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