Tibet - the `Roof of the World’ and the `Land of Snows’- words which conjure up images of Shangri-La, a mystical mountain kingdom hidden amidst tall snow clad ranges at the top of the world. A shadowy, secret place where the snows don’t melt and the cold seeps into your very bones. And that’s not very far from the truth, for the plateau of Tibet is one of the coldest, most untamed places in Asia.

It’s a land that has been the scene of political turmoil for years altogether now - it’s an autonomous region of China, disputed by the Tibetans in exile and many countries still don’t accept China’s suzerainty over Tibet. The people of Tibet have been trying to get the status of an independent country for many decades now.

It’s not easy for most tourists to get to Tibet - China is wary of granting visitor permits and there are many questions askedof prospective visitors; transport to and from the region is often uncomfortable, erratic and expensive; and independent travel is not allowed (you can only go as part of a group or through a travel agent). But if you get there, Tibet is very rewarding- untouched and unmarred by the hands of modernity and progress, it is virgin country with some of the most panoramic vistas in the world, with its snow covered peaks, long ranges and mountain lakes. Buddhist monasteries and shrines add to the beauty of the landscape, and the friendliness of the local people is such that for lucky visitors, it’s a trip of a lifetime.