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Ulink Travel Center
Home> China City Guide> Tibet
Offering detailed travelling information on the mysterous land Tibet, Potala Palace and other tourist attractions in Tibet.
The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, in the southwest of China, has long enjoyed reputation of being "the Roof of the World", where Tibet Autonomous Region with an average altitude of over 4,000 meters and an area of 1.2 million square kilometers occupies a major portion. The majestic Tibetan highland stands on top of the world and its unique cultural tradition has an international fame. This is a land of vast contrast with snow-capped mountains offering beauty unsurpassed and deep tropical rainforests in another, and with open pastureland against imposing mountains and cornier forests. The great Himalayas lies in its south with the towering Mt. Qomolangma standing above all world's peaks.
In addition to these spectacular offerings of nature, the time-worn Tibetan cultural tradition is most enchanting. A glorious tradition mingled with wisdom of the Han and other ethnic peoples is represented by such achievements as the ancient Shengshong Culture ruins, Yumbu Lhakang Palace, the ruins of ancient Guge Kingdom, the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. The population of the region consists mostly of the Tibetans, Monbans and Lhobans, all industrious and honest people full of wisdom and valor. Over the centuries, they have cultivated very unique ethnic traditions, folklores and ways of life, contributing to the Chinese civilization and human progress. This is a land of enduring enchantment and tantalizing mystery.
Tibet enjoys such unparalleled travel resources as Mt. Qomolangma, the highest peak in the world on Sino-Nepalese border, the winding Yarlung Tsangbo River, ancient ruins, palaces and monasteries, folkloric activities and religious ceremonies. Tourism resources in the region have been continuously developed. Lhasa is now the tourist center with routes extending to Shigatse, Shannan, Nyingchi, Ngari and Nakchu, covering a total of over 60 scenic spots and places of interest.
Lhasa
Lhasa, capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, covers an area of 544 square kilometers and is "The Land of Gods" in Tibetan, sits on the north bank of River Lhasa, a tributary of the Yarlung Tsangbo River, at an altitude of 3,700 meters. It has a history of over 13 centuries. With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, Lhasa is famed as " the City of Sunshine". It is the capital of Tibet Autonomous Region and the center of Tibet's political, economic, cultural and religious activities. There are many historic sites and famous relics in the city proper and its suburbs, among which the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery and Gandan Monastery are world famous.
Before the mid-seventh century when Lhasa, later a central town of Tibetan region, was yet to come into being, the area called Wotang was a marshy land of wildness, frequented by antelopes. On one bright summer day, Songtsan Gampo, leader of the Tubo tribe that had risen to power in the Yarlung River Valley, was struck by the perilous position of an area flanked by two steep mountains, while bathing in the Lhasa River, and decided that this was to be the home of his kingdom. This ambitious Tibetan king moved the center of his rule to Wotang and ordered the construction of his residence on the hilltop of Potala. In 641 A.D., Songtsan Gampo who by this time had conquered the whole Tibetan region wedded Princess Wencheng of the Imperial Tang Court. When the princess arrived, she became convinced that Lake Wotang was a devil's heart to be overpowered by the construction of a grand temple after filling up the lake with earth. The princess further suggested that the earth be carried by white goats. This imposing grand temple became a symbol of the kingdom. The temple, later known as Jokhang, was initially named Lhasa, "the Sacred Land" in Tibetan. Over the centuries, Lhasa became a political and religious center of Tibet. Administrative orders were issued from the myriad of imposing palaces; the great temples and monasteries were home to omnipotent liturgical establishment and witnessed the rise of many religious leaders and endless religious ceremonies. The faithful composed the population of the town and Lhasa became a true "Mecca" of Tibet.
Potala Palace
Potala Palace, symbol of Lhasa, is on the top of the Potala Hill. The palace, 117 meters tall and 40 meters wide, has towering buildings with golden roofs and a group of huge castle palaces, which is divided into white and red palaces for the color of their walls. The white palace used to be a place where the living Buddha, Dalai, Tibet’s religious leader, handled government affairs and lived. The red palace is further divided into the Hall of the Buddha, Scripture Hall and Memorial Hall, each with a dozen or scores of rooms. The Hall of the Buddha houses gold-traced portraits of Sakyamuni and deceased Dalai Lamas. The Scripture Hall keeps in it a large number of early copies of Buddhist sutras; and the Memorial Hall contains stupas of the 13 late Dalai Lamas.
Potala Palace is also a world of murals, which are painted in hundreds of halls and corridors. It is a huge treasure house for Tibetan history, religion, culture and arts.
Jokhang Temple
The 1,300-year-old Jokhang Temple in the west of the city of Lhasa is an architectural masterpiece that combines techniques of ancient Tibet with that of the Han. It is four-story high with a golden roof. The main hall consecrates a gold statue of Sakyamuni brought to Tibet in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and statues of King Songtsan Gampo (517-650), Princess Wencheng and Princess Chizun. Murals in the temple include one entitled "Princess Wencheng Entering Tibet" and lines of woodcuts of beasts and sphinx featuring local arts of the Western Region. The temple is fronted with a stele to mark the meetings between the officials of the imperial court of Tang and the Tibetan regional government and other historical relics.
