Tibet Travel Coop Promotes Minyak Gangkar Homestay and Trek - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

Tibet Travel Coop Promotes Minyak Gangkar Homestay and Trek

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SOURCE: Tibet Travel Coop

Travel restrictions in recent weeks have made it difficult for foreigners to obtain permits to central Tibet, according to Tibet Travel Coop, a collection of Tibetan-owned travel agencies, tour guides, cooks, drivers and other travel personnel. Because of the tense political situation, the Tibet Tourism Bureau has restricted entry to foreign travelers until the end of June. Because of the unpredictably of the permit situation, TTC is promoting the Kham Tibetan region of western Sichuan as an alternative travel destination. Travelers here face fewer restrictions, and the culture and scenery of this unique region are unparalleled.

Lhasa, Tibet (PRWEB) June 16, 2012

Travel restrictions in recent weeks have made it difficult for foreigners to obtain permits to central Tibet, according to Tibet Travel Coop, a collection of Tibetan-owned travel agencies, tour guides, cooks, drivers and other travel personnel. Because of the tense political situation, the Tibet Tourism Bureau has restricted entry to foreign travelers until the end of June.

Because of the unpredictably of the permit situation, TTC is promoting the Kham Tibetan region of western Sichuan as an alternative travel destination. Travelers here face fewer restrictions, and the culture and scenery of this unique region are unparalleled.

“The trip to Minyak Gangkar and homestays in the Kham area are unique to our organization,” a TTC said. “The places we go and the people we stay with are our friends and family, people we’ve helped train to accommodate tourists through the coop, as part of our mission to improve the livelihood of rural Tibetans. Travelers get to see the beautiful landscape and experience Tibetan culture firsthand. It’s a win-win situation.”

Minyak is a region southwest of greater Kham and Dartsedo (Kangding) is its capital. The area is located in modern-day Sichuan Province, China. People speak a unique local dialect and have distinct way of living compared to other Tibetans from Kham. Minyak is known for the famous mountain Minyak Gangkar, in addition to its monasteries, ancient murals, and warm and friendly people. This off-the-beaten-track journey is perfect for travelers looking for a unique experience and meaningful interactions with local people and the local culture.

Minyak Gangkar (which means “White Snow of Minyak”) is Asia’s highest summit east of the Himalayas. For Tibetans, Minyak Gangkar is the sacred abode of both Chenrezig and the Tantric deity Demchok. Along with Kailash, Amnye Machen and Khawa Karpo, it is one of the holiest mountains of Tibet, and embarking on a pilgrimage is a lifetime dream for many Tibetans. For climbers, hikers and adventure travelers, Minyak Gangkar offers both challenge and beauty. With or without the support of horsemen, moderate to strenuous treks can be arranged for up to 7 days.

The optimum seasons for climbing are spring and autumn in conjunction with cultural experiences in the areas: festivals, ancient murals and towers and homestays. Important monasteries in the vicinity of Minyak Gangkar include the Gelukpa monastery of Guwakha Jampaling, which was established in 1556 by Kangri Danbie Nyima, the disciple of the 2nd Dalai Lama; the Karma Kagyu monastery of Gangkar Gonpa, located at the base camp; and the smaller monasteries of Nego, Tongku and Chukmo, which appear to have been originally of Kagyupa provenance, and later absorbed by the Sakya and Geluk traditions.

The Minyak people are a distinct linguistic and cultural sub-group within the Tibetan nationality. They are similar to other Tibetans in that they follow the tenets of Tibetan Buddhism, and live in dispersed agricultural communities growing barley and raising yak.

Tibet Travel Coop is a collection of local Tibetan travel agencies and guides working together to promote authentic travel experiences while contributing to the sustainability of host communities and their culture.

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