TIBET conjures up the smells of Juniper incense, the soothing silence of monasteries, the rhythm of continuous chanting and quiet retreats. Tibet is a place of peace and even if you’re not on a pilgrimage, you have the sense of being on one. You will be driven into throwing colourful pieces of paper at fluttering prayer flags as you join in the chanting. It can be said that there are no atheists in Tibet.

For others, its charms lie in its geography, as it is home to some fantastic treks. Loyalists say it has better views of Mount Everest than Nepal itself. And like Nepal, it has the effect of humbling you and making you feel like a speck of dust in front of its towering peaks, endless turquoise-blue glaciers and sky-high sanctuaries.

But, what you will truly take back with you is the spirit of the citizens who have been tested with the worst. You will remember a Yak beer or a Yak tea in a café surrounded by locals who are always ready to share a yarn or a humble repast with you. Some may find it a sobering experience, but it is a journey of discovery – of a land, of a people, of yourself. In fact, the very essence of a soul-stirring journey.