PEOPLE

The Tibetans are naturally warm and hospitable people with their love of life and fellowship. They revere nature and respect and cherish animals even when they have to kill them for food. The vast majority of people live in rural areas, and a large but diminishing part of the population is nomadic or semi-nomadic. Their lifestyle aims at achieving a harmonious balance between their daily chores and the spiritual forces, which they believe to exist all around them. Tibetans are very religious, spiritually inclined and generally observe Tibetan Buddhism or a collection of native traditions known as Bön. There are also smaller populations of ethnic Lhoba, Moinba, Deng, Xiaerba, and Hui (Chinese Muslims). There is a large number of migrant Han Chinese who have come to Tibet in search of work from mainland China have not officially registered as residents.
The Tibetans eat yak meat, drink yak milk, make yak hair tents, use yak hair ropes and yak hide bags, and burn yak dungs as fuel. Yaks are so indispensable for them they call them Norbu meaning treasures. Yaks also find their way into artworks, such as monastery murals and rock carvings. According to classics of the Bon religion, yaks came from the Heaven to the top of Gangdese Mountain. Of the Buddhist warriors, one has a yak head.

RELIGION

Tibetan Buddhism or Lamaism is the body of Buddhist religious doctrine and institutions characteristic of Tibet and certain regions of the Himalayas, including northern Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Northern India. It is the state religion of Bhutan and it is also practiced in Mongolia, parts of Russia and Northeast China. Texts recognized as scripture and commentaries are contained in the Tibetan Buddhist canon, so that Tibetan is a spiritual language of these areas. Tibetan Buddhism comprises the teachings of the three vehicles of Buddhism: the Foundational Vehicle, Mahāyāna ("The Great Vehicle"), and Vajrayāna (“Tantric Practice). Tibetan Buddhism teaches methods for achieving Buddhahood more quickly by including the Vajrayāna path in Mahāyāna. Tibetan Buddhism has four main traditions:
Nyingma(pa), Red sect, the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism .
Kagyu(pa) school, also known as the "Oral Lineage"
Sakya(pa), “Grey Earth” representing the scholarly tradition.
Gelug(pa) “Way of Virtue” also known as the Yellow Hat sect
Bon, a Shamanistic cult that was originated and was in practiced in the far western Tibet before the birth of historical Buddha. Bonpos believe in cosmic creation by Gods or Lhas where as the Buddhists believed in five Skandas (knowledge guardians) as related in Abhidharma texts. Some Bon religious practices were integrated or accepted by Buddhism and the current Tibet Buddhism recognizes Bon as de facto 5th school of Tibetan Buddhism.

WHEATHER

Tibetan climate has a reputation of being very harsh, in fact there are many places in the world with much harsher weather. Tibet is cold in winter, cool in summer and generally dry, receiving only about 45cm. (18 inches) of rain or snow annually. In Lhasa the average yearly temperature is 7.5C and ranging from average 0 C in December to 17 C in June. Travel to Tibet is comfortable from April to the beginning of November, and the best time is between August and September. Lhasa can be travelled to anytime of the year. Temperature can vary greatly within a day, however, exceeding 29C (85 F) in desert areas in summer and plunging below 4C (40F) at night.
Sun radiation is extremely high in Tibet and Lhasa is called Sunlight City. The thin air can neither block the radiation effectively nor retain heat so that the temperature can be extreme between the daytime and the night time.
Clothing should be simple and consisting of layers, which can be added or removed as temperatures vary during a day. A warm windbreaker and stout, comfortable shoes are essential. Formal attire such as a necktie or dress will be never be needed. Slacks and sweaters are the best. Essential items to bring are sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, hat, flash-light, lips moisturizer and personal medications.

