Yambajan is famous for its wide range of hot springs

More than 90 kilometers away from Lhasa, Yambajan is located to the northwest of downtown Lhasa at the foot of Nyaingentanglha Mountain. It covers an area of 15 kilometers. Snowy mountains, icebergs and the virgin forest surround it on both sides with attractive meadow in the middle of the basin. Chinatourguide.com is pleasure to provide Tibet tour for you, we also provide other China tours and indochina tours with local guide.

 

Yambajan is famous for its wide range of hot springs, from ones with the highest temperatures in the country to boiling geysers. It sits in a basin at the foot of Nyainqentanglha Mountains about 90 kilometers northwest of Lhasa. In the early morning, the town is covered in a white and luminous vapor. The hot springs in Yambajan contain various minerals and are believed to be therapeutic.

Tibet is situated in a plateau and it contains the greatest number of hot springs in China. Yambajan is very famous for its springs which cover an area of 7000 square meters. Besides common springs, the springs here have the highest temperature, forming peculiar boiling springs and geysers.

The water flowing from Yambajan stays at a temperature of about 47℃, which usually conduces an amazing picture of a mass of white vapor floating on the lake. At present, several indoor and outdoor thermal hot spring pools have been built on Yambajan geothermal field. It is a great enjoyment to have a spa in Yambaja, which is surrounded by snow-capped mountain ranges with snowflakes in winter. But it should be highly noticed that it is better not to spend a long time or do strenuous exercises in a highland spa, or else people probably suffer from serious altitude reaction.

Yambajan Hydrothermal Power Plant is the biggest Hydrothermal Power Plant. In recent years, the Yambajan Hydrothermal Power Plant has become a scenic spot because of its special landscape and scientific attractions. The inhabitants of Lhasa and its surrounds often go to bathe in the hot spring, and to visit the fountain and Hydrothermal Power Plant. It is a good place for them to spend their holidays or weekends. Nowadays, Yambajan is listed as a must-see place when traveling in Tibet and the Yambajan Hydrothermal Power Plant is considered an essential place to visit in order to understand Tibet.  

Barkhor Street is a very ancient round street surrounding the Jokhang Temple

Located in the old area of Lhasa City, Tibet, Barkhor Street is a very ancient round street surrounding the Jokhang Temple and the locals are always proud of it. As a symbol of Lhasa, it is also a must-see place for visitors. Chinatourguide.com is pleasure to provide Tibet tour for you, we also provide other China tours and indochina tours with local guide.

The most famous pilgrim circuit in Lhasa is Barkhor Kora or Barkhor Pilgrim Circuit circling the ancient Jokhang Temple. On the Barkhor Street, you can see thousands of people with pray wheels, Buddhist prayer beads or incense walking clockwise around the Jokhang Temple. Follow this Lhasa  pilgrim circuit, you can get a feel for Tibetan arts, handicrafts, and customs. This kora is lined with traders selling everything, as well as small alleyways leading to temples, markets and homes. Therefore pilgrims can do shopping at the end of their kora. The Barkhor Street is always thronged with pilgrims from all over the Tibet, even other places of the world. Some of them have covered thousands of kilometers to complete this sacred circuit. Some of them, even teenagers, move forward body-lengths by body-lengths from morning to night. All they do is to testify their piety to their beliefs. It is here that you can witness the devotion of the pilgrims and directly feel the strength of religion.

The street area is very big covering many streets and alleys. The main street surrounding the temple is a 1,000-meter street bustling with hundreds of store fronts and street vendors. Worshipping wares and tourist souvenirs are hawked along this Tibetan-ambience stoned street: yak butter lamps, prayer wheels, scriptures, turquoise and coral jewelries, antique carvings, Tibetan carpets, etc. Tibetan snacks and cuisines are easy to spot here.

Ramoche Temple in Lasha

Ramoche located in Lasha City northeast of Barkhor Street about 500 meters north of Block west to east, from the courtyard of the Temple, the gatehouse, Sakyamuni like roofing golden dome and internal and external transfer The cloister, a total area of about 4,000 square meters. The temple named A up hot wood Qizulakang, "meaning" Han tiger god into the Temple. The Ramoche Chinese title; small, the corresponding Jokhang Temple; Zhao is a transliteration of the Tibetan "sleep lying", which means "Buddha. Temple for like the Sakyamuni eight-year-old life-sized pure gold and many statues and Thangka. 1962 as a regional key cultural relics protection units. HRC is pleased to offer great service a China tour or Indochina tour for you.

