#China Tibet Trips

[theexploretibet]

Discovering Tibet: A Journey through Ancient Culture and Natural Wonders

A China Tibet Tour promises a captivating blend of ancient cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes, making it a dream destination for travelers seeking both spiritual enrichment and outdoor adventure. Located on the Tibetan Plateau, often referred to as the "Roof of the World," Tibet offers a wealth of experiences that capture the imagination and leave a lasting impression.

Highlights of a Tibet Tour

Lhasa - The Heart of Tibetan Buddhism: Start your journey in Lhasa, the capital city and spiritual heart of Tibet. Explore the iconic Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama, and the sacred Jokhang Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site revered by pilgrims for centuries.

Ganden Monastery: Located outside Lhasa, Ganden Monastery is one of the three great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. It offers stunning views of the surrounding Kyi-chu Valley and provides insight into Tibetan religious life.

Mount Everest Base Camp: A highlight for many travelers is visiting the North Face Base Camp of Mount Everest, located at an elevation of over 5,000 meters. Experience awe-inspiring views of the world's highest peak and witness the majesty of the Himalayas up close.

Lake Namtso: Known as one of the most beautiful lakes in Tibet, Namtso offers pristine waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is a sacred pilgrimage site and a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.

Logistics and Permits

Traveling to China Tibet Tours requires careful planning, including obtaining the necessary permits. Foreign travelers must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit (Tibet Entry Permit) and, in some cases, an Alien's Travel Permit for specific regions outside Lhasa. These permits are typically arranged through registered travel agencies, which also organize tours that comply with local regulations.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Tibet is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is generally mild and stable, offering clear skies and pleasant temperatures for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Cultural Immersion and Respect

Tibetan culture is deeply intertwined with Buddhism, and travelers are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions. This includes dressing modestly when visiting monasteries, refraining from photographing religious ceremonies without permission and participating respectfully in cultural practices.

Conclusion

A China Tibet Tour offers a profound journey through ancient history, spiritual enlightenment, and natural beauty. Whether exploring historic landmarks in Lhasa, trekking to Everest Base Camp, or meditating by the tranquil shores of Lake Namtso, Tibet captivates with its rich cultural tapestry and awe-inspiring landscapes. By planning and embracing the unique experiences that Tibet offers, travelers can embark on an unforgettable adventure that transcends both time and place.

[mybeingthere]

Isabella Ducrot, born 1931 in Naples,

lives and works in Rome.

She began her career as a painter at the age of 60, and for almost three decades she worked more or less in silence - much of that time here, in the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj. From her studio you can look directly into the baroque garden in the palace's inner courtyard, a hidden oasis in the middle of Rome where time seems to have stood still.

“Sometimes I enjoy the freedom that comes from not having studied art, the freedom to be ignorant.”

She has traveled to Afghanistan, China, India and Tibet with her husband, and since the 1960s often with the painter Cy Twombly, whose wife Tatiana Ducrot was a close friend. On these trips she collected fabrics over decades - magnificent, sacred, folk. And she has written philosophical, poetic and art-historical texts about them. So it was only natural that fabric would be the subject of her painting, which is now being discovered by the international art world.

When asked whether she was influenced by Buddhism, minimal or conceptual art, she answers in the negative: "I didn't follow anyone. I had no masters, I didn't study at the academy. I'm a self-made woman." She says that Tatiana Twombly, herself an artist and a legendary interior designer, encouraged her and bought her first works, and that Achille Bonito Oliva, one of the most important Italian curators, commissioned her to create a mosaic in the Naples subway in 2005, where Ducrot grew up as the daughter of a noble family. You can sense that she has lived a privileged life surrounded by art and artists. But her pictures of bulbous teapots, her landscapes inspired by miniature paintings, speak of a mystical simplicity, a spiritual experience that is conveyed in the decorative elements as well as in the nature of the material.

"Textiles have to do with something invisible, like breath," says Ducrot, "you don't see it, but you feel it - in the void between the threads." The grid of warp and weft, of crossing threads, which is exposed like a skeleton in the Tibetan shawls, forms an archetypal matrix for Ducrot. In her book "The Checkered Cloth" she describes the fabrics as "textile prayers", "an indestructible connection between spirit and matter" into which thoughts and words are woven. In Isabella Ducrot's work, fabric is a semiotic, poetic, social network of history, stories and myths.

[sunder-the-gold]

Listen, please understand that people like me are doing our best to see things from your perspective. You are a cis white male living in a deep-red flyover state. I get that you don't exactly have a lot of motivation to support BIPOC or 2SLGBTQ+ people. But you also need to see that we aren't asking you to support us, but at least you could stop helping people who want us dead?

I think the part that confuses me the most is that this shouldn't even be a hard choice. If you want to broadcast what a hardcore rad-trad right-wing ultra conservative you are… Then OKAY I guess?? You do you. But how exactly does reblogging R-slur filled posts from Bronys like r4cs0 and takashi0 help you do that? I would think that reblogging from people who jerk off to clop porn would be the opposite of what a conservative would do!

So all we are asking is that you unfollow and block a group of people who sexually objectify characters from a children's cartoon show. And then you can go back to bragging about how hard you are going to vote for Trump in November. This seems like a win-win to me.

Hey, @r4cs0, @takashi0, you've got cowardly anonymous character-assassins making the rounds.

I haven't even seen or registered r4cs0's name in forever, and I'm fairly sure I haven't reblogged anyone saying the word "retarded".

But God save us from mean words, because the Far Left sure don't restrain themselves from wishing death and rape on anyone who opposes them.

Really hilarious how Anon wrings their hands about other people disapproving of their life-style while turning around and trying to shame you for what they claim is yours.

