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Lhasa
The capital of Tibet, at an altitude of 3650m, is situated on
the north of bank of Kyichu River, a tributary of the Yarlung
Tsangpo river. Lhasa in Tibetan means " Place of the Gods" and
Potala Palace, the Residence of Dalai Lama ( The God King), is
the earthly representation of the celestial Palace of
Avaloketeswora, The Buddha of infinite compassion whose
ncarnation in the human form
is believed to be the Dalai Lama. It is a city truly blessed by
the gods where life is unburied.
Tsedang
No tour of Tibet is complete without a visit to Tsedang,
situated 170km Southeast of Lhasa in the Yarlung Valley along
the banks of the Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra) The cradle of
Tibetan civilization. This region abounds with important
historical landmarks such as Samye, Yumbulkhangm Chonggye,
Mindroling and others.
YAMBULAKHANG PALACE: Situated about 12 km south of Tsedang, Si
the first palace built by the Tibet and for their first recorded
king Nyatri Tsedpo, who is believed to have descended from
heaven. It is a 05 storied fortress-like dwelling built on the
spur of a bill that commands an impressive view of the entire
fertile valley. It was destroyed during the cultural revolution
and the present structure is an exact replica of the original
rebuilt 1982.
SAMYE MONASTERY : Lies about 40km to the west of Tsedang across
the Tsangpo River. It is the first monastery built by King
Trisong Detsen in the latter part of the 08 the century. Samye
Monastery combines 03 distinctive architectural styles that of
India, China and Tibet, symbolizing the source, stability and
spread of the Buddhist faith. With the building of this
monastery, the community of monks began.
Gyantse
Is a pastoral town between Lhasa and Shigatse. It is 264km South
west of Lhasa. It still retains the charm of a traditional
Tibetan town untouched by modern expansion. It made world
headlines in 1904 when colonel Young Husband, who led a British
expedition to Tibet, defeated the Tibetan army there. As a
crossroads on the principle trade route to India, it used to be
renowned for the excellence of the carpets. The compound,
encircled by an impressive wall, once contained 19 monasteries,
presided over by the still intact fortress Perched a top a
nearby mountain.
Shigatse
The town of Shigatse (Xigaze) is called "Center of Rear Tibet",
sits at the confluence of Nyangchu and Yarlung Tsangbo Rivers
about 250 kilometers to the west of Lhasa. This second largest
city in Tibet at an elevation of 3,800 meters has a history of
more than five centuries. The region around is historically
known as the Rear Tibet and Shigatse has been its political,
business, cultural and religious center. The residence for all
the Panchen Lamas has been traditionally in the town.
The city located between altitude 29°2' north and longitude
88°8' east, with a population of 70,000. The annual rainfall is
300 to 450 mm, the average annual temperature is 6°C and the
frost-free period is 160 days.
Shigatse region enjoys a moderate climate with plenty of
sunshine. The fertile river valley is one of the granaries of
Tibet. The town proper has undergone a construction boom with
roads leading to Ngari in the west, the Qomolangma Nature
Reserve and border with Nepal in the south, Nakchu to the north
and Lhasa and Shannan to the east.
The ancient town of Shigatse has become well-known for its past
and rich cultural tradition with Palcho, Sakya, Pingcuolin and
Juenang monasteries and Pala Estate as well as the Qomolangma
Nature Reserve covering an area of over 30,000 square kilometers
in the nearby region. The annual ceremony of display of Buddha
tapestry, the Sorcerer's Dance Festival, the Ximuqingpo Festival
at the Shalu Monastery and the active local Tibetan theater are
popular attractions to visitors.
With its rich cultural tradition, majestic monasteries,
breath-taking scenery and convenient location, Shigatse has
become on of the most popular tourist destination in Tibet.
Tingri/
Zangbu
KODARI (pop. 3,100) lies on the Nepal-China border 114 km
north-east of Kathmandu at the end of the Arniko Highway. The
village, situated beside the thundering Bhote Koshi river, was a
stopover on the ancient trans-Himalayan caravan trail. The
Arniko Highway offers an enjoyable drive, taking you through
magnificent river gorges and mountain scenery. The Tatopani hot
water springs are situated 3 km before Kodari. Most of the
inhabitants in the area are Tamangs |