 
In the days of King Songtsan Gampo (617-649), founder of the Tibetan Empire, Ramoche Temple was originally built to house the famous statue of Sakyamuni, now found in the Jokhang, which was brought to Tibet by Princess Wen Cheng. Legend has it that when Princess Wen Cheng and her entourage arrived at the north gate of Lhasa, her carriage got stuck in the mud. Her assistants could not remove the statue and so they covered it temporarily with 4 pillars and white brocade. Later, the Princess ordered the construction of Ramoche as a shrine for the statue.
Ramoche was founded in the mid-seventh century AD, incense stretches than a thousand years. According to legend, Wencheng princess to Tibet with a 12-year-old Sakyamuni life-sized pure gold like, the line to Ramoche now,, wooden car into the sand. Princess calendar, Sakyamuni Buddha decided to put here to worship, was built Ramoche. Presided over the construction of the temple by Princess Wen Cheng started at the same time with the Jokhang Temple, see completed at the same time, the opening at the same time; door to the east, to the princess home parents miss sustenance.

Nowadays, the temple has become the very place for the Tibetan monks to study the Mi Zong (one of the sects of Buddhism).
Ramoche Temple of the original main supply Wencheng Princess Sakyamuni Buddha brought from Chang'an, the main shrine of the Jokhang Temple is the original main supply Princess of Nepal from Kathmandu statue of Buddha Sakyamuni, Later, two statues for a bit. According to the Fifth Dalai Lama book "Jokhang Temple directory and the book records: the first Xiaozhaoshi main supply Buddha Sakyamuni Buddha brought by Princess Wencheng. After the death of Songtsen Gampo, in accordance with the will of Princess Wencheng, Jokhang Temple and Xiaozhaoshi, Sakyamuni Buddha was on the exchange, Princess of Nepal brought Sakyamuni Buddha as Main St. for Ramoche.
Remoche Temple was originally built to house the famous statue of Sakyamuni, now found in the Jokhang Temple, which was originally brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng, It was said that when Princess Wencheng and her entourage arrived at the North gate of Lhasa, her carriage got stuck in the mud. Her assistants could not remove the statue and so they covered it temporarily with 4 pillars and white brocade. Later, the Princess ordered the construction of Ramoche as a shrine for the statue.

Potala Palace immense religious and administrative complex in Lhasa

Potala Palace is considered a model of Tibetan architecture. Located on the Red Hill in Lhasa, Tibet, it is 3,700 meters above sea level and covers an area of over 360,000 square meters, measuring 360 meters from east to west and 270 meters from south to north. The palace has 13 stories, and is 117 meters high. Interesting in Potala Palace Tour? HRC is pleased to offer great service to build a unique China tour for you.

 
Potala Palace immense religious and administrative complex in Lhasa, southern Tibet Autonomous Region, southwestern China. It is situated atop Mar-po-ri (Red Mountain), 425 feet (130 metres) above the Lhasa River valley, and rises up dramatically from its rocky base. Potrang Karpo (completed 1648; White Palace) once served as the seat of the Tibetan government and the main residence of the Dalai Lama; from the mid-18th century it was used as a winter palace. Potrang Marpo (1694; Red Palace) houses several chapels, sacred statues, and the tombs of eight Dalai Lamas; it remains a major pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists.

The central part of this group of buildings rises in a vast quadrangular mass above its satellites to a great height, terminating in gilt canopies similar to those on the Jokhang. This central member of Potala is called the "red palace" from its crimson colour, which distinguishes it from the rest. It contains the principal halls and chapels and shrines of past Dalai Lamas. There is in these much rich decorative painting, with jewelled work, carving and other ornamentation.

