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Showing posts from July, 2023
The flight from Chengdu to Lhasa showcases the stunning natural beauty of the region. As you fly, the cityscape fades, revealing picturesque valleys and lush forests against rugged peaks. The Himalayas' magnitude and untouched wilderness beneath mesmerize. Approaching Lhasa, arid plains contrast with earlier landscapes, creating a beautiful, vast Tibetan plateau. This flight offers a unique opportunity to witness the world's natural splendour and ignite a sense of wonder. Muya Gongga is the highest peak in Sichuan (7556 meters above sea level). The north slope of Gongga Mountain is pyramid-shaped And Zhongshan Peak, the second-highest peak in Sichuan (6886 meters above sea level) #image_title About 30 minutes after leaving Chengdu, you will catch a glimpse of Muya Gongga, also known as the King of Shu Mountain, outside your window. The first sight that greets you is the east slope of Mount Muya Gongga. Unlike the north slope, the east slope does not possess a regular triangular...
China's snow-capped mountains captivate visitors with their majestic peaks and pristine snow, showcasing the country's natural beauty. The highest peak in the world, covered in white snow, is visually captivating and attracts pilgrims from various religions. Thirteen peaks resemble a mythical creature, offering diverse flora and fauna. Famous for granite peaks, ancient pine trees, and hot springs, these mountains are a hidden gem. With four towering peaks, they challenge mountaineers. Surrounded by diverse flora and fauna, the mountains dominate the skyline, showcasing rich biodiversity. China's snow-capped mountains are a testament to its natural beauty and the harmony between nature and humanity. 1. Namchak Barwa #image_title Namjagbarwa Peak, (གནམས་ལྕགས་འབར་བ།) standing at 7,782 meters above sea level, holds the distinction of being the tallest mountain in Nyingchi, Tibet. This massive triangular peak remains perpetually covered in snow, enveloped in clouds and mist, mak...
Tibetan music instrument One drum and one cymbal were used as accompaniments in traditional Tibetan opera performance, which determines the crucial role of their players and the beats of drum and cymbal. Like other local dramas, Tibetan drama contains a large quantity of patterned dancing acts and performers must be in harmony with the beats of drums and cymbals, otherwise they feel lost in dance and are unable to continue the dances. Dram Nyan (A plucking stringed instrument) DramNyan, also called six-stringed fiddle, is one of the ancient plucking stringed instruments in Tibet and one of the main musical instruments in today’s professional Tibetan Opera Troupe. Old-fashioned Dram Nyan has three groups of sounds, each group having two strings. Alto and high-pitched Dram Nyan used in Tibetan opera today derived from it, which was transformed from double strings to a single string. High-pitched Dram Nyan has four strings, Alto Dram Nyan having five strings. Pi Wang Pi Wang comes fr...
Kubum Monastery, is located in Qinghai Province, in the county of Huangzhong, which is more than 20 kilometers from Xining proper. It was built mainly for the Gelugpa or the Yellow Hat Sect, a kind of Buddhism that is popular in Tibet. Hence, the monastery is more than a home for the monks; it’s also one of the sacred grounds in the region. Although no one can truly trace how the sect was formed or how the monastery came about, it has been around for around 400 years. The Kubum monastery was designed to be basic. It shall be composed of a stupa and a temple. However, over time, it covered more areas until it has become a very huge compound that spans to 36 acres. The architectural style of the buildings is largely inspired by that of Tibet: first, it’s built on the slope of the mountains, and two, there’s a great use of bright colors and the grandness of the halls. With more than 50 halls, the monastery offers a lot of very interesting ones. These include the Butter Sculpture, call...
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the enchanting lands of Tibet and Nepal on an awe-inspiring 8-Day Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via EBC. This exhilarating adventure promises an immersive experience, allowing you to delve deep into the heart of Tibet's rich cultural heritage and natural wonders, while also providing you with the opportunity to witness the majestic Mount Everest in all its glory. Lhasa - Potala Palace, Barkhor Street Your expedition commences in the vibrant city of Lhasa, known as the "City of Sunshine." As you step foot in this historical capital, you'll immediately be captivated by its mystical aura and breathtaking sights. Explore the iconic Potala Palace, an architectural masterpiece that stands as a testament to Tibet's illustrious past. Marvel at its intricate designs and delve into the spiritual realm as you wander through its sacred halls and chambers. Gyangtze Town - Pelkor Choede,  Continue your journey to Gyantze, a town brimmi...
