12 responses to “Tibet Top Attractions Guide”

• 

  Kamala June 4th, 2010 at 13:03

  The Barkhor (Tibetan: བར་སྐོར་; Chinese: 八廓) is probably the best part about Lhasa and one of the most interesting places to see in Tibet. The Barkhor is a pilgrimage kora (pilgrim circuit) around Tibet’s most holy temple, the Jokhang, where throngs of worshippers pray before a gold-and-jewel-encrusted statue of the Buddha Sakyamuni. The main circuit of the Barkhor is about 1km long, but there are many small alleys that come off of the main route. Everyday sees thousands of Tibetan pilgrims walking around the Barkhor in a clockwise direction.

  Spiritual wares and tourist baubles are hawked along every centimetre: prayer flags, block prints of scriptures, turquoise jewelery, Tibetan boots, Nepalese biscuits, yak butter, juniper incense and a lot of Yak, Yak, Yak, Yak – Tibet! T-shirts. Start your haggling engines.The Tibetan travellers here – indeed, most are actually pilgrims – are captivating. Braided-hair Khambas from eastern Tibet stride around with ornate swords or daggers; and Goloks (Tibetan nomads) from the northeast wear ragged sheepskins or, for Golok women, incredibly ornate braids and coral headpieces.

  Along with countless shops, there are also many restaurants serving authentic Tibetan food. While these places usually don’t have English menus (or any menu for that matter), they are a great place to go to try some Tibetan cuisine.

  

• 

  LiuJJ11219 July 18th, 2010 at 14:48

  Top 10 Tibetan Towns in China

  1. Zedang – Cradle of the Tibetans
  Zedang (泽当 in Chinese), a town about 200 km southeast of Lhasa, is the birthplace of the Tibetans. Legend says a sacred monkey married the daughter of a demon. The girl then gave birth to six monkeys whose offspring were human beings – today’s Tibetans.

  Zedang is a feast for visitors’ eyes – be it the monkey caves with stamped characters or the first field and the first house of the Tibetans. Located in the north of Zedang, god bestowed the field for crop cultivating. The house, in Nedong County near Zedang, was built for the first ruler of Tubo Kingdom. Along with its mysticism, Tibet’s butter tea and delicious highland barley wine surely will impress.

  2. Maduo – The source of the Yellow River
  Maduo （玛多 in Chinese）, which means “the source of the Yellow River” in Tibetan, is the first stop into Tibet from inland China. It’s located in Qinghai Province about 500 kilometers to the southwest of Xining, the provincial capital.

  Although it has a small population and has a severe climate, many people come to Maduo to trace the source of the river, which is regarded as the cradle of Chinese culture.

  Maduo has more than 4,000 lakes. Zhaling Lake and Eling Lake are the most famous. Between the two lakes, an Ox Head tablet marks the origin of the Yellow River. The crystal-clear lakes attract thousands of migrant birds in winter and spring.

  3. Danba – Charming ‘Beauty Valley’
  Danba （丹巴 in Chinese）, about 370 km away from Chengdu, is the cultural center of the Jiarong region. Situated in the east gate of Garze, Sichuan Province, Danba is hidden among western Sichuan’s mountains and valleys. Danba’s nickname, “Beauty Valley,” is a tribute to the splendid landscapes and the culture. Of course, in Danba, the girls are very pretty, and every year they hold the Beauty Festival.

  Danba also has a culture of stone cave architecture and is famous for its stone rooms. Its mysterious Feng shui theory combined with the rich religious culture makes the place close to perfect.

  4. Ma-ni-kan-ko – ‘Cowboy Town of China’
  Ma-ni-kan-ko is a transfer station in the northern line of the Sichuan-Tibet highway. In ancient times, it was an important hub leading to Yunnan, Qinghai and Sichuan, a commercial area and a center for Tea-horse Ancient Road.

  With its preserved environment, Yilhun Lhatso (Xinluhai Lake), a lake 10 km away from Ma-ni-kan-ko, is a fairyland on earth. Meadows and spruce, fir and cypress trees surround the lake. Marnyi stones engraved with Buddhist sutras can be seen everywhere from the lake’s shore. Flocks of mallard fly overhead while schools of fishes swim in the lake. A snow-capped mountain standing against a blue sky and the lake sparkling in the sunlight creates an awe-inspiring landscape.

  The main residents there are Tibetans, and their nomadic life makes them strong. Like western cowboys, many have dark skin, long hair and black boots.

  5. Mainling – Fairyland on earth
  Xiangbala, known as the fairyland for the immortals, sits in the Tibetan county of Mainling and is free from the disturbance of industrialization. It sits in the arms of forests, rivers and the snow mountains.

  Mainling boasts many natural phenomenons. The Yaluzangbu Grand Canyon is the largest canyon in the world. The mist-crowned Namcha Barwa Peak is the world’s 15th highest. Water flows backward at the confluence of Yaluzangbu and Niyang. Also, Mainling has the Gega natural hot spring and the well-preserved primitive forest of Nayi Zhagong Valley.

  Mainling is home to more than 720 kinds of seed plants, including pine trees, ferns and azaleas. Additionally waterfalls and glaciers dot the Mainling landscape.
  
  6. Zayu – Water Town in Tibet
  After arriving at Ranwu, visitors can sightseeing and have a pleasant stay in Zayu, which has a nice climate and attractive landscape.

  Zayu, situated in the southeast part of Tibet Plateau, sits between the Himalaya Mountains and Hengduan mountain range. Zayu’s numerous lakes and abundant rain have earned it the nickname “Water Town.” Due to its special physical features, many varieties of fruits and vegetables grow here. The weather makes it suitable for tea to be grown, too. In fact, this is the land that first produced Tibet tea.

  7. Zhangmu – Hillside town
  Zhangmu (樟木 in Chinese) has a humid, subtropical climate and sits on the Tibet-Nepal border at an altitude of 2,300 meters. The climate combined with a drop in elevation from other areas of Tibet mean melting snow from the Himalayas create waterfalls along the roads that wind through this hilly region.

  The architecture in Zhangmu mainly consists of two- or three-story houses, many of which have small gardens and prayer flags which add color to the town. Zhangmu isn’t only a place of beauty. It’s a place of business. It is a gateway to Nepal and has commercial appeal. The local marketplace is always crowded with businessmen and tourists.

  8. Gyirong – Happiness Town
  Meaning “Happiness Town” in Tibetan, Gyirong received its nickname in the eighth century by a visitor from India. Located in the border area of China and Nepal, it has a mild climate which allows green vegetation to grow. Besides the weather, the abundant culture heritage and natural beauty, such as Mt. Yangrankangri and Mt. Langbokangri, make this place worth visiting. Gyirong also has conserved many famous temples, such as the Paba Temple and the Chagadasuo Temple.

  9. Yadong – Small frontier town
  Yadong is located in the southern side of the middle part of the Himalayas and near the borders of Sikkim and Bhutan. The area covers more than 4,000 square kilometers and is 3,000 meters above sea level. Despite its high altitude, its name means “deep valley with rushing water” in Tibetan.

  In addition to its lush greens, Yadong has many famous local specialties, such as Yadong fish and barley wine. The main tourist sites of Yadong are Donggar Monastery, Garju Monastery and Kangbu Hotspring.

  Yadong is also a major trade port between China and India.

