Tibet

Tibet has always been one of my favorite destinations.  I have now visited Tibet 4 times, 2006, 2007, 2013 and 2019.  While still a beautiful destination, it saddens me to see the changes occurring throughout the country.  Others may not see the decline of Tibetan culture unless you visited here prior to 2017.  In 2006, while you did need a special entry Visa, they were easy to obtain.  And the best part, you did not need to go through a travel service and once you were in Lhasa, you were free to travel about and take buses to any town or location you desire.  Unfortunately that changed after 2008 and now there is strictly no independent travel other than being permitted to walk around Lhasa or Shigatse without your guide.  Now you are required to book through a guide service who provide an English/Tibetan speaking guide and a Chinese driver.

As you would imaging, it is very expensive now almost to a point where not many people can afford to go. This is taking a serious toll on the local Tibetan economy.  This last visit I hardly saw any Westerners or Europeans. Many locations are now tourist traps however, you can still get a sense of the old ways if you explore a bit.

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