
Everest at dawn
This is the land of majestic mountains, exotic culture and
gentle people. Tibet, 'the roof of the world', lay largely
undiscovered by the rest of the world until the beginning of the
20th century, but has since fascinated travellers seeking the
unspoilt and more remote corners of the globe.
China invaded and annexed Tibet in 1950, since when the country
has officially been known as the Tibet Autonomous Region. Unless
travelling on an organised tour, anyone wishing to visit Tibet must
obtain a permit in advance from the Tibet Tourist Authority. This
vast territory in the southwest of China consists of a massive
plateau surrounded by towering mountain ranges. The Himalayas ring
it in the south, the Karakoram Range is to the west, the Kunlun to
the north, and smaller ranges fringe the east forming a barrier
between Tibet and China's internal provinces. Most of Tibet is
several thousand feet above sea level, meaning that the air is
thin. The region is a Mecca for mountaineers, containing some of
the world's highest mountain peaks, capped by Mount Everest at
29,029ft (8,848m), sited in the middle section of the Himalayas in
Tibet's Tingri Country.
Tibet is scenically rich with snow-covered peaks, glaciated high
passes, aquamarine lakes, primeval forests and almost continual
bright-blue skies. Despite its altitude and thick snow covering the
mountains, Tibet actually has snowfalls only a few times a year
with plenty of sunshine the rest of the time. Tibet's major cities
and towns are congregated mainly in the southern part of the
region. Here, in the agricultural sector, are the capital Lhasa and
the other major city of Shigatse, which offer the region's most
important tourist attractions.
Resorts
See our separate guides to the following Tibet holiday resorts: Lhasa and Shigatse
Attractions

Jokhang Temple © onwardtibet.org/Quadell
Jokhang Temple
The Jokhang Temple lies in the heart of old Lhasa. It was
built nearly 1,300 years ago but remains the spiritual centre
of Tibet, drawing pilgrims from all over the region who come to
demonstrate piety to Buddha. The original structure was enlarged
under the...
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Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet
Potala Palace
The vast Potala Palace stands on a clifftop above Lhasa,
considered the greatest achievement of Tibetan architecture. The
palace was originally built in the 7th century by the then emperor
for his bride. It was later partially destroyed by lightning, but
restored and extended...
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Tashilhunpo Monastery © B_cool/Croquant
Tashilhunpo Monastery
Tashilhunpo is one of Tibet's most revered and influential
monasteries, lying about a mile (2km) to the west of Shigatse at
the base of Drolmari Mountain. It dates from 1477, having been
founded by the first Dalai Lama, and became the seat of...
see full detailsExcursions
Mount Everest
The Shigatse prefecture is the gateway for climbers to the North
Col climbing route of the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest,
towering 29,028ft (8,848m) on the border between Tibet and Nepal.
The Tibetan name for the peak is Mount Quomolangma, which means
'The third...
see full detailsPalkhor Monastery
The unique Palkhor (Baiju) Monastery is sited about 143 miles
(230km) south of Lhasa and 62 miles (100km) east of Shigatse, at
the foot of Dzong Hill. It has an unusual structural style and
houses a collection of pure silk costumes worn in...
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