(It sure wasn't Bronys who made a mockery of the Last Supper at the Paris Olympics. Exchanging Jesus Christ's message of self-sacrifice and forgiveness for Dionysius' debauchery and hedonism.)

Yet I'm supposed to be the conservatively religious bigot, according to Anon! As though what I'm trying to conserve isn't the American tradition of freedom, as laid out in the Bill of Rights of the Constitution.

The same document that Frederick Douglas was also told (by Marxists) was written by rich white slavers to keep the black man down, until Fred actually read the document and spent the rest of his life championing it as the best model by which all men could enjoy legal equality, liberty, and peace.

Anon also doesn't want me to treat non-'white' people poorly, but they want to make absolutely sure that I know that they see me as 'white' and that I should see myself as 'white', too. Who's the racist?

Which 'white'? I've got no Anglo-Saxon or Germanic heritage in my Irish/Italian mix. And that's setting aside how much the Irish-Americans and Italian-Americans hated each other before I came to be, as a fourth-generation unhyphenated American of the USA.

Anon, I only give a shit about my skin color because I biologically cannot gain a tan for any protection from the sun... and because your political cult think I ought to be shamed and punished for the accident of my birth.

I think Europeans demonstrated great capability by conquering the majority of the planet, and if God's not real and there's no truth but Power, then "might-makes-right" is as legitimate a morality as any other.

But God is real so thankfully He used the imperialism of mere mortals to spread His message of mercy and love so far and deep into the anglosphere that appealing to such virtues seems to Anon like a good way to convince people to do what Anon wants.

Those arguments certainly proved good enough in the anglosphere to bring an end to the Western slave trade, while the Islamic slave trade continues to this day in open-air markets in Libya.

Anon should try appealing to those virtues in Islamic nations and see how far it gets them. Maybe as far as the roof and then the short trip back down to ground-level.

How about in China? Try asking the people of Tibet or the Uyghur Muslims about Communist mercy. Ask the people of India and Pakistan how China respects their dependence on the water of the rivers flowing into their borders from China.

[jingyuanyuan]

mysterious things that happened to me in taiwan

went to a somewhat famous 豆花 store two days in a row, first day they were super busy so i did not talk at all to the employees when ordering, second day was a weekday so i did talk to the employees and they were noticeably more hostile after hearing my (northeastern and thus def mainland) accent

i told fellow lab members this story and one of them said that 台湾热就是自卑+崇洋媚外 (taiwanese lack self confidence and are obsessed with foreigners/foreign culture)

getting in the taxi and telling them where i want to go: 50% chance neutral silence, 30% vaguely hostile silence, 20% chance to have a long discussion about where i'm from/my backstory that will inevitably include the taxi driver telling me about their support for reunification (maybe they finally found a young person who seems like a safe person to discuss this with), reasons varying from cultural recognition of common roots (one telling me its ridiculous when young people think of themselves as having no connections to mainland, vast majority of them are han chinese and the earliest they came to taiwan was late ming dynasty) to practical (us doesn't actually give a fuck about taiwan, taiwan alone is a small nation without much of a future but reunification would be joining the huge nation of china)

was commenting to a lab friend that the high speed rail is super convenient, can basically make any trip (at least on the western coast) a day trip without having to stay overnight, wish they had this in the us. she said the us is probably too big, i pointed out mainland is also huge and yet the government is even constructing the sichuan-tibet hsr line right now which is a huge money sink, and in fact a lot of infrastructure construction in tibet is a huge money sink that is rarely used right now (whereas there would definitely already be a huge existing market for hsr in the us), she replied "perhaps this is something that only communist countries can accomplish"

[littlespaceinsurrection]

governments listed by whether i would or wouldn't sell out to them if offered enough money: - US: nope, sorry man. I don't like my chances of job security if we get a republican government, and even with that inflated military budget i don't think you could give me enough to stomach apologia for the shit you pull - russia: i mean sure in the abstract but something tells me you're not really going to be interested, rampant homophobia and far-right government and all - china: fuck yeah give me like 1 million yuan and a condo in chongqing and we're golden. i'll say whatever the fuck you want. ill pretend you're democratic and socialist! i'll say the dalai lama personally enslaved half of tibet and that the uyghurs are all happy as can be - japan: eughhhhh... okay, for enough money, sure. but you better cover a lot of fucking trips to nice hotels and expensive restaurants - india: nope. sorry, too fucking fascist, i can't do it. maybe when the BJP collapses - israel: hahahahahaha no - UK: i don't even know what this would even entail. i couldn't pretend you're not transphobic because that'd piss off tories. - France: yeah sure. i can cover up some neocolonialism for you (?) - turkey: fuck you - iran: YES this is what i was MADE FOR. iran PLEASE call me i would be such a good fucking stooge. i can yassify your image and really play up all the pro-trans angle. you don't know how much some forcefem memes could clean up your image. IRGC please please call me i have really low rates and ive always wanted a nice seaview condo in Gilan plz plz - north korea: ????? sure????

[mahayanapilgrim]

In 1987, Orgyen Chowang Rinpoche, who studied under His Holiness Jigme Phuntsok for 9 years and was bestowed a Khenpo degree directly from him, travelled with His Holiness and 10,000 Tibetans to WuTaiShan (Manjushri Mountain) in eastern China on a three-month pilgrimage with where he visited Buddhist sacred locations and received very precious teachings and transmissions on Longchenpa's Seven Treasures as well as on Khenchen Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche's own Manjushri Dzogchen treasure teachings. This trip had a very special impact on Orgyen Chowang's life because it was the first time his eyes were opened to the possibility of traveling outside his childhood home in eastern Tibet. The special circumstances of this experience inspired him to develop strong inspiration to eventually leave his homeland in order to teach and share the teachings of Guru Rinpoche with people from all cultures, ethnicities, and parts of the world. It was during this time that it became clear that his life's mission would be to share these transformative teachings with people all over the world. Orgyen Chowang thereafter studied English and now primarily resides in California. He has written a few books in English - most recently "From Foundation to Summit" (a commentary on Thinley Norbu Rinpoche's teaching on Ngondro) - and travels the world spreading the essence of these teachings and guiding students with sincere interest.

