Tibet Facts: Interesting Things That You Should Know

The relatively small region of Tibet has a lot that still needs to be explored. While tourism only grew in the area over the past few decades, the country's culture and history are quite costly and highly interesting. Usually, when it comes to Tibet, people associate it with China, but the Chinese Autonomous Region has much more to offer by itself. Often referred to as the 'Roof of the World,' the fact is that the Tibet region is the highest place on Earth. Mostly, not much is known about this mysterious land other than the fact that it is home to Mount Everest. Tibet has colorful heritage, landmarks, art, music, and unique cuisine. 

Since Buddhism heavily influences its culture, those traveling or visiting the country will find it reflected within the architecture, musical festivals, and paintings or designs. While the region has been attracting many tourists, many things remain undiscovered about Tibet.

There is no doubt that Tibet is a secluded region, and if you want to know more about or go more in-depth, short of traveling there itself, you will not come across a lot of information regarding the area. However, there are a few very engaging and interesting facts that have been highlighted by several travelers or visitors who have been intrigued by Tibet and all that they have witnessed during their trips.

Here are 11 interesting facts about Tibet:

There are several ways to get to Tibet, such as flying by plane, by car, or the most exciting way- by train. Traveling from Mainland China to Lhasa by train can be one of the most excellent trips. Although the journey is very long- about 42 hours from Beijing to Lhasa, you will have incredible views during the trip.

Qinghai- Tibet railway is also known as the Qingzang railway, and it is the highest railway in the world with the highest point at 5,072 meters above sea level at Tanggula Pass.

Qinghai- Tibet railway is one of the four major projects in the new century in China and is the gateway to the hinterland of Tibet. The first railway is also the plateau railway with the highest altitude and the longest route in the world.

The advantage of traveling by train from Beijing to Lhasa is that you will get gradual acclimatization, which is very important in Tibet on such high altitude. 

Also, you will be able to see gorgeous landscapes and untouched nature during traveling. 

The Tibet train has few travel options. You can choose to travel in a hard sleeper cabin or soft sleeper cabin. There is also a hard seat, but we do not recommend that option, because you will be traveling more than 40 hours and seating on one position can be quite difficult. 

This is a crucial fact that every traveler should know before going to Tibet. If you are a passionate adventurer, Tibet is your dream destination, but if you are also a solo traveler, that can be an issue. 

All foreign travelers in Tibet must have an organized route, accompanied by a licensed travel guide. Also, travelers must have an organized tour route with a driver. This means that every foreign tourist must have booked a tour with a travel agency. No one can travel across Tibet alone without a travel guide. 

The good news is that the travel agencies offer private tours, which means you don't have to travel with a large group if you don't want to.

Another significant fact that every traveler should know is that tourists can not enter Tibet without a Tibet Travel Permit.

Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) is a document issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau, and it is also known as Tibet Entry Permit. Before applying for a Tibet Travel Permit, you will need to have a Chinese visa. And when you book a tour with a tour agency, they will apply for TTP on your behalf. 

On the document will be written the tour number, Tibet tour date, day-to-day itineraries, the number of travelers, and tour operator. 

You will need to show whenever the authorities ask it. And another important thing about Tibet Travel Permit- do not make a copy. You will show only the original form. In other ways, you may have problems.

Depending on your tour route, you will need other documents, such as The Alien's Travel Permit and Military Area Entry Permit. Your travel guide will provide both types of documents.

Many people assume that, like its neighboring East Asian regions such as Bhutan and Nepal, Tibet will also be a quiet place with lots of agricultural lands. It is pleasantly surprising to know that the country has experienced rapid development since becoming a part of China. Its infrastructure is incredible, and there are smoothly paved roads going almost to Mount Everest Base Camp for tourists. It is nothing like what you can find in Kathmandu, Nepal, where to access the Mount Everest sites, one must be prepared for a hard and dangerous way. 

The Friendship Highway, linking Kathmandu to Shanghai, also passes through Tibet. While this development and infrastructure can be seen in Lhasa, the country's capital is not just limited to the city. Throughout the way, one will find electricity and solar panels installed in even the remotest of villages. There are factories and nomad villages built for the workers across several places in Tibet.

One of the most significant aspects of Tibet's rich culture and heritage is its capital, which has some of the most historic landmarks present. It is not only the political, economic, and spiritual hub of the country but also holds religious importance for the Tibetans due to its roots in Buddhism. One of the city's main attractions is the Potala Palace. The Palace is predominantly red and white, known to have a thousand rooms, various murals, art, tombs, and chapels. It has been turned into a museum since the departure of the Dalai Lama and was named a World Heritage Site in 1994.