  10. Bomi – The ‘Tibetan Switzerland’
  Sitting along the south line of the Tibet-Sichuan Highway, Bomi (Pomi, 波密 in Chinese) ‘s breathtaking scenery comes from the mountains and lakes. The county of Bomi, which is situated in southeast Tibet, is the home of the Kaqin glacier, the largest marine type glacier in China. In May and April, Bomi has large areas of peach blossoms and highland barley that enhance the area’s beauty.
  
  Bomi – The “Tibetan Switzerland”

• 

  DIYtraveler July 28th, 2010 at 12:49

  
  Border cities are notoriously interesting places and so I woke full of anticipation about what the daylight would reveal about Zhangmu. I had an impression etched in the darkness of our arrival last night and I was excited to explore.

  Zhangmu is a city set on a mountainside, a comparatively low 2,000 metres above sea level as compared with other places in Tibet. The streets are extremely narrow and winding and as it’s on the border with Nepal there are many trucks waiting to pick up or deliver goods. These trucks often lay idle and line the narrow streets. Most of the roads connecting Zhangmu to other places are also in the process of being created or repaired and falling rocks and landslides after heavy rain are not uncommon. These things all contribute to some hazardous driving conditions and the most common sound in the city is, without doubt, the car horn.

  The mountains in and around Zhangmu are rich with lush vegetation. It appears to be the ideal place to have a green thumb as plant life here flourishes.

  As you look up from street level you can see houses rising up on the mountain. It’s an impressive sight. I wonder how they get down from there.

  After breakfast we headed down the winding streets to the border with Nepal. This is a busy place filled with people and much activity. As we proceeded along the street towards the border we could see vendors selling everything from blankets to electrical equipment. It’s here that many Nepalese people come to bargain and stock up on goods to take back to sell in Nepal.

  The border is also a place to witness the multi-cultural melting pot that is Zhangmu. Members of the Tibetan ethnic group, Sherpas, Han Chinese, Nepalese and Indians all trade and live side by side here. In fact in one shop I entered I was told they couldn’t speak Chinese, only Nepalese of English. Luckily I had that covered.

  As we stood on one side of the valley with a river flowing down below we could see Nepal on the other side. Here the actual borderline is the middle of the bridge, which spans the two mountains.

  In the afternoon we headed back up the mountain. This time our destination was a Sherpa village. When I think of Sherpas I usually think of skilled mountain people who help other mountaineers. According to the Sherpas I have met, not all act in this role. Many are farmers or business people. Sherpas live on both sides of the border and the Sherpa village we visited today provided fantastic views.

  This Sherpa village houses 460 residents and contains a tourist resort that opened six months ago. Local people are the main guests here at the moment and 150 of them can be accommodated per night. According to the tourist resort manager the resort is already operating at a profit and it’s little wonder why. The location, set among the lush green mountains, is the perfect place to escape and relax. Once they fix the roads leading into Zhangmu they can hope to attract even more people.

  樟木，西藏边境上一个极其可爱的美丽小镇。

  樟木位于中尼边境喜玛拉雅山中段南麓沟谷坡地上，从中国陆路前往尼泊尔旅游，位于318国道终点的樟木是惟一的通行口岸（中尼的另一口岸西藏普兰，尚未开通旅游通行）。几乎每个去尼泊尔的游客，都会在樟木小城停留至少半日，换钱、通关、找车，顺便也玩赏一下这个特别的边境山城。

  樟木海拔2300米，属于亚热带，年平均气温20摄氏度, 气候潮湿，风景宜人。因此与之西藏的大多数高海拔地区有着鲜明的差别：樟木周围自然环境优美，四周是郁郁葱葱的原始森林。樟木是一座依山而建的小镇，现代化建筑和一些古老的木结构房屋依山交替地散落在盘山而下的公路两侧。小镇上的建筑多是二、三层的的小洋楼，房子因地而建，样式各异，外墙色彩纷杂，将整个山城打扮的花花绿绿，让小镇显得分外的鲜活而生动。

  沿着樟木狭长而陡直的街道一直走下去，能看到街道两边散布着琳琅满目的小商店、小饭馆、小旅店，想要找个大点儿的旅馆、饭店，还真是不多。那些可爱的小商店里摆满了来自尼泊尔的特色食品、百货和手工艺品；而小饭馆则无论中餐、西餐，亦或是尼泊尔餐都能能寻觅到；小旅馆很多都有屋顶露台、小花园，通常他们会挂满各种风马旗，种满姹紫嫣红的鲜花，当你放松的坐在露台长椅上，放眼望去是令人心旷神怡的青山绿水，时不时还有云海向你翻滚而来，将眼前的风景像幻境一样时隐时现，让人如入仙境。那种感觉，如海市蜃楼般迷幻。

  闲逛樟木，你还能看到太多的花里胡哨的尼泊尔车，清一色印度TATA货车，但上面的车身彩绘，几乎让你找不到一个同样的，每一个都有趣、可爱。印象最深的是车尾写着“FOLLOW ME”字样的TATA货车，试想你永远跟在它的后边不能超车的话，那心里该多不爽，多火大。还有的货车，除了车身，还在挡泥板上大做文章，有的画国旗，有的写有趣的单词，有的画着印度大美女的卡通形象，每一个都独具特色，幽默趣味，让小镇樟木更加显得可爱、印象深刻。

  所有，如果你有大把的时间来挥霍的话，那就放慢脚步别着急往尼泊尔奔，或者从尼泊尔回来时闲散两日在这里，因为樟木这个可爱小镇，值得让你在这里停留脚步呆上一两天，发发呆，写写日记，想想心事儿。

• 

  산악전사 August 6th, 2010 at 12:42

  티벳 여행은 먼저 라싸(拉薩)루트부터 시작된다. 이 루트는 먼저 웅위장려 한 포탈라궁(布達拉宮/budalagong * Patala place)을 포함해서, 참배 성지의 대조사(dazhaosi * Jokhang monastery大昭寺.조캉사원), 천년역사의 팔각거리(八角街.바코르, Barkhor), 높고 큰 라싸(拉薩)의 3대 사찰인 감단사(甘丹寺.간덴사원), 철방사(哲蚌寺.드레풍사원), 색랍사(色拉寺.세라사원)를 볼 수 있다.

  그리고 기묘한 양파첸 지열(羊八井地熱)과 남쵸(納木錯)호수 등 이 루트는 티벳의 명승고적이 대부분 모여있다. 게다가 티벳 전통 장례식장인 천장대(天葬臺)까지, 정말 티벳의 순수 볼거리가 한 곳에 모여 있다.

  현재의 포탈라궁(布達拉宮)은 17세기 중엽에, 달라이 라마 5세가 청 황제로부터 책봉 받은 후 다시 지어진 것이다. 13층 건물인데 높이는 110m가 넘는다. 궁전은 크게 홍궁(紅宮)과 백궁(白宮)으로 나누어지며, 그 외에 5개의 금빛 기와지붕이 있는데 금빛이 휘황찬란하다. 또한 포탈라궁 자체가 하나의 거대한 예술보고 인데, 티벳의 많은 진귀한 문물 과 화려한 벽화 등 궁전 내에는 많은 보물로 가득 차 있다.

