En Route For Tibet

North of the Himalayas, in western China, lies thechores must be completed by fall before the severe
self-governing land of Tibet. The Tibetan Plateau iswinter weather prevents passage through the
the highest populated region on the planet and standsmountains. The mountain trails are fundamental to
at an average elevation of 16,000 feet. To the northtrading and pattern a working myriad of paths during
lie the imposing Kunlun Shan mountains, providing athe more clement months of the year.
natural border.Much of Tibet is barren land scattered with modest
At one of the last great outposts is the isolatedneighbourhoods labouring arduously to earn a
Argin Shan Reserve, the largest nature reserve inlivelihood from the land. This is compensated some
China. The large herds of hooved animals present inpart however by the beautiful scenery in which these
this wilderness have led to its nickname 'Serengeti ofnomadic folk live. Soaring peaks bathe in cloud as
Asia'. The snow leopard is a frequent visitor to thecolossal mountains command the horizon throughout
reserve but unfortunately excessive hunting means itthis noble ground. In this pollution-free atmosphere
is now an endangered species.the pure, brisk air permits unhindered panorama for
Such imposing platformed territory offers source tomiles on every side.
some of the most powerful rivers in Asia includingThe brief spring and summer months bring an
the Indus, Brahmaputra, Ganges, Salween andexplosion of colour. Greenery is rife as efflorescence
Mekong. The Yangtze twists and turns through theemerge almost overnight to complement the vivid
broad green valleys flowing eastwards across Chinaterritory. The outbreak of bloom however is short
and ultimately the East China Sea.lived. The onset of winter blankets all in a sheet of
Many folk of Tibet are nomads and move their entirewhite, as snow and ice mask the landscape.
families around the country. Skin tents are popularUncompromising winter months bring much Tibetan
living domains allowing easy departure shouldactivity to a pause, as the elements seize a grip of
circumstances dictate. Rural life reigns in Tibet andthe environment. The brief term of mild weather is
starkly contradicts many westerners lifestyles.crucial to the livelihood of the farmers. Livestock
Religion is practised passionately with many a youngmust be put to pasture and fattened up in time for
boy aspiring to become a Buddhist monk.winter.
Eager to preserve their nomadic way of life, summer