[ko-existing]

hey ko how are you i need to ask can i practice the culture of tibet or at least wear the clothes i am starting to fall in love with it but i do not want to disrespect nor appropriate it

in what way do you want to practise it? (genuinely asking) , maybe it's my horrible understanding of the english language but what is meant by practicing a culture?

2. there's nothing wrong with wearing our traditional clothes, finding good quality ones that last a while & wearing it correctly is a different thing. I would've said getting authentic pieces is more recommended because you're also supporting them and authentic items are always better but since I started living in europe, i realized how difficult it is to find any clothes online. If you don't have relatives or friends in Tibet or generally in China who can take a trip and buy it directly, it's even more difficult.

3. There are a few good stores on taobao that sell traditional and modern/casual versions of the chuba/chupa dress, skirts, jackets & coats

4. Tiny heads up, there are a few different versions, but one thing is (usually) the same— married women wear a striped apron over their chupas. If you're not married, you might want to choose a non-striped version😄

5. Jewelry and incense are an easy find abroad (online), there's so much.

6. based on my numerous headaches related to chubas, It's impossible to wear a thick chuba coat in europe💔, it's never cold enough and it keeps you so warm it's like you're baking which is perfect in the mountains, catastrophic in germany.. i usually stick to jewelry like dzi necklaces or a turquoise earring

i included pictures of a turquoise earring, married striped apron, heavy coats, casual & "formal" wear (formal outside of Tibet)

[bobbinacrossafricatake2]

En Route

May 14-15, 2024

We thought this day would never arrive…..wheels up! Hurrah, we’re on our way!

It’s not clear who was more relieved to be done with all of the trip prep, Jillebob or Sebbie. The worst of it, of course, was making sure our respective jobs were fully covered while we are gone. For Seb, that meant finding coverage for her clients, whether in the middle of a real estate transaction or not. Because in real estate, things happen all the time so being ready at the drop of a hat is the name of the game. Updating and collecting records, passing relevant information to the colleagues backing her up, making introductions, ugh - it’s a lot! For Jill, it meant spending a year working extra time to offset a full month of flexible time off (the new policy of non-accruing leave her company imposed, just as we finalized plans for the trip) and making sure her various tasks were at a point where she did not feel too bad walking away and leaving them in the very capable hands of her terrific colleagues.

But that’s just the beginning. Yikes, the packing! Our most restrictive weight limit is 33 lbs, luggage and carry-on together. We managed to coordinate some electronic stuff, to eliminate redundancy of things we could share. But even so, the priority items are heavy so 33 lbs adds up quickly: cameras, binoculars, iPad and keyboard, sunscreen, bug spray, etc. And even though we plan to use the soap and shampoo provided, there are still personal toiletries that are a must. And all that’s before clothing. Sarah was talking about this packing dilemma to (her neighbor) Lauren’s friend, Ken, to which he replied, “oh, so it’s a clothing optional trip, huh?” Indeed, if not truly clothing optional, it was extra shirts, packing cubes, a few extra socks and such that went into the reject pile. Pack-weigh-remove a few items and repeat… and repeat… and repeat. And a lot of commiserating and consulting with each other. You get the idea. In the end, we’re each pretty close to 33 lbs. No major shopping on this trip! Well, until the very end.

After a few days of Sarah spending time with her housemate for the summer, Elizabeth, to get her situated and Fergie passed to Kim’s loving care for a month, Sarah jumped into an Uber with duffel and carry-on, and headed toward Jill’s place. Jill was waiting at the door and onward we went to Dulles. Richard, our Uber driver, was delightfully chatty. We were giddy with anticipation and it made the journey fast. Jill found it quite therapeutic to wave at her office building as the Uber drove by. We were super early, plenty of time for a glass of wine and catch up on our last preparations and excitement over the trip. We found ourselves pondering what if we never took that first trip to Ireland when we barely knew each other. Would either of had made the trips we’ve done — India, China/Tibet, South Africa/Botswana/Rwanda/Kenya, Churchill, and Galapagos/Costa Rica? We could agree… maybe we would have, but we would have missed out the best travel buddy thing going, and it wouldn’t have been as fun.

Man, it’s a long way to Johannesburg, South Africa! Seven hours across the pond to Amsterdam and another ten going south. When one factors in transportation on either side, it’s over 24 hours door-to-door. We each slept very little on the first flight and more on the second, seemingly more comfortable flight. The layover in Amsterdam was easy - such a nice airport and good opportunity to get at least a little walking in! As our pilot walked up to the gate to board our flight to Johannesburg, a flight attendant asked everyone to give him a hand for his last flight before retirement! We were clearly in good, experienced hands! Movies to entertain, a few magazines, pretty good food, and we made it to the other side.

[asnowfern]

Hi hi hi! I was reading the fic till forever falls apart and the folk story of chang'e piqued my interest. Since we are all here to connect can you please please please share about the Chinese folk stories and traditions and the weddings- it's interesting to learn about different cultures?

Hihihi! It means so much to me that my fic piqued your interests in the original legend and more!

I’m gonna leave the rest of my response under the cut because it’s pretty long👀

Although I need to first preface that while I’m ethnically Chinese, I am Singaporean (which I think might be the only country with a Chinese majority despite not being geographically located near China). So while we maintain quite a few Chinese customs and traditions, I think the traditions might differ, the way they do even in different regions of China and Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.

