\tTibet has long evoked romantic images of mysterious plateaus, holy cities, and breathtaking mountains for Westerners. It is known as Tibetan and Xizang in Mandarin, "the Rooftop of the World." is the nickname of it caused by its high altitude. One of five designated "autonomous regions" in China, Tibet sits an average 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) above sea level.<\/p>\n
\tThe complex reality of today's Tibet however, is often far from romantic, and visitors can be surprised when what they encounter does not meet their preconceptions.<\/p>\n
\tOne of the most recent and significant changes is the Qinghai-Tibet Railroad which opened in 2005. Cutting straight to the capital Lhasa, the railway allows direct land access to what was once one of the most remote cities on earth, and with it ever growing numbers of tourists and settlers. Despite the rapid changes that have accompanied these incursions of modernity and outside cultures, Tibet still very much delivers on the promise of exhilarating spiritual, physical and aesthetic encounters with a fascinating people, and stunningly beautiful terrain.<\/p>\n
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\tOnce in Tibet (be sure get your permits in order before you set out or you'll never get past the border) there is plenty to see and experience. Don't miss Lhasa's Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, the embodiment of Tibet's majestic architectural and cultural heritage. Numerous holy sites are scattered across the country, offering insight into Tibetan Buddhist culture and further south, a trek to Everest Base Camp is sure to inspire even the most worldly of travelers. Finally, the colorful and courageous Tibetan people themselves will both delight and inspire.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\tNote that you will see Chinese military forces throughout Tibet, where "autonomous" currently means "tightly controlled" by a government that is highly concerned with unrest among Tibetans who would prefer a bit more actual autonomy than they've received to date from Beijing. Politics are, clearly, a hot-button issue, so be aware of the fact that anything you might do could quickly make your travel end.<\/p>\n
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