Tibet is a landlocked region in Asia, located between the Himalayan mountains to the south and east, and the Taklamakan desert to the north. The name “Tibet” comes from the Sanskrit word तिब्बत (tīvra), meaning “fierce” or “unequaled”. It was once a powerhouse of Buddhist scholarship and culture, serving as the home of some of the most influential Buddhist teachers like Atiśa Dipamkara Srijñāna and Tsongkhapa. Even today, Tibetan Buddhism is a major religion in Tibet, with over 6 million followers.
The Tibetan Plateau is also known for its high altitude; at an average elevation of 4,900 m (16,000 ft), it is the world’s highest plateau. This makes it an ideal place for mountaineering and other outdoor activities. Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, is located on the Tibetan Plateau.
The climate of Tibet is harsh, with long winter months and little precipitation. However, this has not stopped people from living in Tibet for millennia; in fact, archeological evidence suggests that humans have inhabited Tibet since at least 10 000 BCE. Today, there are over 3 million people living in Tibet. The majority of them are ethnic Tibetans who practice Tibetan Buddhism; however there are also Han Chinese and Hui Muslims living in Tibet.
Despite its harsh conditions, Tibet is a beautiful place full of amazing landscapes and cultural treasures. If you ever have a chance to visit Tibet, do not miss out on this unique opportunity!