There are so many amazing China folklores! There are legends of historical figures such as the first Chinese emperor (Qin Shi Huang), the first and only female emperor (Wu Zetian) - @xiranjayzhao has written an amazing novel, The Iron Widow , a futuristic sci-fi retelling Wu Zetian. There are also the 4 great China beauties (Xi Shi, Wang Zhaojun, Diaochan, and Yang Guifei) who brought China to its knees.

But my personal favourites are wuxia and xianxia legends. Wuxia are based on Chinese martial artistes (think Crouching Dragon, Hidden Tiger or even Shang Chi for similar vibes) while Xianxia, my absolute love, is Chinese fantasy legends which mix Chinese gods and demons/spirits with everyday people. It tells stories of epic journeys and epic (and equally tragic) love. Some of the most well-known and my all-time favourites include:

Chang e/The Moon Goddess, of course, as the tale of the Chang E, wife of Houyi (who is the famous archer who shot down 9 suns) and eventually ate the pill of immortality, giving her one way trip to the Moon.

The Monkey King (Sun Wu Kong)/Journey to the West which tells the pilgrimage of the monk’s journey to Tibet to obtain the Buddhist sutras, he’s accompanied by his three disciples.

Legend of the White Snake (I actually have a Nessian fic inspired by it here if you’re interested) which is a forbidden love story between the White Snake spirit and a human scholar

There are too many traditions to go into but I thought your ask on weddings is an interesting one! On the wedding day itself, the groom will pick his bride up at an auspicious hour, announcing his arrival in the noisiest and most obnoxious manner (for ambience✨). When he reaches, he needs to go through what is called a “gatecrashing” where him and his groomsmen are to be put through a series of challenges set by the bridesmaids to prove his sincerity in picking up his wife. Only after he completes them, is he allowed to see his bride. Then from there they travel back to the groom’s house for a tea ceremony to the groom’s elders to seek their blessing, before heading back one last time to the bride’s home for another tea ceremony with the bride’s elders.

This was ridiculously long and I have barely scrapped the surface but I hope it was interesting! Thank you so much for such a lovely ask, anon!💕💕💕

[lingshanhermit]

Lingshan Hermit: This Isn't Cultivation

Over the past two decades, the world has undergone tremendous changes. During these years, I often see all kinds of people who have their own jobs and families, spending everyday posting photos of their kids, meals, and vacations on social media, yet at the same time claiming themselves to be spiritual cultivators. They are my idols. I deeply admire how they can work, go on vacation, raise children, and cultivate spirituality all at once, without missing out on anything - something even great sages like Longqinba and Huineng could not achieve. I also often see people who, after a trip to Tibet, taking some photos, meeting a few teachers, return and declare themselves spiritual cultivators, embarking on their endless Buddhist-style journey of self-satisfaction.

Many believe this to be a cultivation phenomenon unique to our era, but I'm quite skeptical about it. The cultivation I know has never been like this. The cultivators I know have never been like this either. Those who have truly cultivated know that it is an extremely arduous and risky endeavor - even if you devote your entire being, success is not guaranteed, let alone half-hearted efforts. If you believe you can live a happy secular life while achieving spiritual accomplishments, it shows you have no idea what real cultivation is. The traditional cultivators of the past were very prudent when they started their spiritual paths, received empowerments, and established teacher-student relationships. The teachers of the past were very meticulous in choosing disciples. They did not accept just anyone - they assessed the character of disciples and demanded a lot from them. If they saw some teachers today with tens of thousands of disciples, they would be astonished. Nowadays, people can impulsively decide to become Buddhists during a car trip to a temple. They don't need to understand Buddhist rules, assess their own capabilities, go through trials, or contemplate Buddhist teachings seriously. To them, becoming a Buddhist is no different than becoming a gym member. This rampant and indiscriminate taking of disciples has lowered the bar for true cultivators, letting many poseurs believe they are genuinely cultivating.

Why has this happened? There are many reasons, and I believe greed has played a significant role. For some, if anyone wishes to become a disciple, they accept readily (often justified as an act of Bodhicitta). And many who wish to become disciples want to obtain something to show off when they return. So they easily come to an agreement, with both sides getting what they want and feeling satisfied. The only one that suffers is Buddhism. The plethora of terrible "cultivators" we see today is the consequence of this rampant and indiscriminate initiation.

Some people think establishing karmic connections is also important, but I see this kind of indiscriminate initiation more like irresponsible flirting everywhere without commitment. Besides, you already have ample karmic connections - being born in a place like China, you can see Guanyin Bodhisattva on TV anytime. So you certainly don't lack connections. With the current glut of Buddhists, you see all kinds of people everywhere claiming to practice tantra yet without even basic human decency. You need to understand that becoming a Buddhist practitioner is not as simple as brewing a cup of hand-drip coffee for yourself. This is an extremely serious decision that will affect your future lifetimes, whether you can still be reborn as a human in the next life, and the well-being of your children. You must assess your capabilities before making the decision. Nowadays many are trying to convince the masses that anyone can become a practitioner, so few would think receiving empowerment is a more dreadful thing than going hiking in the suburbs. This is truly a tragedy. Buddhism does not need sheer numbers, it needs genuine practitioners. It doesn't need a bunch of posers filling the ranks. If a teacher has tens of thousands of disciples, I wonder how he can teach them properly. One consequence of not being able to teach them well is they will go and find their own ways, reading books and speculating randomly, thus developing all kinds of peculiar understandings.

Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche once said among his thousands of students at Buddhist academies in India, it would be very good if just one could become someone who truly benefits sentient beings. So if anyone tells you that becoming a practitioner is easy and anyone can do it, don't trust them.

