Tibet could be the referred real Shangri-la, the forbidden land, the roof in the planet and the holy land of one's innermost need. Tibet has snowy mountains and grasslands, scattered herds of yak and nomads around the plateau, spectacular monasteries and unsophisticated smiles, tranquil lake and transparent blue sky. They are just several of the causes guests to Tibet often discover themselves coming back.

The initial stop for many Tibet tours is inevitably Lhasa, the capital of Tibet Province. Colorful and historic, the holy city of Lhasa lies within a smaller valley 3700 meters above sea level. The Potala Palace and Jokhang are the must-see destinations for visitors to Lhasa.

Potala Palace is the symbol of Tibet. This palace is sacred in Tibetan persons hearts. With its majestic splendor, the Potala Palace would impress the inhabitants of any planet capital. Thus the humble Tibetan pilgrim, who has usually lived in a yak hair tent, ought to view the Potala Palace with good reverence. It truly is tough to think that this 13-storey edifice containing 999 rooms was built on a steep mountain as lengthy ago because the seventh century. Touring it just like a huge labyrinth. It makes you retain going and going. It is actually hard to find the way out if let you wander alone there.

Jokhang monastery, built in 647, will be the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. It really is the center of the Tibetan Buddhism as well as the sacred land of Buddhist followers. A large number of pilgrims come here for worship each day. Several in the pilgrims have been crawling on the ground. Apparently, on their pilgrimage from their homes, pilgrims prostrate themselves on the ground after walking two measures and then repeat the course of action once more and again. Quite a few others have been spinning prayer wheels.

Inside the city, are a lot of internet sites that have to be visited; the large university monasteries of Drepung and Sera, the Barkhor pilgrim circuit and Tibetan Museum.

Apart from city Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and Tsetang in Tibet also remain mystical in numerous people's minds.

Gyantse was as soon as of major significance as a trading center around the routes between India, Sikkim, Bhutan, Tibet and China. Gyantse's symbol will be the Kumbum Stupa which is 32 m high and consists of 77 rooms and 100,000 photos of the Buddha. Kumbum Stupa would be the finest example of 15th century Newar art extant in the world. Pelkor Chode Monastery and Gyantse Fort (built atop a massive rock) are other important sights right here.

Driving from Lhasa to Gyantse is usually a long, but spectacular drive. Along the way, you will get unforgettable views of your Yamdrok-Tso Lake and Mt Nojin Kangtsang.

Shigatse (three,900 m) lies some 274Km towards the west of Lhasa and could be the second biggest city in Tibet. The highway runs alongside the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) river passing by way of narrow gorges and broad river valleys. Farmers plowing their fields with yaks, sheep grazing on the vast plains, great sand dunes and rocky hills within the distance will be the scenic rewards of this journey.

The Tashilhunpo Monastery, constructed in 1447 by the initial Dalai Lama, is Shigatse's most important cultural and religious web page. The main structures found within the Tashilhunpo Monastery will be the Maitreya Chapel, The Panchen Lama's Palace and also the Kelsang Temple. Tashilhunpo is the seat with the Panchen Lama since the Fourth Panchen Lama took charge inside the monastery, and you will discover now practically 800 lamas.

Tsetang: Through the lengthy years, Tsetang has had many "first", for instance, the initial king Nyatri Tsenpo, the first palace Yumbu Lhakang, the first temple Tradruk, the very first cropland Syarisotang, the first Tibetan Opera Pakhapu as well as the first Buddhist scripture Pangkong Chagya. Tsetang can also be the location where King Songtsan Gampo united the entire Tibet and once lived with Princess Wencheng. The Tangka made and embroidered by Princess Wencheng herself continues to be kept in Tradruk Temple, that is a great treasure residence of culture and art.

Samye Monastery is Testang's most important cultural and religious web-site. Samye monastery was built inside the mid-8th century. Samye is first formal Buddhist Monastery for the monks in Tibet. The magnificent and distinctive Central Hall is three-story higher. The initial floor is of the Tibetan architectural style, the second the Han style and also the third the Indian style. The halls within the monastery property many statues and murals.

Tibet has lots of destinations, too various to mention, which tends to make guests keep coming back. It's a province exceptional in China for its magnificent temples, snow-capped peaks, nomad camps, pilgrims and ethnic culture. It is a genuinely a spot to stir the senses and nourish the soul - of all of the destinations in China.