Norbu Lingka Park
Norbu Lingka Park, or "Treasured Garden", is located in the west of Lhasa. With a layout similar to imperial gardens in the Chinese interior, the park was a summer resort for Dalai Lamas. In the garden, colorful, exotic flowers are shaded by towering rare trees, and golden buildings and the lake add radiance and beauty to each other.
Other tourist attractions in Lhasa include Gandan Monastery, the first one built by Tsong Khapa, founder of the Gelung (yellow) Sect of Lamaism, in the 15th century and Zhebung Monastery, Tibet's largest temple which covers an area of 250,000 square meters as well as Sera Monastery, Dragon King Pool and Medicine King Hill.
Southeast Tibet: Shannan, Nyingchi and Chamdo
The southeastern Tibet is a majestic and mysterious highland area where the great mountain ranges of Himalayas, Nyanchen Tanglha and Hengduan converge. The unusual terrain has created the most spectacular scenery, unique local climate and dense forests. The towering snow-capped mountain peaks, glaciers, river rapids, waterfalls, cloud shrouded ancient monasteries, holy mountains and lakes are common sight in region of mystery and enchantment.
The southeastern Tibet is not only known for its spectacular landscape. It also has an ancient history and esoteric religious tradition which have made local culture all the more fascinating and awe-inspiring.
The area is inhabited by the Tibetan, Lhoban, Monban, Naxi and Den people whose primitive life style and warm-hearted hospitality are always refreshing and exhilarating to visitors. Shannan, Nyingchi and Chamdo (Qamdo) are the three jewels of this land of riches.
The road from Lhasa crosses the Yarlung Tsangbo River and, after extending some distance, leads into Shannan area. This area is rich and fertile which witnessed the emergence of the Tibetan people and the rise of the Tubo Kingdom. The Yarlung River Scenic Area is designated as the only national scenic area in Tibet. It includes Yumbu Lhakang, the earliest palace in Tibet, the burial ground for the kings of the Tubo Kingdom between the seventh and ninth centuries and the Traduk Monastery, the earliest temple of Buddhism in Tibet, built in the seventh century. The Samye Monastery, the earliest of its kind in Tibet, sits on the northern bank of the Yarlung Tsangbo River. The legendary monkey cave is half way up the Gongpori Mountain, just behind the Tsetang (Zedang) town seat in Shannan. The picturesque Yamdro Yumtso Lake, Gyatsa Lake and Drekhu pastureland are popular scenic areas.
Tsetang (Zetang), the birthplace of earliest Tibetans, sits on the south bank in the middle section of the Yarlung Tsangbo 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.
Built in the mid-8th century, Samye is the first formal Buddhist Monastery with the Buddha Dharma and Sangha in Tibet. The whole construction of the monastery, for the stupas forest-like, the building high and expansive, the scale grand and broad, is designed in accordance with the shape of "mandala" layout, and furthermore, the monastery is well-known to the whole world for the highlighted and mixed perfection of Han, Tibetan and Indian architecture style in the main hall and the numerous relics such as wood and stone carvings, frescos and statues kept in the monastery. As described in a historical book, this monastery is considered "an unimaginable construction and incomparable monastery".
Towering at the summit of Mt. Tashitseri east bank of Yarlung River, Yumbu Lhakang is the first palace as well as one of the earliest constructions in Tibet. The legend says, it was established by "Bon" religious believers for the first Tibetan King Nyetri Tsampo during the 2nd century B.C., and later it turned to be the summer palace of King Songtsan Gampo and Princess Wencheng in Shannan. Till the reign of the 5th Dalai Lama, it was converted to a monastery of the Yellow Sect.
Covering a total of 3.85 million square meters, the Tombs of Tibetan Kings in Chongkye County are the only tomb group of Tibet. Here buried the kings, ministers and some royal concubines from the 29th generation to the last (40th) of "Tupo" Dynasty. Of all the tombs, the most remarkable one is King Songtsan Gampo's.
Traduk Monastery is one of the earliest Buddhist temples in Tibetan history. Built in 641 A.D., it is said that King Songtsan Gampo established the temple to suppress the ogress in order to prosper his kingdom. And later it became the winter palace of King Songtsan Gampo and Princess Wencheng in Shannan. Of all the treasures and relics kept in this monastery, the pearled Tangka -- "Avalokitesvara at his rest" is the most remarkable one.
Nyingchi is situated in the lower reach of the Yarlung Tsangbo River with a mild and moist climate at an altitude of 3,000 meters. The region has a concentration of Monba and Lhoba ethnic community with very unique customs. The Yarlung Tsangbo River cuts through the Himalayas, forming the Grand Yarlung Tsangbo Canyon, the deepest in the world, at the foot of Mt. Namjagbarwa. The Medong Nature Reserve is famed for its great variety of rare species of plants. The Tsayu area with semi-tropical climate and vegetation is popular with nature loving travelers. Lake Basumtso and other unique scenery of natural wonder are also popular tourist attractions.
Chamdo is a region where the Hengduan Mountain Range, the Dricku River, Tsarchu River and Gyermo Nguchu River converge. This rich and fertile valley has spectacular scenery, dense forests, ancient ruins and exotic ethnic groups. The Chambaling Monastery and Kanuo Ruins hold great fascination to visitors with their historical and religious mystery.
