Iruni Kalupahana JadeTimes Staff
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Travel
A Land of Majestic Landscapes and High Plateaus
Geographically, Tibet is easy to distinguish from the so called "roof of the world," being composed of landscapes of amazing natural beauty. It rests on the Plateau of Tibet, Earth's highest and largest plateau, sprawling across more than 2.5 million square kilometers. The region's extreme altitude is framed by some of the most imposing mountain ranges anywhere in the world, among them the Himalayas to the south and the Kunlun Mountains to the north. Mount Everest, locally called "Chomolungma" or "Goddess Mother of the World," soars upwards in a breathtaking 8,848 meters above sea level, dominating the skyline. Dotting this plateau are beautiful brackish lakes, the more famous ones being Siling and Nam, which show their clear glassy reflection of snow capped peaks to boot for breathtaking panoramas. With open expanses, endless horizons, and the dramatic interplay of light and shadow upon its rugged landscape, Tibet offers the ultimate visual feast to the travelers.
Rich Spiritual Heritage and Iconic Sites
Lhasa, spiritual heart of Tibet, is imbued with age old history and sacredness. The Potala Palace, a majestic red and white fortress atop Marpo Ri Hill, is at once an architectural wonder and a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. Rising high, 13 stories with over 1,000 rooms, its golden roofs glitter under the high altitude sun, creating a striking contrast against the deep blue sky. Another jewel in the crown of Tibet is the Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Lhasa. Its golden rooftop shines against the beautiful backdrop of the Himalayas, and the air is thick with the scent of incense and the murmur of chanting monks. The temple is surrounded by Barkhor Street, full of colorful prayer flags, bustling with stalls selling traditional Tibetan crafts a sight that is a feast for the senses, where one can literally get bathed in the pulsating culture of the city. Later, the beautifully landscaped gardens and serene ponds of the "Jewel Park," known as Norbulingka, offer a quiet retreat where the visitor may indeed experience the peaceful harmony that defines Tibetan spiritual life.
Sacred Lakes and Natural Wonders
Holy lakes dot the Tibetan land, separated by the great Himalayas and the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains. The lakes of Tibet are famous for their holy water and spiritual significance. Yamdrok Lake is an incomparable turquoise seen against a backdrop of snow capped mountains and lush meadows, one of three largest sacred lakes in Tibet. Its shifting waters color with sunlight into a kaleidoscope of blues and greens that spellbind onlookers. The shores of Namtso unfold as a picturesque landscape, fluttering prayer flags, small Tibetan villages, and grazing yaks just like from a picture. So called "Heavenly Lake," Namtso Lake sits at 4,718 meters and is one of the highest saltwater lakes in the world. Lying against the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, the deep blue waters of this lake contrast strongly with the snow atop the peaks and present a view that is breathtakingly beautiful and overwhelming for a visitor. Not only are these lakes breathtakingly beautiful, but they also constitute the pivot of Tibetan culture and spirit since they are sites for pilgrimage and rituals.
Wildlife and Unique Ecosystems
Tibet is a haven for wildlife, as its diverse ecosystems afford shelter to hosts of species thriving within the varied climatic and topographic conditions. The elusive snow leopard, the majestic Tibetan antelopes, and the Himalayan blue sheep roam in high altitude areas of forested parts. The different flora found in the region makes up about 6,400 species of plants, from rhododendrons full of color, an aggregation of blue poppies, rare orchids to grasses, with most of them adding color to the otherwise tough landscape. Part of one of the largest nature reserves in the world, most of the area encompasses huge expanses of grasslands where herds of wild yaks, Tibetan gazelles, and even the rare Tibetan wild ass can be found in the Qiangtang Nature Reserve. It is these open plains and far off snow capped mountains that give the reserve a virginal beauty while offering an ideal habitat for these species and affording visitors an opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Tibet in their purest form.
Culture and Traditions of the Tibetan People
The landscape of Tibet is as varied as the culture, which is truly deep rooted in the spiritual way of life and stands out for its enduring tradition. The Tibetans keep their way of life intact through a series of vibrant festivals, colorfully dressed clothes, and intricate forms of art. The Shoton Festival, which goes by the name of "Yogurt Festival," staged every year in Lhasa, is a dazzling display of traditional Tibetan opera and dance, with the grand unfurling of a giant thangka painting on a hillside a visual spectacle against the mountain backdrop. The Tibetan language adds another layer with its melodic sounds and complex scripts to the already rich tapestry. Despite modernization, the Tibetan people remain attached to their Buddhist practices, and it is conservatively estimated that thousands of pilgrims flock to these sacred sites the Jokhang Temple and Mount Kailash to chant mantras and spin their prayer wheels in daily acts of faith. A strong spirituality casts a spell of warmth and hospitality among locals, adding color with ebullient religious life. Indeed, Tibet stands as a land of unparalleled beauty and profound spirituality, where each new turn unfolds a fresh wonder from the towering mountains and sacred lakes down to the rich cultural heritage of warm hearted people.
