The Journey to the Roof of the World (Tibet, China)
29 Aug - 12 Sep 2015
The journey to The Roof of the World (Tibet) was a wonderful experience and many beautiful photos to be taken. With laughter & joy, with new friends made, there are plenty memories to be remembered dearly.
Tibet is located at the Southwest of China. The most interesting part of Tibet is that it is situated in the highest region on Earth with an average elevation of 4,000m and surrounded by mountain terrain (located in the Himalayas which the highest elevation in Tibet is Mount Everest of 8,848m above sea level).
Although the Tibet is a beautiful place, most of their people do not have their own surname and do not have passport travel the world (aren’t we fortunate?). Washrooms are smelly due lack of water available (living in the mountainous area is very tough due to low accessibility to water), the living condition is harsh with strong UV light and high altitude (those who are not accustom will be affected by Mountain Sickness (do purchase some medicines before you go).
The economy is based on subsistence agriculture, although tourism has bloom due to, they are now more open door to the world. The staple foods are roasted barley, yak meats, and butter tea (rice is import which is rare to Tibetan).
Tibet still remain close door from the world whereby it is quite difficult to enter without a guided tour from Tibet (it is hard to get a visa to enter to Tibet). Tibet can be entered via flight or train.
Some of the interesting places visited.
Potala Palace which is the Dalai Lama's winter palace in Lhasa which is 3,650m from sea level.
In Sera Monastery, lamas are debating on a topic given by their teacher either sitting or standing.
Heavenly Lake: AKA Namtso lake is the highest lake in the world. Namtso Lake is highly recommended to visit. Its purity and solemness are symbols of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The water here is crystal-clear blue. Clear skies join the surface of the lake in the distance, creating an integrated, scenic vista. Besides the beautiful scenery in Namtso, it is also a famous sacred Buddhist place.
Tashi Lhunpo Monastery: Is a historic & culturally important monastery in Shigatse (second largest city in Tibet).
Mount Everest Base Camp: Visited the Mount Everest Base Camp (5,200m) to view the highest mountain in the world - Mount Everest (8,848m).
Mastiff Dog is being use for tourist to take photo with. Do be careful even you are taking photo afar from as if the owner spotted you taking photo of the dog, they will approach you for a fee.
Butter tea to overcome Mountain Sickness (Tibetans daily drinks. Also available for tourists to try at any restaurants).
Goodbye Tibet! Overnight Train Back to China: Took an overnight train from Lhasa to Xining. Stand by the window to take photograph (or just enjoy) of the scenic railway trip.