The northern highland in Tibet is a vast region about 2,400 kilometers in length and 700 kilometers in width flanked by the great Kunlun and Tanggula mountain ranges on the one side and the Gangdise Nyenchen Tanglha mountain ranges on the other. The region with an average elevation of over 4,500 meters above sea level covers about two thirds of Tibet. The frost period lasts nine months here. The topography of the region is one of rolling hills with basins and highland lakes. Steaming hot springs can also be seen in region.
In the animist tradition, the Tibetans believe that there is a god embodied in every mountain and lake. The region is therefore full of mountains and lakes deemed holy with mythic powers by the local people. Namtso Lake with a surface area elevation of 4,718 meters is revered as a holy or celestial lake. The breath-taking scenery and many myths about the lake have attracted an endless stream of travelers and pilgrims. The vast and fertile pasture around the lake is grazing ground for cattle all the year round. It is also frequented by wild yaks and blue sheep.
There is a vast "uninhabited land" bordering Ngari and Nakchu (Nagqu), an area of 200,000 square kilometers with an average elevation of 5,000 meters above seal level. This region of extremities is a haven for wild life. The travelers to the region often find company in packs of galloping wild donkeys, antelopes and wild yaks.
The northern Tibet plateau is not only known for its spectacular scenery but is also a major pasture region with a rich variety of floras (over a hundred species) and mineral resources. The Tibetan yaks and blue sheep dot the pastureland. The Nakchu (Nagqu) area is at an altitude of 4,500 meters. The Qinghai-Tibet highway winds through the region providing easy passage amidst picturesque landscape. The ancient Shengshong culture ruins, Bonnist monastery, the Holy Namtso Lake and folklores of highland herders are all unique attractions to visitors from outside. The Town of Nakchu by the Qinghai-Tibetan Highway is a political, business, cultural center of northern Tibet accessible by a network of roads. The annual Horse-race Festival held at the town is a window of highland culture and folklore activities. Nakchu and Damxung Horse Race festivals are the most lavishly celebrated festivals in northern Tibet.
The festival, held in August, the best time of the year, is attended by tens of thousands of herders coming on horseback from as far as hundreds of kilometers away. A white tent city emerges from nowhere. Contests of archery on horseback and horsemanship and yak race will beheld at the festival together with performances by itinerant balladeers and dancers in addition to a lively swap market. A travelers' resort village has been completed outside Nakchu. Open all the year round, it offers interesting insight into local life style and folk activities to tourists.
The enchanting northern highland of Tibet, with breathtaking scenery and exhilarating warmth and simplicity of the local pastoral life, will give its visitors the experience of a lifetime.
Crossing the Yarlung Tsangbo River Bridge south of Lhasa and moving on southward, one comes to the Kampala Pass over 5,000 meters above sea level. Looking further south from this imposing pass, you will see a placid lake extending to the horizon. That is Yamdro Yumtso Lake, one of the three greatest holy lakes in Tibet, with a surface area of 638 square kilometers and an elevation of 4,441 meters. The lake has over 20 islets on it and rich and picturesque pasture ground rings the lake. Driving further west from the lake, one will enter the fertile Gyangtse (Gyangze) Valley along the Nyangchu River after passing a chain of snow-capped mountain peaks with the highest being Mt. Nojin Gangsang. The region is known as a granary of Tibet.
The ancient town of Gyangtse has a history of over six centuries. It sits by the road from Lhasa to Sakya, Shigatse and Yatong and has from ancient times been a center where pilgrims, merchants and travelers converge.
The Palcho Monastery in Gyangtse was founded at a time when rivalry among Buddhist denominations reached an impasse. Hence it has been home to a number of Buddhist sects practicing under one roof with each occupying six to seven halls. The construction of the monastery began in the beginning of the 15th century. The three-story main hall houses an enormous bronze statue of the Buddha, about eight meters in height with a great number of tangkas on display. In both east and west wings at the second floor of the main hall are clay arhats from the Ming Dynasty. These true to life images are really a marvel and venerated throughout Tibet. The 32-meter-high white Palcho Pagoda has a total of 77 rooms with 108 doors at its nine levels. It houses a great number of miniature Buddha paintings, estimated at about 100,000 altogether, and is otherwise known as "the Pagoda of 100,000 Buddha Images". This imposing octagonal structure is the most awe inspiring of all pagodas in Tibet. The Palcho Pagoda's liturgical collection also includes a total of over 1,000 clay, bronze and gilded sculptures of the Buddha in addition to a great number of tangkas. The religious art and the Palcho architecture are renowned for their unique style.
The town of Gyangtse is also known for its patriotic tradition. It withstood a brutal British invasion in 1904. The fortresses on Zhongshanbao built in defence against British troops remain as witness to the past heroic battles.
The handcraft art of Gyangtse is popular with visitors. The Tibetan rugs, coasters and daggers are uniquely crafted and much sought after by tourists.
Gyangtse is accessible by road from different directions. It has roads leading to Lhasa and Shannan to the east, Shigatse to the north, Tingri through Gampa and Tingkye to the west, and the border station of Yatong through picturesque Yatong valley in the Himalayas Mountains to the south.
Visitors are drawn to the ancient town of Gyangtse by its rich cultural tradition, exotic architecture, epic history and unique handcraft art. More tour routes will be opened for this region of plenty and beauty.
The town of Shigatse (Xigaze) is called "Center of Rear Tibet", sits at the confluence of Nyangchu and Yarlung Tsangbo Rivers about 250 kilometers to the west of Lhasa. This second largest city in Tibet at an elevation of 3,800 meters has a history of more than five centuries. The region around is historically known as the Rear Tibet and Shigatse has been its political, business, cultural and religious center. The residence for all the Panchen Lamas has been traditionally in the town.
