Tibet presents an extraordinary culture and landscape for the adventure travelers to see and appreciate. Since ancient times the Tibetan theocracy forbade almost all outside travelers. This decree was easily enforced because of the limited accessibility due to the extremely rugged environment surrounded by the high Himalayan the only outside contact was by determined merchants traveling from Nepal and India over the high passes on foot. Outside travel required tremendous effort, so only the most elite Tibetans could afford to travel to Nepal and India as pilgrims or businessmen. A few devoted individuals from Nepal and India went to study Buddhism under the high Lamas in Tibet. These limited exchanges were not enough to synchronize Tibet with the outside world. Tibet was not only difficult to access but also largely unexplored. In 1984 this remote and mythical place and culture began to open to modern travelers, so it is now possible to explore this rich and ancient civilization.