Tibet
- Roof of the World
Introduction
 Tibet
was opened to tourism in 1985. Before this, it avoided influence
from the West and this country developed its unique culture
and religion independently. Since the spiritual leaders governed
Tibet, monasteries and religious institutions were the backbone
of power so the importance and prestige were shown by the
size and magnificent architecture of these buildings.
Tibetan Buddhism contains many elements of their older religion,
"Bon Po" which worshipped the sky, moon, sun, fire, soil and
even evil spirits and this is why a monastery such as Tashilhunpo
contains thousands of unique statues, paintings (Thangka),
religious and historical books that to visit in detail would
take weeks. Pilgrims who often travel long distances to fulfill
their vows crowd monasteries and their emotions show that
religion still holds a very important place in their daily
lives.
Nowhere in the Himalayas can the immense height of Mount
Everest, the highest peak on earth, be appreciated as one
can from Tibet. The northern part of this grand mountain is
unobstructed by neighboring peaks or ridges, allowing excellent
views of the entire massif from Rongbuk Base Camp.
A good portion of the summit is even visible from several
points along the Kathmandu - Lhasa highway, particularly from
the Tingri plains. There are a few different routes between
Tingri and Rongbuk, Everest Base Camp, the ones we follow
are the most demanding, but also the most scenic. We walk
over a high ridge with great views of Mount Everest, to the
village of Zommug.
After finishing the trek we make our way towards Lhasa, in
the towns of Shigatse and Gyantse where we explore monasteries
and fully immerse ourselves in the Buddhist culture. Before
we fly back to Kathmandu we spend a couple of Days in Lhasa,
the heart and soul of Tibet and an object of devout pilgrimage,
it is still a city of wonders.
The medieval push and shove of crowds, the street performers,
the stalls hawking everything from prayer flags to jewel-encrusted
yak skulls, and the devout tapping their foreheads to the
ground at every step is an exotic brew that few newcomers
can resist.
Everest
Base Camp Trek
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