The city located between altitude 29°2' north and longitude 88°8' east, with a population of 70,000. The annual rainfall is 300 to 450 mm, the average annual temperature is 6°C and the frost-free period is 160 days.
Shigatse region enjoys a moderate climate with plenty of sunshine. The fertile river valley is one of the granaries of Tibet. The town proper has undergone a construction boom with roads leading to Ngari in the west, the Qomolangma Nature Reserve and border with Nepal in the south, Nakchu to the north and Lhasa and Shannan to the east.
The ancient town of Shigatse has become well-known for its past and rich cultural tradition with Palcho, Sakya, Pingcuolin and Juenang monasteries and Pala Estate as well as the Qomolangma Nature Reserve covering an area of over 30,000 square kilometers in the nearby region. The annual ceremony of display of Buddha tapestry, the Sorcerer's Dance Festival, the Ximuqingpo Festival at the Shalu Monastery and the active local Tibetan theater are popular attractions to visitors.
With its rich cultural tradition, majestic monasteries, breath-taking scenery and convenient location, Shigatse has become on of the most popular tourist destination in Tibet.
Sakya Monastery
In 1073 A.D., Gongjue Jiebu of the Kun family in Tibet built a monastery on a meadow shaped like a lying elephant on the north bank of Zongqu River to teach his new esoteric theory of Buddhism. Gongjue Jiebu was convinced that the monastery built on such a site would light the mundane world. Because the monastery was built by a chalky hill, it was named Sakya, meaning chalky earth in Tibetan. However, few expected that it would later become the name of a powerful Buddhist denomination and ruling house owing to a number of political and religious factors. The Sakya Monastery built by Gongjue Jiebu (popular known as the North Temple) became inadequate for rising and evermore powerful Sakya establishment. A larger monastery which is still standing today was built on the south bank of Zongqu River by the Kun house and Pagpa, a well-known Tibetan in the Mongolian imperial court of the 13th century. This monastery, now popularly known as the South Sakya, sits against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains 165 kilometers west of Shigatse.
In 1260 A.D., Pagpa was appointed the imperial tutor and later an official in charge of Buddhist affairs in the land and ruler of whole of Tibet by Kublai Khan, the first emperor of the Yuan Dynasty. In 1267, Pagpa returned to Tibet to establish the Sakya Kingdom and a Tibetan government subordinate to Yuan Dynasty rule. A mural in the monastery depicts the occasion when Pagpa as the supreme ruler of the region gave the commission to Segasan Bu in 1288 for the construction of the monastery, which involved labor and material contributions from 130,000 Tibetan households. The Sakya Monastery as the power center of the Sakya Kingdom once ruled the whole Tibet for more than a century.
When the visitor approaches this massive structure, he will see a great monastery in an imposing square citadel. The outer wall is painted red, white and black, each representing the different manifestations of Buddha, a unique feature of Sakya. The Lakang Qinmu Hall, the main structure in the complex, occupies an area of 5,500 square meters with a height of over 10 meters. According to monastery records, the hall had 108 giant columns. Now there are only 40 left, with many anecdotes about them. The monastery wall is 10 meters high and over three meters thick. The northern and southern walls are 500 meters in length while the eastern and western walls 300 meters. There are a total of 40 fortresses and four pillboxes along the entire length of the wall and four gates open in different directions. The remains of a moat is still visible. The entire complex gives a feeling of solemnity laden with the weight of history.
The Sakya Monastery is also known for its collection of Tangkas and scriptures. The monastery also has a great collection of appointment letters, official seals, head decorations and costumes granted to Sakya officials by the imperial court of Yuan Dynasty, in addition to Buddhist figurines, ceremonial artifacts and porcelain ware from the Song and Yuan dynasties onward. The stupendous collection of books over religion, history, medicine, philosophy, calendar, theatre, poetry, stories and grammar and rare valuable source materials for the study of ancient Tibetan culture. The Sakya collection of Buddhist scriptures is also the largest in Tibet with a total of 40,000 volumes, of which over 10,000 are kept in the main hall. They were meticulously hand written in red and black ink with many gold and silver lettering by calligraphers called in from all Tibet by Pagpa. The scripture written on "Pattra" leaves recently discovered is regarded as a rare treasure. The murals and tangkas in the monastery are unique, of which a large mural of the five Sakya founders and an exquisite mural of mandal as are of particular interest. A total of 40 tangkas depicting the founders of Sakya painted six centuries ago is a treasure to the monastery. When the visitor stands in front of the pictures of these noted figures in Tibetan history, he is bound to feel the power of the glory of a bygone era and of an art that shines through the darkness of time. Sakya can be compared to Dunhuang in western China. In fact, it is regarded as the second Dunhuang of China.
