Tibet Overview
Tibet lies on the world’s highest plateau, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, in southwest China; hence the name ”Roof of the World.” It covers an area of about 1.2 million sq km, with an average altitude exceeding 4,000 m. It is traversed by many mighty mountain ranges and numerous highland lakes and has extensive virgin forests. Tibet possesses unique snowy highland scenery and intrigues visitors with its mysterious religions. The perfect harmony between nature and the local cultural heritage has a special appeal for tourists who come to Tibet.
Southern Tibet is the heart of Tibet showcasing the finest of Tibet’s history, culture, arts and customs. It is the most attractive and most visited Tibetan area.
The farming area of southern Tibet covers Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region: Shannan Prefecture (the U region; or Anterior Tibet); and Shigatse Prefecture (the Tsang region, or Ulterior Tibet). These places have a relatively low elevation, ranging between 3,500 m to 4,300 m above sea level. Well irrigated, they have developed agriculture and are among the most economically developed parts of Tibet. There are many cultural and historical sites, notably the magnificent and widely scattered Buddhist temples. The ethnic Tibetans and the Tibetan culture area predominant in these places. Many sects of Tibetan Buddhism originated and grew there.
The southern Tibet farming area boasts good grazing ground (such as Nakartse, Pagri in Yadong, Sangsang in Ngamring) and lofty snow-capped peaks (the world’s highest and most famous peaks are concentrated along the Himalaya Mountains in southern Tibet). At the same time, this area is the center of activity most representative of Tibetan ethnicity. Therefore, visitors are able to see a rich variety of unique Tibetan customs and a host of festive celebrations and other cultural events, such as the Shoton Festival (sour milk drinking)
, Ongkor Festival (bumper harvest festival) and the Spring Plough Ceremony.
Western Tibet, Ngari, is a vast barren plateau and renowned as the Roof of Tibet. As the place where the Holy Lake (Lake Manasarova) joins the Sacred Mountain (Mt.Kailash), Ngari is a holy pilgrimage destination of both Tibetans and Hindus, as well as a popular challenge to trekkers. The ancient Shang Shung Kingdom and Guge Kingdom also exert a pull. As the climate is so inclement few people live in this region. Therefore, Ngari is also the home of wild yak, Tibetan antelope, wild donkey, and many other rare wild animals.
In Tibet, five mountains exceed the altitudes of 8,000 meters (26,240 feet) and many of the mountains exceed the altitudes of 7,000 meters (22,960 feet). Hence, southwestern Tibet has been a popular destination for mountaineers. Mt. Everest towers over the region. Besides, more than 40 snow capped peaks are open to mountain climbing enthusiasts. Each year, thousands of adventurers and mountaineers come to Tibet to challenge both nature and themselves. Southern Tibet also offers primeval forests, running waters, and a relatively mild climate. Yarlong Tsangpo Canyon, the largest canyon in the world, is the home of rare plants and animals, and remains unknown to anyone other than the local people.
Beside white snow capped mountains, verdant virgin forests, clean running rivers and tranquil beautiful lakes, the devotional pilgrim progress toward their places of worship by prostrating themselves under the sky and along the roads, making people humble and modest. Tibet, the lost paradise under the sky, is undoubtedly a place where the spirit lives!
Tibetan people are warm and hospitable. Tourists can visit local families and experience the daily life of Tibetan people. Holidays and festivals are the most important days in Tibet. Enjoying the local food and dancing with beautiful Tibetan girls are the most excellent ways to celebrate these joyful times. Buying some typical handicrafts in Barkhor Street or from other authentic vendors may add extra happiness to your visit.
