Surrounded by some of the world’s highest mountain ranges, including the Himalayas to the south, Tibet has retained a sense of mystery over the centuries due to its relative isolation and inaccessibility. The “roof of the world,” it is the highest region on Earth, situated at an average altitude of 13,000 feet, with seemingly endless, dramatic vistas of mountains and valleys.
The indigenous Tibetans, more than a quarter of whom are still nomads, are predominantly Buddhist, guided for the past 500 years by the lineage of the Dalai Lamas, the spiritual and political leaders of the people. Tibet’s autonomy is of course disputed, with China claiming a sovereignty that was solidified with its invasion and defeat of Tibet’s army in 1950-51. Eight years later, in 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama fled with a group of top leaders, setting up their government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India, where it remains to this day. Tibet’s central, ancient city of Lhasa has been its capital since the 7th century, and is home to the majestic Potala Palace, longtime residence of the Dalai Lamas, as well as such fantastic monasteries as Jokhang and Drepung.
Surrounded by some of the world’s highest mountain ranges, including the Himalayas to the south, Tibet has retained a sense of mystery over the centuries due to its relative isolation and inaccessibility. The “roof of the world,” it is the highest region on Earth, situated at an average altitude of 13,000 feet, with seemingly endless, dramatic vistas of mountains and valleys.
The indigenous Tibetans, more than a quarter of whom are still nomads, are predominantly Buddhist, guided for the past 500 years by the lineage of the Dalai Lamas, the spiritual and political leaders of the people. Tibet’s autonomy is of course disputed, with China claiming a sovereignty that was solidified with its invasion and defeat of Tibet’s army in 1950-51. Eight years later, in 1959, the 14th Dalai Lama fled with a group of top leaders, setting up their government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India, where it remains to this day. Tibet’s central, ancient city of Lhasa has been its capital since the 7th century, and is home to the majestic Potala Palace, longtime residence of the Dalai Lamas, as well as such fantastic monasteries as Jokhang and Drepung.
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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
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Multi-Country Specialists
There is a Songtsam option for pretty much every China Himalayan holiday, from Yunnan to Tibet. Check out some of these unique properties and how they can work into your mountain adventures.
Read MoreOn a pilgrimage in western Tibet, Joe Cummings visits Everest's North Face Base Camp, along with Mount Kailash, Asia’s most sacred peak.
Read MoreGolden pools and Himalayan views – Tibet's capital has luxury options that the discerning traveler won't want to miss.
Read MoreA new journey from the luxury train brand Golden Eagle takes riders on a journey from Lhasa to Urumqi aboard the Shangri-la Express.
Read MoreLocated at the confluence of the Brahmaputra and Nyang rivers, Shigatse is the ideal spot to overnight on the way to Mt. Everest Base Camp or Kathmandu...
Read MoreLhasa makes an ideal springboard to Tibet’s hidden, remote corners. Here are my suggestions for things to do in Lhasa, based on my recent experiences there...
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