TIBETAN CUSTOMS

Presenting Hada is a common practice among the Tibetan people to express their best wishes on many occasions, such as wedding ceremonies, festivals, visiting the elders and the betters, and entertaining guests. The white hada, a long narrow scarf made of silk, embodies purity and good fortune.
Proposing a Toast and Tea When you come to a Tibetan family, the host will propose a toast, usually barley wine. You should sip three times and then drink up. To entertain guests with tea is a daily etiquette. The guest must not to drink until the host presents the tea.
Greetings include "la" after saying hello to the Tibetan people to show respect. Make way to others and try not to make any sounds while eating and drinking.
Sky burial is a common form in Tibet. There are many prohibitions. Strangers are not allowed to attend the ceremony. Visitors should respect this custom and keep away from such occasions.
Tibetan Buddhism also known as the Lamaism, was introduced to Tibet from the mainland and India in the seventh century. The Tibetan Buddhism consists of four major divisions, the Gelug-pa(Yellow), the Nyingma-pa(Red), the
Sakya-pa(Variegated), and the Kagyu-pa(White).
Pilgrimage has variety of motivations but for the ordinary Tibetan it amounts to a means of accumulating merit or good luck. The lay practitioner might go on pilgrimage in the hope of winning a better rebirth, cure an illness, end a spate of bad luck or simply because of a vow to take a pilgrimage if a bodhisattva granted a wish.

LANGUAGE

Tibetan is spoken in Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and in parts of northern India (including Sikkim). It is classified by linguists as a member of the Tibeto-Burman subgroup of the Sino-Tibetan languages. Tibetan is written in a very conservative syllabary script based on the writing system of the ancient Sanskrit language of India. Used in its present form since the 9th century, it was developed as a means of translating sacred Buddhist texts that were being brought into Tibet from India. The writing system derived from the pronunciation of the language as it was in about the 7th century, and varies in many ways from colloquial Tibetan as it spoken today.

SKY BURIAL RITUAL

At the top of the ridge, on a platform of stones encircled by prayer flags, the tomden, or yogin-butcher, unwraps the body and slices it from head to toe, exposing the underlying flesh and bones. Drawn by the smoke from the juniper fire and the smell of fresh meat, huge vultures begin to gather on the surrounding rocks. Deceased soul has already departed to after world; the body serves to benefit other living beings. The majestic vultures, thought by Tibetans to be manifestations of flesh-eating dakinis, glide down from the high ridges and surrounding rocks and dance restlessly around the tomden as he unveils corpse. "Shey, shey," (Eat, eat"), shouts the tomden. The birds descend, enveloping the body in a frenzy.
Like a bodhisattva shaman, the tomden goes back in among the vultures and begins to dismember the skeleton, and feed it to birds. With a stone mallet, he pulverises the remaining bones and reciting mantras, he takes the skull and crushes it with a large rock. He mixes the brain and powdered bones with tsampa flour and again invites the birds to feast. The birds fly heavily to the crest of the ridge to digest; then, slowly, they soar off into the heavens.

TIBETAN MEDICINE

Tibetan medicine, an important part of the Chinese medical tradition, has been evolving for nearly 3,000 years. Simple therapies were used such as blood-letting, massage, using butter to stop bleeding, and using distillers' grains from highland barley to treat wounds. They had also hypothesized that "toxins and medicines co-exist."
During the 7th century, Tibetan King Songtsan Gambo united the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and established the Tubo Kingdom. He invited medical experts and translators from neighbouring states, together with medical experts of Tibet, to compile medical classics such as A Complete Collection of Medical Works, Fearless Weapons, Medicine and Diagnosis of Moon King, and Four Medical Classics.
In around 1450, two contradictory schools of thought northern and southern arose. Sukar, a representative of the southern school, and his disciples conducted research on diseases caused by dampness in southern Tibet and created a unique theoretical system for diagnosis and medication. Qamba and Namgyai Zhabsang representative figures of the northern school conducted research on diseases caused by the cold climate in northern Tibet.
Between 1600 and 1959, traditional Tibetan medicine developed slowly, without any dynamism. Scientific Tibetan
medicine research has been gradually spreading. In Traditional Tibetan medicine centres in Tibet, Qinghai and Gansu, research and development have been conducted in the fields of rich historical document research, Tibetan medicine uses, diagnosis techniques, and pharmaceutical production; and traditional Tibetan medicine is being standardized.

