22 Hidden away in its vast Himalayan mountainscapes and valleys, Tibet is one of the newest additions to the Enchanting Travels collection. Brimming with sacred treasures, this raw land is ideal if you are seeking to understand community and compassion at its purest. We are proud to now provide you with a ticket to the Tibetan Heartland. Tibet is probably most known for its global Free Tibet movement, since the exile of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in 1959. Surrounded by the heady Himalayan mountains, Tibet manages to retain a strong Tibetan culture, albeit with a heavy Chinese influence. TREASURES OF TIBET “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” - His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama TOWARDS COMPASSION Tibetan culture and Tibetan Buddhism go hand in hand, and many colorful prayer flags adorn the country. Lhasa, known as the Place of Gods, is considered the world center of Tibetan Buddhism. Its Barkhor Bazaar provides fascinating narrow streets to wander around for a traditional flavor. When you walk through the streets of Lhasa, walk clockwise. This is a unique custom for Tibetan communities, in which the footpaths are kora - in that you walk around sacred places, such as the Jokhang Temple, in the right direction. This belief holds that you are seeking wisdom and compassion and can purify your energy as you move towards enlightenment. TOP TIBETAN MONASTERIES Drepung Monastery, the largest monastery in Tibet, allows you to observe monks in prayer, before you visit a traditional Tibetan home to share a lovingly-made meal of traditional dumplings with your host. DrakYerpaMonastery,towitnessthesurroundingmountains covered in prayer flags that appear to dance in the breeze. Sakya Monastery, to delve into the 9th century and be dazzled with its ancient teachings. Tashihunpo Monastery, which holds the seat of the Panchen Lama, the spiritual leader who is second in importance to the Dalai Lama. Samye Monastery, the most influential and first official Buddhist monastery in Tibet, believed to date back to 779 AD, and built as the universe was described in ancient Buddhist scriptures. Discover New Worlds NEW to the Enchanting Travels collection