Written by Lingshan Hermit on August 24, 2023.

灵山居士：这不是修行

[theexploretibet]

Know About The Mysteries of China Tibet Trips

Tibet, sometimes known as the "Land of Snows," is a mysterious place that appeals to both adventurous and spiritual seekers. By using the China Tibet Tour as your guide, you may set off on an adventure to discover the secrets of this fascinating country. Tibet provides an array of experiences just waiting to be experienced, from its historic monasteries to its stunning scenery. 

Immersion in Culture

Tibet's rich and varied culture has been molded by millennia of custom, faith, and nomadic ancestry. Travelers may fully immerse themselves in this dynamic culture by visiting traditional villages, interacting with local craftspeople, and taking part in genuine cultural events with the China Tibet Tour. Every experience offers a window into the distinctive practices and ceremonies of Tibetan culture, from mastering the craft of Tibetan thangka painting to taking in the animated discussions at Sera Monastery.

Enlightenment on Spiritual Matters

Since Tibet is the home of Tibetan Buddhism, spirituality is ingrained in many facets of Tibetan culture. When taking China Tibet Trips, visitors may see the pious pilgrims honoring holy locations, discover historic monasteries, and contemplate tranquil mountain surroundings. Tibet provides a profound spiritual experience that nurtures the soul, whether it's taking in the serenity of a Tibetan Buddhist meditation retreat or listening to monks chant at dawn.

Magnificent Journeys

Tibet provides an incredible playground for the daring tourist. Tibet is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with its untamed lakes, wide grasslands, and rough mountainous terrain. Adventure sports like hiking, mountaineering, and white-water rafting are available via the China Tibet Tour, enabling visitors to discover the furthest reaches of this vast and untamed landscape. Every activity in Tibet, from rafting down the furious rapids of the Yarlung Tsangpo River to climbing to the base camp of Mount Everest, is certain to leave you feeling inspired and energized.

Preservation of the Environment

Tibet has a distinctive and delicate ecology that has to be preserved for the coming generations. China Tibet Tours is dedicated to supporting eco-friendly tourist methods that reduce their negative effects on the environment. When visiting Tibet, visitors are urged to use caution, protect the habitats of wildlife, and contribute to local conservation initiatives.

[maxholidays]

Tips for a Successful Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

Kailash Mansarovar is a highly revered destination for Hindu pilgrims. It is also essential for other religions, such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. Situated amid the imposing Himalayas in Tibet Autonomous Region of China, Mount Kailash is believed to be the residence of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is considered one of the holiest places globally, where followers of diverse religions come to seek blessings annually. Furthermore, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is regarded as a strenuous pilgrimage due to the challenging terrain and weather conditions.

If you want to make your trip a success, then these are some tips for Kailash that you should remember before planning a trip to Kailash Mansarovar.

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

China warned that it will retaliate against the U.S. over violations of its sovereignty, potentially escalating a lingering dispute just as both nations’ foreign ministers plan to attend a security conference in Germany.

At a briefing Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin repeated Beijing’s view that the Chinese balloon downed by a U.S. jet off the South Carolina coast this month had inadvertently floated over the country after being blown off course. He criticized the Biden administration’s decision to take it out and said the move would have consequences.

“China is strongly opposed to this and will take countermeasures against relevant U.S. entities that have undermined our sovereignty and security to firmly safeguard our sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests,” Wang told reporters at the daily briefing.

Some of the 10 U.S. balloons that Beijing says traveled over China since May last year passed over Xinjiang and Tibet, Wang added. Those are two regions in China’s far west where the government is accused by the U.S. and other nations of human rights violations against minorities, charges Beijing denies.

The latest statement came just as both nations appeared to be trying to move on from the dispute. The U.S. said Tuesday that three other objects downed by American jets over the past week served commercial purposes and weren’t used for spying.

It remains to be seen if the latest back-and-forth will prevent a meeting between Secretary of State Antony Blinken with Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference this week. Blinken had canceled a planned trip to Beijing this month when the initial balloon controversy erupted.

The U.S. claims the Chinese balloon was part of a global surveillance program and it added six Chinese companies it said are linked to Beijing’s espionage program to a blacklist last week. China has insisted that the balloon was a weather-monitoring device.

[aventurasdeunatortuga]

Lijiang Part 2

Alright I think with this post I am pretty much caught up.

After coming back from Tiger Leaping Gorge on Friday I made my way back to Lijiang where I’ve been for the last 3 days. Friday evening was nice and quiet. I stayed in my hotel. Every night all the staff in the hotel have homemade dinner together and invite any guests that want to join them which is really cool, and it happened to me one of the staff’s birthday. I had just finished eating dinner and they went “好的！ 蛋糕！” ok, cake! And at the door was a cake delivery of two giant cakes. I was so surprised, but given that I can’t understand the majority of what people’s conversations are I guess it shouldn’t be that surprising. We celebrated the staff member’s birthday which was super cute.

On Saturday I had a rest day. In the afternoon I went over to Black Dragon Pool Park, one of the bigger city parks here. I walked around for a while and got noodles and bubble tea from a food stand and sat by the pond while catching up on writing and listening to a busker play. It was very nice.

On Sunday I ventured out of town to the nearby mountain, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Weirdly I was able to take the regular city bus there even though it was like 30 km outside of town. It was very seamless once I found the right bus.

As generally tends to happen on the tail end of long trips I’ve been pretty tired the last few days so I wasn’t really up to pushing myself to leave really early in the morning to go visit the mountain or spend the whole day doing things. But as a result when I got there it was very crowded and due to how big the crowds were I couldn’t see much before closing time, which, honestly I’m fine with.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain’s peak has significant elevation, I’m not sure what the elevation actually was or what it was at the base of the mountain but people were extremely prepared for it. I’d never seen this before, but everyone had small individual canned oxygen tanks they just took some breaths from every now and again to avoid altitude sickness. It was pretty cool and helped a lot with the altitude. Definitely could’ve used that for the 13,000+ ft elevation in Peru.