ARTS

Thangka is a scroll painting mounted on silk. Very few thangkas bear the names of their painters, but some of the most famous painters of tangka, such as Lozhag Dainzin Norbu of Eastern Tibet, and Qoiying Gyaco and Jamyang Wangbu of Western Tibet, were master painters of the 17th century. Most thangkas are painted on cloth, silk or paper, but there are also tangkas of embroidery, brocade and appliqué. Embroidery thangka is done with silk thread of different colors, depicting landscapes, figures, flowers, feathers, pavilions and towers. Brocade thangkas are woven on jacquard looms, with warp and weft patterns. Appliqué thangkas are made by pasting figures and patterns of colored silk on a background material; and kesi thangkas are like relief sculpture, with a three-dimensional effect, something like a special handicraft combining the art of painting with silk weaving.
Mural Frescos are a universal feature of temples and monasteries in Tibet. There are over 200 in Jokhang Monastery alone, covering an area of 300 square meters. The painters followed strict rules. For instance, the Buddha must be solemn, and his body must be depicted in certain specific proportions. Historical and folklore themes dominate the murals, and the paints used are similar to those used for Thanka painting.
The Tibetan Opera called "Lhamo," meaning "Sister Fairy" employs singing and dancing to tell stories. Tibetan opera dates back about 1,400 years and it has the longest history comparing with the folk operas of Chinese ethnic minorities. According to Tibetan historical records, King Songtsan Gambo greatly admired the costumes, music and dancing of the Tang Dynasty introduced to Tibet by Princess Wencheng when she married the Tibetan king. Later, this entertainment developed into a more clearly defined art form of dancing, singing and acting. During the reign of the fifth Dalai Lama, in the 17th century, this performing art was separated from religious rituals and became an independent dramatic form dominated by singing and dancing, and the use of flamboyant masks.

Yak Culture:

The Tibetans eat yak meat, drink yak milk, make yak hair tents, use yak hair ropes and yak hide bags, and burn yak dungs as fuel. Yaks are so indispensable for them they call them Norbu meaning treasures. Yaks also find their way into artworks, such as monastery murals and rock carvings. According to classics of the Bon religion, yaks came from the Heaven to the top of Gangdese Mountain. Of the Buddhist warriors, one has a yak head.

GEOGRAPHY AND NATURAL HISTORY

In geological terms the creation of the Himalayas and the rising of the Tibetan Plateau are extremely recent events. The mountains originated less than four million years ago, making them among the youngest in the world. The rivers of Tibet existed before the collision of India and Asia. As the soft sedimentary rocks, which formed, the bottom of the sea of Tethys was original north to south course. (The Yarlung Shangpo River is a major exception). As a result there are many spectacular gorges and mountain ranges that are sliced up into individual massifs.
There are three clearly different geographical regions in Tibet. The Northern Plateau, or Chang Tang, an enormous expanse of over 1,000,000 sq. km. (386,100 sq. miles), with undoubtedly one of the more challenging climates on earth, with strong winds every day and bitterly cold temperatures throughout the year, little rainfall and no outlet for the rivers hence containing myriad salty and brackish lakes.
The Outer Plateau, which extends in a great arc for nearly 3,500 km. (2,200 miles) from Baltistan in the west to beyond Xining, the capital of Qinghai, in the east. It is relatively narrow strip with the Himalayas forming the southern boundary. It is the most populous part of Tibet and contains almost all the human settlements.
The Southeastern Plateau or “River Gorge Country”, although comprising only one tenth of the total area of Tibet, plant and animal life here is vastly richer than that of the other regions. Forest is very much a characteristic of Southeastern Plateau, its western and northern boundaries follow the natural limit of trees.
The Lowest Point in Tibet is 1,615 m. (5,297 ft.) which lies near the great bend of the Yarlung Shangpo River, as it turns southward towards India. This region has an abundance of alpine and tropical plants such as laurels, rhododendrons, azaleas, bamboo, magnolias, oaks and even tea and bananas, most of which appear in or near dense, moist, evergreen forests. The most dramatic geographical phenomena here are the deep river gorges formed by the upper reaches of the Salween, Mekong and Yangzi, Asia’s mightiest rivers.

