Tibet
From Wikiasiantravel
Part of Tibet is under the People's Republic of China as an autonomous region and part is considered historical and cultural Tibet. Despite the debatable issues and long years of resistance, Tibet Autonomous Region has opened its doors to tourists in the 1980's. Much of the land is unpopulated and underdeveloped yet because of jagged terrain and extremely cold weather. Some Historical and religious structures and challenging climb of a slope of Mt. Everest has drawn tourists.
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Sights to See
- Jokhang Temple - a pilgrimage site surrounded by the very important circular street, Barkhor Street where pilgrims walk while turning prayer wheels. It houses a pure gold statue of Buddha which Tibetans pay tribute. Entrance fee is 70 CNY.
- Tashilhunpo Monastery - located in Shigatse, the second largest town in Tibet. It is seat of the Panchean Lama.
- Pelkor Chode Monastery - a 15th century structure that was not destroyed during the Revolution thus everything is in its original aged state.
- Potala Palace - former home of Dalai Lamas.
The grotesque structure perched upon a hill has about 1000 rooms some containing valuables of golden jewelries and Buddha statues dating back to 1645. Located in the capital of Tibet, Lhasa. Admission Fee costs 100 CNY. Number of tourists is limited per day and tourists are required to present ID and passport upon buying tickets.
- Yamdrok Lake - also called Green Jade lake for its color. Visited by pilgrims as it is considered as one of the holiest lakes in Tibet and is thought of as the female guardian of Buddhism in the region.
- Everest Base Camp - although name suggests bottom, it is already set at a high altitude and trekking can be quite exhausting.
Shopping Spree
- Barkhor Market Street - full of stalls and shops of Tibetan souvenirs. You will find local handicrafts, pilgrim materials of prayer wheels and flags, and some antique looking decors
- Xigaze Street - has some shops selling jewelries made of traditional techniques
Accommodations
It is hard to find the luxurious top 5 star rated hotels in Tibet so one cannot expect to be pampered here. Some hotels have the more than basic amenities of A/c and heater, tv, private bathroom.
Hotels
Tibetan Hotel - nicely and with colorful decorations typical of Tibetan Homes. There are no lifts so try to arrange a room in the first floor if you are tired of using stairs.
Kyichu Hotel - a walking distance from the Bakhor circuit and Temple. Also has a garden in its backyard which can be a great place to relax after a day of walking and touring or entering some entries in the laptop as they wireless connection there. Front rooms may be a bit noisy from the street activities so try asking for the back rooms. There are also no elevators.
Mt. Everest Hotel - a good place for transient climber of Everest or those who are going to or coming from the base camp. Typically Tibetan decorated and offers a better breakfast than most hotels.
Backpackers and Budget Lodge
Pentoc Guesthouse - cozy, clean and inexpensive although bathrooms are shared. Located down the street of Barkhor Square.
Everest Base camp - camping tents are provided as well as blankets and free drinks for minimal fee. Summer is the best time to stay there although nights can still be very cold.
Banakshol Hotel a comfortable lodging and inexpensive enough to offer tv and heater in room with laundry. It is near Bakhor Street and the Jokhang Monastery.
Dining Places
Further out of the city of Lhasa, prices of food gets cheaper. Usual Tibetan dishes involves yak meat.
- Tashi Restarant - in Shigatse, serves local food
- Dunya Restaurant Lhasa - serves Western food cooked in local style. Sizzlers, burgers and pizzas are made with yak meat. Good view of Lhasa street can be enjoyed from their terrace.
- Snowland Restaurant - one of the backpackers' cafe in Barkor street where food is inexpensive and varied. Continental dishes are served along with Chinese, Indian, and Nepali.
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