The heart and soul of Tibet's lofty mountain capital, Lhasa ('the city of Gods'), is the Jokhang Temple, a place of golden Buddhas, swirling crowds, chanting monks, street performers, and exotic wares.
Rising from a hilltop to the west, the awesome 13-storey Potala Palace watches over the commotion. Once the winter residence of Tibet's spiritual and political leader, the Dalai Lama, today its thousands of rooms house a vast collection of Tibetan and Buddhist treasures.
Although Tibet's history is long and impressive - starting in 127 BC with the founding of the Yarlung Dynasty - its one-time influence as one of the mightiest powers of Asia has been eclipsed by the events of the last century. Invaded by China in 1949, its current political status depends on who is asked. To the Chinese, the 'Tibetan Autonomous Region' is - and has been in some form or another since the 13th century - a province of China. To supporters of the Dalai Lama and his 'government-in-exile', it's an independent country under illegal occupation.
For travellers, however, there are two definites: you'll need to investigate the bizarre intricacies of getting a Tibet Permit before you go, and then make sure you're not carrying anything the Chinese authorities won't like once you're there, such as any 'Free Tibet' literature.
The rewards for avoiding deportation are extraordinary. On top of its unique culture and traditions, the land known as the 'Rooftop of the World' is a wonderland of spectacular Himalayan scenery. If all those mountain views go to your head, you can even choose to trek to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal, picking up the best vistas of the world's highest peak as you go.
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