Tibet remains one of the most fascinating and culturally rich regions of the world. Tibet is the land of the ancient Buddhist civilization—its arts and monasteries, grand mountains, and century-old caravan trails cross the mysterious landscape through Befoul (hidden valleys) to exotic cities. All these features offer you a unique experience in Tibet. The mountainous terrain of the plateau presents the ultimate challenge for climbers, trekkers, and adventure seekers. Tibet is a destination for the ultimate thrill-seeker and offers a spiritual journey to highlight your lifetime.
Tibet (Xizang) is a province-level administrative region of China that covers an area of 1,222,000 sq km (471,800 sq mi). It lies in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau area in the southwestern part of China. The average height of the whole region is more than 4,000 meters above sea level, which is why Tibet is known as the "Roof of the World." The valley bottoms of Tibet are higher than the highest mountains elsewhere. Tibet is one of the world's most isolated areas, bordered by the Himalayas, the Karakoram Range, and the Kunlun Mountains.
The snow-covered plateau is the highest in the world; the north face of Mt. Everest (8,848 m, “top of the world”) has a fantastic view from Tibet, and the many rolling hills of the high plateau and over 15,000 feet of stunning Himalayas are second to none and are a fascinating factor in Tibet.
Tibet extends along the borders of the Xinjiang, Qinghai, Sichuan, and Yunnan Provinces to the north and east and the five countries of Burma, India, Bhutan, Sikkim, and Nepal to the south and west. It covers an area of over 120 square kilometers, making it the second-largest region in China after Xinjiang Province. However, due to the adverse conditions of the high Himalayan desert, the broad land of Tibet has only 2.6 million inhabitants, giving it the smallest density of population of all the provincial administrative regions in China.
Tibetans represent over 90% of the population spread across Tibet. Other nationalities, such as Han, Hui, Mongol, and Menpa, inhabit Tibet, primarily in Lhasa, Shigatse, and other cities or towns. Although Tibet is a part of China, it has a unique culture. Tibetans, a mysterious and elderly minority nationality, make up the majority of the population. The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Jokhang Temple, Mt. Kailash, Mansarovar, and several Buddhist and Hindu sacred places are the main attractions for tourists. Northwestern Tibet, mainly the Qinghai Plateau, is home to a variety of unusual and unique flora and fauna. And across the northern expanse of Tibet, you can see vast grasslands where horses, yaks, and sheep wander freely. The world's lowest valley, the Grand Yarlung Tsangpo River valley, lies in eastern Tibet. Tibet is one of the world's most amazing places, with adventure around almost every corner.
Tibet is referred to as Shangri-La, the Forbidden Land, the Roof of the World, and many other names. The mysterious Buddhist kingdom remained long closed to foreigners, exerting a strong hold on the imagination of the world. It was hardly accessible to the outside world and has always been a challenge to human beings. People's culture, customs, and traditions have been fascinating all over the world for centuries. Also, nature and religious faith attracted many explorers, scholars, pilgrims, and adventure lovers, all in pursuit of "real Shangri-La." Not only do the geographical and natural features enthrall, but also the long historical culture and religion appeal to foreigners who hope to visit Tibet at least once in their lifetime.