FAUNA

Due to high altitude and severe climate the fauna in Tibet is impoverished. There are a very small number of amphibians and reptiles. Insects are few and so are the insectivorous birds, moles and shrews. Fish are generally members of salmon and carp family. They abound in the rivers and some large lakes like Namtso but in many lakes there is so much salt which is not a suitable environment for fish.
Most of the species of wild animals in the Northern and Outer Plateau belong to desert steppe fauna. These animals, particularly the hoofed variety, are well adapted to harsh conditions and wide open landscapes that require them to migrate for long distances in search of food. The shaggy, powerful Yak is a shining example of animal adaptation of the harsh Tibetan environment. Another typical animal is Kiang, or wild ass. It often gathers in large herds, especially in western Tibet and makes extremely long journeys in search of pastures. The Kiang is the fasted runner on the Plateau. Another remarkable and very beautiful beast is the Tibetan antelope, outstanding for its long, thin, almost vertical horns that can attain 70 cm (28 inches) in length.
The most numerous mammals in Tibet are rodents, which are ubiquitous wherever there are sufficient plants to feed them. Predators, such as wolves, foxes and bears rely to a large extent on these rodents. Another predator and perhaps the most magnificent of all Tibet’s creatures, is the extremely rare Snow Leopard.
More than 500 species of birds have been recorded in Tibet and even the most casual observer can easily identify 20 or 30 separate varieties of birds. This number can quickly double with careful study or visit to one of the Tibet’s Great Lakes.

ACCESSIBILITY AND CUSTOMS

By Air: One can fly into Tibet from Kathmandu & Chengdu, for the western tourists Kathmandu is the best choice due to closeness to Lhasa and easy formalities for western tourist including obtaining Tibet Permit to visit Lhasa. Kathmandu Lhasa fight takes only 70 minutes but it over flies the highest parts of Himalayas including Everest, Lhotse, Makaly and Kanchenjungha .
By Land: This is the life time experience as the Land Cruiser takes you over the thin air to the Roof of the World. This is the highest overland trip on Earth with sparse human settlements, under the open blue firmament and over the calm plateau. Just imagine being at 5,000m on wheels, while crossing the few highest La (Passes) on Earth with stunning and unforgettable vistas.
Duration: Kathmandu to Zhang Mu (Border Point) 6hrs. Zhang Mu to Shegar 7hrs. Shegar to Shigatse 5hrs. Shigatse to Lhasa 4 ½ hrs.
Tibet Over-Land trip is only conducted from Kathmandu and is hassle free, smooth, adventurous and challenging. In Monsoon there will be slim risk of land-slide, until now we have managed to conduct our regular trips smoothly and avoiding landslides and hope to continue like that.

Customs Restrictions:

Upon entering T.A.R. (Tibet Autonomous Region) all foreigners are required to register watches, camera, lap-top etc. in their possession. These must be accounted for on leaving.
Antiques: Art objects and antiques in Tibet fall under special restrictions forbidding their export. Anything made before 1959 is considered antique. Rugs, Pashminas are allowed to be bought and can be shipped in international standard services. In the Local markets the gift items and souvenirs are in ample and no subject to any export restrictions.
Drugs: zrafficking any illicit drugs is an offence and the prospect of Chinese jail is very grim and not negotiable.
Insurance: We recommend you purchase a Travel Insurance against sickness, emergency rescue, accident, hospitalization, cancellation etc., as we accept no responsibility or expenses which may arise from mishaps to persons or their belongings during these tours.

