With an average altitude over 4000m above sea level, Lays under the ancient Sea of Tethys. Eighty million years ago, India crashed into Asia, pushing up the Himalayas, lifting the ocean bottom above water, and creating this magical land. Mystical land, Shangri-La, Forbidden Country: Tibet has many names and inspires an air of mystical dreams. However, Tibet is real and a beautiful place to travel. It possesses a unique culture, firmly rooted in Tibetan religion, but with strong influence from the geography of the Himalayas, and the neighboring civilizations of India and China.

Geographically, Tibet can be divided into three major parts - north, south and east. The eastern part is forest region, occupying approximately one-fourth of the land. Virgin forests run the entire breadth and length of this part of Tibet. The northern part is open grassland, where nomads and yak and sheep dwell here. This part occupies approximately half of Tibet. The southern and central part is agricultural region, occupying about one-fourth of Tibet's land area. All major Tibetan cities and towns such as Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse and Tsetang are located in this area and are considered the cultural center of Tibet.

Spiritual traditions, monasteries, Lakes/Rivers, mighty snow clad peaks, land rich in mountains, monks, mystery and adventures just a few of the intoxicating wonders to be experienced by adventurous travelers who get the opportunity to visit this land.

People:
The Tibetan population numbers some 2.3 millions. Living at an average elevation of 4000m, these are a deeply devout people, whose practices include the use of prayer wheels (whose every turn creates merit for the devotee) and prayer flags (marking high passes and religious places), as well as mani stones (inscribed with the universal mantra Om mani padme hum and other religious texts).

Entry procedure: 
A visa is required to enter Tibet, Autonomous Region of China. This can be obtained from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Two passport-sized photographs are needed. 

Access to Tibet: 
China South-West airlines flies to Lhasa from Kathmandu, Chengdo, Xian, Chong.