Tibet is one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations and there is adventure indeed hidden around almost each and every corner. Lhasa, the capital lies high in the arid wilderness of the Tibetan Mountains, its name “the Roof of the World” is no idle statement. The valley bottoms of Tibet are higher than the highest mountains elsewhere. It’s snow covered plateaus are the highest in the world and apart from Everest, which Tibetans see from ‘the other side’, many mountains are over 15000 feet. Lhasa, at (3590 meters), is Tibet’s religious, cultural and economic centre. The 1000 room Potala Palace physically dominates Lhasa City.
TRANSPORTATION
There are no air routes within Tibet except from Amdo to Kham. The distances are huge and the only recommended mode of transportation is hiring the vehicles from a travel agent.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION
Travellers are requested to take insurance from home which covers medical and emergency evacuation. Seriously ill travellers should not consider trying to leave Tibet by road, as the difficulties and uncertainties of such a journey holds many risks.
MONEY
Banks in Tibet/China are closed on Saturday & Sunday. So, you are requested to carry about US 0 per person in cash or travellers cheque for personal expenses. If it is cash dollars, even local people help you to get them exchanged into Chinese Yuan. Credit cards are very difficult to cash outside the banks, especially outside Lhasa. The unit of currency is Yuan, which is approximately US$ 1 = 8 Yuan.
Bhutan- the Land of the Thunder Dragon! Being the last remaining great Himalayan kingdom, it was restricted to all outsiders until recent years. Situated in the Himalayan mountains and hills, the natural and cultural beauty and diversity of this Forbidden Land are beyond any description. This is a place of Buddhism where Tibetan culture remains intact, and Gross Domestic Happiness is deemed more important than Gross Domestic Product.
It is also one of the world’s most expensive tourist destinations where visitors have to pay a minimum of US$100 a day. However, this fee is all inclusive. There is no need to travel in a group, therefore personal itineraries can be customized. And compared with many other destinations, you won’t find any backpacking travellers in Bhutan.
So why go to Bhutan? Above all else, Bhutan offers an opportunity to experience something pure and untouched by tourists. It offers a glimpse into another way of living, where true values of life still exist and even prosper. You will become one of the few who has experienced the uniqueness and magic of the world’s most enigmatic countries.
Nepal: Langtang & Helambu | Everest and Gokyo Lakes Trekking | Kathmandu Valley Rim | Annapurna Panorama (Poon Hill) Trekking | Mardi Himal Trekking | Family Adventure Tour | Helambu Cultural Trek | Annapurna Base Camp Trekking | Annapurna Circuit Trekking | Everest Base Camp Trekking | Langtang Valley Trekking | Jiri to Everest Trek
Tibet: Mt. Kailash & Lake Manasarovar | Tibet Tour | Tibet Tour with EBC
Bhutan: The Shangrila’s Delight | Glimpse of Bhutan