Tashilhunpo Monastery
The Tashilhunpo Monastery in the west can be seen in the distance by travelers approaching the town, with its gilded pinnacle glinting in the sunshine, an exhilarating sight to the arriving wayfarers and pilgrims. The construction of Tashilhunpo (meaning "imminent bless") began in 1447. The Monastery is the largest of its kind in Rear Tibet with a total floor space of 300,000 square meters. The Great Prayer Hall, the oldest building in the monastery, can house over 2,000 praying monks. The lavish throne of Panchen, a myriad of Buddhist sculptures and ancient murals are rare treasures of the monastery. Jamkhang, the chapel of Meitriya with a height of 30 meters and a total of seven stories, is the central structure of the monastery. Enshrined inside the chapel is against 26.5-meter-high sculpture of Meitriya with its middle fingers measured 1.2 meters and the shoulder 11.5 meters. A total of 115.875 kilograms of copper and 6,700 ounces of gold in addition to a great number of diamonds, pearls and amber pieces were used for the construction of the image, which is a fine example of the Tibetan artistry and craftsmanship.
The funerary stupas in the monastery are also worth noting with the most lavishly furnished being that for Panchen IV (1576-1662). The construction of the hall housing the stupa took four years to complete. The stupa is 11 meters high. It was built with over 2,700 ounces of gold, 33,000 ounces of silver and 39,000 kilograms of copper and is adorned with about 9,000 feet of silk and over 7,000 pearls, gems and agate, coral pieces. The religious ornaments on the gilded pinnacle of the stupa building are of interesting designs and exquisite artistry.
East of Tashilhunpo is a huge structure constructed with stone blocks against a hill slope of nearly 100 meters in height. Every year, a ceremony is held to air an enormous tapestry of image of the Buddha hung on the stone surface. There is also an unusual room in this monastery unseen in others for the display of portraits of Qing Dynasty emperors and gifts to Panchen from the imperial court. It was also once used by Panchen to meet envoys from the court and receive imperial decrees. A collection of rare treasures and artifacts are stored in this room.
Shigatse Dzong (Fortress)
On the top of a hill north of the city, the place used to be the site of ancient Shigatse County administrations. Dzong means both a fortress and a county government in the Tibetan language. The fortress comprises a praying hall, a Buddhist hall, a county government office, a court, a prison and a warehouse. The fortress is a well-preserved "Dzong" structure in Tibet.
Shalu Monastery
Built in 1087, the Shalu Monastery in Shigatse is known for its unique architecture integrating both Han and Tibetan styles unparalleled anywhere else in Tibet. In the monastery, there are murals painted during the Yuan Dynasty and notices written in the Phagsba language. There is also a copper water jar sealed with a red cloth, which is refilled every 12 years. Legend says water from the jar is "sacred", and a cup of this water can clean"108 kinds of dirt". It houses a rich collection of ancient frescos strongly influenced by Song and Yuan Dynasty art. The collection is in very good condition.
Over one and a half centuries ago, when European travelers first had a glimpse of Mt. Qomolangma from a distance of 240 kilometers in the northern Indian plain, they had no idea that this imposing mountain on the Sino-Nepalese border was the highest mountain on earth. Not until 1852 did people realize that the mountain seen by the Europeans in 1849 dwarfs all others. As more and more people became fascinated by the spectacular views of Mt. Qomolangma and aware of its sacredness in the heart of peoples inhabiting the area around it and the many myths about it, the mountain together with its many sister peaks (four above 8,000 meters and 38 above 7,000 meters) came to be known as the "third pole of the earth".
Mt. Qomolangma with an altitude of 8,848.13 meters is located in the southern part of Tingri County of Tibet in the middle section of the Himalayas. Its perpetually snow-capped peak is truly spectacular with many glaciers and sharp ice precipices. Below the snowline, ice blocks line, winding glaciers and treacherous ice holes present scenes of sheer beauty.
The rise of Mt. Qomolangma began only two million years ago, much later than the advent of mankind. However, its towering peak was once beyond human reach. Such height was believed to be the reserve for gods. Therefore Indian pilgrims regard the mountain as the embodiment of a god. The Tibetans regard the mountain as the Goddess Snow. The mountain has thus gained a sacred quality and many enchanting myths. One Tibetan myth goes like this: the Himalayan region was once an expanse of ocean with an unending stretch of forest on the coast, a haven for all kinds of beasts and birds. Then suddenly came a gigantic five-headed demon from the sea, frightening all the animals and disturbing the peace. However, the demon was soon subdued by five fairies who were turned from five clouds. They were asked to stay by the grateful animal kingdom and became five Himalayan peaks with one of them being Mt. Qomolangma, also known as the Third Goddess.
Myths are beautiful, but Mt. Qomolangma is awe-in-spring and spectacular. When you have experienced its fascination in person, the greatest being between heaven and earth, you will appreciate the tangible meaning of greatness. The absolute serenity, the potent force of life still in its prime youth after two million years, the ethereal beauty of the changing scenes of a mountain at sunrise, the inexplicable myth and the brutal force of wildness are all presented in their stark bareness and elemental essence. Won't you want to experience what it means to exert physically and emotionally every step of your journey and the direct dialogue and confrontation with nature? Very likely you will. Then mark the best months of April through June for the journey.
Tour in Ngari (1)
-- Climbing up the top of the Roof of the WorldFurther west from Shigatse and beyond the Yarlung Tsangbo River near Gyangtse, the land contour is elevated gradually. Turning toward north at No.22 Road Maintenance Station and driving past the Dagyatso Lake, the traveler will be on his road into the Ngari highland.