In ancient times, the Tibetan ancestor quickly built a large shelter to protect the common people from storms. They were then invited to build houses for the Gods in heaven, after becoming the Big Dipper. This shows how Tibetans developed their architectural skills and way of living through their struggle against natural disasters. During the Tubo period, the first palace, Yumbu Lhakhang, was constructed on a small hill in the Yarlong Valley. Subsequently, the following rulers built a series of palaces including Chingwa Taktse Palace and Potala Palace. In the time of Trisong Detsan, the first Samye Monastery was built based on the Buddhist belief system. This grand monastery, adorned with statues of Buddha, ceremonial practices, and monks, laid the foundation for Tibetan housing style and construction. Yak Hair Tents  In the pasture, people reside in yak hair tents. They spin the yak hair into thread and weave it into striped cloth, which is sewn together to form a square tent. This t...
To travel to Tibet from mainland China, you have several options for transportation, including flights, trains, and road trips. Here's an overview of each option: Flights:The most convenient way to reach Tibet from mainland China is by air. There are several airports in Tibet, including Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA), Nyingchi Mainling Airport (LZY), and Shigatse Peace Airport (RKZ). You can book direct flights from major cities in mainland China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Xian, and Chongqing, to these airports. Airlines like Air China, China Eastern Airlines, Tibet Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines operate these flights. Trains:Another popular option is to travel to Tibet by train. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway connects major cities in mainland China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xining, and Guangzhou, to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. The train journey offers breathtaking views of the Tibetan plateau and allows you to acclimatize to the high altitude gradually. Tr...
When looking down from the top of the Tamala Pass, Jampaling Monastery appears tucked in the crisscrossing mountain ranges on a knoll-composed layers of red earth formed by ancient glaciers between the Tsarchu and Ngom Qu Rivers. This monastery was founded during the Ming period by a disciple of Tsongkapa after Tsongkapa's religious reform in Tibet. According to Gelug Sect rules, the Chamdo Monastery should harbor 2,500 monks. History When Tsongkapa made his journey into Tibet via Chamdo in 1373, he predicted that in the future a monastery would be erected and Buddhism would flourish in the area. Later, in 1437(year 2 of Zhengtong in Ming dynasty), Sherab Sangpo, one of Tsongkapa's disciples, founded the monastery on a rocky hill between the Ngom Qu and Tsarchu Rivers, and modeled it on a flying eagle about to land. The main relic is the statue of the Jampa (the Future Buddha) from which the name of the monastery, Jampaling is derived. The monastery is the largest of the Ge...
If you plan to travel to Tibet from Indonesia, there are two main options for transportation: taking a flight to China or taking a flight to Nepal. If you choose to fly to China, you can then take a flight or train to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. There are several direct flights from major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai, to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. The train ride from Chinese cities to Lhasa can be a scenic experience as it crosses the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway. If you choose to fly to Nepal, you can then take a flight or drive to the Tibet-Nepal border at Kodari or Kyirong and cross into Tibet. However, it is important to note that the border crossing is subject to sudden changes due to political tensions, and visas for Tibet can be difficult to obtain in Nepal. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Flying to China may be more straightforward, but it can be more expensive than flying to Nepal. On the other hand, flying to Nepal may require mo...
The inclusion of an electric charger inside the Tibet train has revolutionized the travel experience for passengers, providing them with the convenience and comfort they deserve during their long journeys. This technological advancement has not only enhanced the functionality of the train but has also contributed to the overall satisfaction of the passengers, ensuring that their travel experience is seamless and enjoyable. With the increasing popularity of train travel in Tibet, the addition of an electric charger has come as a breath of fresh air for the weary passengers. Gone are the days when they had to worry about their mobile devices running out of battery during the long hours of the journey. Now, they can simply plug in their smartphones, tablets, or laptops into the conveniently located charging ports and continue using them without any interruption. The electric charger inside the Tibet train is not just a mundane addition; it is a technological marvel that has been carefully...
