Tibet, the ‘Land of Snows’, the ‘Roof of the World’ has one of the richest cultural and spiritual traditions in the world. Here men and gods inhabit the same landscape, both physical and mental.

Culturally Tibet comprises an enormous area stretching north into the provinces of Qinghai and Gansu and east into Sichuan and Yunnan as well as across the Himalaya into Ladakh, northern Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan. Politically it has never been unified; its peoples often in conflict as power, politics and religion are inextricably intertwined.

Tibet’s history has always been closely linked with the gods who live so close, and in Tibet’s vast and hostile landscape it is easy to conceive the many demons from whom shaman’s offered protection. Some of these demons were real, in the form of bandits and invading Mongol hordes, others reflect the deep spiritual focus of the Tibetan people. With the coming of Buddhism the demons were tamed, converted and turned into protectors – an integral part of the unique way in which Buddhism has developed in Tibet.

Virtually every aspect of Tibetan life celebrates the teachings of the Buddha, his disciples and followers. Pilgrimage is an integral part of life. Journeys are marked by offerings made atop mountain passes. Incredible, painstakingly created works of art depict deities in minute detail. Monasteries and temples are the focal point of towns and villages.

Official Name: Tibetan Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China
Capital: Lhasa (3658m)
Population: 3.2 million
Area: 1.23 million square kilometers (TAR)
Elevation: 4000m average. Highest 8848m

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