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History of Tibet
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.
Currency
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 and Altitude situation |
General info
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