India General Information
History
Pilgrims have been traveling over the high passes from India and other parts of Asia to Mount Kailas for probably over 5,000 years. It is claimed to be the apex of the Hindu religious axis. It is also one of the highest Mountains in Tibet at over 22,022 ft and Lake Manasarovar, at 14,950 ft is said to be the highest freshwater lake in the world. Certainly this is a difficult region to reach with the variable and extreme weather conditions. The distance from Lhasa for example is approx 2,000 km.
Topography
The trip to Tibet is in high altitude region. Most of Tibet, including Lhasa, is at an elevation of more than 3658 meter (12000 feet). The road is at elevation above 3600 meter (12000 ft.) above sea level most of the time and goes as high as 5300 meter if you go to base camp of Everest or Kailash in a short period.
Culture
The land on the roof of the world is a fascinating land with rich cultural heritage which can be termed as a living museum. Present day China is combined with past legend and mystique of Tibet. Trip to Tibet is a fantastic and special experience. It is adventurous. It is ancient Tibet and modern China in the process of blending together.
You travel for days on this remote plateau with chance encounters of nomads herding their sheep or yaks. You may see and become part of a devout pilgrimage as shown by pilgrims around Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailas.. You should do some background reading about the holy mountain and Tibet in general before you travel. Lhasa is the cultural center of Tibet
Travel to Tibet
Lhasa is connected by road and air with Kathmandu. You can also fly from Hongkong or Chengdu to Lhasa. From the north you can travel overland from Golmud. There are twice a week – Tuesday and Saturday direct flight between Kathmandu and Lhasa.
Sikkim General Information
Sikkim is a tiny Himalayan state of India situated in the eastern frontier between Tibet (China) to the north, Bhutan to the east and Darjeeling to the south. Sikkim offers the magical feel of a Himalayan fairytale land. It is an amazing place of hidden valleys, mystical monasteries, snow-fed lakes and a mountain setting covered with flowers and forests. This former kingdom is home to three major population groups-the Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese-providing a colorful composite of cultures. Mt. Kanchanjunga, the third highest peak in the world at 8,586m, dominates the landscape and is revered as Sikkim’s guardian deity.
Darjeeling General Information
Darjeeling is a popular hill station in northeast India at an elevation of 2,134m, hemmed in by Sikkim in the north, Nepal in the west and Bhutan in the east. Its verdant hills and valleys are steeped in colour and are interspersed with vast stretches of lush green tea gardens. Presiding over all these is the 8,586m Mt. Kanchanjunga looming over the northern horizon, giving a magical aura to the land that entices thousands to its environs and leaves all the senses intoxicated. Heavily influenced by British India, Darjeeling still retains legacies of its colonial past. The toy train is one of the most striking examples of Darjeeling’s British Raj influence.