Tibet

Synopsis

Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher

Lonely Planet Tibet is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Hike around sacred Mt Kailash, join pilgrims at the Jokhang, Tibet's holiest sanctum, or view Mt Everest unobstructed from Rongphu Monastery -all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Tibet and begin your journey now!

Inside Lonely Planet's Tibet Travel Guide:

• Colour maps and images throughout
• Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests
• Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots
• Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices
• Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss
• Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - including customs, religion, history, art, architecture, literature, music, dance, landscapes
• Covers Lhasa, Tsang, Kham, Ngari, U, Rawok, Bayi, Tashigang, Gyantse, Shigatse, Lhatse, Tingri, Nyalam, Pomi, Ganzi, Kangding, Lithang, Bathang, Baber, Zhangmu, Gongkar, Kathmandu, Chengdu, and more

The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Tibet, our most comprehensive guide to Tibet, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled.

About Lonely Planet: Since 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel media company with guidebooks to every destination, an award-winning website, mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveller community. Lonely Planet covers must-see spots but also enables curious travellers to get off beaten paths to understand more of the culture of the places in which they find themselves.

Summary

Chapter 1: The History of Tibet

Summary:
This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of Tibet's history, from its early origins to its current status as an autonomous region within China. It discusses key events such as the rise and fall of the Tibetan Empire, the spread of Buddhism, and the influence of foreign powers.

Example:
* The Tibetan Empire (618-842 CE) was one of the most powerful empires in Central Asia, extending from western China to the Indian subcontinent.

Chapter 2: The People of Tibet

Summary:
This chapter explores the diverse ethnic groups and cultures of Tibet. It describes their traditional way of life, including their nomadic pastoralism, agricultural practices, and religious beliefs.

Example:
* The Tibetan people are predominantly Buddhist, and monasteries play a significant role in their communities.

Chapter 3: The Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism

Summary:
This chapter focuses on the role of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual and political leader of Tibet. It discusses the history of the Dalai Lama lineage, the Dalai Lama's religious teachings, and his influence on Tibetan society.

Example:
* The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the 14th in the line and is considered by his followers to be a manifestation of the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

Chapter 4: Tibet and China

Summary:
This chapter examines the complex relationship between Tibet and China. It discusses China's claims of sovereignty over Tibet, Tibet's resistance to Chinese rule, and the ongoing political and cultural tensions between the two.

Example:
* The Chinese government claims that Tibet has been part of China since the Mongol dynasty in the 13th century.

Chapter 5: Tibet and the World

Summary:
This chapter explores Tibet's international relations and its engagement with the global community. It discusses the role of foreign powers in Tibet, the Tibetan government-in-exile, and the international response to the Chinese government's policies in Tibet.

Example:
* The Tibetan government-in-exile, based in India, continues to advocate for Tibetan independence and cultural preservation.

Chapter 6: The Future of Tibet

Summary:
This chapter speculates on the potential future of Tibet. It considers the challenges and opportunities facing Tibet and discusses possible scenarios for its political, cultural, and economic development.

Example:
* Some experts believe that Tibet may become a more autonomous region within China, while others believe that it could potentially achieve greater autonomy or even independence.