kalicakra – Usually among vestibule murals. It symbolizes the highest of all initiations into occult knowledge, which can only be performed by a Dalai Lama.

Swastika – Found in mosaic floors or painted on homes. Ancient symbol. In Tibet it means good fortune. Strict followers of Buddhism draw it clockwise, followers of Bon anticlockwise.

Wind Horse (lung–ta) – Printed on prayer flags. Symbol of good luck with Three Jewels of Buddhism on his back. He takes prayers to Heaven by wind.

Sun and Moon – Painted on village houses. Ancient archetypal symbol for the source of light, union of opposites. In Tibet it is a folk sign for good luck and protection against evil spirits.



Allegory of Cooperation – Found among murals. Bird brings a seed from afar and plants it. Rabbit manure the tree while eating grass under it. Monkey waters it while eating sweet fruit. Elephant comes to enjoy its shade and protect it. Thus was the Earth prepared for mankind.

Six Syllable Mantra - Om Mani Padme Hum
The mantra OM MANI PADME HUM (or HUNG) sometimes gives rise to fanciful or mysterious translations. However, it is simply one name of Ceresin placed between two sacred and traditional syllables, OM and HUM.
• OM represents the body of all Buddhas; it also begins nearly all mantras;
• MANI means "jewel" in Sanskrit;
• PAD ME, the Sanskrit pronunciation, or PEME in Tibetan means "lotus";
• HUM represents the mind of all Buddhas and often ends mantras.
MANI refers to the jewel that Ceresin holds in his two central hands and PADME to the lotus he holds in his second left hand. Saying OM MANI PADME HUM names Ceresin through his attributes: "the one who holds the jewel and the lotus." "Ceresin" or "Jewel Lotus" is two names for the same deity.

Tibetan Festivals
New Year Festival (Lhosar)
It is the greatest festival in Tibet. In ancient times when the peach tree was in blossom, it was considered as the starting of a new year. Since the systematization of the Tibetan calendar in 1027 A.D., The first day of the first month became fixed as the New Year. On the New Year’s the families unite " auspicious dinner" is offered and the auspicious words " tashi delek" are greeted. It is the most colorful festival of Lhasa. Monlam (great prayer festival of Lhasa)
Known also as the great prayer festival, this is held midway through the first lunar month. An image of maitreya from the Jokhang is borne around the Barkhor, attracting enthusiastic crowds of locals and pilgrims.

Saga dawa festival (May or June)
It is the holiest in Tibet, there memorable occasions coincide on this day, Buddha’s birth and Buddha’s enlightenment. Almost every person within Lhasa joins in circumambulations round the city and spends their late afternoon on picnic at "dzongyab lukahng" park at the foot of Potala.

Gyantse horse race & archery (May or June)

Horse race and archery are generally popular in Tibet, and Gyantse enjoys prestige of being the earliest in history by starting in 1408. Contests in early times included horse race, archery, and shooting on gallop followed by a few days' entertainment or picnicking. Presently ball games, track and field events, folk songs and dances, barter trade are in addition to the above.
Shoton festival (august)

It is the opera festival and the greatest festivals in Tibet. In ancient times pious folks went into mountain hermitages of which yoghurt was served for meal followed by entertainment of folk songs and dances. Since 7th century, opera performances were held for days in Norbu lingka. Presently, opera contests and distribution of prizes are held for seven days.

Harvest festival (September)

The farmers in Lhasa, Gyantse and Shannon to celebrating their bummer harvest in this time. During that time, people enjoy with horse racing games, costume fashion show, songs and dance archery and picnic etc.

Bathing week
It is believed when the sacred planet Venus appears in the sky, the water in the river becomes purest and cures diseases. During its appearance for one week in the sky, all the people in Tibet go into the river for bathing.

Changtang chachen horse race festival (10 august)
As the most important festival in north Tibet during the golden season on the grassland, thousand of herdsmen throng to Nakchu riding fine horses, and carrying the local products. They form as city of tens south of Nakchu town. There will be thrilling horse race, archery and demonstrations of horsemanship. Songs and dance troupes from all part of Tibet will add to the fun.

Ganden festival
On the 15th day of the 6th Tibetan month, 25 precious articles belonging to Ganden monastery, which are normally locked in their treasure house, are displayed in the main shrine hall. A grand offering ceremony accompanies the display. These articles consist of the images of the sixteen arhats, Akshobhya, the secret assembly, the four great kings, the upasaka and hashang image.

Tourist Visa
A tourist visa, issued to aliens who come to china for sightseeing and visiting relatives, is marked with "L" in the many kinds of Chinese visas. Visa L is characterized by a short duration of stay, usually 30 days, no more than 90 days, and could not be extended upon expiration.
Group visa, another kind of tourist visa, is applied by foreigner traveling in tour groups. Group visa is not issued on the passports, but on a separate paper, which requires the group members enter and exit the Chinese border together.

Remark: If you are coming to Lhasa from Kathmandu, you'd better get China visa from Kathmandu because no matter you've already got the visa in your country or not, you must get a visa in Kathmandu, which is regulated in an official memo between China and Nepal.
Tibet Travel Permit

How to get the travel permits?
To get a permit you should submit the following documents and mention the following information to us.