Ganden Monastery is attainable on a day trip from Lhasa

Ganden Monastery is attainable on a day trip from Lhasa. It lies 45km east of Lhasa, on the Sichuan highway. It is the most dramatically situated of the main temples near Lhasa, high up on the ridge.
The Ganden Monastery has been re-established in Karnataka, India by the Tibetan population in exile. The Ganden Monastery is located in the Tibetan settlement at Mundgod. This settlement of Tibetan refugees is the largest of its kind in India and was first established in 1966, from land donated by the Indian government.

 
In the Tibetan settlement near Mundgod are the Ganden and the Drepung Monastery. In 1999 there were in total about 13,000 residents. The Tibetan settlement consists of nine camps with two monasteries and one nunnery. They have established a credit bank for farms, an agricultural institute and a craft center. Modern technology and communication technology are being introduced. The curriculum of the Ganden Monastery remains similar to the teachings of the pre-1959 Ganden Monastery.

Ganden Monastery was completely destroyed during the rebellion of 1959. In 1966 it was severely shelled by Red Guard artillery and monks then had to dismantle the remains.[4] Most of Tsongkhapa's mummified body was burned but his skull and some ashes were saved from the fire by Bomi Rinpoche, the monk who had been forced to carry the body to the fire.[6] Re-building has been continuing since the 1980s and the "red-painted lhakang in the centre is the reconstruction of Ganden's sanctum sanctorum containing Tsongkapa's reliquary chorten called the Tongwa Donden, 'Meaningful to Behold.'

The word "Ganden" means "joy" in Tibetan and is also the name for the "western heavens" where the Maitreya Buddha (the Future Buddha) resides. Ironically, this Monastery was heavily damaged during Cultural Revolution bombings, making the place somewhat depressing. However, work is underway to repair the damaged buildings of the monastery, so that Ganden Monastery is being quickly restored to its must-see status as one of Lhasa's most impressive monasteries. Seek out the Golden Throne Room of the Dalai Lama. Placed upon the throne, there is a cloth bag containing his yellow hat that he left behind in his escape to exile in India.

The Sho Dun Festival in Tibet

The Sho Dun Festival , commonly known as the Yogurt Festival  or Banquet is an annual festival held at Norbulingka or "Jewel Park" palace in Lhasa, Tibet.

The festival is celebrated in the summer, from the 15th to the 24th of the 5th lunar month - usually about the middle of August, after a month's retreat by the monks who stay within their monasteries to avoid walking on the emerging summer insects and killing them.
Partying at Sho Dun Festival, Norbulingka, 1993

It began in the 16th century with a banquet given by the lay people for the monks featuring yoghurt. Later on, summer operas, or Lhamo, and theatricals were added to the festivities. The operas, "last all day with clashing cymbals, bells and drums; piercing recitatives punctuating more melodious choruses; hooded villains, leaping devils, swirling girls with long silk sleeves. In the past dancers came from all over Tibet, but today there is only the state-run Lhasa Singing and Dancing Troupe."

The beautiful grounds of the Norbulingka are filled with partying groups shielded from the wind by gaily coloured hanging walls of rugs and printed canvas. There is much feasting and visiting between family groups and bonfires are common at night.

 

Shoton Festival originates from the 11th century. It had been exclusively a religious observance until the 17th century when the Great 5th Dalai Lama introduced the Tibetan opera into the celebration, making it a nationwide gala. Being the largest and most mysterious festival on the roof of the world, Shoton Festival serves as a showcase to rooted tradition, appealing culture and great piety of the Tibetan people. Global travelers, who urge to discover more than just turquoise lakes and snow capped mountains on this forbidden land, are drawn to Tibet at this time of year.

The festival mainly consists of 3 parts - Great Buddha Display, Tibetan Opera Show and Horsemanship & Yak Race Show. In combination they represent the best of Tibetan religion, culture and tradition.

Travel tips for Potala Palace

In order to control the number of visitors, in 2006 began to restrict daily visitors to 2300 people, of which 1600 is provided to the travel agency, 700 is provided to fit. Individual tourist, prior to Potala Palace in order to receive a free ticket purchase voucher, Potala Palace, the next day with a ticket purchase voucher can purchase visit.

According to the reservoir development and reform price document [2007]464, Potala Palace from January 1, 2008 onwards busy season and off-season fare.

