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Exploring ethnic Tibet independently is a challenge. With the 'land of snows' having some of the wildest and roughest road routes in high Asia, motoring, mountain-biking and trekking options are all given due attention in this new edition. High quality, numerous maps set this guide apart from other guides on Tibet and the trekking section has been expanded to include more on the main treks, including Everest Base Camp, Genden to Samye, Namtso trek and Kailiash region treks.
Particular attention has been paid to the Amdo and Kham regions, not usually covered in guidebooks. Political and cultural issues make Tibet a sensitive destination for Westerners, so Michael Buckley's authoritative advice includes guidelines on cultural etiquette, local customs, and travelling with minimum impact on the culture and environment. The chapter on language includes a section covering Tibetan script.
Introduction
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography, Climate, Natural history, History and politics, Economy and resources, People, Language, Tibetan Buddhism, Mythology and the arts, Saving Tibetan culture
Chapter 2 Practical Information
When to visit, Highlights, Touring strategy, Trip design/itineraries, Tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and away, What to take, Money and pricing, Budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Shopping, Entertainment, Photography, Media and communications, Cultural etiquette, Dealing with officialdom, Travelling positively
Chapter 3 Health and Safety
Before you go, Common health and safety problems in Tibet, Chinese medical facilities, Medevac crews, Risky situations and evacuation, Safety and security, Women travellers, Travelling with a disability, Travelling with children, LGBT travellers
PART TWO THE GUIDE
Chapter 4 Lhasa
Secrets of the city, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tour agencies, Permits and paperwork, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Outskirts of Lhasa
Chapter 5 Exploring Central Tibet
North of Lhasa, Yarlung Valley
Chapter 6 Lhasa to Kathmandu
The greatest road route in High Asia, Gyantse, Shigatse, Shigatse to Tingri, Tingri, Tingrioverland to Kathmandu
Chapter 7 Star Treks
High-altitude forays to Everest, Kailash and beyond, Trekking in the Everest region, Shishapangma base camp treks, West Tibet, Ali and the Guge Kingdom, Th e Kailash region
Chapter 8 East Tibet, Kham and Amdo
Access to Chamdo Prefecture, East Tibet, within the TAR, Kham and Amdo: Tibet outside the TAR
Chapter 9 The Tibetan World
Tibet in exile, Tibetan kingdoms and fiefdoms
Appendix 1 Fauna Extraordinary
Appendix 2 Language and Useful Gestures
Appendix 3 Glossary
Appendix 4 Further Information
Index 370
Michael Buckley is an experienced adventure traveller and author. He has explored Central Asia extensively.
"The most thumbed of all my books on Tibet [...] A must-read."
– Michael Palin
"An authoritative guidebook which gives one a genuine feel for the Tibet of today [...] I strongly recommend this guide."
– Tibet Society
