Tibet worth visiting? or should I go to Japan (best, life, place)

[kaizersoze]

Well ever since I was a child I had this feeling that no matter how conflicted or stressed I may feel inside, I could always visit Tibet for few months, live there like a hobo (with money just forget about materialism) and forget everything. I know it's a weird dream and it's probably far off from reality. Anyways I am an American who wants to go to Tibet for few months, I was wondering if it's worth seeing? I'm planning to bicycle around the place for hours and just relax and have a peaceful team. But lately I've been hearing that it's hard for Americans to enter Tibet and that the native people there are attacking foreigners to attract attention. Also it's quite possible I may go there and realize it's just mountains with people on them and there isn't much at all to it. So any suggestions? should I go there?.

I used to be a very outgoing person but 4-5 years ago I got addicted to gaming. Now I am recovering from this addiction and I am little socially awkward as well. I was hoping maybe my trip there will help me recover.I can always go to Japan instead and enjoy the culture there; as it is well established and there's lots of attractions to see.

[Tiger Beer]

Tibet is worth visiting.

I've been to Nepal and many parts of China, but not Tibet itself. I've known others who've gone there though.

I never heard of a locals attacking foreigners, or it being bad for Americans. I'm American as well. Mostly what I've heard is that Han Chinese are absolutely everywhere, and Tibet is on the path to looking more and more like the rest of China. But, don't let that put you off. It still seems worth it, to me. There is value in visiting everywhere, even if just to shatter unrealistic images of a place.

[Trimac20]

I've heard it can be troublesome to visit Tibet, but do your own research etc because I really have no idea. Obviously, the political situation there is sensitive, so the Chinese government aren't just gonna let hoards of tourists into Tibet. Not that the Tibetans want that, either. Another option is Nepal, which is a bit more accessible, or even Bhutan, which i hear permits a select few tourists in every year.

Like Tiger Beer says many Han Chinese are indeed flooding into Tibet and the other autonomous region. Also a lot of pastoral Tibetans are exchanging the 'simple life' for life in the cities. The same is happening in places like Inner Mongolia. I would say now is the best time to visit, before that way of life fades away.

Be realistic, of course...escaping to some remote monastery for a peaceful spiritual retreat may sound nice but the reality may be very different: this isn't Disneyworld, of course, so you're gonna be doing it rough, and you'll probably need a guide even as an experienced traveller.

[DrunkSam]

Tibet has unique incredible sites that are very worth visiting. I doubt you can visit outside Lhasa tho. But I know a few tourists did it.

[swimmingcar]

I've known several people who went/lived there, and none of them regretted it. There may be much more interesting places around the world, but the spiritual focus of Tibet is nonetheless fascinating and unique.

Besides, the fun of travel is to see things for yourself! So why not go take a trip and report back to us =)

[Marc Allen 242]

You certainly might not regret going to Tibet but Tokyo is a city that everyone should experience.