Asia Travel Destinations - Tibet, A Land of Enchantment

One of the world's most exotic and mysteriousexaminations for their next degree.
travel destinations, Tibet is the ultimate spot forSaga Dawa Festival (May or June) is the holiest of
climbers, trekkers, adventures and thoseTibet's festival. It celebrates Buddha's birth and his
interested in Buddhism. Located in the main partenlightenment.
of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau, China's southwestGyantse Horse Race & Archery Fest takes place
frontier, and covering an area of 463,320 squarein May or June. Horse racing and archery are
miles, at an average of elevation of 13,123 feetpopular in Tibet and Gyantse enjoys the prestige
above seat level, Tibet is known as the Roof ofof being the birthplace of both activities in Tibet.
the World for good reason. Isolated from theConforming to the lunar calendar, Gyantse's
Indian subcontinent by the Great Himalayan, thisFestival offers equestrian and archery contests
fabled land is home to many of the world'sfollowed by a few days of other activities.
highest summits, with over 50 peaks that areShoton Festival is in August. Shoton, the Yoghurt
more than 22,996 feet above sea level.festival is Tibet's largest festival. In times gone by,
Although Tibetan history can be traced backpious people went into mountain hermitages to do
thousands of years, the written history datespenance. On the last day of penance, as
back to the 7th century when King Songtsanrewarded, yoghurt was served and followed by
Gampo, who united Tibet, sent his ministerentertainment. Nowadays, it has evolved into a
Sambhota to India to study Sanskrit. On hismusic festival that usually lasts for seven days.
return, Sambhota invented the present TibetanNakchu Horse Festival: In August, colorful tents
script based on Sanskrit.are pitched around the Nakchu Race Course for
The majority of Tibet's population is nativethe grandest gathering in Tibet's northern plains.
Tibetan, with good numbers of ethically relatedEach year, the Nachu Horse Festival attracts over
minorities and smaller numbers of ethic Chinese,0,000 visitors from Lhasa and Nakchu, who come
Mongol and Kazakh. An agrarian society, farmersnot only for days of horse racing and
make up 90 percent of the population.horsemanship, but also for traditional barter and
Mahayana Buddhism is the predominate religion offolk dancing.
Tibet, though Bon is still practiced. The BuddhistTibet delights visitors with its beautiful and
faith is deeply rooted and encompasses allspectacular landscape, unique folklore, colorful
aspects of life in Tibet and to its people.festivals, and brilliant culture. It is a realm where
Tibet's Main Festival: Losar, Tibet New Yearmystical and inconceivable delights await one in
(February or March) is one of the most importantevery nook and cranny. You will be enthralled by
festivals for Tibetans as it is a time for familythe awesome majesty of its mountains and
reunions and to convey greetings and best wishespeaks covered with silvery snow glistening in the
for the coming new year.sun; its grasslands, rolling highland pastures, and
The Monlam Festival ( First to the 15th day of thepristine lakes and rivers. You will find unique
first month of the lunar year ) is the largestcultural traditions unlike many others in the world,
religious gathering in Tibet. It was introduced byand meet people that are harmonious with their
Tsongkhapa, founder of the Yellow sect, in 1490environment, warmhearted, robust and friendly -
AD. During the festival, Lamas from the threeinviting you into their homes for food, drink and
largest monasteries gather in the Jokhang tocheer. Tibet is truly a land of enchantment.
recite scriptures and prepare to take an