The iconic of Tibet – the Potala Palace will be open to the public free of charge for three months, as authorities are striving to promote winter tourism.

Starting Feb. 1, entry to the palace will be free of charge for tourists as part of Tibet’s program – “Winter Tourism in Tibet”

The program is designed to help with local tourism development, and push economic growth in Tibet, said Wang Song-ping with the regional tourism development commission. The program also includes free admission to all other quality tourist attractions in the region, plus discounts or subsidies given to tourists in terms of hotels and transportation.

The Potala Palace was built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7^th century and expanded in the 17^th century by the 5^th Dalai Lama. The palace, a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism, was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.

The Tradition Tibetan Printing is now still existed in the monastic attached printing house, one of which is called Derge Printing house, and it is located in Derge County

View the process in the below small video

Source: Xinhua

Lhasa opens helicopter travel —
Tourists are now able to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the plateau city of Lhasa, capital of Southwest China’s Tibet autonomous region, as the city has approved a helicopter travel service.

The municipal government confirmed on Monday that it has approved trial operations of the helicopter operated by Lhasa Xueying General Aviation Co Ltd.

Tseten Paldron, deputy general manager of the company, said that passengers can book tours at Tsechokling Airport or on Wechat.

The company has two routes — one over Lhasa and a chartered flight from Lhasa to Nam Co, the world’s highest saltwater lake, about one hour of flight time from Lhasa.

The tour in Lhasa costs 990 yuan ($151) per person, and a booking requires a minimum of two people. While the chartered flight to Nam Co costs 35,000 yuan per hour, with three to four passengers.

The company warned that passengers are not allowed to take cell phones or cameras on board.

Trola Mountain Tunnel Open

Trola Mountain is located in the Kanze (Garze) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture; it separates the Derge County from Kanze (Garze) County; It is 40 kilometers from Manigango, and 75 kilometers from Derge County; The journey from Manigango to Derge over Trola mountain pass usually takes 4 to 5 hours, among of which 2 hours is for driving over the Trola Mountain pass; the road is dirt road, and it was like this:
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And Now along with the use of Trola Mountain Tunnel, the time for getting to Derge has been largely and safely shorten, it will only take less than 3 hours from Manigango to Derge. This shall tremendously help visitors to visit in the west of Kham

Facts of Trola Mountain Tunnel:

• Trola tunnel Total length: 12.995 kilometers
• Tunnel length: 7.079 kilometers
• Connection part on both ends (total): 5.916 kilometers
• Tunnel width: 9 meters | Tunnel height: 5 meters;
• Two-way lane,
• Design speed of 40 kilometers per hour

May 29^th is confirmed to be the 2018 Saga Dawa Festival Date; there will be another two days celebrations from May 27^th to 28^th

Adding this festival, please join this tour…

2018 Katok Festival Date is confirmed to be from July 20^th to July 22^nd; July 22^nd should be the day for unfolding Thangka ;

Attending this festival by joining this tour…

Mt Gongga trek day 2 is to begin from the Da Cao Ba camp, which is the first camp, taking about 6 hours walk; the trail follows the valley, curves and crossing the river from its west bank to the east bank, onto a stage, then follow the trail crossing the land that is covered by bushes; yaks may be seen along the walk; nomads could be seen from distance; if you are lucky the sunlight will be with you through this day walk;

The camp 2 has wonderful location, it is at the bottom of a mountain concave by the river, it is easy to obtain water, and no worry from the wind which usually a concern when trekking along this valley

for more detail, please view Mt gongga trek