Tibet General Information
Introduction
Tibet, a rich and beautiful land, is located at the main part of Qinghai-Tibet plateau, southwest frontier of China with an average altitude over 4000m above sea level. Tibet possesses more than fifty peaks above 7000 m. among which eleven are over 8000 m. Tibet borders with Sichuan, Yunnan, Qinghai and Xinjiang; to the south contiguous to India, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Burma and bounded by Kashmir on the west. Tibet is rich in natural resources and owns a vast expanse of landforms. People living on this land have been creating a glorious culture since ancient times. There has a long history; majestic mountains and rivers, regular customs and habits, wonderful natural landscapes with monks clad in robes and yellow hats are seen everywhere.
History
For centuries, Tibet has fascinated mankind. This land beyond the mighty Himalaya on the highest plateau of the world, was hardly accessible to the out side world and has always been a challenge to all mortal beings. This "land of mysteries", a "forbidden land", forbidden not only by man but also by nature, appeals to so many explorers, scholars, pilgrims and adventurers in the past, hoping to find probably a real "SHANGRILA" . In the past, Lhasa, the capital and centre of Tibetan culture, religion and Lama theology, was so far from anywhere and the journey to it so ardous, from any direction, that only the hardiest souls, impelled by the strongest motive or curiosity, penetrated to the holy city. Now fortunately there is an opportunity to visit Tibet.
Geography
With an average altitude of 4,000m above sea level, Tibet is located at the main part of Qinghai Tibet Plateau, south west of China. Tibet has an area of 1.2 million sq. km and borders with Sichuan, Yunnan, Qinghai, Xingjiang to the south and contiguous to India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan & Burma. Tibet has more than 50 peaks above 7,000 m out of which 11 are more than 8,000m.
Climate
Tibet has low humidity, moderate rainfall and an average of 10 hr of sunshine daily. With more than 3000 hrs. of sunshine annually, Lhasa is famed as "The city of Sunshine". Contrary to popular belief, winter is the best time to visit Tibet. Night tempratures seldom drop below -5 degree centigrade in Lhasa and it rarely snows in the Lhasa valley.
Religion
Almost all practice, Mahayana Buddhism and belief in present day religious reincarnate teachers. There are few followers of pre Buddhist Bon Po and also Islam. Immigration
All visitors to Tibet must hold a valid passport. The visa is issued by the Chinese Embassy, after a package tour is confirmed and arrival in Nepal. All others issued elsewhere must be endorsed by this Embassy.
Customs
As long as registered with a Custom Office in Tibet, there is no prohibitation on still and video cameras, tape recorders and radios. Printed matters are considered as unsuitable by Chinese Government. Custom regulations forbid the export of art objects created prior to 1959 or souvenirs in amounts deemed to be excessive.
Money
Renminbi, is the people's money used by millions of Chinese everyday. It circulates in notes of 1,2,5,10 and 50 Yuan. Current exchange rate is US$1.00 = RMB 8.20.
Airport Tax
The Airport tax at present is US$ 12.00 or RMB 90.00 per person.
Health & Altitude Problems
Travelling in Tibet involves high altitude and can be strenuous. Clients with heart and lung problems or blood diseases should consult their doctor before booling trips. Simple headache, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders can happen before the acclimatisation. We advice to drink lot of water (about 3-4 liters of Water) per day and not to strain yourself. Clients, under medication should bring their own personal medicians. No special inoculations are required to visit Tibet.
TIBET Fact File
| Size: | 2.5 million square kilometer |
| Capital: | 1 Lhasa |
| Population: | 6 million Tibetan and an undetermined no. of Chinese, most of whom are in Kham & Amdo. |
| Religion: | Tibetan Buddhism is practiced by 99% of the Tibetan Population. |
| Language: | Tibetan (of the Tibeto-Burmese language family). Official language is Chinese |
| Staple Food: | Tsampa (roasted barley flour) |