I had arrived too late in the day to visit the peak of the mountain, but I had some lunch at the base and saw a cultural performance which was pretty cool. They had over 100 performers from a variety of different ethnic groups in Yunnan and Tibet and they performed traditional dances. The stage was really cool set up against the mountains and the performance even had horses at one point.

I don’t know if this is a cultural thing or just this particular crowd of tourists thing or a me being cranky and sick of people thing but I got pretty annoyed at the people in the audience. People were just shoving and pushing left and right with very little regard for or awareness of personal space, talking loudly on the phone all throughout, and just getting up in the middle and walking around in front of the stage. So between all that it was kind of hard to see everything but it was still pretty cool. I’ve noticed a lot of shoving and pushing and lack of personal space especially while waiting in lines here and I feel like its just normal here and I just need to get used to it.

Anyway after that I got on a bus to go visit a really cool lake at the base of the mountain called Blue Moon Bay. The water was so turquoise and clear it was very otherworldly. There were also these natural pools that reminded me a lot of the travertines in Pamukkale, Turkey. There were literally dozens of people taking their wedding photos and there were a lot of other people so it was pretty crowded but it was still cool to see.

The sun was really really bright up by the mountain due to the elevation. Here in China people are very very conscientious about sun protection, but instead of using sunscreen they use UV protectant clothing. Usually this involves a long jacket that zips up to cover your nose and mouth, arm coverings, gloves, a large brimmed hat, sunglasses and an umbrella. Some people even have full face masks (forehead to chin) with eye holes. This is rooted in colorism unfortunately as having paper white skin is seen as highly regarded here, people go to great lengths to avoid any amount of sun exposure and use skin whitening creams in addition to this.

Since I’d gotten sunburned at least 3 times already this trip I finally caved and got a UV jacket to go to the mountain and it actually worked really well. The only part of me that got burned was my nose and chin because I didn’t zip it up all the way. When I went to buy it it was a weird interaction at the shop. It was supposed to be about 80 yuan, the old man at the shop I guess recognized me or something? I’d been in the shop a couple of times already and talked a little bit to him before. He only charged me 50 yuan for the jacket and a bottle of water, but then after I paid him digitally he got all worked up and started waving his hands all over the place. Then he took 40 yuan from the register and put it in my hand and shooed me away, so he essentially gave me the jacket for free. I was so confused and hope I didn’t misunderstand what was happening but I think he was just being really nice.

So anyway, shout out to that old man for helping me avoid getting burned yet again.

Anyway, sorry for the tangent, the sun was super super bright and intense at the mountain so it was a weird combination of being cold and hot at the same time. I started making my way back to town which involved a truly enormous claustrophobic line to get on the bus back down the mountain and then another to get back to town.

Back in town I wandered around the ancient town one more time and bought some dried tea to take home. It was a huge production involving everyone in the shop and a little kid running to get his mom who spoke English. The lady in the shop ended up giving me a rose cake for free which was nice. Yunnan specializes in a lot of foods one of which is flower cakes, little warm cakes with a flower infused filling.

I walked around the snack market which had a lot of interesting local foods. I tried a “milk fan” which is essentially fried milk on a stick. They take the milk and separate it out through a very complex process until it is semi-solid and then fry it. It was very interesting, it tasted like yoghurt or cheese but was chewy and crunchy.

Back at my hotel the owner had made homemade mushroom soup for dinner, which Yunnan also specializes in. It was very yummy. I was also very surprised because there was a French person staying at my hotel and the owner of the hotel asked me to go translate what he wanted to say to the French person and I was able to translate a whole interaction. My Chinese is so so so basic I was very surprised I was able to sort of do that.

At dinner we were able to actually hold somewhat of a conversation this time which was nice. I really do want to get to know and talk to people here but the language barrier has been so intense its been hard to have anything more than very basic communications.

One thing that I am starting to admire about China is how fiercely independent and for lack of a better word, self-sufficient, it is. I feel like a lot of the rest of the world has been impacted a lot by globalization and homogenization. You can go almost anywhere in the world and hear the same popular music playing, see the same exact brands of shops, and see the same 5 chain restaurants and use the same apps and speak English and be understood. But that is absolutely not the case in China. There are a few global brands like KFC and Starbucks that have managed to establish themselves here but it is rare. Other than that, China does absolutely everything on its own terms and you really can’t get around just relying on English. China does just about everything without relying on outside influences and in many cases are way ahead of the curve compared to the rest of the world. China forces you to make a genuine effort to engage in their culture rather than adapting itself to suit foreigners, which I think is kind of cool and I haven’t seen that really anywhere else I’ve traveled.

There is of course a flip side to that. A big part of the reason China has their own version of everything is partially to avoid undue influence from the west and partly because the Chinese government has a very specific narrative it wants to push and so anything alternative to that is simply not allowed. There is no access to a lot of information online, media is heavily censored, and it is very very difficult for foreigners to get a visa to enter China. This results in a lot of people truly just not being aware of some alternative perspectives and ways of thinking and its hard for intercultural exchange to happen. Not saying it doesn’t happen, there are lots of students and teachers who go abroad or come from abroad and plenty of intergenerational immigrant families. But I can definitely see how one could go their whole life here without being exposed to a lot of people who are different from them and then you get situations of discrimination, racism, and even ethnic cleansing like what is happening in Xinjiang and no one talks about it or is aware of it. Protesting is illegal here.