  

  조캉사원(大昭寺, Jokhang)은 티벳 불교 사원이다. 중국 명칭은 따쟈오시(大昭寺). 일반적으로는 본당에 해당하는 부분의 명칭인 ‘조캉사원’으로 불린다. 또 본당이라는 의미의 트크라칸을 붙여 투루 낭·트크라칸으로 불리기도 한다. 티벳을 통일한 토번 티벳 왕조 제33대의 송첸캄포 왕이 641년 당나라 태종의 조카딸인 문성공주가 시집을 오자 맞이하기 위해 7세기에 건립하였다고 한다. 본당에는 송첸캄포에게 시집온 당 태종의 조카딸 문성공주가 당나라에서 가져왔다는 석가모니상이 있다. 본당 안에서의 사진촬영은 금지되었다. 2000년 세계 문화유산으로 지정된 라싸의 포탈라궁의 역사 유적 군에 추가등록 되었다.

  기념품을 사고 싶은 분은 팔각거리 (바코르, Barkhor) 를 쇼핑하다 보면 그곳에서 모두 살수 있다. 티벳인들이 여행객을 둘러싸고 불상, 오래된 동전, 단도, 귀걸이 등을 팔러 다닌다. 마노 팔찌 한 개가 4~50元, 은 으로 상감된 용 단도가 30元 정도다. 또한 그들은 자기 몸의 장신구나 팔찌등도 원하면 판다. 티벳인들은 생각보다 흥정에 능하다. 그들과 진지하게 흥정해 보는 것도 나쁘진 않다.

• 

  TSamdup August 11th, 2010 at 23:30

  Ruins of Guge Kingdom, Zanda Clay Forest and Tholing Monastery
  
  It was in the far-western regions that Tibetans first established permanently inhabited cities. From 2,800BC this was known as ‘heartland’ in contrast to Central Tibet which was known as the ‘outlying’ area. A succession independent semi-feudal states developed, the most notable being the Kingdom of Guge on the banks of the Sutlej (Langqên Kanbab, Langqên Zangbo, Xaingquan he) river immediately north of the main Himalaya.

  The barren, eroded clay forest around the present-day modern Zanda in western Tibet’s Ngari Prefecture is unlike anything you will have encountered, and seems an improbable location for a major civilization to have developed. Founded in the 9th century Guge was the political and cultural focus for all western Tibet. Sited on a trade route linking Tibet and India, the twin capitals of Guge, Tholing (also spelled Toling, locally known as Zanda) and Tsaparang (20km west of Zanda), thrived until the 17th century when the first Europeans arrived and after a siege by the Ladakhi army. From the 1680s until the early 20th Century the region was largely deserted, with its great history and cultural treasures forgotten and undisturbed. The ruined fortress is comprised of many caves, underground tunnels and spoiled forts. The Palace lies in the apex of the hill with many spying windows to observe outside. The complex muddy hill appeared just like the spotted crest with countless caves in the desolated valley. The palace roof allows an excellent 360-degree view of the Garuda valley of Sutlej canyon.

  Rinchen Zangpo (958-1055), a key figure in the revival of Buddhism across the Tibetan plateau during the Guge kingdom, built 108 monasteries throughout western Tibet, Lddakh and Spiti in the 10th century, including the great monasteries of Tabo (Spiti) and Alchi (Ladakh). Two of the most important were those at Tsaparang and Tholing. Tholing Monastery, incorporating the style of the archetypal Tibetan temple – the Samye Monastery, was once Ngari’s most important monastic complex. Three main buildings survive within the monastery walls. The dimly lit chamber of main assembly hall (dukhang ) has especially fine wall murals, showing strong Kashmiri and Nepali influences.

• 

  紫冰沙 September 13th, 2010 at 17:30

  西藏之行 始于林芝
  
  每年五月起，便有大批的游客相继涌入西藏，一直延续到金秋十月。在最好的时节去西藏旅行，最佳的进藏路线当属林芝。
  　　
  一、轻松缓解高原反应
  　　进藏最大的难点是高原反应，海拔高度一般达到2700米左右时(拉萨海拔达到3650米左右)，就会有高原反应。高原反应的症状一般表现为：头痛、气短、胸闷、厌食、微烧、头昏、乏力等。部分人因含氧量少而出现：嘴唇和指尖发紫、嗜睡、精神亢奋、睡不着觉等不同的表现。部分人因空气干燥而出现：皮肤粗糙、嘴唇干裂、鼻孔出血或积血块等。
  林芝是西藏海拔最低、气候最温暖、含氧量最高、高原反应最不明显的地区，因而，进藏先去平均海拔3000米左右的林芝，不失为最科学的适应高原的捷径。
  　　
  二、欣赏中国最美的地方
  　　林芝是西藏生态环境最好，生物多样性最丰富的旅游区。满山含翠，牛羊遍野，瓜果飘香的林芝素有 “高原氧吧”、“香巴拉腹地”等美誉。
  2005年，林芝被《中国国家地理》杂志社评选“中国最美的地方”，林芝境内雅鲁藏布大峡谷、南迦巴瓦峰、藏东巴东瀑布群、岗云杉林、米堆冰川分别被评为中国最美的峡谷、雪山、瀑布、森林和冰川，是“中国最美的地方”最富集的地区;2007年林芝被评为“十大新天府之一”、“寻找世外桃源第二名”;墨脱被誉为“中国十大经典徒步线”之首，是铁杆驴友们挑战极限、超越自我的精神家园；巴松措是西藏最美丽的神湖。此外，林芝是工布藏族、门巴族、珞巴族和僜人的聚居地，至今传承着古朴的生活方式和独特的民俗习惯，创造了绚丽多彩的珞瑜文化。
  从低海拔的林芝进藏，先游览世界最大的峡谷、领略被国家地理杂志评为中国最美的山峰——南迦巴瓦峰的神韵，在林芝对高原有一定适应之后，再沿318国道游览神湖巴松措，进到拉萨，这样的行程游客不走回头路，比传统线路节约一天时间，在克服高原反应的同时，还可置身桃花源，饱览世界至高画廊，体验浓郁民俗风情，让你如痴如醉，流连忘返。

• 

  KLD010 September 14th, 2010 at 13:35

  New heights For Luxury – The St. Regis Lhasa Resort to Open in Tibet

  The St. Regis Lhasa Resort, the first St. Regis resort in China, will open in November 15, 2010. Located on the “Roof of the World”, 3,680 meters above sea level, this stunning resort offers an unrivaled dimension of luxury at one of the most mystical and exotic addresses in the world.

  Situated in the famous ancient Barkhor area, The St. Regis Lhasa Resort is just minutes away from the holy Potala Palace and 75km away from Lhasa Gonggar Airport. It features 150 beautifully adorned oversized rooms and villas and 12 suites including the Presidential Suite, as well as world-class restaurants, bars, an exclusive Iridium Spa, ballroom and state-of-the-art meeting space. The St. Regis Lhasa Resort will be the first international luxury hotel in Tibet.
  