To enter Tibet, you have two destination options: China or Nepal. Many Vietnamese travellers choose to enter Tibet through China due to the high cost of airfare from Nepal. Additionally, there are discounted airfares available between Hanoi or SGN and Chengdu or Guangzhou, making it convenient to fly to Chengdu. From Chengdu, it is relatively easy to extend the trip to Tibet. Option 1: Flight Information from Vietnam to Tibet through China - Check for flights from Vietnam to major cities in China such as Beijing, Chengdu, or Kunming. - Once you reach your desired city in China, you can book a domestic flight to Lhasa, Tibet. The most common airport in Tibet is Lhasa Gonggar Airport. - Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and Sichuan Airlines operate flights from major Chinese cities to Lhasa. - It is important to note that foreigners travelling to Tibet are required to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit, which can be arranged by a local travel agency or tour operator. Vietnamese travellers to...
A Military Permit is an indispensable document that foreign tourists must obtain, along with the Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit and Aliens' Travel Permit, if they have the intention of exploring the military-sensitive areas in the breathtaking Tibet Autonomous Region. Tibet, with its awe-inspiring landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has been a dream destination for adventurous souls seeking to immerse themselves in its mystique. However, due to its strategic significance and delicate geopolitical situation, certain areas in Tibet fall under military control. As a result, obtaining a Military Permit becomes crucial to ensure a seamless and hassle-free exploration of these regions. The Military Permit serves as a testament to the strict regulations in place to protect the security and integrity of military institutions and installations in Tibet. It is a way of meticulously controlling access to these areas, guaranteeing the safety of both the visitors and the military personnel. To ...
In the Area between kunlun mountains, Tanggula mountains and Gangdise- Nyachentangla mountains, its land area covers 2/3 of the whole Tibet. Its Average elevation reaches more than 4,500 m. With unique scenery, Chang tang Grassland teems with 1,000 species of wildlife, of which some 40 species under the protection of the state and autonomous region. There are vast prairies and glaciers, numerous mountains and lakes, hot springs, terrestrial heats. Geographic Location The North Tibet Grassland, referring to the vast plateau in north Tibet, is referred to as Chang tang (or Qangtang) Grassland in Nagqu Prefecture. As one of the five biggest pastures in China, Changtang Grassland is surrounded by the Kunlun, Tanggula, Kangdese and Nyainqentanglha mountains. Brief Introduction Chang tang Grassland is a culturally rich land as well as a paradise for the wild animals and plants. On the vast grassland, yaks, sheep and nomadic people’s camps can be seen everywhere. And the colorful long...
Tibet, with its breathtaking landscape, is home to some of the world's highest and most awe-inspiring mountains. These majestic peaks, with their towering heights of over 8000 meters, have captivated the imagination of explorers, mountaineers, and nature enthusiasts for centuries. One of the most renowned mountains in Tibet is Mount Everest, standing proudly as the highest peak on Earth at a staggering 8,848 meters. It's awe-inspiring beauty and challenging terrain has made it an irresistible allure for adventurers seeking to conquer its lofty summit. The allure of Mount Everest lies not only in its height but also in its spiritual significance to the Tibetan people. Known as Chomolungma in Tibetan, which translates to "Goddess Mother of the Earth," Everest is considered a sacred mountain and holds deep religious meaning for the local communities. Mount Cho Oyu But Tibet offers more than just Mount Everest. The region is a treasure trove of other magnificent mountains...