Not saying the US is any better, we have a lot of problems as well and certainly don’t have clean hands either. There is a lot of censorship and discrimination and racism in the US as well. I don’t know where I’m going with this other than there is a lot of rhetoric in both the US and China that tends to demonize the other country and it sounds naïve but when you get down to it and are able to have an actual conversation with someone and have that person to person cultural exchange, we have a lot in common. The US and China both have a lot of very serious issues but its also not fair to conflate people with their governments, especially when they as individuals can do very little to impact what their government does. I guess it just reiterates for me how important education and cultural exchange are.

Anyway I don’t know where I was going with any of that word vomit, but I am currently en route to my final stop in China (but not of this trip): Xi’an. Will try to update before I leave in about 3 days.

[falseandrealultravival]

Lao Tzu (老子), All chapters bibliographical ~ ~ Part 3 (３/３:final):Essay

Lao Tzu (Kouji Fukunaga: paperback Chikumagakugei bunko)

The Chinese classic "Lao Tzu" is a short document consisting of a short sentence fragment and 81 chapters (5,000 words), but its meaning is very deep. From now on, I will divide it into three parts and list the keywords and key points of each chapter. It is written as @ 1 = Chapter 1. 81/3 = 27 chapters each. The source is from "Lao Tzu" (Tamaki Ogawa, translation: Chuko Bunko). This blog makes sense to index and organize the Lao Tzu in me. This is the third (final) time.

(Before accepting)

@ 55: "Baby's virtue. It does not be attacked by dangerous animals (snakes, scorpions, bees, beasts, birds of prey, etc.)" "It has a lot of vitality." Lao Tzu praises the baby.

@ 56: " Those who know do not say. Those who say do not know.." Soften wisdom and assimilate with garbage:和光同塵" (@ 4) & "Saints can neither benefit nor do harm, because they are beyond praise and Backbiting . "

@ 57: "Government of the nation faces with" positive ", and military faces with" strange ". "&" A clever engineer creates an unfamiliar item. The people fight for this and the nation becomes dark. "" If you lose your greed, the people will become a Tree as cut out:樸 "(樸 has been frequent in the past. @ 19, @ 28, @ 32, etc.)

@ 58: "When politics is absent, the people are unsophisticated. When politics Keep eyes out, the people are dissatisfied and fight each other." & "Saints do not hurt people. Light in their hearts. There is, but there is no sparkle that catches the eyes. "

@ 59: "It is best for the monarch to take a regrettable attitude."

@ 60: "Governing a great power nation is like the act of" boiling small fish. " "

If you put your hand out too much and stir it, the fish will fall apart.

@ 61: "The great power nation are downstream of the river, the small ones are upstream. Just as the river flows from the tributary to the main stream, the small powers want to be fed, and the great powers want to feed." It is important to be modesty to the great power nation. "

(This part, in history, is inconsistent with the fact that the real powers forcibly annex the small ones for their own benefit. "The big nation only wants to feed everyone, All the small country wants to be subordinate to and serve another country. ”(P138) Of the“ Lao Tzu, ”I am the most mysterious contradiction. Is this the desire of the Lao Tzu? It is a small country. Did Tibet and Uighur move forward to become China's autonomous regions? And isn't China's policy a fierce attempt to erase their own culture and destroy them and make there unique country of Han Chinese?) (See @ 80)

@ 62: "The saint will not abandon the people even if they are bad. Everything is attributed to the work of the Tao." (@ 49)

@ 63: "Don't act, don't interfere. Taste the tasteless things." & "Take virtue against grudges."

This expression is reminiscent of the Christian teaching that "if you were hit your right cheek, give your left cheek."

& "There are some difficulties for saint, but in the end it will overcome."

@ 64: "Process in the signs of things. The trip of thousand miles also starts from your feet."

& "Because the saint does nothing, he does not damage anything, and because it does not stick to anything, he does not lose anything." & "The saint wants what it does not want. It doesn't want something that is hard to get. (@ 3, @ 12)

@ 65: "Negation of politics by wisdom."

@ 66: "The virtue of being low-profile." "No one can contend with a saint who does not contend."

@ 67: "The vast Tao looks stupid." & "Saints have three treasures. Charity, frugality, and not being Head".

(Head = head, head of organization)

@ 68: "The virtue of no conflict." "People who use people well are humble."

The old letter(kanji:漢字) of the letter "fight" is a hieroglyph that "two hands are trying to hold something one thing". In this case, the "thing" may be a political victory. There are many events that "things" point to.

@ 69: "The key to the war is not to be the main body of the attack, but to take a step back." "The army with sorrow always wins."

@ 70: "My words are easy to understand and practice, but no one does. (So) the saint wears brown clothes and have a jewel (wears poor clothes and hides the treasure)."

@ 71: "It's good to know and not know, it's a drawback to know without knowing."

@ 72: "If the people are not afraid of disasters, a big disaster will come."

@ 73: "Those who are not afraid to do boldly will be killed, and those who are not afraid to be timid will survive." & "The net of heaven is rough, but it will not be missed:(天網恢恢疎而不失). (This word is also famous. Although "天網恢恢疎而不漏" is more Overwhelmed by the population)

@ 74: "How do you threaten people who are not afraid of death?" "If I kill something new, why can I kill it unharmed instead of a great executor? (It can be done by God. Only.) "

@ 75: "People starve because the rulers take too much tax." & "Those who don't care about life at all are wise than those who value life."

@ 76: "When a person is born, it is soft, and when it dies, it is hard. The hard one is a death companion and the soft one is a life companion.

@ 77: "The way of heaven takes away from the surplus and gives it to the shortage, but the actual human society is the opposite."

Even if you look around the world, the rich are getting more and more financial power, and the poor are deprived more and more money. Since the time of the Junichiro Koizumi Cabinet, the Gini coefficient, which indicates the difference between rich and poor Japanese people, has risen.