  St. Regis Lhasa Resort 拉萨瑞吉度假酒店
  Address:No.22, Jiangsu Road, Lhasa,Tibet, China
  中国西藏拉萨江苏路 22 号
  Phone: (86)(891) 680 8888
  Website: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis

• 

  森林里的黑熊 September 22nd, 2010 at 19:56

  
  徒步穿越雅鲁藏布江大峡谷 西藏雅鲁藏布江大峡谷攻略
  雅鲁藏布大峡谷位于中国西藏林芝地区雅鲁藏布江下游，围绕喜马拉雅山东端最高峰南迦巴瓦峰形成马蹄形大拐弯。全长504.6千米，平均深度2668米，最深处达6009米，是世界第一大峡谷。大峡谷自然条件恶劣，是地球上为数不多的人类难以涉足的神秘之地。徒步穿越雅鲁藏布江大峡谷,引起众多探险者的兴趣。进入雅鲁藏布江大峡谷有6条路可寻。

  徒步穿越雅鲁藏布江大峡谷主要看点：
  1、雅鲁藏布江大峡谷是世界第一长、深和险的大峡谷，被称为“人类最后的秘境”；
  2、经过中国第一美的雪山——南迦巴瓦雪山；
  3、有中国最神秘和第一美的瀑布群——藏布巴东大瀑布

  第一条路线：米林县派区—多雄拉—拿格—汗密—马尼翁—背崩。这是一条传统的大道,也是一条从喜马拉雅山北 坡高原上到大峡谷下游河谷的道路。通常行走的时间需要3天,中间还要翻越海拔4200米左右的多雄拉山口,过山口经拿格到汗密、马尼翁则是一路下坡。其 中,汗密以下的老虎嘴一带,山路悬在陡崖上,十分险峻难行。从马尼翁走过钢架铁索吊桥,到达对岸的背崩区,海拔已降到700米左右。
  　　
  第二条路线：从米林县派区经大渡卡、格嘎到加拉,顺江而下进入大峡谷的小道。由加拉往下进入无人区,无路可走。沿江大概走一星期方可到达白马狗熊,沿江皆为刀削般的基岩陡壁。新中国建立以前,传统的通行是从白马狗熊上山,离开峡谷经西兴拉山口(海拔4400米)沿一条支沟直下,到达大峡谷,经进大拐弯后的江边鲁古村,过 溜索到甘代(东岸),由甘代顺流而下,经加热萨区直奔墨脱。
  　　
  第三条路线：从川藏公路上的帕隆起程,沿帕隆藏布江下游河谷下行,3天的骡马大道可直达大峡谷的顶端扎曲村,过新建的铁索桥(原为溜索)至达波,离开大峡谷横切过去,一路经原始森林和山梁,三天可到大峡谷拐弯下方的江边八玉村,然后经鲁古、甘代、加热萨到墨脱。
  　　
  第四条路线：从波密县的古乡渡过帕隆藏布江的古乡湖,上山翻过随拉山口(海拔4400米左右),西南下,直达大峡谷江边的加热萨区。沿途山路曲折,行程三天。
  　　
  第五条路线：从波密县扎木镇南行沿嘎隆拉北曲直上,越过海拔4200米的嘎隆拉山口,西南下,沿嘎隆拉南河经64公里、86公里(“64公里”、“86公里”皆为波墨公 路上的地段专用名,也称为64道班、86道班。)到达大峡谷畔的达木。此线路经过多次修筑,步行道比较好走,开山季节甚至可沿公路开汽车直达64公里一 带。顺利的话,一般两天时间可进入大峡谷到达墨脱。
  　　
  第六条路线：从波密往东不远就到了达兴,过帕隆藏布江沿达兴河上溯到源头,由盘山小道上金珠拉山口(海拔5030米),越过金珠拉山沿金珠曲下行,经提琴到金珠区(格当),由金珠区往下过蚂蟥山经达木到大峡谷江边,一般步行四五天时间。

• 

  918271 September 26th, 2010 at 06:39

  An extension to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the world’s highest rail link, began Sunday and will connect the Tibetan capital of Lhasa with Xigaze (Shigatse), the second largest city in the southwestern Tibet that is the seat of the Panchen Lama, the second-most powerful figure in Tibetan Buddhism.

  The 253-kilometer extension from Tibet’s capital Lhasa will pass through five counties and over the 90-kilometer long Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon and will be built within four years at the cost of 2 billion dollars.

• 

  走走看看 October 24th, 2010 at 09:42

  行游西藏——雅鲁藏布大峡谷

  中国西藏雅鲁藏布江下游的雅鲁藏布大峡谷是地球上最深的峡谷。大峡谷核心无人区河段的峡谷河床上有罕见的四处大瀑布群，其中一些主体瀑布落差都在３０— ５０米。峡谷具有从高山冰雪带到低河谷热带季雨林等９个垂直自然带，麋集了多种生物资源，包括青藏高原已知高等植物种类的２／３，已知哺乳动物的１／２，已知昆虫的４／５，以及中国已知大型真菌的３／５，堪称世界之最。

  雅鲁藏布峡谷北起米林县的大渡卡村（海拔２８８０米），南到墨脱县巴昔卡村（海拔１１５米），雅鲁藏布大峡谷长５０４．９公里，平均深度2800米，最深处达６００９米，是世界第一大峡谷。整个峡谷地区冰川、绝壁、陡坡、泥石流和巨浪滔天的大河交错在一起，环境十分恶劣。许多地区至今仍无人涉足，堪称“地球上最后的秘境”，是地质工作少有的空白区之一。

  大峡谷地区是西藏自治区生物资源最为丰富的地方。地区维管束植物约3500余种，其中有利用价值的经济植物不下千种，具体可分为：药用植物、油料植物、纤维植物等。特别要提到的是高山杜鹃，因为大峡谷的高山灌丛主要由常绿杜鹃组成。这一区域内有154种杜鹃，占世界杜鹃总种数（约６００种）的２６％。其基本特点可以用十个字来概括：高、壮、深、润、幽、长、险、低、奇、秀。
  

  门票：入口处景区门票每张150元。每年10月20日至次年4月20日执行淡季门票75元。

  交通：先从拉萨乘坐班车到林芝，班车的首发时间为上午8:00，拉萨到林芝的八一镇633公里，票价60元。然后从八一到排龙。之后，徒步由排龙到札曲游览雅鲁藏布江大转弯和世界上最深的峡谷，再由札曲到排龙。途中可以访问门巴族村落，欣赏原始森林。最后可以乘车由排龙到米林，由米林到山南地区的加查，途览雅鲁藏布大峡谷风光。

• 

  Andrew Chan December 13th, 2010 at 01:27

  Tibet’s First National Park – Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon National Park officially opens in Nyingchi, southeast of Tibet on Dec.6, 2010.
  
  Yarlung Tsangpo River at the Great Bend

  One of the last great unexplored areas on earth, the Yarlung Tsangpo (Zangbo) Grand Canyon is the deepest (three times as deep as the Grand Canyon in Arizona) and perhaps the longest in the world. From china’s most beautiful mountain “Mt.Namche Barwa” (25,436 feet), China’s most beautiful waterfalls “Zangbo Badong falls”, Midui glacier,diverse wildlife to tropical virgin rain forests,the Yarlung Tsangpo Great Canyon is a wonderful area with all the fascinating features. And it’s still waiting for visitors to explore its extreme beauty.

  Two more national parks (Namtso and Mount Everest) will be opened in the near future in Tibet.
  
  Hidden Falls of Yarlung Tsangpo Gorge
  12月6日，西藏首个国家公园——雅鲁藏布大峡谷国家公园在林芝揭牌
  雅鲁藏布大峡谷国家公园景区所涵盖区域：林芝地区米林、林芝、墨脱、波密县以及昌都地区八宿县(雅鲁藏布大峡谷区域、帕隆藏布流域、易贡藏布流域、鲁郎藏布流域)。雅鲁藏布大峡谷国家公园将集结：雅鲁藏布大峡谷（世界第一大峡谷）区域的中国最美山峰之首世界第十五高峰南迦巴瓦峰、中国冰川最集中区、中国景观大道景点最密集区、中国新十大天府、中国最后未通公路的秘境墨脱、易贡国家地质公园、然乌湖、绿色峰极、地球植物垂直分布最丰富地区、独特的中国人口最少的珞瑜文化等.