The Tibetan Plateau has often been described as the Roof of the World which rises majestically toward the west in the region of Ngari, known as the top of the Roof of the World. In a vast region of about 300,000 square kilometers are the towering northern Tibet highland, majestic mountain ranges of Gangdise Kunlun and Himalayas, and a great number of treacherous canyons, picturesque valleys, rivers and lakes. Expansive stretches of highland pasture, precipitous mountains, placid lakes and swift rivers against a backdrop of azure skies and floating clouds are absolutely exhilarating.
Driving along the central tour route via Tsochen from Lhatse to the town of Shiquanhe, the regional center of Ngari, one will have wonderful views of the golden cone shaped peak of the Shanmubati Mountain, the vast Tsari Namtso Lake and its island of bird haven, the Dawatso Lake with lush green banks and the snow-capped peaks of the Balinggangri Mountain. The road to Shiquanhe begins at Lhasa and passes through Nakchu in the vast pasture area. Traveling in the highland region, one will see changing sights of spectacular scenery and rich wild life including beavers, rabbits and foxes not far from roadside, wild ducks, black-necked cranes and a variety of birds by the lake-side and antelopes, wild donkeys on more distant hills. North of Gertse is the uninhabited zone of Lugu which is the domain of wild yaks and bears.
Ngari is easily accessible by road. The road from Yecheng of Xinjiang to Burang passes through Ngari. Lhatse-Burang road forms the southern route. The former has been known as the road with the highest elevation in the world and winds through the Kunlun Mountains at 5,406 meters above sea level. The Bangongtso Lake in northern Ngari has a surface elevation of 4,241 meters and a depth of 41.3 meters. This oblong lake extends 150 kilometers and is 50 meters at its narrowest. The lake water becomes salty in the western end. The lake is ringed by fertile pastures and has a few small islands that are haven for migratory birds including spotted wild geese, which often number in tens of thousands in the summer time. The monastery and cliff drawings found near Rutong and the uninhabited land in northern Tibet hold special appeal to explorers. The town of Shiquanhe (Sengge Grong) with an elevation of 4,300 meters is a newly risen center on the bank of the river Shiquanhe (Sengge Tsangbo). The Ngari Prefecture not only has spectacular scenery and an exotic local tradition but also occupies an important place in Tibetan history and the history of Buddhism. The secluded Guge ruins and the holy mountains and lakes in the region are sources of unending enchantment to tourists.
Tour in Ngari (2)
--Ruins of Mystic Guge KingdomAccording to Tibetan historical annals, after the sudden death of Tsampo Lhangdama, the last king of the Tubo Kingdom, in the wake of his persecution of Buddhists, his two rival sons, Yundan and Osong, were locked in a bloody war for the throne which continued for two generations. Osong's son was killed by the soldiers of his rival kin and his two orphaned sons fled Lhasa. Jede, the elder of the two, took refuge in Ngari where he married the local chieftain's daughter who borne him three sons. The youngest had a son named Keri who became founder of the Guge Kingdom whose territory once included all the farm and pasture land in southern Ngari. A hill of about 300 meters high stands to the south of Xiangquan River (Langqen Kanbab) in Tsada County.
A complex of palaces, temples, fortifications, Buddhist pagodas and military tunnels right up the slope of the hill form the ruins of a lost kingdom. The construction began in the 10th century and was continuously expanded by 16 successive kings until the 16th century. These imposing buildings on the treacherous slope are connected by tunnels and protected by solid fortifications. The Kingdom of Guge played an important role in the rival of Tibetan Buddhism. The Guge kings were ardent advocates of the religion who sent envoys to India to invite Buddhist masters to Tibet and sponsored the translation of scriptures. The religious revival began in Ngari and extended to the entire Tibetan region. The kingdom also kept Tibet from repeated invasions by enemies from the west. A brutal battle in the 16th century brought the kingdom to an abrupt end. No writings can be found today about its fate there after and the ruins are the only evidence of the once majestic palaces and crushed glory.
As the visitor climbs up the hill slope, he can easily see the ruins of block houses, spacious palaces and glorious temples everywhere. The remains of painted sculptures and frescoes stand testimony to an art tradition that claimed splendor and diversity. The wealth of artifacts sealed stories of kings, ministers, clergymen and common people in the lost era of grandeur.
