Vision Travel

Among the world’s most exotic and mysterious travel destinations, Tibet is the ultimate location for climbers, trekkers, adventures and those interested in Buddhism. Found in the main area of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, China’s southwest frontier, and covering a place of 463,320 square miles, in an average of elevation of 13,123 feet above seat level, Tibet is known as the Roof of the World for good reason. Isolated in the Indian subcontinent through the Great Himalayan, this fabled land hosts most of the world’s highest summits, with more than 50 peaks which are more than 22,996 feet above sea level.

Although Tibetan history could be traced back 1000′s of years, the written history goes back towards the 7th century when King Songtsan Gampo, who united Tibet, sent his minister Sambhota to India to review Sanskrit. On his return, Sambhota invented the present Tibetan script depending on Sanskrit.

Nearly all Tibet’s human population is native Tibetan, with good numbers of ethically related minorities and smaller numbers of ethic Chinese, Mongol and Kazakh. An agrarian society, farmers make up 90 percent of the population.

Mahayana Buddhism may be the predominate religion of Tibet, though Bon continues to be practiced. The Buddhist faith is deeply rooted and encompasses all aspects of life in Tibet and also to its people.

Tibet’s Main Festival: Losar, Tibet Year (February or March) is among the most important festivals for Tibetans as it is a period to see relatives reunions and to convey greetings and best wishes for the coming new year.

The Monlam Festival ( First towards the 15th day of the very first month of the lunar year ) is the largest religious gathering in Tibet. It was created by Tsongkhapa, founding father of the Yellow sect, in 1490 AD. During the festival, Lamas in the three largest monasteries gather in the Jokhang to recite scriptures and prepare to take an examinations for their next degree.

Saga Dawa Festival (May or June) is the holiest of Tibet’s festival. It celebrates Buddha’s birth and the enlightenment.

Gyantse Horse Race & Archery Fest happens in May or June. Horse racing and archery are popular in Tibet and Gyantse enjoys the prestige to be the birthplace of both activities in Tibet. Conforming to the lunar calendar, Gyantse’s Festival offers equestrian and archery contests then a few days of alternative activities.

Shoton Festival is in August. Shoton, the Yoghurt festival is Tibet’s largest festival. In times gone by, pious people went into mountain hermitages to do penance. Other family members . of penance, as rewarded, yoghurt was served and followed by entertainment. Nowadays, it’s evolved into a music festival that usually can last for 7 days.