Tibet

'Shangri La', 'the Rooftop of the World' - locked away in its Himalayan fortress, Tibet has long exercised a siren's hold on the imagination of the West. Tibetans are used to hardship, and despite the disastrous Chinese occupation, they have managed to keep their culture and humour alive.

Tibet is an autonomous region of China. Entering Tibet you feel as though you've entered an entirely different world. As much as the Chinese government maintains its policy of cultural assimilation and autonomy, Tibetans try to preserve their unique heritage.

Isolated Tibetan autonomous prefectures found in Qinghai, southwest Gansu, western Sichuan and northwest Yunnan provinces along with the Tibet Autonomous Region form the Greater Tibet region of China. These areas outside the Tibet Autonomous Region are culturally, historically and linguistically Tibetan to various degrees.

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Lhasa

Lhasa is the capital city of tibet. Lhasa Prefecture is the prefecture where the capital of Tibet resides. You don't need a travel permit to visit anyplace in the prefecture. Lhasa is the only real city, is a major tourist destination, and never stops being fascinating.

How To Reach Lhasa:

Lhasa is the first stop for many travelers entering Tibet, so the get in info is covered on the Tibet page.

Places To See: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street, Norbulingka

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Qamdo

Qamdo Prefecture (Tibetan: Chamdo) is in the far east of Tibet.

Place To See: Neydo Tashi Choeling

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Nagqu

Nagqu prefecture also spelled Nakchu is in northern Tibet. Most travelers just pass threw on the bus from Golmud to Lhasa.

Place To See: Namtso Lake

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Ngari

Ngari prefecture is in the far west of Tibet, it's an extremely remote area with nearly no infrastructure of any type. Nicknamed the "Top of the Roof of the World".

Places To See: Mount Kailash

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Nyingchi

Nyingchi is a prefecture in southwestern Tibet.

How To Reach -

Bayi, the capital of Nyingtri province, can be accessed via public and private transporation from Lhasa's Public Bus station. Large buses will make the trip in nine hours for around RMB 80, whereas private cars will do the trip in six hours for around RMB 150. Both buses and cars do not run on a set schedule, but rather leave when full. Technically, a Alien Travel Permit is required to visit the region, but there are no checkpoints on Highway 319 to Bayi or in Bayi itself.

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Shannan

Shannan prefecture is in Tibet.

Places To See: Samye Monastery, Tombs of Tibetan Kings

Xigatse

Xigatse prefecture is in Central Tibet. It has numerous places of interest for tourists, and has good public transportation by Tibetan standards.

Places To See: Nyalam Pelgyeling Monastery

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