@ 78: "Nothing is as soft as water, but no matter how hard it is, it is no match for water." (There are many references to the virtue of water ... @ 8, @ 43, etc.)

@ 79: "Even if you reconcile those with deep resentment, the resentment remains. Only the saints can reconcile this." & "There is no favor in the way of heaven. Always give to good people.  "

@ 80 "小国寡民(Small country&few people) :An ideal society drawn by Lao Tzu"

The country is small and the population is small (let's say). If you don't want the military to use the tools you need, if you have them, and you want the people to take their lives and not move far away, you don't have to ride a ship or car wherever you have it.  Where there are insteps and weapons, there is no chance to show them side by side. Once again, (as well as) the (ancient) world of using ropes tied by people (in contracts), making their (bad) food look good, making their (poor) clothes feel good, and Let them settle down and make their (simple) habits (life) enjoyable. (If that happens) the neighboring country is immediately visible, and even if they can hear the roar of chickens and dogs, the people will not come and go (with people from other countries) until they are old and dead.

("Lao Tzu": Tamaki Ogawa, translated from P167-P168)

The description around here is inconsistent with @ 61. It is not clear whether Lao Tzu really wants the people to live in a small country or in a large country. (Is the distinction between large and small countries relative?) This one point is difficult for me to understand.

@ 81: "The belief is not beautiful, the flowerly word is not belief. (There are some antithesis below)" & "I give out everything to others, and I have more and more possessions." & "Saint's way Is something that acts and does not contend. "

("Lao Tzu (老子), All chapters bibliographical " completed)

[goldenwingtravels2024]

Ladakh’s Enchanting Beauty: An Unforgettable Journey

Ladakh, famously known as the “Land of High Passes,” is a breathtaking region in northern India. With its dramatic mountain ranges, tranquil lakes, rich culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes, Ladakh is a dream destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and spiritual travelers alike. The region’s beauty, coupled with its unique cultural heritage, offers a truly unforgettable experience. Planning your trip with a top notch travel agency in Kolkata can help make your journey smooth and stress-free, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the wonder of Ladakh. Here’s an exploration of what makes this region so remarkable and why it should be on your travel list.

Discover the Magic of Ladakh with a Leading Travel Agency:

Ladakh is a rare blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Located in the Jammu and Kashmir region and bordered by the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges, it boasts landscapes that captivate visitors at every turn.

From its stark high-altitude desert landscapes and ancient monasteries to crystal-clear lakes and warm, welcoming locals, Ladakh offers a truly immersive experience. Travelers will find majestic monasteries perched on cliffs, vibrant prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and stunning lakes reflecting the mountains. Here are some highlights of a journey to Ladakh:

Pangong Lake – A Picture of Tranquility At an altitude of 4,350 meters, Pangong Lake is a renowned attraction that stretches from India to China. Its colors shift from blue to green to gray, especially enchanting during sunrise and sunset.

Nubra Valley – A Desert in the Himalayas Known for its scenic sand dunes, Nubra Valley offers a striking contrast to Ladakh’s more lush regions. It’s famous for the rare double-humped Bactrian camels and home to Diskit Monastery, the largest monastery in the area.

Leh – A Cultural Hub Leh, the capital of Ladakh, is a vibrant town with historic architecture, bustling marketplaces, and spiritual energy. Explore the Leh Palace, reminiscent of Tibet’s Potala Palace, and discover Buddhist heritage in monasteries like Hemis and Thiksey.

Magnetic Hill – The Gravity-Defying Wonder Located on the Leh-Kargil Highway, this unique attraction creates an optical illusion where vehicles appear to move uphill even when turned off, adding an element of mystery to the beautiful landscape.

Tso Moriri Lake – A Hidden Gem Tso Moriri, located in the Changthang region, is a pristine high-altitude lake that remains relatively untouched. It’s a paradise for birdwatchers, with several rare migratory birds, including black-necked cranes and bar-headed geese.

Planning Your Ladakh Adventure with a Top Travel Agency:

Traveling in Ladakh can be challenging due to its high altitude and remote locations. A leading travel agency can ensure a smooth journey, assisting with accommodations, travel permits, transportation, and local guides to maximize your experience.

Best Time to Visit Ladakh:

The ideal time to visit Ladakh is between May and September, when the weather is pleasant, and the roads are accessible. During these months, the landscape bursts into color, and all tourist facilities are operational. Booking your trip in advance is advisable, as Ladakh can get crowded during peak season.

Reaching Ladakh:

By Air: The fastest way is by flight to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, with direct flights from Delhi and connections from other cities.

By Road: Adventurers can reach Ladakh via the Manali-Leh or Srinagar-Leh Highway, which are closed during winter due to snowfall.

Essential Tips for Traveling in Ladakh:

Acclimatize Properly: Plan for one or two days of acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol initially.

Respect Local Customs: Ladakh has a rich heritage, so respect local customs, especially in religious sites.

Pack Smart: Prepare for extreme weather with warm clothing, sunscreen, and essential medications.

Hire a Guide: A local guide from a reputable travel agency can enhance your experience, offering insights into Ladakh’s culture and landscapes.

Experience the Unforgettable:

Ladakh is more than a destination; it’s a journey that leaves a lasting impression. From tranquil lakes to vibrant cultural experiences, Ladakh promises a transformative adventure. Partnering with top notch travel agency ensures a smooth journey, allowing you to immerse yourself in this beautiful region fully.

Whether it’s your first trip or a return visit, Ladakh offers something new each time, making it a destination to remember. So, embrace the adventure and let Ladakh’s enchanting beauty leave its mark on your heart. Safe travels!