Potala Palace tickets tips

Ticket information: Potala Palace and limit the sale of pre-sale ticket system combination, the number of daily visitors limit 2300 people (about 700 individual tickets), a day after 5 pm the next day after the pre-sale tickets, each limited to 4 tickets, to be a day early to queue up for a ticket purchase voucher, and must provide the identity card number, according to the queue. Successively, ticket card marked the time of visit, in the Potala Palace big door holding identity cards to buy ticket to enter. If you have a teaching certificate or student ID card, take it out, you only need 49 yuan can go in the. In addition the Jinding cannot, treasures collection money is not much, not worth, can save 10 yuan.

Receive location: in Potala Palace square on the door, written with strict time, expired.

The best location: pictures of Potala Palace is located in the southwest side of the best position of the Potala Palace in a small mountain (the relative elevation of over 20 meters), the end of the tour went down after it passes through the Beijing road to the. Under the mountain there will be local charge, about 1-2 yuan.

 

Matters needing attention

Photograph: Yaowang mountain can shoot panorama of Potala Palace; the Dragon King pool can shoot in Potala Palace park reflection; the Potala Palace can not take pictures.

Toilet: white square on the right has a toilet, after nearly two hours of tours was no toilets, visitors enter the white house before this convenient; cloth Palace back door toilet is very characteristic, must try;

Remind: the palace is higher, up and down slowly; the relatively cold, even the best summer also prepared coat.

CMB / City Jeep: individual in cling to walk and Jeep fixed routes, fares 2 yuan, most of the lines Tibetan Hospital station.

Car rental: suggest tourist taxi ride from the mountain to the top of the Potala Palace, and then from the top down along Potala Palace, the fare of about 10 yuan.

The palace location: fit in Potala Palace front gate into the palace at Potala Palace, team tourists southeast side, hereby accept security check, check the ID card number, please be sure to bring your ID, otherwise cannot enter.

Security notice: into the Potala Palace needs security, all flammable and explosive, guns, tools (including nail clippers and other possible pry the Potala Palace any stones gadget) cannot be carried into the.

Tickets : Security after entering the palace, by the ladder walking to Potala Palace house in front of the ticket office, by buy ticket buy the real Potala Palace tickets.

Potala Palace tourism traffic

Traffic in the city

Lhasa City Taxi: Although very small, but surprisingly he has 1500 taxi. Hits in Lhasa, on the bus to bargaining, generally in the city of 10 yuan is enough.

Tashilhunpo Monastery is a historic and culturally important monastery next to Shigatse

  Tashilhunpo Monastery, founded in 1447 by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama, is a historic and culturally important monastery next to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet. It was sacked when the Gurkhas invaded Tibet and captured Shigatse in 1791 before a combined Tibetan and Chinese army drove them back as far as the outskirts of Kathmandu,when they were forced to agree to keep the peace in future, pay tribute every five years, and return what they had looted from Tashilhunpo.

  The monastery is the traditional seat of successive Panchen Lamas, the second highest ranking tulku lineage in the Gelukpa tradition. The "Tashi" or Panchen Lama had temporal power over three small districts, though not over the town of Shigatse itself, which was administered by a dzongpön (prefect) appointed from Lhasa.
  Located on a hill in the center of the city, the full name in Tibetan of the monastery means: "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory".
  Tashi Lhunpo Monastery is a nonprofit charitable organization which imparts various aspects of the Buddhist religion while maintaining a school of modern education. In recent years it has matured into a reputable full-fledged monastery, performing a vital role in the preservation of Buddhism. One aspect of a monastery is the parental-like responsibility of looking after the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of all the monks, throughout their lives. The modern school is at the budding stage and faces enormous daily hurdles. Yet, there is faith in divine help as the school moves along.

Drepung is the largest of all Tibetan monasteries

Drepung Monastery , located at the foot of Mount Gephel, is one of the "great three" Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet. The other two are Ganden and Sera. Drepung is the largest of all Tibetan monasteries and is located on the Gambo Utse mountain, five kilometers from the western suburb of Lhasa.

