Tibet Things to Do

 
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Tashilunpo monastery

by Oana_bic

Former home of Panchenlamas and the largest Yellow Hat sect monastery in TibetAt its peak, Tashilunpo had more than 4,000 monks in its 4 monasteries. Within the monastery there is a 5 story temple, which contains a 26 meters (86ft) sitting statue of the Maitreya Buddha. The statue was cast from 6,700 ounces of gold and over 115,000 kg of copper, making it the biggest copper Buddhist statue in the world. Theres also a massive Thangka wall used for displaying enormous Thangkas for the NY and other festival days.

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Rongbuk monastery

by Oana_bic

Highest monastery in the world at 4980m and having some of the most dramatic views in the world..Founded in 1902 in an area of meditation huts that had been in use by monks and hermits for over 400 years. Hermitage meditation caves dot the cliff walls all around the monastery complex and up and down the valley. Many walls and stones, carved with sacred syllables and prayers, line the paths. The founding Rongbuk Lama, also known as the Zatul Rinpoche, was much respected by the Tibetans. Even though the Rongbuk Lama viewed the early climbers as "heretics," he gave them his protection and supplied them with meat and tea while also praying for their conversion. In previous times, the Monastery became very active with the teachings at certain times of the year. It was and is the destination of special Buddhist pilgrimages where annual ceremonies are held for spectators coming from as far as...

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Chomologma natural reserve

by Oana_bic

In Tibetan the name 'Chomolongma' means 'Mother Goddess of the World' in Nepalese the name 'Sagarmatha' means 'The Forehead of the Sky' Its English name, though not nearly as descriptive, connotes similar feelings of awe. At 8850m Mount Everest sits literally at the top of the world..

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Prayer flags to be hanged at passes

by Oana_bic

Prayer flags are just everywhere along mountain ridges and peaks in the Himalayas to bless the surrounding countryside. Believed to have originated with Bön (which predated Buddhism in Tibet), they've got lively colours coming in sets of five and representing all life elements: blue (sky/space), white (wind/air), red (fire), green (water) and yellow (earth).Tibetans believe that if the flags are hung on inauspicious astrological dates, they may bring negative results for as long as they are flying. The best time to put up new prayer flags are in the mornings on sunny, windy days.

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Shigatse

by Oana_bic

Second largest city in Tibet, Shigatse hosts Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama (second ranking teacher/ Lama in Tibet). The eleventh Panchen Lama elected by tibetan guys has been imprisonned by Chinese officials in 95 who also elected another Panchen Lama and moved him to Beijing. The city doesnt have many attractions apart from Tashilunpo monastery and kind of a shopping street.

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Yamdrok lake

by Oana_bic

One of three holy lakes in Tibet, is the largest freshwater lake at the south foot of the Himalayas . Also named Coral Lake or Green Jade Lake. As one of the three holy lakes, the Yamdrok Yumtso Lake is said to be the female Guardian of Buddhism in Tibet. People here believe that it will bless and protect them. Every year, many devotional followers in Tibet or from other places would come here for pilgrimage. Some of them start on foot and give one prostration every three steps even from hundreds of kilometers away.

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Dalai lama studyroom - Potala palace

by Oana_bic

Photos are not allowed but I have managed to get one with Dalai lama study room - a Chinese guy was very close to kick me out!According to the local customs, you have to tour clockwise around - kora and don't step on the doorsill. Its quite a climb to the top building because of its height, so you'd better slow down. Because the halls are always chilly; you'd better take a coat while visiting!Potala Palace is allowed less than 2300 tourists and pilgrims to enter each day. Therefore ud better purchase tickets beforehand. Ull also need ID card or passport when u buy tickets and for entrance.

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Potala palace

by Oana_bic

Originally built by King Songtsen Gampo in the seventh century, Potala Palace is located on the Red Hill of Lhasa, Tibet. Destroyed by lightning and war, Potala Palace had been rebuilt by the Fifth Dalai Lama in 1645. Since then, Potala Palace has become the seat of Dalai Lamas and also the political center of Tibet. The thirteenth Dalai Lama extended it to the present size. Mainly comprised by the White Palace (administerial building) and the Red Palace (religious building), Potala Palace impresses with its grand buildings, complicated constructions, devotional atmosphere and splendid artworks.

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Sera monastery

by Oana_bic

It is one of three famous monasteries in Lhasa along with the Drepung Monastery and the Ganden Monastery and it is dedicated to the Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect, the main branch of Tibetan Buddhism, founded by Tsong Khapa. The monastery was named Sera which means wild rose in the Tibetan language, because the hill behind it was covered with wild roses in bloom when the monastery was built.The monastery's main buildings are the Coqen Hall, Zhacang (college) and Kamcun (dormitory). Scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloth and murals can be found in these halls. Colorful debates on Buddhist doctrines are held here and these employ a style distinctive from those at Lhasa's other famous monasteries.Wish I could understand Tibetan for all these debates!

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Lhasa

by Oana_bic

The Holy Land or the Buddha Land (in Tibetan), Lhasa has no doubt change dramatically under the Chinese occupation, so called ironically enough the Cultural Revolution. Lhasa remoteness and its high altitude (3,650 meters) didnt manage to fully protect impressive heritage of cultural and spiritual history..and nowadays the train guarantees a full Chinese invasion...With two sites in UNESCO's World Heritage list - Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, plenty of beautiful old Tibetan houses, more monasteries around, Lhasa is the place to go in Tibet!!! Its just so sad to see this holy land without its spiritual leader and these amazing people being shot like rabbits, moved to the countryside to make sure theres no rebelling initiatives, under-educated, unemployed and exploited!

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Fun things to do in Tibet

Top 3 Hotels in Tibet

Yak Hotel  Lhasa

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66 Hotels in Tibet
 
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Reviews and photos of Tibet attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Tibet sightseeing.

Experience Tibet
Things to Do: Cities in Tibet
  1. Lhasa Things to Do
  2. Gyangze Things to Do
  3. Xigaze Things to Do
  4. Zetang Things to Do
  5. Yamzho Yumco Things to Do
  6. Samyai Things to Do
  7. Rongpu Si Things to Do
  8. Zhigung Things to Do
  9. Nagarze Things to Do
  10. Tingri Things to Do

More Cities in Tibet

 

Questions and Answers

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Q:  I am planning a trip of a life time and have two years to do so… so first I want to get some ideas from seasoned travelers and... 

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A: If you want to hike or bike, Tibet (which is stunning, by the way) is probably not going to work out. The Chinese government will only issue permits for people to enter... 

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