Sanctity For All - The Kailash Mansarovar

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Tibet is a land that beckons pilgrims of various beliefs and religions to a single destination. Mount Kailash in Tibet is considered to be a holy destination in the four religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bonpas. The Hindus consider Kailash Parvat to be ultimate destination of souls, which is the divine abode of Lord Shiva. Buddhists believe Kailash to be home of the Buddha Demchok (also known as Demchog or Chakrasamvara). Many legends related to this magical mountain testify it as a supreme destination for the Buddhists. The Jains faith goes like this - Rishabhadeva (founder of their faith) attained Nirvana at Mount Ashtapada, better known to us as Mount Kailash, while Bon believers find it to be the seat of all spiritual power.

Mansarovar or Mapam Yumco Lake, situated about 2000 km from Lhasa is one of the most famous pilgrimage destinations in the world. A huge lake that feeds some of the longest rivers of the world – Sutlej, Brahmaputra (Tsangpo), Indus and Karnali, Mansarovar commands both in natural beauty and heritage. Like Mount Kailash, the Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bonpas of Tibet consider Mansarovar to the holiest lake and taking ceremonial bath is highly desired here. A number of legends and myths associated with this sacred lake make it even more mysterious and enthralling. Every year Kailash Mansarovar Yatra takes place where thousands of pilgrims from India live their dreams by visiting this paradise on the earth.

Adventure Trail
Unbelievably beautiful Himalayan valleys of Tibet may not be famous as trekking zones but once you are here, you find thousands of chances to make your friends jealous back home. Tore off by meandering rivers, the arid trans Himalayan ridges are actually ready to take you to another world of natural beauty. You may get a chance to discover a never explored valley in Tibet that leads to majestic Everest – the world’s highest peak. Trek through the greens of Rong valley forest, the route beginning in Pei and going till Metong. The immense beauty of the Tsangpo valley and the heritage of Guru Rinpoche are sure to make your trekking in Rong valley an unforgettable experience. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is another famous trek route in Tibet that is mainly taken by the pilgrims to pay their homage.

Trekking Permits
While travelling in Tibet, the foreign tourists need to have either the Chinese Visa, which is available from Chinese Embassy or Alien’ Travel Permit issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau. You cannot choose your trek route by yourself and have to contact the local travel operators to arrange a trek tour.

Trekking Tips
High Altitude Sickness (HAS) may affect you and you may be suffering from headache, nausea, short breath and vomiting. Take garlic soup, fruit juice and water frequently to avoid HAS. You may also carry Diamox tablets with you.

An Extravagant Train Journey
A ride in the world’s highest Qinghai-Tibet railway is surely going to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Enjoy the beautiful scenic views of ‘roof of the world’ Tibet while traveling thousand miles from Beijing to Lhasa or from Guangzhou to Lhasa

Shop a Bit
Bright and colourful Tibetan opera masks and costumes are the things that will allure you the most in Tibet. You can also buy the homespun Tibetan rugs and Tibetan Khaddar that will surely carry the sweet memory of your Tibet tour for many years. Prayer flag, Buddha figures, amulets, rosaries, conch-shell trumpets, fur hats, wooden bowl and jewellery items studded with gems all put together are enough to drive the tourists crazy in Lhasa markets.

The Taste of Tibet
Coping with extreme cold at high altitude, Tibet cuisines reflect the true flavour of the little country. Vegetables like cabbages are the most eaten food in Tibet while boiled mutton, beef catsup and wild fungi and mushrooms preparations are hugely popular dishes in Tibet. Momos (kind of dumpling similar to Chinese potstickers) available both in veg and non-veg flavours, Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup served with meat) and Tsampa (Tibetan staple foodstuff) are some of the major foods of Tibet gaining popularity in the neighbouring countries prominently. Jasmine Tea and Yak Butter Tea are the most savoured beverages while Chang (beer made from barley) and Raksi (rice wine) are the famous alcoholic drinks in Tibet. Yghourt made from yak milk and stewed chickens with mushrooms are some of the special items of Tibet that are sure to fill your mouth with water.

Reach the Heaven
Tibet is well connected with rest of the world, as there are regular flight services available from Gongkar airport of Lhasa to Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xining, Chamdo, Xi'an, Zhongdian, and Kathmandu.