Tibet Pilgrimage
How to Evaluate a Tibet Trip

New: 2008 Two Pilgrimages of note: 
September 5, 2008 Tibet Adventure with John V. Bellezza

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Tibet Travel:  What is Included ? 

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Tibet:
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A Note Regarding Travel To Tibet:  Recent Unrest  (April, 2008)

Over the last ten years (since I have been making regular Tibet visits) I have seen that conditions and opportunities in Tibet are constantly in flux.  In the last two years,  China's efforts to develop Tibet as a Tourist destination  have materialized, especially since the arrival of the new train.
          Most tourists are on an itinerary that takes them only to the two large cities, and, then, only to the most well known attractions.  Therefore,  in order to see Tibet and learn about Tibetan culture, it is best to go with a guide who knows the area, knows the country's geography, and knows how to avoid the ordinary tourist routes.  Tibet is still magical.  There are untouched areas and infrequently visited areas that are phenomenal.  The shamans, the cave dwellers, the early Buddhist and Bonpo sites with high lakes and peaks are still there in all their glory.  After June, Tibet will undoubtedly be open for travel and there are solid reasons why this may be the best time to go, including downsizing of  mainstream tourism, and it is an important time to connect with the people.
          In choosing a tour at this time (assuming you find one that is not cancelled) you may want to think about the sensitivities of your leader, whether money will spent in beneficial ways, whether the environment and people will be respected. Yes, it is still very much worth visiting Tibet.  But choose your leader, agent, and plan, carefully.    Lynnela

Tibet is my favorite destination.  I have been a pilgrim on seven organized trips with three Tibet expert guides.  All were Buddhist or spiritual in nature. Two of the pilgrimages were organized by me for my local meditation center so I have a bit of knowledge about the way these trips are organized.  As a Buddhist and a meditator,  I love the Tibetan culture, art and iconography.   I thought it would be fun to share a few of the things I have learned over the last ten years,  but I am in no way a travel agent or travel expert.  Here, I just present my own opinion and observations.  Maybe it will be useful to you. I am not endorsing any particular Trip or Travel agent, although from time to time I may post information about extraordinary opportunities I hear about. I do not endorse the related ads that may appear on this site. (I actually never know what ads may appear at any time.)

Thanks for visiting!  Dr. Lynne Heckert,
Co-founder, Philadelphia Meditation Center.

Important Note and Disclaimer:  This site is informational and for discussion only.  I have no expertise in Travel and am not a travel agent.  I am merely sharing my thoughts after seven Tibet Pilgrimages. I have no opinion about,  nor do I endorse,  the associated links in the left-side columns.  I do not actually know what ads will appear, so I have no opinion, pro or con.
May all your trips be good ones!