  继“世界第一大峡谷——雅鲁藏布大峡谷国家公园” 之后，西藏将继续打造以“世界上海拨最高的咸水湖——纳木错国家公园、世界第一高峰——珠穆朗玛峰国家公园”在雪域高原形成三大国家公园格局。

  珠穆朗玛峰以其8844.43米，雄居中尼边境，是全球的地标。”建成后的珠穆国家公园将包括日喀则地区定结、定日、聂拉木、吉隆县等区域。珠穆朗玛峰、马卡鲁峰(世界第四高峰)、洛泽峰（世界第五高峰）、卓奥友峰（世界第六高峰）、西夏邦马峰（世界第十四高峰）等世界八千米以上高峰及其冰川；高山区域及边境口岸山水、人文生态以及动植物等”将集中、整体地展示给世人。

  纳木措，湖面海拨4718米，是西藏三大圣湖之一，亦有天湖的美誉。建成后的那木措国家公园将包括拉萨市当雄县、那曲地区班戈县等区域。主要著名景点有：纳木错（世界最高的咸水湖）、念青唐古拉山主峰、湖泊鸟岛、岩画石刻、草甸、牦牛、牧帐、温泉等。

• 

  Nischal Golchha December 29th, 2010 at 01:17

  Everest Base camp Trek To The World`s Most Famous Mountain
  
  The thrill of high-altitude trekking in Nepal was once available only to a gung-ho few. Recently, the journey has become more accessible.

  In April 2011, co-host of international television show Word Travels and travel writer Robin Esrock will lead a trek to the Everest Base Camp with World Expeditions.

  The journey begins in Kathmandu Valley and ascends through Sherpa villages to Tengboche Monastery, where awestruck hikers get panoramic views of the rock star mountains of the Himalayas: Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam.

  Hikers will traverse part of the treacherous Khumbu Glacier, followed by an ascent of Kala Pattar (18,192 feet), before stopping at Everest Base Camp.

  “In Nepal, acclimatizing is going to be key, as is exercising for several months beforehand to ensure your body can take it,” Esrock cautions. “Wearing in your gear is a must, although those incredible Sherpas will no doubt be worth their weight in stardust.”

  The World Expeditions hike to Everest Base Camp runs April 4-24, 2011, and begins in Kathmandu. Price is US$2,768 per person, including food, trek pack, porters and accommodation.

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• 

  Federico F. June 16th, 2010 at 08:53

  El propio nombre del Tíbet evoca sentimientos de enigma y misterio en las remotas y aisladas cordilleras himalayas. Una tierra de antigua cultura budista, artísticos monasterios y senderos de caravanas centenarios; Tíbet es un destino fuera de la norma. El Tibet ha fascinado al mundo occidental durante siglos. Es la tierra de las leyendas y la magia. Prohibido durante mucho tiempo, atrajo a exploradores, aventureros y peregrinos.
  

  Conocido como el techo del mundo, la Región Autónoma de Tíbet en China se extiende por una meseta situada a 4000 m de altitud. Es limitada por las montañas Kunlun al norte y los Himalayas al sur.

  Entrada al Tibet en el vuelo atravesando por Himalaya. Les ofrece magnifico vista de los cordillera de Himalaya. Llegada a Lhasa, el techo del mundo. Una excursión en Lhasa, incluye la visita de las grandes universidades y monasterios: El monasterio Sera, Derpung, Jokhang, Palacio de Potala y Norbulingka. Al regreso por la carretera de amistad descubriendo Monasterio de Khumbung en Gyantse, lago Yamdruk, monasterio de Tashilumpo, el asiento de Panchen Lama en Shigatse, visita de monasterio de Shakya.

  El palacio de Potala en Lhasa, Tibet, la quintaesencia de la arquitectura tibetana

  El palacio de Potala en Lhasa, la capital de Tibet, era la residencia oficial del Dalai Lama. El Palacio de Potala se encuentra a 3700 de altura, situado en la colina Hongshan, en Lasha, y en sus trece pisos de altura abarca una superficie de 410.000 metros cuadrados, los cuales a su vez se conforman de 1000 salas y pabellones adornados en cobre, oro y piedras preciosas, que salvaguardan uno de los mayores tesoros del mundo. La parte principal se extiende desde el pie de la colina hasta la cumbre de ésta. Comprende el Palacio Blanco, en la parte oriental, que servía como sala de estudio y dormitorio del Dalai Lama; el Palacio Rojo, en la parte central, destinado a la lectura de sutras búdicos, y un salón para los stupa en que se conservan los restos mortales de los Dalai Lamas de diversas épocas. Se trata del mayor reclamo turístico de la región del Tibet, donde anualmente acuden miles de turistas provenientes de todo el mundo. Así mismo también está considerado por la UNESCO como Patrimonio de la Humanidad. De 9 am las taquillas se abren para poder acceder al complejo. El billete cuesta 200 yuanes (casi 20 euros) por persona, pero será necesario prever para venir temprano, por la gran demanda que existe.

  Sera Thekchenling, fundado en 1419, es uno de los principales monasterios de Lhasa. En algún momento alojó hasta a 5.000 monjes. Hoy quedan cerca de 500.

  Monasterio de Ganden
  Ganden Namgyeling, a 45 km de Lhasa, se estableció en 1409. Fue el primer monasterio de la escuela Gelukpa, que a partir del siglo XVII dominó la vida espiritual de Tibet y Mongolia. Ganden toma su nombre del paraíso de Maitreya, el Buda del futuro. Está situado en un lugar realmente paradisíaco. Sufrió enormes daños durante la revolución cultural.

  En Zhigatse está el monasterio de Tashilumpo, residencia del Panchen Lama, una de las principales autoridades espirituales del país. Este monje llama a la oración.

  En Avión
  El aeropuerto de Lhasa, Gonggar (IATA: LXA) está a unos 100 km de Lhasa. Se tarda 2 horas hasta el centro de Lhasa. Hay vuelos desde Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Kunming, Qamdo, Shanghai, Xi’an, Xining, y Zhongdian (Shangri-La).
  Chengdu-Lhasa 1.610 Yuan duración 1.40 Horas
  Hay vuelos internacionales disponibles a Katmandú, Nepal y a Hong Kong.

  En tren
  El tren Qinghai-Tíbet (Qingzang) conecta Golmud y Lhasa, con servicios continuos en Xining, Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guangzhou y Chongqing.
  Chengdu-Lhasa 331 yuan (US$41) 712 yuan (US$89) 1.104 yuan (US$138)
  Beijing-Lhasa 389 Yuan (US$49) 813 Yuan (US$102) 1.262 Yuan (US$158)
  Shanghai-Lhasa El viaje dura 51 horas; un asiento duro cuesta 406 yuanes.
  Guangzhou-Lhasa Hay un solo tren, es cada dos días. Los 4980 km en 57 horas.