Being centuries-old and serving as the training ground for monks, Potala Palace has high symbolic value in Tibetan Buddhism. Other than this, Lhasa is also home to the Jokhang Temple, which is also considered the spiritual center of the region. The temple is famous all across the world for its revered gold statue of a young, 12-year old Buddha. When literally translated into Tibetan, Lhasa means the 'land of holiness,' and it is evident why. This city has renowned monasteries and temples that people travel from everywhere to pay a visit to and revel in the scenic views.

A significant part of the mystery and seclusion of Tibet is that the country is very high up and surrounded by mountains. The highest ranges in the world, Himalayas, which include Mount Everest, surround the region. Tibet is the highest point on Earth, with the average elevated area being 5000 meters above sea level. As you have noticed, there are a lot of highs that are associated with this country. One cannot take away the fact that Tibet is primarily a place of altitude. 

Other than the highest mountain, the region also boasts the most elevated train and highest monastery, Rongbuk, which is located near the Mount Everest Base Camp, in the world. You can also one of the highest towns in the world, Wenquan, in Tibet. On the one hand, the high altitudes may be an attractive factor about Tibet; on the other, they are also why the region has 40% less oxygen than other places. The pressure is lower due to the region's location, which can make a few people dizzy and even sick until the body adapts to it. It is said that Tibetans are not affected by the altitude as their blood flow is more than double of those who live in low-altitude places or at sea level.  

It cannot be denied that the country is really home to numerous natural wonders, be it mountain peaks or hidden valleys. 

There is not much that is known or discovered about this mystical mountain peak. Mount Kailash is located within the Kailash Range and is really majestic in all its scenery. The peak has not only attracted the attention of mountaineers from all across the globe but also holds a high religious value for pilgrims of four religions. Followers of Hinduism, Bon, Buddhism, and Jainism, make a pilgrimage to the site of the mountain every year. This is a tradition or custom that goes back centuries, and people believe that going around the mountain on foot will bring them good luck or fortune. 

Due to the various associations with religion and the mysteries that have surrounded Mount Kailash, the mountain peak has garnered a lot of interest with explorers looking to find more about it. As of yet, it is claimed that mountaineers or visitors cannot climb the summit because not only is it inaccessible, but due to the site being almost sacred, it is somewhat forbidden. However, this doesn't mean that one will be unable to explore the beauty of Mount Kailash. You will find two gorgeous lakes, Lake Rakshastal and Lake Manasarovar, located close to the peak, with the latter being the highest freshwater body in the whole world. 

As yet, the mountain ranks among the top must-visit places in Tibet, but one must keep in mind that the area is slightly inhospitable. Despite everything, other than pilgrims, many tourists find their way to Mount Kailash.

The name of the mountain comes from the word Kailasa or Kelasa, which means 'crystal.' Locally, in Tibetan, this peak is called Gang Rinpoche, which, when combined, translates to a precious snow jewel. When it comes to religious importance or significance, Mount Kailash is symbolic in four of them, which have led to several people claiming it as the center of the world. While that may sound a bit far-fetched to you, there is no doubt that the mountain peak is hiding the secrets of the world within. 

Whether the claims or stories are true or not, we will never know, however, the scenic landscape adds to the divine nature of the peak. In Hinduism, it is believed that Mount Kailash is the place that was home to Lord Shiva. According to mythology, the trek to the mountain was the path to righteousness and liberation or led to heaven. Due to this belief, the stairway to the peak has come to be known as the 'stairway to heaven. 

The Jains hold the mountain in high value as it is said to be the point where their first leader and Jain became liberated or enlightened. In both Buddhism and Bon, Mount Kailash is believed to be central or the axis to the universe's cosmology.  

Walking around the mountain is not easy, and for pilgrims, it can be more difficult. The way is 52 km long, and while some facilities are available for people, it can require a lot of effort and travel to trekking through the peak. Despite that, in the end, when you are taking in the mountain in all its unbounded beauty, you will acknowledge why people from far and wide make the journey just to catch a glimpse of the elusive Mount Kailash. 

