Tibetan Plateau ("Roof of the World"): The world’s highest and largest plateau, averaging over 4,500 m (14,800 ft) above sea level and stretching across ~2.5 million km². It lies north of the Himalayas, south of the Kunlun Mountains, and bounded by the Karakoram and Pamirs to the west. Most of it is within the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, extending into Qinghai, Sichuan, Xinjiang, and into parts of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and beyond.

Predominantly cold and dry: most of the region has less than 46 cm of annual snowfall. The Indian monsoon influences southeast Tibet, bringing summer rains; northern areas experience sharp daily temperature swings and intense winter chill.

Ecosystems & Wildlife: High-altitude grasslands, wetlands, and evergreen forests in valleys. Wildlife includes yaks, Tibetan antelopes, snow leopards, musk deer, black-necked cranes, red pandas, and diverse bird species.

Inhabitants: Predominantly ethnic Tibetans, speaking Tibetan and practicing Tibetan Buddhism (Gelug, Kagyu, Nyingma, Sakya schools). A minority follow Bon, Islam, and Christianity.

Religious centers: Lhasa sits at the heart of Tibetan culture, housing the iconic Potala Palace (former Dalai Lama residence), Jokhang Temple, and major monasteries like Sera, Drepung, and Ganden.

Sacred peaks: Mount Everest (Qomolangma; 8,848 m), Mount Kailash (6,638 m)—a pilgrimage hub for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon. Kailash is considered the cosmic center of the universe.

Ancient heritage: Inhabited since the Neolithic Karuo culture (~3300–2000 BC), developing distinct language, agriculture, and spiritual traditions.

Political history: Traditionally ruled by Tibetan theocracies; in 1950 China incorporated Tibet, leading to the Dalai Lama’s 1959 exile. Today, Tibet is within the PRC as an Autonomous Region amid cultural and political tensions.

Cultural pressures: Recent policies have sparked concern over Tibetan language and cultural preservation, especially regarding education in state boarding schools.

Tibet follows China Standard Time (CST). UTC +8 hours. Tibet has no time difference from Beijing, Shanghai, or Chengdu. Kathmandu -2 hr 15 min behind, Delhi -2 hr 30 min behind, London -7 hours behind, New York -12 hours behind.

Chinese Tourist Visa:

If you’re entering Tibet from Kathmandu, DO NOT apply for a Chinese visa in your home country.

• Get a Group Visa (single-entry) from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu • Processed in 3–5 working days • Requires your original passport • Issued as a paper document, not a sticker on your passport

Tibet Travel Permit (TTP): This is mandatory for all foreign travelers to enter Tibet.

Issued By: Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) in Lhasa

Note: Can only be applied by a registered travel agency on your behalf

Required Documents:

• Copy of your passport • Copy of your Chinese visa • Your confirmed Tibet tour itinerary • Booking with a Tibet-licensed travel agency (you must travel in an organized tour) • Processing Time: • Around 8–10 business days

Additional Permits (if visiting remote regions):

Alien’s Travel Permit (ATP) - Shigatse, Mount Everest, Sakya, etc.

Military Permit - Mount Kailash, Nyingchi, border areas.

Foreign Affairs Permit - Sensitive border areas like Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon.

Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Symbol: ¥

Common denominations: Banknotes: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, ¥100 and Coins: ¥1, 1 jiao (0.1), 5 jiao (0.5)

Cash: In many parts of Tibet, especially remote areas (e.g., Everest Base Camp, Kailash), cash is essential, as ATMs and card machines are limited.

ATMs Availability: Available in major cities like Lhasa and Shigatse. Most reliable ATMs: Bank of China, ICBC, and Agricultural Bank of China. Not all machines accept international cards — Visa and MasterCard work best. Currency Exchange: You can exchange USD, EUR, GBP, or NPR at: Banks of China boarder or in Lhasa and some hotels, Major airports (Chengdu, Beijing).

Digital Payments: WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used in China, but you need a Chinese bank account or special setup. Foreigners can now link Visa/Mastercard to WeChat/Alipay in major cities, but acceptance is limited in Tibet.

Note: Carry Small Notes, smaller denominations (¥1–¥10) are handy for local markets,...

1. Losar – Tibetan New Year. When: February or March (1st day of Tibetan lunar calendar). Duration: 3 to 15 days.
2. Monlam – Great Prayer Festival. When: 4th–11th day of the 1st Tibetan lunar month (after Losar). Where: Lhasa, especially at Jokhang Temple and Sera/Drepung Monasteries.
3. Shoton Festival – Yogurt Festival. When: August (5th day of the 7th lunar month). Where: Lhasa – mainly Drepung and Sera Monasteries, and Norbulingka Palace.
4. Nagqu Horse Racing Festival. When: Early August. Where: Nagqu Prefecture, northern Tibet.
5. Saga Dawa Festival. When: May or June (15th day of 4th lunar month). Where: Mount Kailash and Lhasa.
6. Ganden Ngamchoe Festival. When: December (25th day of the 10th lunar month). Where: Ganden Monastery and all major monasteries.

• Tibet is officially governed as an Autonomous Region within the People’s Republic of China (PRC), but its governance is highly centralized under Chinese control.

Tourist Transportation (Private Vehicle):

• 4WD Jeep / SUV – Ideal for remote areas like Mount Kailash, Everest Base Camp • Minivan – For small groups (2–6 people), suitable for city sightseeing • Tourist Bus / Mini-bus – For larger groups (10+ people), especially around Lhasa • Luxury coach – For high-end tours in good road conditions

#### Flights to/from Tibet:

• Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) – Main entry point to Tibet • Shigatse Airport – For Everest Base Camp • Nyingchi Airport – For eastern Tibet

Tibet Train (Qinghai–Tibet Railway):

Routes: Beijing → Lhasa (~40 hrs) Chengdu / Xining / Xi’an / Shanghai → Lhasa / Popular scenic route: Xining → Lhasa (22 hrs, highest point: 5,072 m at Tanggula Pass)

Local Transportation (in Lhasa and cities):

Taxis: Available in Lhasa,

Pedicels / Rickshaws: Occasionally seen for short distances

Local buses: Limited use for tourists due to the language barrier and routes