Yumbulagang Palace situated in NeDong County, about 8 km outh of Tsedang town. Known as the first imperial palace in Tibet, was built in the second century BC by Nyatri Tsanpo. In the 7th century AD, Songtsan Gampo moved the capital to Lhasa and Yumbulagang palace gradually became a Buddhist palace, and then the 5th Dalai Lama changed it as the monastery of Old-Yellow Hat Sect (Kadampa).The palace is mainly divided into two parts: the front part is multi-layer palace, while the back part is a square watchtower of a high blockhouse connected with the front part. History Perched on the mountain top, the towering and outstanding Yumbulagang lPalace ooks like a blockhouse. “Yumbu” means female deer named after the shape of the Jormo Zhaxi Ceri Mountain which looks like a female deer. “lagang” means sacred palace. Yumbulagang , “palace of mother and son” in Tibetan dialect, is the first palace and one of the earliest buildings in Tibet and it has a history of more than 2,000 years. It’s s...
The opera, called “ache lhamo” in Tibetan, plays an important part in the social life of Tibetan people. It is a unique form in China’s various theatrical arts. “ache” means elder sister or a female, and “lhamo” means a fairy. Tibetan opera is an all-round performing art that tells the story by the form of fol dances and songs. Folk troupes of Tibetan opera are easily encountered any time and anywhere, with the audience from miles away to crowd the performer. This art style is influenced by Tibetan Buddhism from the view of skills and contents. It’s widely believed that Tibetan opera comes from the following three aspects: folk songs and dance, folk rap, religious riruals and religious arts. Besides, there is a legend that the origin of Tibetan opera began from a dance to worhsip deity and the dance was created by Tibetan Buddhist, LianHuaShen, in 8th century. Later, LianHuaShen set up a theatrical troupe .It was composed of seven beautiful sisters who were good at dancing. They wrot...
As one of the sacred lakes in Tibet and one of the highest fresh water lakes in the world, Manasarovar or Mapam Yutso lake is 4,586 m above sea level and 77 m deep, with an area of 412 sq km. on the slope of the mountain by the lake stands the Jiwu monastery, which is an ideal place to overlook the lake. Mapam Yutso Lake lies 20 km southeast of Mt Kailash and is north to Namnani Peak. It is the highest freshwater lake in the world. Mapam Yutso in Tibetan means the “eternal and invincible jade lake,” named to mark the victory of Buddhism over the local Bon Religion in the 11tth century. Xuan Zang (600-664), an eminent monk of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), described Mapam Yutso Lake in his book Records of Western Travels as “a jade pond in west”. Mapam Yutso enjoys a reputation equal to the holy mountain. Mapam Yutso Lake once appeared in many religious records and legends. Indian legend claims it to be a place where Siva and his wife Goddess Woma, daughter of the Himalayas, bathed. Tib...
The construction of the Haba Snow Mountain Tunnel on the Lijiang to Shangri-La section of the Dali-Lhasa Railway was completed after 9 years of hard work by the construction team. This marks the completion of all 20 tunnels on this section of the railway, and the project will now move into the phase of laying long rails. #image_title  The construction personnel from China Railway 16th Bureau worked tirelessly to pour concrete, completing the final section of the Haba Snow Mountain Tunnel with ballast less track bed construction. This achievement is a significant breakthrough in the construction of complex geological tunnels on the plateau and provides valuable experience for future similar tunnel projects. The Haba Snow Mountain Tunnel, located in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province, is 9.5 kilometers long and has a maximum burial depth of 1155 meters. It is classified as a Class I high-risk tunnel and is a key and challenging project on the entire line. The tun...
When it comes to Monastery in Tibet, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, and Drepung Monastery are the first to come to mind. According to statistics, Tibet has more than 1,700 monasteries. Despite the lack of oxygen, faith is abundant. In addition to the well-known ancient temples and holy places mentioned, Tibet is also home to many lesser-known monasteries with supernatural significance. These monasteries are often situated far from the bustling city, concealed in valleys, clinging to cliffs, hidden among clouds, or nestled by lakes. We have curated a selection of 18 niche temples to recommend to you. How many of them have you visited? Pabongkha Monastery Phabongkha, located on the northern outskirts of Lhasa, has a unique name in Tibetan, which means "Palace built on stones." Despite not being large in size, Phabongkha was constructed on massive rocks in the mountains and is the second palace in Tibet after Yongbu Lhakang. It briefly served as the residence of Songtsan Gampo ...