Tour in Ngari (3)
-- The Holy Mountain and Sacred LakeAccording to ancient Sanskrit documents, the Gangdise Range had become a holy mountain as early as 2,000 years before Christ. The Hindu myth has it that the "palace" for the god of gods was built on the peak of Kailash of the Gangdise Range. This important mountain in Asian history with elevation of 6,656 meters is located in the county of Bruagn in Ngari area. The Tibetan Buddhists believe that the mountain is in the shape of an olive with a grand legendary palace on the peak. Four streams flow down the mountain from four sources, each in the shape of a horse, lion, elephant and peacock which have given names to the four famous rivers in Ngari. The mountain top "palace" was home to 500arhats. It is believed that centuries ago a visiting Bangladesh monk had heard chimes of bells and drum beats from the "palace". Pilgrims today still claim that a few lucky ones may hear mysterious sounds from the mountain. Kailash crowns the Himalayan Mountains with its myriad of myths and legends and remains the focus of the religious emotions of those who feel its pull. For centuries, pilgrims have come from afar to pay homage, praying for redemption by walking around this holy mountain of purity and benevolence. A full circle around the mountain takes from 24 hours to 36 hours. This tradition of worshipping was deep rooted in ancient pagan rituals and is still alive and strong today. One myth has it that Mila Xiba, a famous Tibetan monk, subdued a heretic in battle of faith and power on Mt. Kailash. The victory has been celebrated in every Year of the Horse when pilgrimage to the holy mountain is at its height. Lake Manasarova, one of the highest fresh water lakes of the world, is over 20 kilometers to the southeast of Mount Kailash with a total surface area of 400 square kilometers. This placid lake is a vast expanse of pristine water, absolutely beautiful under the vast and clear sky. The legend has it that Goddess Woma bathed in the lake. Because of its sheer beauty and charming myths and legends, the lake was mentioned as a celestial lake of the west in an ancient book written by Xuanzang, a Tang Dynasty monk known for his journey to India in search of Buddhist scriptures. The book was entitled "The Western Territories of the Great Tang Empire". The lake was already known to the Tibetans as Macuitso about nine centuries ago. It was believed that in the "palace of the dragon king" on the bottom of the lake were boundless treasures. The chosen ones after walking around the lake a full circle would be promised a life of plenty by a small fish, a pebble or a feather they might have picked up. After the triumphant rise of Buddhism in Tibet in the 11th century, the lake was given a Buddhist name "Manasarova", meaning "perpetually invincible". Thereafter, the lake has been regarded as a gift from Buddha with cleansing and redeeming power that will bring spiritual and physical well-being. The lake has thus gained a primordial force which, together with the Holy Mountain Kailash, has attracted countless pilgrims to the area of Ngari. They would take the strenuous journey around the mountain and lake as a test of their faith and for an experience of the holy power. Many of them have harbored the wish of bathing in the lake for many years. There are four holy bathing spots around the lake respectively named Lotus, Fragrance, Purification and Faith. Bathing at each spot while trekking around the lake would redeem different sins. The mysterious powers of Lake Manasarova are believed to be just as great as those of the towering Mount Kailash.
Travel from Shiquanhe to Zhangmu
The majestic Himalayan Ranges on the southwestern periphery of the massive Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau extends over 2,400 kilometers. The Gangdise Range lies to its northeast in an almost parallel direction. Between the two mountain ranges lie the Sengge Tsangbo (Shiquan River) Valley, Ge'er Tsangbo River Valley and a number of smaller or bigger valleys with average elevations between 4,250 and 4,400 meters. The source of the Yarlung Tsangbo Glaciers on the northern slope of Himalayas and the river flows eastward in the valley between the two mountain ranges. High and pastures spread along the valleys.
Traveling from the town of Shiquanhe to Zhangmu along the southern route stretching through the valleys between the two mountain ranges is a most exhilarating experience. Towering snow-capped mountains lie along the road for hundreds of kilometers, presenting scenery of breath-taking beauty. The landscape along the route changes from high land pasture to desolate sandy stretches, lush marshes, lakes, rivers, mountain forests and waterfalls.
The highland weather can be tempestuous. Clear azure skies can be blackened by thick clouds with rain or even hail all of a sudden and clear up again with a bright rainbow. Even in the summer month of August, overnight snow may shroud the landscape in white. The highland scenery is at its best in the early morning or at dusk with purple colored clouds and fiery snow peaks reflecting the setting sun. Startled rabbits, beavers, eagles and antelopes are here and gone in no time. Only intrepid wild donkeys will gallop along with intruding vehicles in the quietness of the mountain valley. At Jelong Valley, long-tailed monkeys and blue sheep can sometimes be spotted.
The local traditions and traditional dresses vary for the regions of Ge'er, Tsada, Burang, Zhongba, Jelong and Zhangmu. Their temples and monasteries also show unique styles. The valley region is rich in historical heritage in addition to being an ancient trading route. The Guge ruins in Tsada, the holy Kailash Mountain and Manasarova Lake in Burang County are of historical and religious significance, which attract an endless stream of visitors and pilgrims.
The remote town of Burang is an oasis at the foot of the harsh and domineering Himalayas. Its ancient history, primitive life style, spectacular mountains and canyons and unique location hold eternal fascination to travelers, pilgrims, scholars and itinerant vendors. The town is also a border trading post with a number of roads extending through the Himalayas to Nepal and India.
Traveling along a route accompanied by the great mountain ranges of Himalaya and Gangdise the traveler will experience the breath-taking grandeur and beauty of nature on the Roof of the World, the vigor of a primitive life of highland people and the mystery of sacred places of Buddhism. It will be truly an unforgettable experience.
After mankind conquered both the Antarctic and Arctic in the 20thcentury, explorers turned their attention to the Tibetan Plateau. For millennia this land of majestic mountains was shrouded in mystery and beyond the reach of most aspiring mountaineers except for a select few.