 

Freddie Spencer Chapman reported, after his 1936-37 trip to Tibet, that Drepung was at that time the largest monastery in the world, and housed 7,700 monks, "but sometimes as many as 10,000 monks."

Since the 1950s, Drepung Monastery, along with its peers Ganden and Sera, have lost much of their independence and spiritual credibility in the eyes of Tibetans since they operate under the close watch of the Chinese security services. All three were reestablished in exile in the 1950s in Karnataka state in south India. Drepung and Ganden are in Mundgod and Sera is in Bylakuppe.

The organizational hierarchy of the monastery is rather complex. The main branches of the organization consist of Coqen, Zhacang, Kamcun, and Myicun. Coqen is in the highest position, to which Zhacang belongs, and Kamcun is under the jurisdiction of Zhacang, with the Myicun as its subordinate. Monks belonging to respective Zhacangs cannot interblend with each other.

The ground of the monastery is organized on the caves and temples for Jamyang Qoigyi, together with two magnificent white pagodas. The buildings here then are centered on these pagodas, The major buildings are Ganden Potrang, Coqen Hall, the four Zhacangs (or Tantric colleges), and Kamcuns.

Prayer wheels in tibet

  The most common form of these objects are hand prayer wheels (Tibetan ma ni lag ´khor ) which consist in a metal cylinder and a handle which also serves as axis around which the cylinder can revolve, being set in motion by a small weight which is attached to it by a string or chain. The cylinder contains a paper roll on which Buddhist texts are printed. The persons who use these instruments believe that by setting the prayer wheel in motion praying is done automatically.

 
  The prayer wheel lineage was brought to Tibet by the renowned eight century Indian Buddhist teacher Padmasambhava, and later practiced by the great Indian tantric Buddhist masters Tilopa and Naropa. Naropa’s disciple Marpa later renewed the lineage in Tibet and passed it on to Tibet’s most well known yogi, Milarepa. Since that time the Prayer Wheel has been passed on through a continuous lineage of enlightened teachers, among these the great Kagyu master Karma Pagshi, whose important works are quoted by most subsequent writers on the subject.
In Tibet, Prayer Wheels have been made for many centuries in a wide range of sizes and styles - from hand-held and table-top wheels, all the way up to giant eight or twelve foot Prayer Wheels with diameters of five to six feet. Often built around Buddhist Stupas and Monasteries, there may be long rows of prayer wheels which people will spin as they walk clockwise around the building, reciting what is considered to be one of the most profound and beneficial mantras; More information about Tibet in China tour.

  Apart from hand prayer wheels there exist large size fixed prayer wheels which are often aligned around Buddhist shrines and are set in motion by pilgrims who circum-ambulate the building in a clockwise direction. Prayer wheels larger than human size are to be seen in separate rooms in lamaist temples and can also be set in motion by pilgrims. With the help of a small bell the number of revolutions can be counted. The cylinders of fixed prayer wheels are often inscribed with the formula “Om mani padme hum” (meaning “jewel in the lotus”) in ornamental Lantsa (Ranjana) letters. Prayer wheels (perhaps more appropriately called “prayer mills”) which are set in motion by wind or water power are also known.
  Tibetan prayer wheels are devices for spreading spiritual blessings and well being. Rolls of thin paper, imprinted with many, many copies of the mantra (prayer) Om Mani Padme Hum, printed in an ancient Indian script or in Tibetan script, are wound around an axle in a protective container, and spun around and around.

Bharkor street is a very ancient round street surrounding the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa

  Lhasa is the capital of Tibetan autonomous region whose habitants are Tibetan. The Tibetans are diligent and intelligent. Their handicraft articles are known for their exquisite craftsmanship and unique plateau characteristics.

  Bharkor Street in Lhasa and the Ethnic Plaza are the best places for you to buy high quality and beautiful ethnic handicrafts at fair prices. The commodities they sell are ancient and unsophisticated, such as agate ornaments, and copper articles. In the Ethnic Plaza close to the Bharkor Street, customers can find more ethnic handicrafts, such as crystal ornaments, Tibetan joss sticks, Indian joss sticks, and Tibetan masks and costumes.

