Free-wheeling Tibet(2)

Pilgrims

Pilgrims are plentiful in the streets, with many surrounding the Jokhang Temple in the center of Lhasa. Pilgrims twirled the prayer wheels and prostrated themselves on the ground while moving body length by body length to the sacred temple. Many even walked thousands of miles to the temple. Don't try to talk to them or disturb them, you can feel the strange peace and holiness just by watching them quietly.

Even though the pilgrims ignore your existence and would not talk to you, don't take them as cruel and unfriendly to outsiders. Two young pilgrims I met in the street, smiled at me after I accidentally overturned the bags they carried.

Another old Lama who nicely accepted my invitation to take a photo with him in front of Lhasa's business street, asked me if the photo was OK with his broken Putonghua and even pointed me the right direction to my hotel.

Barkhor Street

After viewing lots of traditional cultural sites, you must be eager to bring something back to remind you of this marvelous place. Check out Barkhor Street; it will satisfy you. It's the most famous local market where you can buy all kinds of exotic and magical articles, including prayer wheels, Tibetan knives and jewelry and local traditional clothes for your friends. The street also sells scarves and wooden blanket that made in Nepal and India which in good quality.

Bargaining is of course what you will need. I usually cut down one third of the original price offered by the sellers, and small stuff like bracelets and necklaces cost 5-10 yuan each after the bargain.

I was totally attracted by the overwhelming variety of stuff in the street, and suddenly found myself lost in the bustling crowds. I was surprised by myself that I did not panic or something, I would like to walk like a Tibetan.

How to get there

Tibet reopened to foreign tourists on August 1, but visitors are not allowed to travel by themselves in Tibet. Prospective visitors can either join a tour or the liaison office could assign local tour guides to them.

Tibet Tourism Bureau Permit (TTB permit) is required for foreigners, and tourists have to apply it at least seven days in advance. To apply, bring a passport, visa and traveling itinerary in Tibet.

Travel agencies could help foreign tourists obtain the permit, and it costs 200 yuan each if the tour has more than 10 members, but 580 yuan each if it is a one-member tour, according to Beijing Tibet Hotel affiliated to the Tibet liaison office in Beijing.