East Tibet — Kham
Kham, Eastern Tibet is very different from the rest of Tibet. It is a
unique and fascinating world unlike anything you have ever experienced.
Its geography, climate, and natural environment — combined with
centuries of isolation — have created an atmosphere of magic and
mystery. Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism has said one of
the 16 hidden lands in the Himalayas is in Kham. He wrote many guide books
on how to get to these secluded spiritual sanctuaries.
Kham resembles the Swiss Alps more than the high Tibetan plateau. It
offers a variety of magnificent landscapes — subtropical low-lying
jungles, high grasslands, deep gorges, thick forests, glaciated snow-capped
peaks, and the headwaters of many of Asia's greatest rivers including
the Mekong, Salween and Yangzi.
The region's great charm is its people. Khampa men have always been
the most religious and warlike of all Tibetans. Khampa women are distinguished
by their elaborate coral and turquoise jewellery and 108 braids woven
into their hair.
On our exciting tour of East Tibet we will experience a traditional lifestyle
that has changed little over the centuries. Today, China's presence is
pronounced, but the country side still belongs to the Khampa nomads. Traditional
life seems less disturbed than in central Tibet. Some of Tibet's largest
and most remarkable monasteries are in Kham — filled with hundreds
of monks practicing with more freedom than in any other parts of Tibet.
We invite you to join our adventure to Kham, a remote, exotic land with
warm people, ancient monasteries, small villages and a natural environment
that is one of the most spectacular in the world.
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