Random Thoughts, 随心所欲: Tibet

Tibet, for centuries this mysterious land locked away in the mountainous of the Himalaya has exercised curiosity and fascination of the world. No doubt it is one of the most remarkable places to visit in Asia, with its fabulous monastery sights, breathtaking high altitude treks (really is breathtaking as in breathlessness), stunning view of the world's highest mountains and one of the most colourful and fascinating people. I was fortunate to have visited this sacred Buddhist land in my life time.

Tibet, the Land of Snow, The Roof of the World.

The railway connecting Tibet to mainland China, bringing in Chinese tourist.

Tibet is a plateau region in the Asia, north east of the Himalayas. It is the highest region on earth with an average elevation of in excess of 4,500 metres. Tibetan Plateau is sometimes referred to as "The Roof of the World" is the world's largest and highest plateau, with an area covering 2.5 million square kilometres.

View of TIbetan Plateau from aircraft. Four of world's 10 highest mountains is located at Tobet's southern border with Nepal.

The highest region on earth. Living condition is tough on the Tibetan Plateau. Much of Tibet is harsh and ncompromising landscape, best described as a high-altitude desert.

I got sick on our 2nd night in Lhasa, high altitude sickness. My nose was bleeding and hotel's clinic wheeled an oxygen tank to our room. I believed that every hotel in Lhasa has a small clinic treating visitor for high altitude sickness. We stayed in a hotel that resembled a museum.

Religion is an important part of Tibetans life and has strong influence over the way of life in Tibet. The primary religion in Tibet is the Tibetan Buddhism. Bon is the ancient religion of Tibet before the introduction of Buddhism from India. Bon is still practiced in modern Tibet but with the strong influence of Tibetan Buddhism and is now similar to the Tibetan Buddhism.

The buildings in Tibet is largely influenced by Indian and Chinese culture resulting in the colourfulness.

A pilgrim. Bakhor Square is Lhasa most interesting pilgrimage circuit. Pilgrims prostrating is not an usual sight. Bakhor Square is a quadrangle of streets surrounding the Jakhong.

Potala Palace, one of the world's great wonders can be seen from Lhasa as vast white and ochre fortress soaring over one of the world's highest cities.

Spinning the prayer wheels, It's meant to be swinged clockwise.

The economy of Tibet is largely dominated by subsistence agriculture. Due to limited arable land, raising livestock such as sheep, yak, cattle etc is the primary occupation of the Tibetan Plateau. Due to the increase interest in Tibetan Buddhism, tourism is increasingly becoming a growing industry in Tibet over the recent centuries. Lhasa is booming and even small towns across the plateau are being modernised and rebuild. With each passing day, Tibet looks less and less like itself.