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Article #217: What not to miss on a Tour or Vacation in Tibet

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In my capacity as the UK Director of As mentioned above the Tibetans love to
Operations for One World Tours Limited, I celebrate and a festival that is close to
am often asked about the destinations I their heart, Saka dawa Festival, is
have been to and the best places to celebrated in Palkhor Monastery. The
visit, so with this in mind I will reason that this festival is important to
endeavour to give a good opinion on those that celebrate it is because it is
those. Here then, are my top suggestions considered to be Sakyamunis birthday.
for sites to visit during your holiday in The city of Xigatse is a 600 year old
Tibet. ancient city which is home to even more
It is hard to believe that this beautiful important monasteries like Sakya
country known as the roof of the world, Monastery and Tashilhunpo Monastery. This
remained unknown to the rest of that city is the second largest in Tibet and
world until the beginning of the 20th boasts many rivers including the holy
century. Once discovered though it has Brahmaputra and Nyangchu rivers, lakes,
attracted people from near and far ever streams, you will even see some glaciers
since. Adventurers have been enchanted by here.
the magical scenery, snow covered If you are looking for an unusual gift
mountains and especially the countys for someone back home or just a wonderful
alluring religion. Tibetan Buddhism is souvenier of this welcoming country then
the most important thing in most Tibetans you will find markets in the area that
lives and to exhibit this there are a are full to overflowing with unique and
great many spectacular monasteries which vibrant keepsakes.
display elaborate murals and are home to Tashilhunpo Monastery is located in
many inspiring sculptures. The Tibetan Shigatse, 250 km away from the capital of
people are very warm and welcoming and it Tibet Lhasa. The stunning monastery was
is possible to visit with their families 1st Dalai Lama in the year 1447 and as
to get a true feel of their way of life. you enter it you will observe a wall that
Holidays and festivals are the most was built on his command a few years
important days in Tibet. Or if it the later.
adrenalin rush that you are seeking then From the 14th to the 16th of May (3 days)
you may wish to join the thousands of according to the Tibetan calendar, the
mountaineers/adventurers that flock to wall displays images of Lord Buddha
these mountains five of which exceed anually.
altitudes of 8,000 meters. On entering the Tashilhunpo Monastery
Tibet is also home to several great you are met with a majestic building with
rivers which include the Yangtze, Yellow a shining golden roof, set off so
river, the Nu River, the Mekong, the beautifully with its white walls. Even
Indus, and the Ganges. more astounding is the sitting Buddha
Zhangmu, located at an altitude of 2300 m which measures in at almost 86 foot. It
above sea level is most famous for being was made purely by hand using the skills
near to Mt. Everest, which of course of 900 men over a period of 9 years.
enables the city to become a prime The monastery also gives up another of
gathering place for adventurers and its secrets in the form of the Stupa tomb
visitors alike. The mountain may be the final resting place of the tenth Panchen
main attraction but the monasteries here Lama. Covered with an astonishing 614 kg
are not to be out shone the most of gold and innumerable number of jewels
important of them being the Palkhor and precious stones the Stupa tomb is a
Monastery, the Tashilhunpo Monastery, must when visiting Tibet.
and the Rongbuk Monastery.






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