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Tibet

Tibet - the roof of the world - number one among the top dream destinations of many people. Since the first travelogues were released, this country has exercised a prodigious fascination that has remained unbroken since its occupation by China. The Tibetan plateau offers beautiful landscapes immediately upon arrival. The Nepal route with Mount Everest as its apex impresses. The Potala Palace is the most famous emblem of Tibet; the Tibetan monasteries give an impression of Tibetan Buddhism and its history.

Survey of Tibet

Population: 2.7 million
Area of autonomous Tibet: 1.3 million km2
Area of Tibet, including non-autonomous regions: 2.7 million km2
Languages: Tibetan, Chinese
Capital city: Lhasa

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Politics - China's Claim to Tibet

In the view of the People's Republic of China, Tibet is a part of the federal territory and a Chinese province with certain autonomous rights. Not until 1913, two years after the collapse of the Qing Dynasty, were the last Chinese troops driven out of Tibet; nonetheless, China continued to insist on its dominion over Tibet even though Tibet was semi-independent until 1950.

Traveling within Tibet

After staying in Lhasa, most individual travelers head for Nepal, often via Rigaze, the domicile of the Panchen Lama (Panchen Riponche). You can travel to Rigaze by bus without being in a group; no travel permit is needed. The Nepal route, on the other hand, is best done by joining a group (which can be found readily in the few hotels in Lhasa) and renting a Jeep with driver, by which points outside Lhasa along the Nepal route can easily be visited.

Tibet - Health

Keep in mind that you are traveling to and in a high elevation. Don't overestimate your body's capacity to adjust; plan enough time at the beginning to get used to the difference. Especially those traveling by plane may find the thin air problematic. But even buses hold their treacheries, for the passes on the drive to Lhasa reach elevations of over 5000 meters.