TIBET

The mysterious Buddhist kingdom of Tibet, also known as the “Land of Snows” or “the roof of the world” has for centuries been locked away in its mountain fortress of the Himalaya. For adventurers and traders it was a land of treasure and riches and for those on a more spiritual represented a lost land steeped in magic and secrecy. It is without doubt one of the most remarkable places to visit in the whole of Asia. Offering fabulous monasteries, breathtaking high-altitude treks, stunning views of the world's highest mountains and one of the most amiable peoples you will ever meet.

Set up as an autonomous region in 1965, Tibet has a population of around 2.65 million (the 2000 population census), of which 15-20% live in the cities and the other in the rural areas, of these 1.9 million are of Tibetan descent and the rest Huis, Moinbas, Lhobas and Hans.