• 

  DVM60 June 16th, 2010 at 23:03

  Lhasa: A breathtakingly beautiful slice of Tibet

  

  I was filled with an uncanny sense of excitement as we started our descent towards the barren, bleak brown mountain range that encloses Lhasa, the mystical capital city of Tibet.

  The excitement was owing to the fact that I was visiting famed, sacred Buddhist monasteries built 4000 years ago.

  Gautam Buddha, who is referred to as Sakyamuni, is well-celebrated, along with Maitreyi, the future incarnation of the Buddha. The Bodhisattvas and goddess Tara are well renowned and the common man is seeped in spirituality. It is a common sight to see a large number of people performing “parikrama” or encircling the various shrines that are spread across Lhasa.

  The Drepung and Sera monasteries are among the biggest that house monk dormitories where aspiring Buddhist monks reside and learn the various scriptures that have been originally hand-written on bark tree skin.

  At the Sera monastery, the air is filled with chants as hundreds of Buddhist monks sit together chanting for hours, only to periodically take yak butter tea breaks.

  The Potala palace is an important destination. The palace situated atop a hill has 1000 rooms, divided into the political and the religious sections.

  As one embarks on steep climbs to the palaces and monasteries, one is acutely aware of the thin air and lack of oxygen in the area since Lhasa is 12,000 feet above sea level. Rest is advised the day you fly into Lhasa, for the body to acclimatise.

  Many tourists find it difficult to breathe and feel dizzy. Acute mountain sickness may necessitate complete bed rest and use of supplementary oxygen. It is common to see tourists carrying portable cans of oxygen in their bag packs while they navigate the steep climbs.

  Besides Buddhism, Lhasa provides the base for the route to Mansarovar, to pilgrims who go out in large numbers during this time of the year to pay homage to Mount Kailash (the abode of Lord Shiva), Om Parbat and the Mansa lake.

  Lhasa was everything I had expected and imagined – adventurous, spiritual, historical and picturesque. A unique blend of modernisation and mysticism is what I got to witness.

  Getting to Lhasa

  While there are a number of ways to get to Lhasa, the most popular routes are by air from Chengdu (in Sichuan), by train from Xining, and overland or by air from Kathmandu,Nepal. Tibet Airline is planning to open its flights in mid-2011.

  The Qinghai-Tibet (Qingzang) railway connects Lhasa and Golmud, with services continuing onto Xining, Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chongqing.

  The Qinghai-Tibet Railway Bridge Across the Lhasa River

  Railway on the Roof of the World — China (and the world’s) highest and most ambitious railway link opened to great fanfare on July 1, 2006. The rail line took 6 years to build and passes through some of the harshest, most inhospitable and beautiful landscapes on the planet. Most of the 1,142km (709-mile) track lies at an altitude above 4,000m (13,123 ft.), and the highest pass is a staggering 5,072m (16,636 ft.). The line also claims another record: the highest rail tunnel in the world at 4,905m (16,088 ft.). Oxygen is pumped into all carriages and additional supplies are available for those who are really suffering.

  Passenger cost: One way from Beijing to Lhasa
  $50 for hard seat
  $160 for soft-sleeper in 4-person compartment

• 

  茶马古道 June 19th, 2010 at 06:04

  西藏旅游完全攻略 – 西藏六区一市的旅游热门景观

  纳木错湖

  1、拉萨有名气的寺院宫殿大致包括，布达拉宫、大昭寺、罗布林卡、哲蚌寺、色拉寺等，另有西藏最有人气的特色朝圣购物一体的八廓街（八角街），藏在拉萨市内街头巷尾的小寺庙更是几十个，真可谓是西藏人文景观最密集的古城了。除了布达拉宫及大昭寺八角街，游客去的最多的拉萨周边景观是纳木错湖，念青唐古拉山 以及羊八井这两个景点都含在纳木错一日游或者两日游里面了。值得一提的编外景观是拉萨河，时间充足的话可以去拉萨河边走一走。多数的游客在拉萨市内游览的 时间是两天左右。同时拉萨是西藏旅游的集散地，去西藏别的地区观光一般都是从拉萨出发，游览完毕再返回拉萨，然后再从拉萨出发去另一地区游览。当然主要是 根据游览的路线来定，并无绝对固定模式。

  2、日喀则是后藏的政治经济文化中心。人文的看点主要有扎什伦布寺、白居寺、江孜宗山遗址、帕拉庄园等。卡若拉冰川以及羊卓雍措也是很不错的看点。从拉萨 从发游览需两天的时间，自然景观还有不得不提的珠峰，从拉萨出发去珠峰线路来回需要四天时间。珠峰线路包括的景点有羊湖、绒布寺、珠穆朗玛峰（珠峰大本 营）、扎什伦布寺等。

  3、山南主要的人文景观有桑耶寺、雍布拉康、青朴修行地、藏王墓、昌珠寺等。从拉萨出发的线路一般也是两天游览完毕。

  4、林芝主要侧重于自然景观。不去墨脱波密的话，三天或者两天搞定。主要景点包括巨柏林、巴松措、雅鲁藏布大峡谷、苯日神山、南迦巴瓦峰、墨脱、波密等。

  5、昌都名声在外的得数然乌湖了，另有卡若文化遗址、强巴林寺两处值得一去的景观。

  7、最后就是阿里地区靓点景观了，大致有神山岗仁波齐、圣湖玛旁雍措、古格王国遗址、托林寺、扎达土林、班公措、日土岩画等。阿里是人文景观与自然景观并 重的旅游地区。阿里目前有三条旅游线路，一是南线十天左右拉萨-阿里往返，二是小北线十二天左右拉萨-阿里往返，三是大北线十四天左右拉萨-阿里往返。

• 

  Kazuhira June 22nd, 2010 at 00:14

  拉薩 (ラサ）
  市内と近郊にある名所旧跡は多く、ポタラ宮、ジョカン、デプン寺、セラ寺、カンダン寺などが特に有名である。

  ポタラ宮
  7世紀に建立されたと伝えらているラサポタラ山のチベット仏教の寺院です。現在の壮麗な大宮殿は50年余りの歳月をかけて17世紀に建立されたもので、ユネスコの世界自然遺産として登録されています。建物全が主に紅宮と白宮の 2 つ部分からなっています。紅宮には歴代ダライラマが埋葬されたチョルテン(仏塔、卒塔婆を意味する)、様々な仏殿と経典を保存する経堂などがあります。白宮はダライラマのオフィスとプライベート空間です。
  主な見所
  ◆精美な壁画。
  ◆ 宝石（ダイヤモンドや真珠や珊瑚や翡翠や黄金や白銀など）をふんだんに用いて飾った歴代ダライラマのチョルテン。
  ◆ 高い造像技術を用い、宮殿の至るところに安置されたチベット仏教を代表する仏像。
  ◆ チベットの建築芸術
  *必ず事前予約が必要。

  大昭寺(ジョカン)
  ラサの中心にある大昭寺は、７世紀中頃に建てられた仏教信徒が憧れる巡礼の聖地で、チベット人なら一生に一度は訪れたいと願う寺です。千年以上の歴史を持つ大昭寺は大昭寺と共に、チベット族の重要な宗教活動の場で、世界遺産の一部として登録され、国の重要文化財です。正殿には文成妃が長安から持参した釈迦牟尼仏金像が安置され、正殿両脇の配殿にはソンツアンカンボ、文成妃とネパールの尺尊公主の像があります。寺には、唐代の珍しい文化財が沢山保管され、回廊と宮殿の壁画には歴史上の人物を神格化した故事が描写されています。