Full name Gender Date of birth Passport number Nationality
All exactly the same as on your passport. And you need to tell us your occupation because journalists and people that could be involved in political matters could be revoked (they need more complicated procedure to get a permit). You need to apply for the travel permit at least 10 days prior to your entry date.
Please note that if you do not book any tour from a licensed agent, we can not help you get the permits. No travel agency can provide "permit-only" service. A Must services include transfers and guide.

Remark
All kinds of people can get Tibet permit through a travel agency except diplomats, journalists, and senior government officials who should travel to Tibet under the arrangement by the Foreign Affairs Office of Tibet Government.
After having a permit,we could continue the following operate for your amazing tour in .
Only the guide could hold the permit after you establish yourself on Tibet land. You are not allowed to bring with it and travel to anywhere you want because except Lhasa you need another permit named as "Aliens’ Permit".

Other documents
Other documents are the same as you travel to other places of China - you need hold a valid passport with valid visa (issued by Chinese Embassy). If you are coming to Lhasa from Kathmandu, you'd better get China visa from Kathmandu because no matter you've already got the visa in your country or not, you must get a visa in Kathmandu, which is regulated in an official memo between China and Nepal.

Tibet Main Road Conditions
Route Distance hours Road conditions Vehicle type
Airport - Lhasa 95km 1.5-2h Black topped in good condition All
Lhasa - Gyantse 260km 8.5h Partly rough and partly blacktopped All
Gyantse - Shigatse 100km 2.5h Black topped in good condition All
Shigatse -Lhasa (new road) 280km 5-6h Partly rough and partly blacktopped All
Tingri - Mt. Everest/Rongbuk 70 km 3-5h Rough road, many turnings jeep
Lhasa - Tsedang 220km 5h Tar road in good condition All
Kathmandu –Zhangmu 123km 5h 80 km black topped then graveled All
Zhangmu - Tingri 244 km 5h Partly rough and partly blacktopped Jeeps

Cultural Consideration
The Tibetans are among the easiest people to get along with in Asia. But still there are some cultural considerations you should better to pay attention to when you travel in Tibet.
1. Do not photo them without permission!
2. Always circumambulate gompas and other religious objects clockwise , thus keeping shrines and chortens to your right.
3. Don't touch or remove anything on an altar.
4. Don't take photos during a prayer meeting. At other times always ask permission to take a photo, especially one using flash. The larger monasteries charge photography fees.
5. Don't wear shorts or short skirts in a monastery.
6. Take your hat off when you go into a chapel.
7. Don't smoke in a monastery.
8. Do not eat dog, donkey and horse in Tibet.
9. Be aware that Tibetans often gesture with their lips to show a direction, so if a member of the opposite sex pouts at you they are just showing you where to go.

Medicine
Following is a list of items you should consider including in your medical kit - consult your pharmacist for brands available in your country.
• Aspirin or paracetamol - for pain or fever
• Antihistamine - for allergies, e.g. hay fever; to ease the itch from insect bites or stings; and to prevent motion sickness.
• Antibiotics consider including these if you're traveling well off the beaten track' see your doctor, as they must be prescribed, and carry the prescription with you.
• Loperamides or Diphenoxylate 'blockers' for diarrhea' Prochlorperazine or metaclopramide for nausea and vomiting.
• Rehydration mixture to prevent dehydration, e.g. due to severe diarrhea; particularly important when traveling with children.
• Insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm and eye drop.
• Calamine lotion, sting relief spray or aloe vera-to ease irritation from sunburn and insect bites or stings.
• Antifungal cream or powder - for fungal skin infections and thrush.
• Antiseptic, such as povidone-iodine for cuts and grazes.
• Bandages, band-aids or plasters and other would dressings.
• Scissors, tweezers and a thermometer (note that mercury thermometers are prohibited by airlines)
• Syringes and needles in case you need injections in a country with medical hygiene problems. Ask your doctor for a note explaining why you have them.
• Cold and Flu tablets, throat lozenges and nasal decongestant.
• Multivitamins - consider for long trips, when dietary vitamin intake may be inadequate.

Money & Credit Card
In Tibet, the only place to change foreign currency and travellers cheques is the Bank of China. The top end hotels in Lhasa have exchange services but they are only available for guests. The sensible thing to do is to change as much money in Lhasa as you think you need. The only other places to change money are in Shigatse, Zhangmu and Purang (or perhaps Ali). If you are travelling upcountry, try and get your cash in small denominations: RMB100 and RMB50 bills are sometimes difficult to get rid of in rural Tibet. If you don't like the idea of turning up at the border with no Chinese currency you can buy cash RMB from banks in Hong Kong and the Bank of China in large cities.

Credit Cards
Credit cards are not recommended as a way of payment in Tibet. Flights and Lhasa can not be paid using a credit card. The Lhasa central branch of the Bank of China is the only place in Tibet which provides credit card advances. A 4% commission is usually deducted and the minimum advance is normally RMB1200.

Traveller's Cheques
Traveller's cheques are now acceptable at the Bank of China. It is recommended that you cash them in Lhasa.

Remark : In Tibet, coins are not acceptable even for donations, and sometimes the new version of money are not recognized and accepted as well.