Beginning from the 1980s, Tibet was no longer just gilded pinnacles, monasteries, historical anecdotes and myths to outside visitors. The towering mountains of Tibet are popular with mountaineers who wish to test their strength and spirit and transcend the limits imposed by nature on human endeavor. The Tibetan Plateau has an average altitude of over 4,000 meters with many world-famous mountain ranges renowned for their elevation, relative young age and spectacular scenery. In the Himalayan Range alone, there are over 50 peaks with elevations of more than 7,000 meters and 11 peaks 8,000 meters. Mountaineering or trekking along secluded mountain trails will create better than anything else will a heightened sense of self-awareness and transcendence. In the absolute wildness, you are one with nature, an exhilarating experience that you will never get anywhere else. There are many mountain peaks in Tibetan Plateau that remain untouched by man's footsteps. The 7,782 meters Namjagbarwa Peak was once the highest yet to be scaled by man. The face of the peak was so steep that efforts by a team of Chinese and Japanese mountaineers in 1991 ended in failure with a number of deaths. But this did not stop another team of Chinese and Japanese climbers who conquered this virgin peak in October 1992 with 11 of them reaching the top. The "Roof of the World" is world of mountains which pose ever changing challenges to mountaineers who always want to scale new heights or climb mountains that have been climbed before by different routes. In recent years, the region has sponsored programs such as multi-national joint climbing, straight line approach, climbing without oxygen supplies, speed climb and solitary climb. Difficult approaches and harsh climate have been chosen to test the extreme limits of human endurance.
In order to accommodate the needs of mountaineers from around the world, a total of 44 mountain peaks have been open to international climbers since 1980. As people are eager to return to the embrace of nature, mountaineering, highland exploration and trekking in the Tibetan Plateau will become increasingly popular as a retreat into nature.
The most colorful and electrifying things in Tibet are its many traditional and exotic festivals which spread throughout the year with one or two of some kind for each month. These festive dates have their origins rooted in folk traditions, religious celebration or traditional activities. The festivals are often rituals, farming events, commemorations, celebrations, social gatherings or simple amusement, which reflect the historical roots of the Tibetan ethnic people, their religious belief and closeness to nature.
The Festival of Banishing Evils falls on December 29 on the Tibetan calendar. Similar expressions are found in ethnic celebrations around the world with a theme of driving away evil spirits. On that day, a sorcerer's dance is performed in monasteries and a general cleaning is done in every household to get rid of misfortune and pray for godly blessings. Every family will have a traditional New Year's Eve dinner of Guthuk and torches are lit and howling are heard everywhere in a collective prayer for a new year free from misfortunes.
On the Tibetan New Year's Day, each home will open its door with prayers and fetch the first bucket of water of the year. People will greet each other with well-meaning wishes. This is the most important festival for the Tibetans, during which they entertain themselves with various folk activities such as wrestling, weight throwing, tug-of-war and horse-racing.
The Great Prayer Festival, from January 8 through 14 on the Tibetan calendar, is the grandest religious festival in Tibet. It has its origin in a prayer meeting organized at Jokhang Temple by Tsong Khapa, founder of the Gelukpa Sect, in 1409. Thousands of monks from far and near will gather for prayers, theological debates and examination for Geshe, a doctoral degree in Buddhist theology, at the temple. Pilgrims will come from everywhere to listen to sermons.
The Butter lamp Festival falls on January 15 of the Tibetan calendar, which has its origin in a celebration with many butter lamps to honor the victory of Sakyamuni in a debate against Heretics. During the festive celebration, Barkhor Street in Lhasa is crowded with people and by nightfall is brightly lit with thousands of lamps made of butter in an intriguing assortment of designs. The festive mood lasts throughout the night.
Saga Dawa Festival on April 15 marks the birth, transcendence and death of Sakyamuni. Pilgrims and secular folks will visit Lhasa and the festival is observed by turning prayer wheels, having vegetarian lunch and a picnic by the Dragon King Pond. Folk entertainers will perform Tibetan tradition; they will pay their homage to Buddha, observe a vegetarian rule, refrain from killing domestic animals and give out alms during the month.
Archery contests on horseback are popular throughout the Tibetan region. The Gyangtse Horse-race Festival became events on fixed dates in 1408 when the king of Gyangtse gave a decree marking the period from April 10 through 27 of every year for prayers and sacrificial ceremony for his grandfather with entertainment offered on the 28th. By the mid-17th century, original ritual ceremonies became symbolic and contests of archery on horseback grew to be the most important events for the festival. Nowadays, with all kinds of entertainment and fairs organized it has become one of the most important festivals in Tibet.
The Shoton Festival is one of the grandest festivals in Tibet. Prior to the 17th century, Shoton had been an exclusively religious observance. The month of June on the Tibetan calendar was reserved for self-cultivation and meditation for all the monks who were not allowed to go out of monasteries until July 1, when local residents would offer alms of yogurt (Sho, in Tibetan). From around the mid-17th century, Tibetan local operas were added to festival celebrations which were held around monasteries and in Lhasa the Drepung Monastery. From the beginning of the 18th century, the main site of the festival was moved to Norbu Lingka and celebrations became formalized which include shining of the Buddha's portrait, folk amusement at the local park and performances of Tibetan operas. Popular fairs are also organized during the festival.
For a whole week in early July when Venus appears in the sky every year, Tibetans will bathe themselves all day long in rivers across the region, believing that bathing may cure illness and get rid of misfortune at a time when water is purest and mildest.
According to a Tibetan myth, the gods will descend from the heaven on the 22nd of the ninth month of the Tibetan calendar every year. All monasteries will be open on this day to the needy and prayers and sutra chants will be given.
Tsong Khapa's Festival, falling on the 15th of the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar, marks the anniversary of the passing away of Tsong Khapa, the founder of Gelukpa Sect, and is called Ganden Angchuin in Tibetan. On this day, butter lamps are placed on the roofs of monasteries and secular homes and sutras are chanted in praise of Tsong Khapa.
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