  バルコル
  八角街とは巡礼環状路を意味し、大昭寺の中を一巡する道をナンコル、街を囲む道はリンゴルと呼ばれます。八角街はラサ市で唯一の商店街で、日本の門前町のような所でチベットの伝統的な居や街が昔のままに保存されています。細工物、日用雑貨、骨董品、チベットの民芸品などを扱う店が軒を連ねており、ショッピングに最適な場所です。チベット仏教の信者は、八角街の道を五体投地をしながら、またはマニ車をまわしながらこの聖なる道を右回りに進んで行きます。五体投地とは、五体全身を地面に投げだす祈りの方法です。念仏をとなえながら回すマニ車は巻き紙状の経文が入った筒で、その筒を一回転すると1回経を読んだことになります。

  ヤムドゥク湖
  ラサから車で2時間半、約120キロ走るとヤムドウク湖が見えてきます。ヤムドウク湖とは白鳥の湖の意味で、チベット三大聖湖の一つです。海抜4441m 、東西130 キロ、南北70 キロ、総面積638 平方キロ、水深は 20mから40m です。湖は珊瑚の枝の形してるから珊瑚湖とも呼ばれています。低塩分の塩湖なので、現在は魚の養殖業も観光業と同時に発展し、現在ではラサで最大の魚倉庫になりました。ヤムドウク湖行く途中には、ガンバラ峠（5030m ）を通過します。またヤムドウク湖からギャンツエ移動する途中、巨大なカローラ氷河と海抜6000m を超える山脈も見えます。

  ノルブリンカ
  ラサ市の中心部から西へ3キロほどの郊外に広がる総面積36万平方メートルの公園で、チベット語のノルブ＝宝石と、リンカ＝苑から「宝石の園」という名称です。18世紀にダライラマ7世により造園され、のちに歴代のダライラマが避暑に使った夏宮となっています。園内には幸運宮、全能見宮、池の中に建つ湖心宮、ダライラマ14世の住居であったタクタンポタンなどがあります。タクタンポタンは1954年に建てられた「永久不変の宮殿」と呼ばれる瀟洒な2階建ての建物です。内部には謁見室、書斎、仏間、バスルームなどがあります。現在ではノルブリンカは、ラサ市民の憩いの場となっています。
  ノルブリンカ

• 

  Matheo Cabarrus June 24th, 2010 at 04:14

  Choses à faire à Tibet :

  • Située sur le plateau du Tibet, au fond d’une vallée entourée de montagnes, son altitude de 3 650 mètres fait de Lhassa l’une des villes les plus élevées au monde. Cité mythique, elle a été transformée au fur et à mesure par le gouvernement chinois, néanmoins en vous baladant dans la vieille ville vous pourrez en mesurer toute la spiritualité. Suivez les pèlerins (dans le sens des aiguilles d’une montre) sur le Barkhor pour arriver au Jokhang, le sanctuaire le plus vénéré du Tibet. Faites l’ascension du Potala, le palais des dalaï-lamas, le monument le plus emblématique du Tibet. La nonnerie d’Ani Sangkoung, le temple Ramoche et le jardin Norbulingkha méritent également une visite.

  • Dans les environs immédiats de Lhassa, de nombreuses excursions sont possibles. Le monastère de Drepung, à une dizaine de kilomètres à l’ouest de Lhassa, compte encore plusieurs centaines de moines. À cinq kilomètres au nord se trouve le monastère de Sera, grand centre d’études tantriques. Le monastère de Ganden est, lui, situé à 45 km à l’est de Lhassa et est un exemple prestigieux des monastères d’altitude tibétains. Bien que le soulèvement des Tibétains en 1959 ait eu pour conséquence une lourde répression et la destruction de la plupart des monastères, les lieux de culte restant en place sont de plus en plus fréquentés.

  • Des oasis verdoyantes ponctuent le plateau désertique entre Lhassa et Shigatse, la deuxième plus grande ville du Tibet située à 350 km au sud-ouest de Lhassa. Si Shigatse a perdu de son charme, il vous faudra visiter dans les environs le monastère du Tashilhunpo, siège traditionnel du Panchen Lama où sont réunies d’innombrables statues de Bouddha. En continuant sur la route de Katmandou, vous pourrez également vous arrêter à Gyantsé où se trouvent de très grands stoupas, dont celui aux cent mille figures.

  • Le camp du Chomolongma est le camp de base de l’Everest au pied glacier du Rongbuk, il offre des vues sur l’Everest encore plus grandioses qu’au Népal. N’hésitez pas à faire un détour par le monastère de Rongphu, d’où les panoramas sont exceptionnels ou par les monastères Nord et Sud de la ville monastique de Sakya. Au départ des villages de Shegar ou de Tingri, vous pourrez rejoindre le camp de base en trois ou quatre jours éprouvants avant de poursuivre votre randonnée vers le Népal, le long de la route de l’Amitié.

  • De nombreuses autres possibilités de randonnées s’offrent à vous sur le territoire tibétain, sherpas et yacks vous accompagneront. Le Centre-ouest compte d’innombrables lacs turquoise. Le second lac salé du Tibet, le Nam-tso, s’étend à 200 km au nord de Lhassa. À plus de 1 600 km à l’ouest de Lhassa, le lac Manasarovar est un lieu sacré de la préfecture de Ngari à proximité du Mont Kailash, considéré par les Tibétains et les Indiens comme le trône de Shiva, haut lieu de pèlerinage. Non loin, les ruines mystérieuses et imposantes du royaume de Gugé et le sanctuaire de Tirthapuri méritent également le détour.
  Le second lac salé du Tibet, le Nam-tso, s’étend à 200 km au nord de Lhassa.

• 

  BSUTours July 30th, 2010 at 08:56

  Top 10 Mountains in China
  
  南迦巴瓦峰 (西藏) Mount Namcha Barwa (Tibet)
  1) 南迦巴瓦峰 (西藏) Mount Namcha Barwa, aka Mt. Namjagbarwa (Tibet)
  2) 贡嘎山 (四川) Minya Konka (Sichuan)
  3) 珠穆朗玛峰 (西藏) Mount Qomolangma, aka Mount Everest (Tibet)
  4) 梅里雪山 (云南) Mount Kawa Karpo, aka Meili Snow Mount (Yunnan)
  5) 黄山 (安徽) Mount Huangshan (Anhui)
  6) 稻城三神山 (四川) Daocheng Three Sacred Peaks (Sichuan)
  7) 乔戈里峰 (新疆) Mount Qogir (Xinjiang)
  8)冈仁波齐峰(西藏) Mount Kailash, aka Kang Rinpoche (Tibet)
  9) 泰山 (山东) Mount Tai (Shandong)
  10) 峨眉山 (四川) Mount Emei (Sichuan)

  Top 5 Lakes in China
  1) 青海湖 (青海) Qinghai Lake (Qinghai)
  2) 喀纳斯湖 (新疆) Kanas Lake (Xinjiang)
  3) 纳木错湖 (西藏) Namtso Lake (Tibet)
  4) 长白山天池 (吉林) Lake Tianchi (Jilin)
  5) 西湖 (浙江) West Lake (Zhejiang)