CULTURAL SENSITIVITIES AND TIPS

-The Tibetan people are friendly and hospitable by nature and the tourists in general will have no difficulty in adjustment.
-Visitors must take off the shoes to enter Buddhist shrine or your host's room. In fact, a pair of open sandals is more convenient and comfortable while visiting the monasteries and Stupas.
-In some of the monasteries, entrance may be prohibited for the women. Walking around Monasteries or Stupa is traditionally done clockwise. Generally in Monasteries, Stupas and monuments photography is allowed but it is advisable to seek permission first.
-Tibetans are a conservative culture and one should be decently clad when visiting any place in Tibet. Sun and beachwear is not ideal when roaming around the city or village. Wearing brief shorts, bare shoulders and backs constitutes an offensive behavior. One need not to be overdressed but just comfortably and decently covered. Public displays of affection between man and women are frowned upon, so please respect these cultural sensitivities.
-Remember also when a person shakes his head sideways, it means "YES". Abuse, trafficking and possession of illicit drugs constitutes a serious offence.
-Cheap charity breeds beggars but does not solve their basic problem. Therefore, do not encourage beggary by being benevolent, in particular if the beggars are young. Donations in the Monasteries and Nunneries are appreciated and in order. It helps the maintenance and the community in general.
-Cancellation policy: A cancellation charge of 50% for reconfirmed booking up to seven days before departure to Tibet will be charged after which No refund will be entertained. Further under no circumstance will there be a refund on No show and Delay in arrivals.

TIBETAN FESTIVALS

Year End Festival or ‘Driving of Evil spirits’ (February / March) on the eve of the Tibetan New Year (29th of the twelfth lunar month) features religious dances and other auspicious performances.
Tibetan New Year or ‘Losar’ (February / March) it was scheduled to coincide with peach tree in blossom and it was considered as the starting of a new year. Since 1027 AD however it was relocated to the first day of the first month became fixed as the New Year.
Butter Lamp Festival or ‘Chunga Choepa’ (February / March) is held on the evening of the 15th day of the first lunar month. The event was also established by Tsong Khapa to celebrate the victory of Sakyamuni against heretics in a religious debate.
The Great Prayer Festival or ‘Monlam’ (February / March) is Tibet's most important festival after Tibetan New Year. The Great Prayer Festival ends with the ritual of expelling evils.
Gyantse Horse Racing Festival (May / June) is popular horse race and archery festival in Tibet.
Saga Dawa (May / June) festival falls on the full moon day of the 4th Tibetan lunar month (Saga Dawa is the name of the 4th month) and is one of the most important and holy festivals for the Tibetan Buddhists.
Nakchu Horse Racing Festival or ‘Changtang Chachen’ (August) festival is held in the small town of Nakchu in Northern Tibet. There are many horse racing festivals in Tibet but the one held here is the greatest.
Shoton Festival or ‘Buddha Unfolding Festival’ (August) is also knows as the 'Yoghurt Festival' which is one of the liveliest summer festivals in Tibet. This festival starts on the 30th day of the 6th Tibetan month (usually later half of August) and lasts for five days.
Bathing Festival (September) is believed that when the sacred planet Venus appears in the sky; the water in the rivers becomes purest and cures diseases.
Harvest Festival (September) often follows the Shoton Festival and it is a festival mainly celebrated in farming villages to pray for a good harvest.
Tashilhunpo Festival of Shigatse’s Tashilhunpo Monastery becomes the scene of festival during the second week of the fifth lunar month.
Tsong Khapa's Festival, falling on the 25th of the tenth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar, marks the death anniversary of Tsong Khapa, the founder of Gelukpa order.
Holy Mountain Festival is to commemorate Sakyamuni's first sermon with a prayer wheel.