One of the little known facts about Tibet is that the people of the country are really ahead of time. Most Tibetans have learned ways to recycle waste and utilize it to the best of their abilities. One of the pioneers of the waste-free industry in Tibet has said that the people living there have been doing it for years since earlier on the country was not really open or accessible to the world. While previously, the items were easy to recycle as most of the products used were biodegradable. After the increase in tourism, Tibetans had to focus more on their efforts to prevent waste in the country. There are machines deployed which scoop up the plastic waste and turn it into material for tiles, floors, and walls. There are also several projects being undertaken by non-governmental organizations that involve the turning of discarded papers and clothes into usable products. 

Just as they are with waste management, Tibetans have also become highly self-sufficient in recent years. They build houses that are resistant to earthquakes and require little to none outside materials. The monks in Tibet are also known to be quite tech-savvy and use the technology to spread the teachings of Buddhism globally.

It wouldn't be wrong to assume that Tibet would have predominantly Chinese cuisine as Chinese territory. Well, the country, much like everything else, also pleasantly surprises in this aspect. It has a unique cuisine specific to the region and is heavily influenced by the climate and high altitude of the area. Instead of commonly finding rice or fish in Tibet, one will discover that the Tibetan cuisine centers on Yak. Apart from yak meat, there is yak butter, yak yogurt, and almost any other item that can be made with it. 

Essentially, Yak meat is also the best option available to the people in the country as the terrain, and challenging conditions can make it difficult to have easy access to various foods. Even though they are endangered, Yaks provide a lifeline to the Tibetans as their meat is lean and light and widely present. The milk and butter can be used in several cuisines, and sometimes, their dung is also collected by people to serve as fuel in the winters. 

The cuisine in Tibet is one of its very well-kept secrets. It is unique to the culture and makes for an exciting attraction for tourists and explorers looking for an adventurous experience.

The Buddhist beliefs are not just restricted to religious aspects or only the monasteries and temples in Tibet. They are the foundation of the country's culture and transcend spirituality as well. In the country, apart from the various landmarks and places, Buddhism is found in almost every custom, ritual, and tradition that the people follow. It is ingrained in artistic designs and paintings, music festivals, and everyday life as well. If you want to discover more about Buddhist beliefs and discover the teachings, you can find them beyond the temples and Potala Palace.

For instance, the colorful flags are an important part of Tibet's culture and are commonly seen everywhere. A rare-known fact about these flags is that they are not just put up or strung together for decoration but represent peace and harmony. It's a ritual in the country to have these flags, also known as Lung Tas, hanging in places as they symbolize peace, strength, and compassion. They also have Buddhist mantras, and meaningful messages on them, and people believe that these flags spread goodwill into the environment as well. 

There are other customs and rituals regularly practiced or exercised in Tibet as part of Buddhist teachings.

This is an actual and very surprising fact for many people, but Tibet is home to the world's third-largest water body, and six of Asia's most significant rivers originate from the country. After the Arctic and Antarctica, the third-largest storage of water and ice is within Tibet. It's why the region is often referred to as the 'third pole'. Having the biggest freshwater bodies in Asia flow from the region has added to its advantage in natural value. Other than that, it is deduced that this makes it responsible for providing the water flow to almost 47% of the world's total population. 

Tibet has several lakes and rivers that have made up for significant tourist attractions as well. These are either connected or serve as the origination points for the more significant rivers. The Namtso Lake, Lake Yamdrok, and Lhasa River are such water bodies that prove to be a life force for the Tibetans and serve a great purpose to outsiders. 

The country of Tibet has held the interest and attention of the people since the last decade or so, be it due to its political situation or historic and cultural significance. There is a promise of intrigue, adventure, freedom, closeness to nature, and undiscovered mysteries that make this land a highly ranked destination for every traveler.

If you plan to travel to Tibet, you should know some essential things before you get on the plane. We make a list of the essential facts and information that can be helpful for travelers and information that can be interesting for every person. 

Tibet is located on the southwestern border of China and is one of the five minority autonomous regions in the country. Tibet is located in the southwest of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, at a latitude of 26°50′ to 36°53′ north latitude, 78°25′ to 99°06′ east longitude, with an average altitude of more than 4000 meters above sea level. It covers an area of ​​1.2284 million square kilometers. 

It is also known as the "roof of the world." 

Tibet borders Xinjiang in the north, Sichuan in the east, Qinghai in the northeast, and Yunnan in the southeast; it is bordered by countries and regions such as Myanmar, India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Kashmir, and has a land border of more than 4,000 kilometers.