Tibet Diary 1998

"Tibet is one of the most remarkable places to visit in Asia: it is also a country under occupation. It offers fabulous monastery sights, taxing high altitude treks, stunning views of the world's highest mountains and fabled pilgrimage routes. But you are never far from the reality of politics. For people who travel with their eyes open, a visit to Tibet will be a memorable, fascinating, but sometimes disturbing experience." - Tibet - Lonely Planet guide book.

In 1998, Everest Trekking Canada, organized a tour of Central Tibet for a group of ten adventurous travellers. The journey took place in August, to coincide with the Shoton Festival in Lhasa. We flew from Vancouver to Beijing, and did some sightseeing in Beijing and Chengdu on our way to Tibet. In Tibet (map) we visited the Yumbu Lagang near Tsetang, Samye Monastery between Tsetang and Lhasa, the Jokhang Temple, the Potala Palace, the Norbulingka Park, and Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, and the Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse.

Come along with us on our trip to this mythical land, or, if you just want to see the pictures, go to the slide show.

Arrival in Beijing

Most photographs ©RIM.

References