Tibet Travel Guide

Languages spoken in Tibet

The main language spoken in Tibet is the Tibetan language. Apart from the Tibetan language languages like English is also used in the tourism business and other languages like Hindi and Nepalese are spoken by the Indian and Nepalese merchants.

Geography of Tibet

Tibetan mountains and plateaus are the youngest mountains in the world. They are less than 4 million years old and were created along with the creation of the Himalayas.

Geographically Tibet contains three distinct regions.

History of Tibet

Mythically Tibetans are the descendent of a male monkey and a female rock demon. This myth probably came to existence when the outsiders found out the Tibetans way of painting their faces with colors in order to protect them self from the harsh cold climate. Later at the time of the great Dalai Lama, the 5th, the story changes the monkey to a disciple of Buddha. Eventually the king Srong-tsan-gam-po, was claimed to be the reincarnation of the male monkey- the disciple of Buddha and princess Tara of Nepalese kingdom married to the king Srong-tsan-gam-po as reincarnation of the rock demon- mother savior.

Arts and Crafts of Tibet

There are very few places on earth where its original art and craft can be traced to its very origin. Untouched and not influenced by the western styles and tradition the Tibetan art and craft are among the few that still original and native. This is a pure form of skill Tibetans have preserved over a long period of time and people of Tibet are proud of it. It may be painting, music, crafts or even the cooking style and cosine. Everything has the original Tibetan essence and it own charm.

Festivals of Tibet

On different occasions in a year Tibetans have their flamboyant festivals going on. And if a tourist can arrange their Tibet visit in one of these festivals then it will be a life time experience for them. Huge numbers of pilgrims assemble to Lhasa and the city becomes more alive with vibrant colors and movement. Tibetans follow calendar so it’s better to check the precise date of the festivals in the current Tibetan calendar. Here are some major festivals of Tibet.

Foods of Tibet

Tibetan food has been major influence for the Indian, Nepali and Chinese cuisine of food for a long time. Major ingredients of the Tibetan food include the mountainous items with their unique and exotic flavors. One should always try out the Tibetan foods for the change of the taste.

Popular Cities in Tibet

Tibet is a place with many old and ancient cities. Some of these cities use to be some of the greatest cities in their time and they still hold a great value in unique ways. These cities are still living and they provide a great plat form to the lovers of old and antique. In many ways Tibet is a perfect place to visit with its cities that are stunningly beautiful and so old that you can learn art of preservation of aged buildings and old ways of living and art. Major cities of Tibet are:

People of Tibet

The story of people in Tibet goes back to ancient times. The ancestors of present Tibetan people used to live in both sides of Tsangpo River and earned their living from cultivation of barley, wheat and peas. Home to numerous communities like Menpa, Chinese, Sherpa, Han, Dengs and Loupa, Tibet is also home for some nomadic groups who keep moving from one place to other herding yaks and sheep.

Places to Visit in Tibet

There are plenty of places to visit in Tibet but there are few that a tourist shouldn’t miss when he/she is in Tibet. Or at least visit few of the following places even they are on short vacation.