  Bharkor street is a very ancient round street surrounding the Jokhang Temple. Arround the Bharkor tibetans they make everyday the Khora, Today even still many pilgrims hold the prayer wheels to walk clockwise there from dawn to dark. Also you can see some pilgrims walking or progressing body-lengths by body-lengths along the street.

Norbulingka, meaning 'Treasure Park' in Tibetan

  The Norbulingka Institute was founded in 1988 by the present 14th Dalai Lama at Sidhpur, near Dharamshala, India. The institute is dedicated to the preservation of the Tibetan language and cultural heritage.

  Norbulingka, meaning 'Treasure Park' in Tibetan, is situated in the western suburb of Lhasa City, at the bank of the Kyichu River, about one km (about 0.6 mile) southwest of Potala Palace. The garden covers an area of 360,000 square meters (about 430,000 square yards), with 374 rooms inside. It is the biggest man-made garden in Tibet Autonomous Region. Tourists like it in China tour.
  Construction began in the 1740s. The area used to be wasteland with wild animals, weeds and scrub which the Seventh Dalai Lama liked and often visited, and, as a result, the Qing magistrate had a palace built. Years later, Kelsang Potrang was built by order of the Seventh Dalai Lama. Later it was used as the Summer Palace for successive Lamas, where they solved the political problems and held festive celebrations. After a series of expansions and renovations, the appearance was improved with potrangs, pavilions, gardens and woods. It has now been turned into a park open to the public.

  Norbulingka consists of several palace complexes, such as the Kelsang Potrang, Tsokyil Potrang, Golden Linka and Takten Migyur Potrang. Each palace complex is divided into three sections - the palace section, the section in front of the palaces and the woods.
Norbulingka is dedicated to handing down tradition and restoring standards by providing training, education and employment for Tibetans. It supports an environment in which Tibetan community and family values can flourish. It reconciles the traditional creatively and respectfully with the modern, and seeks to create an international awareness of Tibetan values and their expression in art and literature.

Sera Monastery is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet

  Sera Monastery  is one of the 'great three' Gelukpa university monasteries of Tibet, located 1.25 miles (2.01 km) north of Lhasa.[1] The other two are Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery. The origin of the name 'Sera' is attributed to a fact that the site where the monastery was built was surrounded by wild roses (se ra in Tibetan language) in bloom. The original Sera monastery is located in Lhasa, Tibet, about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) north of the Jokang and is responsible for some 19 hermitages, including four nunneries, which are all located in the foot hills north of Lhasa. The Sera Monastery, as a complex of structures with the Great Assembly Hall and three colleges, was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey of Sakya Yeshe of Zel Gungtang (1355–1435), a disciple of Tsongkhapa.Tourists like it in China tour.

  Located at the foot of Tatipu Hill in the northern suburb of Lhasa City, Sera Monastery  is one of three famous monasteries in the city along with the Drepung Monastery and the Ganden Monastery. It is dedicated to the Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect, a branch of Tibetan Buddhism, founded by Tsong Khapa. Jamchen Chojey, one of Tsong Khapa's disciples built it in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The monastery was named Sera which means wild rose in the Tibetan language, because the hill behind it was covered with wild roses in bloom when it was built.
The monastery is magnificent and covers an area of 114,946 square meters (28 acres). Its main buildings are the Coqen Hall, Zhacang (college) and Kamcun (dormitory). Scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloth and unparalleled murals can be found in these halls. Colorful debates on Buddhist doctrines are held here and these employ a style distinctive from those at Lhasa's other famous monasteries.
  During the 1959 revolt in Lhasa, Sera monastery suffered severe damage, with its colleges destroyed and hundreds of monks killed. After the Dalai Lama took asylum in India, many of the monks of the Sera Monastery who survived the attack moved to Bylakuppe in Mysore, India. After initial tribulations, they established a parallel Sera Monastery with Sera Me and Sera Je colleges and a Great Assembly Hall on similar lines to the original monastery, with help from the Government of India. There are now 3,000 or more monks living in Sera, India and this community has also spread its missionary activities to several countries by establishing Dharma centres, propagating knowledge of Buddhism.

