Tibet

Tibet's unique geographical features create a distinct climate. The region experiences cool summers and cold winters, with generally dry conditions, receiving only about 18 inches (450 millimeters) of precipitation annually. Due to the high altitude, sunlight is extremely strong, as the thin air neither blocks nor retains heat well. This leads to warm sunshine, chilly shadows, and significant temperature variations within a single day. Summer daytime temperatures can exceed 84°F (29°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop below 40°F (4°C). In winter, nighttime temperatures in Lhasa can fall to around 16°F (-9°C). Higher elevations are colder, and winter winds can be fierce. Rainfall in southern Tibet occurs sporadically from May to September, providing moisture to barley fields and adding greenery to the valleys. The most pleasant weather occurs from April to October.

Best Time to Visit Tibet

Tibet's climate varies significantly across different regions and within a single day. Southeastern Tibet, such as Nyingchi, has a gentle and temperate climate with an average temperature of around 8°C. Western Tibet, like Nakqu, has an average temperature below 0°C. Lhasa and central Tibet have a more moderate and pleasant climate suitable for traveling, with neither extreme heat in summer nor extreme cold in winter, particularly from March to October.

Nearly all of Tibet's annual rainfall occurs during the rainy season from May to September, accounting for 90% of the yearly precipitation. It typically rains at night in areas like Lhasa, Shigatse, and Chamdo. Therefore, the best time to travel to Tibet is between April and October, with the peak season being from May to September.

History

In 100 BC, the people of Tibet had learned irrigation and were growing barley and rice, as well as raising herds of domestic animals. In the 6th century AD, Tibet was divided into two different kingdoms, but it became a unified state early in the 7th century AD. Buddhism arrived in Tibet in the 8th century from India, and the first Buddhist monastery, Samye, was completed in 779 AD. However, the indigenous Bon religion did not disappear but instead exchanged various elements with Tibetan Buddhism.

In the early 13th century, the Mongols conquered a vast empire across Asia and Tibet submitted to their rule in 1207. As a result, Tibet became a dependent landholder in feudal society but was never fully absorbed into the Mongolian Empire. The 15th century saw the founding of several new monasteries in Tibet.

In the 18th century, Tibet isolated itself from the rest of the world. The British invaded Tibet in the 20th century while they were ruling India. In 1914, the British convinced the Chinese to agree to a settlement called the Simla Convention. This treaty divided Tibet into Outer Tibet and Inner Tibet. The Dalai Lama ruled Outer Tibet, although China claimed suzerainty, or loose control, while the Chinese were given limited control over Inner Tibet. Neither country was happy with this treaty. In 1959, Chinese oppression led to a revolt that was quickly crushed, and the Dalai Lama fled to India.

Under Chinese rule, serfdom was abolished, and in 1965, Tibet was made an autonomous region. The Dalai Lama received the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1989 and continues to live in India, advocating for Tibet’s freedom. In 2006, the Chinese government started railway service between Lhasa and Beijing, the highest railway in the world. However, in March 2008, Tibetan anger against Chinese rule boiled over into rioting in Lhasa. Today, the population of Tibet is 2.7 million.

Cuisine

Tibetan cuisine is not only nourishment but also helps the Tibetan people survive in the harsh climates. Their food helps to keep them warm, cope with the high altitude, provide energy, and supply necessary nutrients. Due to Tibet's high altitude, water boils at 90 degrees Celsius, making cooking with water challenging, and vegetables are scarce. As a result, Tibetan cuisine has become highly specialized, with dairy products and meat as the main ingredients. It has strong influences from Indian and Chinese cuisine but remains uniquely Tibetan.

Tsampa, made from roasted barley flour, is a staple food in Tibet. It is often made into steamed dumplings called momo or rolled into noodles. Yak, goat, or mutton is commonly used in spicy stews or dried for preservation. Butter, cheese, and yogurt are also mainstays in the diet. Butter tea, a drink made from tea, yak butter, and salt, is the most popular beverage.

Culture

Tibet's unique culture, developed over thousands of years, is one of the most fascinating aspects for visitors. Tibetan hospitality is well-known, and many Tibetans take great pride in welcoming guests into their homes for an evening of food, wine, and dancing. Tibet's customs, including dress, manners, marriage, and burial rituals, are colorful, unique, and remarkable, partly due to the isolation of the Himalayan region.

Tibet has several unique forms of singing and dancing, including Guoxie (circle dance), Duixie (tap dance), and Zhuoxie (drum dance). Presenting a hada, a ceremonial scarf, is a common practice among Tibetan people to express best wishes on many occasions. Tibetan art, music, and literature are all strongly influenced by religion, reflecting the deep spiritual heritage of the region.

Places to Visit in Tibet

If you want to experience true Buddhism and culture, Tibet is the ideal destination. Over centuries, it has evolved into a unique region with ancient monasteries, snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and vast grasslands. Everything here offers a distinctive experience.

Lhasa: Known as the "Land of Gods," Lhasa is the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The Potala Palace, built atop a hill in Lhasa, is one of Tibet's most renowned architectural masterpieces. The Norbulingka, a summer palace, is located on the banks of the Kyichi River. The Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar, the principal monastery in Tibet, were built in the 7th century and house the most revered Buddhist relic—a 1,300-year-old statue of Sakyamuni Buddha.

Tsetang (Zetang): This area is significant for the origin of Tibetan religion and civilization, with various other monasteries to explore.

Mount Kailash: Known as the "Jewel of Snow," Mount Kailash is considered the most sacred mountain in Asia and holds religious significance in Hinduism. It is situated north of the Himalayan barrier in Tibet.

Tibet Visa & Documents

All individuals entering Tibet must hold a passport valid for at least six months. Several documents are required for foreign nationals to visit Tibet freely:

1. Chinese Visa: Obtainable from the Chinese Embassy in your own country.
2. Tibet Permit: Issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau to control the number of foreign tourists.
3. Travel Permit: Necessary for traveling to closed areas in Tibet, obtainable after arrival in Tibet.
4. Military Permit: Required for traveling to certain military-sensitive areas.

If entering Tibet from Nepal, either by highway or air, a separate visa valid for Tibet must be obtained from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Typically, 30-60 day visas are issued, which usually take 2 weekdays to process.

Getting into Tibet

Aside from China, Kathmandu is the only place from where you can enter Tibet. Tickets can be booked in advance or during your stay in Nepal and are easily available through travel agencies. Travel restrictions to Tibet require careful planning and obtaining the necessary permits before starting your journey. It is advisable to read more about Tibet and its travel requirements before your trip.

Tibet offers a unique blend of spiritual, cultural, and natural wonders, making it a truly unforgettable destination.