Tibet is a stronghold of Buddhism, an amazing country with unusual traditions, magnificent nature and a majestic religious atmosphere. Tibet today belongs to China, although representatives of another nation live in it - the Mongoloid people of Tibetans. Tibet is a pilgrimage center that attracts adherents of Buddhism from all over the world.
Tibet: facts about the country
Tibet is part of China called the Tibet Autonomous Region. It is a vast territory, covering an area of over a million square kilometers, and home to about three million people. Most of them are Tibetans, there are also Chinese, Loba, Menba and other peoples. Tibetan is different from Chinese, although it belongs to the same language group.
Tibet is located high in the mountains, the average height of this country above sea level is about 4 thousand meters. It is located on the Tibetan plateau, surrounded by the highest Himalayan mountains in the world. Locals are used to living at such an altitude, but tourists have to get used to the thin air.
The climate of Tibet is typical for mountainous regions: sharp fluctuations in temperature, low average annual temperatures, strong winds and a large amount of brutal bright sun. The weather changes so quickly that you can see all four seasons in a day. But the nature here is magnificent: rocky snow-capped peaks led by the majestic Everest, transparent blue lakes, spacious plains and alpine steppes. Ancient Buddhist monasteries, ancient temples, an atmosphere of religiosity and tranquility add to the charm of Tibet.
History and culture of Tibet
Tibet developed separately from China, this country did not have such outstanding achievements, lived its own life, being interested primarily in Buddhism. The most famous figure in Tibet was King Songtsen Gampa, who spread the religion throughout his territories. On his initiative, the Ramoche and Jokhang temples were built, the magnificent Potala Palace, which stands in the capital, Lhasa, and many monasteries.
The country has been ruled since 1578 by the Dalai Lamas, the embodiment of the Bothisattva of compassion in Tibet. In 1949, Chinese troops invaded the country, and ten years later, Tibet was invaded. The Dalai Lama had to flee to India, where he was the de facto ruler of the autonomous region for many years until he gave up power.
The Chinese invasion seriously affected the culture of Tibet: the institution of the Dalai Lama was practically destroyed, many monasteries were damaged, and the religious and cultural heritage suffered serious losses. Nevertheless, Tibet continues to be one of the most unusual and exotic countries in the world. Ancient art is alive here, magnificent examples of unique architecture have been preserved here, folk Tibetan medicine still flourishes here, and many Tibetans still adhere to ancient traditions.