The Lhasa River is the Mother River of the Tibetans

  The Lhasa River is the Mother River of the Tibetans, which witnessed the changes of ancient Tibetan culture. The drainage area of the Lhasa River serves as the center of politics, economy, culture, transportation and religion in the whole Tibet which Tibetans would like to visit and enjoy the beautiful scene.
  Lhasa River as a seasonal river is different from other rivers which can sail normal boats during its dry season for the shoal exposed in the air. However, clever Tibetans make special boats with yak leather and sail on this river without any difficulties.

 

  The Lhasa River, the mother river for Tibetans, has witnessed the changes in ancient Tibetan culture. The drainage area of the river is famous for its beautiful scenery and is visited by Tibetans. It also serves as the center of politics, economy, culture, transportation and religion of the whole Tibet.
  The Lhasa River originates from Nyangqentanglha Mountain (5,020 meters about sea level) on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. As one of the five major tributaries of the Yarlung Zangbo, it is 551 km long and its drainage area covers nearly 30,000 square km.

  As a seasonal river, it is different from other rivers which can sail normal boats during its dry season for the shoal exposed in the air. However, clever Tibetans make special boats with yak leather and sail on this river without any difficulty.

Ramoche Temple is one of the places for Tibetan monks to study Mi Zong

  Situated about a third of a mile north of Jokhang Temple and covering a total area of 43,056 square feet, Ramoche Temple is one of the places for Tibetan monks to study Mi Zong (another Buddhist sect). Although the temple was originally built in the middle of the seventh century, it fell into ruin and went through many reconstructions; at present only the Buddha hall on the first floor of its main building remains in its original state. Inside the hall, there are ten pillars engraved with patterns such as lotus flowers, coiling clouds, and jewelry, which are reminiscent of the Tubo Dynasty. The third floor of the main building was once the bedroom reserved for the Dalai Lama. The building's golden peak, with its Han-style upturned eaves, can be seen from any direction in Lhasa city. This temple is a wonderful example of the combination of Han and Tibetan architectural styles.

  The temple was gutted and partially destroyed In the 1960s and the bronze statue disappeared. In 1983 the lower part of it was said to have been found in a Lhasa rubbish tip, and the upper half in Beijing. They have now been joined and the statue is housed in the Ramoche Temple, which was partially restored in 1986, and still showed severe damage in 1993.
  In the days of King Songtsan Gampo, Ramoche Temple was originally built to house the famous statue of Sakyamuni, now found in the Jokhang, which was originally brought to Tibet by Princess Wen Cheng. Legend has it that when Princess Wen Cheng and her entourage arrived at the North gate of Lhasa, her carriage got stuck in the mud. Her assistants could not remove the statue and so they covered it temporarily with 4 pillars and white brocade. Later, the Princess ordered the construction of Ramoche as a shrine for the statue. Twenty years later, in 652 A.D., the leader of Tibet was concerned with rumors that the Chinese Emperor was considering an invasion of Tibet. As a protection, he moved the Sakyamuni statue from the Ramoche to the Jokhang, and hid it from view. It had remained there ever since. In exchange Ramoche Temple received a smaller bronze statue of Sakyamuni, which has been brought to Tibet by Songtsan Gampo's other wife, the Nepalese Princess Tritsun.

The Namtso Lake has become the hot tourist spot in Tibet

  The Namtso Lake (the Holy Lake in Tibetan minds) has become the hot tourist spot in Tibet with the increasing publicizing efforts and the constant improvements of service facilities. For years, The Tibetan Tourism authority has endeavored to make Namtso Lake become an altiplano lake eco-tourism destination with the international standard.

  According to the survey of the Lhasa Tourism Bureau, 99% of the tourists who trip to Tibet take Lhasa as their top tour destination, among the famous attractions of the Lasha area, the Namusto Lake in Dangxiong County has become the hottest one in the area.