  Top 8 Canyons in China
  1) 雅鲁藏布大峡谷 (西藏) Yanlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon (Tibet)
  2) 金沙江虎跳峡 (云南) Tiger Leaping Gorge (Yunnan)
  3) 长江三峡 (重庆、湖北) the Three Gorges, Yangtze River (Chongqing & Hubei)
  4) 怒江大峡谷 (西藏、云南) Nujiang Canyon (Tibet & Yunnan)
  5) 澜沧江梅里大峡谷 (云南) Lancang River Meili Canyon (Yunnan)
  6) 黄河晋陕大峡谷 (内蒙古、山西、陕西) Jin Shaan Canyon, Yello River (Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, & Shaanxi)
  7) 大渡河金口大峡谷 (四川) Dadu River Jinkou Grand Canyon (Sichuan)
  8)天山库车大峡谷 (新疆) The Grand Kuche Canyon of Tianshan (Xinjiang)

  Top 6 Glaciers in China
  
  Rongbuk Glacier (Tibet) 绒布冰川 (西藏)
  1) 绒布冰川 (西藏) Rongbuk Glacier (Tibet)
  2) 天山托木尔冰川 (新疆) Tomur Glacier of Tianshan (Xinjiang)
  3) 海螺沟冰川 (四川) Hailuogou Glacier (Sichuan)
  4) 米堆冰川 (西藏) Midui Gully Glacier (Tibet)
  5) 特拉木坎力冰川 (新疆) Telamukanli Glacier (Xinjiang)
  6) 透明梦柯冰川 (甘肃) Toumingmengke (Gansu)

  Top 6 Waterfalls in China
  
  Tsangpo Badong Waterfalls in Tibet 藏布巴东瀑布群
  1) 藏布巴东瀑布群 (西藏) Tsangpo Badong Waterfalls (Tibet)
  2) 德天瀑布 (广西) Detian Waterfall (Guangxi)
  3) 黄河壶口瀑布 (晋陕交界) Hukou Waterfall, Yellow River (Shanxi-Shaanxi border)
  4) 九龙瀑布 (云南) Nine Dragon Waterfall (Yunnan)
  5) 诺日朗瀑布 (四川) Nuorilang Waterfall (Sichuan)
  6) 黄果树瀑布群 (贵州) Huangguoshu Waterfalls (Guizhou)

  Top 10 Forests in China
  1) 天山雪岭云杉林 (新疆) The Schrenk Spruce Forest in Tianshan (Xinjiang)
  2) 长白山红松阔叶混交林 (吉林)Korean Pine Mixed Forest in Changbai Mountain (Jilin)
  3) 尖峰岭热带雨林 (海南) The Tropical Rain Forest in Jianfengling (Hainan)
  4) 白马雪山高山杜鹃林 (云南) The Alpine Rhododendron Forest in Baima Snow Mountain(Yunnan)
  5) 波密岗乡林芝云杉林 (西藏) The Linzhiensis Forest in Bomi (Tibet)
  6) 西双版纳热带雨林 (云南) The Tropical Rain Forest in Xishuangbanna (Yunnan)
  7) 轮台胡杨林 (新疆) Poplus Forest in Luntai (Xinjiang)
  8)荔波喀斯特森林 (贵州) Libo Karst Forest (Guizhou)
  9) 大兴安岭北部兴安落叶松林 (黑龙江、内蒙古) Xing’an Larch Forest in the North Daxing’anling (Heilongjiang & Inner Mongolia)
  10) 蜀南竹海 (四川) The South Sichuan Bamboo Forest (Sichuan)

• 

  Dondrup87 August 7th, 2010 at 04:23

  
  About 50 km (31 miles) east of Lhasa Gonggar Airport and 39km (24 miles) west of Tsetang, on the northern banks of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra River), stands Samye Monastery (Tibetan: བསམ་ཡས་; Chinese:桑耶寺), Tibet’s first monastery (late 8th c.), famous for its striking mandala design and as the site of the “Great Debate” (792-94) between the Indian Mahayanists and Chan (Japanese: Zen) Buddhists from China.

  Samye’s overall design was based on that of the Odantapuri Temple of Bihar in India. Although Samye has been razed several times, the mandala symmetry is intact. The main temple, Samye Utse, symbolizes Mount Meru, the center of the universe, surrounded by the four temples of the continents, the eight temples of each subcontinent, and the sun (south, ruined) and moon (north) temples. The complex originally had 108 buildings (an auspicious number to Tibetans). The 1008 chortens on the circular wall that rings the monastery represent Chakravala, the ring of the mountains that surrounds the universe. The best view of the monastery is gained from Hepo-Ri to the east of Samye, where Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) is said to have subdued the local demons, making the site safe for construction. The secular support of King Trisong Detsen, who proclaimed Buddhism the state religion in 779, was perhaps more crucial.

  Samye Utse demonstrates the classic principles of Tibetan architecture. A solid barnlike first floor tapers to refined and intricate upper tiers. To left of the entrance is an original 5m-tall (16-ft.) obelisk that proclaims Buddhism to be the state religion and urges future generations to obey Buddhist law and support the temple. Many of the murals on the first and second floors are original.

• 

  本草仙子 August 26th, 2010 at 00:49

  The town of Dingqing (Tengcheng) in eastern Tibet (Kham) is a forlorn outpost of crumbling concrete blocks and half-broken facilities. The main source of income is the curious ‘caterpillar fungus’, a fusion of a caterpillar and the parasitic fungus that mummifies it. Its name in Chinese ‘dong chong xia cao’ (冬虫夏草) means “winter worm, summer grass” (i.e., “worm in the winter, [turns to] plant in the summer”).

  
  The fungus is a medicinal mushroom which is highly prized by practitioners of Tibetan medicine and Chinese medicine, in which it is used as an aphrodisiac and as a treatment for a variety of ailments from fatigue to cancer. It is regarded as having an excellent balance of yin and yang as it is apparently both animal and vegetable (though it is in actuality not vegetable, but fungi). In 2008, one kilogram traded for US$3,000 to over US$18,000, making it one of the most expensive commodities in Tibet.The business is most lucrative in Tengchen County, where is accounts for more than 60% of the local GDP. Entire tent villages spring up on the grasslands during harvest time.

  One of the most amazing site in the Tengchen area is Tsedru Monastery (ZiZhu si, 孜珠寺 in Chinese, 4474 m), considered to be Tibet’s largest and oldest Bon monastery.

  Even though polyandry is currently illegal, in some villages you can still find people who practice polyandry.
  

  一妻多夫制女儿国:西藏丁青县

  丁青为我们熟知的原因有两个：虫草和一妻多夫制。

  冬虫夏草是一种名贵中药材。是唯一一种能同时平衡、调节阴阳的中药. 丁青、巴青和索县是西藏3个产虫草(冬虫夏草)的主要县域，这3个县分属于那曲和昌都，但地界相连，虫草质量最好，产量最高。每年5月到6月底是丁青的虫草采收季. 丁青县目前主要的收入来源是冬虫夏草，冬虫夏草所创造的收入占丁青县总收入的60％以上.
  一妻多夫家庭最盛行的为昌都地区，

  西藏最大苯教寺庙孜珠寺位于西藏东部昌都丁青县著名的孜珠山上, 其历史可以追溯到二三千年。

  丁青是热巴舞的故乡,素有“热巴艺术之乡”的美称。在重大节庆活动时，会在丁青热巴广场上演, 有幸目睹“东方吉普赛”的风采。