  In Nov. 14, 2005, Namtso Lake in the Tibet Autonomous Region was selected as one of the five most beautiful lakes in China by Chinese National Geography magazine. Namtso Lake's touching beauty should not be missed by any traveler who visits Tibet. Its purity and solemnness are symbols of Qinghai-Tibet Platean. In Tibetan, Namtso means 'Heavenly Lake.' It is considered one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. Namtso is famous for its high altitude (4720 meters (about 3 miles)), vast area (1961 square kilometers (about 757 square miles) and beautiful scenery.
Placing at an elevation of 4,718 meters, and covers an area of 1,940 square kilometers, Namtso Lake ranks the second largest saltwater lake of its kind in China (after Qinghai Lake) and the highest altitude saltwater lake in the world. The water here is crystal-clear blue. Clear skies join the surface of the lake in the distance, creating an integrated, scenic vista. Soul of every visitor who has ever been here seems to be cleansed by the pure lake water.

One of the remarkable landmarks is the Potala Palace erected at the Potala hills in Tibet

  Tibet travel sometimes also requires the tourists to obtain permits to enter or go beyond certain points. So, while coming here you need to make a proper preparation. Now, if you are coming with a reputed travel agency, you need not worry on this issue. The authorities in Tibet always issue travel permits whenever an authorised travel agency applies for them. Therefore, you are always advised to make a trip to Tibet with a well reputed travel agency. However, if you are travelling without any agency, you need to follow certain guidelines.

  One of the remarkable landmarks is the Potala Palace erected at the Potala hills in Tibet. The history of the palace dates back to the seventh century when King Songtsan Gambo of the Tubo dynasty planned the building of the 999 room palace to celebrate his wedding. For more than a thousand years the palace has indicated the Lhasa city and adding to the glory of the region.
  The golden roofed building, the Potala Palace is displaying a range of lofty foyers and ancient and precious artifacts. The extensive climbing hill to the palace’s entrance is slightly a rocky at first. But still it is well worth it to visit one of the great architectural masterpieces in all of China. Book your seats in flights to China and explore the gorgeous piece of architecture of Potala Palace.

Traveling in Tibet can be simplified by choosing the right tours

   Traveling in Tibet can be simplified by choosing the right tours that suit your taste. The basic Tibet tours include Lhasa Sightseeing, Everest Base Camp Tour and Western Tibet Tour. Lhasa Sightseeing entails travelling around the capital and nearby regions to see the oldest and grandest monasteries in the world. In Everest Base Camp Tour, you will get a glimpse of the monasteries but will mainly focus on Tibet¡¯s land. The journey is organized to let you reach the Base Camp of the Everest. The Western Tibet Tour will open your eyes to Tibet¡¯s unspoiled western territories. You can trek around Manasarovar Lake and Mount Kailash.    

   Tibet has always been associated with peace and spirituality but it does not mean that the country lacks wonders and has nothing to offer to tourists. Being the world¡¯s largest and highest plateau, Tibet can make you feel as if you have been diverted into a different world. On top of that, Tibet travel is more convenient that you think.
   The majority of Tibet's population is native Tibetan, with good numbers of ethically related minorities and smaller numbers of ethic Chinese, Mongol and Kazakh. An agrarian society, farmers make up 90 percent of the population.

Visit Tibet Travel & Tours a popular travel operator is pleased to announce to all enthusiastic travelers

  Visit Tibet Travel & Tours a popular travel operator is pleased to announce to all enthusiastic travelers that they have are offering 21 days of Tibet mountain bike tour. It is a 21 days Lhasa to Kathmandu biking tour. This mountain bike tour has been organized for those who love to go biking through the beautiful hilly region and experience its many wonders. The entire trip will be a wonderful experience as the journey starts from Lhasa and end it in Kathmandu and the other surrounding attractions. The route for the bike tour would run westward which runs side by side to the Himalayan range. During the bike tour tourists will pass by the main passes and cross an arid plateau region. During the Tibet Mountain bike tour a detour will be taken from the major course so that the tourists are able to arrive at the Pang La pass that allows them to experience beautiful views and scenery. The main highlight of this trip is the hault at the Everest Base Camp. Tourists will be amazed as they witness the pure enormity of the Everest.

  Tibet Tourism Bureau issues the travel permit for free. However, tourist cannot directly acquire it. You must get in touch with a travel agency in Tibet to arrange for the travel permit for you. Also, travelling in Tibet must be done with a local Tibet travel guide. You will not be permitted to travel in Tibet on your own. You must book a tour and you must ensure that you are escorted when you roam around to experience the sights.