| North of the Himalayas, in western China, lies the | | | | chores must be completed by fall before the severe |
| self-governing land of Tibet. The Tibetan Plateau is | | | | winter weather prevents passage through the |
| the highest populated region on the planet and stands | | | | mountains. The mountain trails are fundamental to |
| at an average elevation of 16,000 feet. To the north | | | | trading and pattern a working myriad of paths during |
| lie the imposing Kunlun Shan mountains, providing a | | | | the 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 isolated | | | | neighbourhoods labouring arduously to earn a |
| Argin Shan Reserve, the largest nature reserve in | | | | livelihood from the land. This is compensated some |
| China. The large herds of hooved animals present in | | | | part however by the beautiful scenery in which these |
| this wilderness have led to its nickname 'Serengeti of | | | | nomadic folk live. Soaring peaks bathe in cloud as |
| Asia'. The snow leopard is a frequent visitor to the | | | | colossal mountains command the horizon throughout |
| reserve but unfortunately excessive hunting means it | | | | this 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 to | | | | miles on every side. |
| some of the most powerful rivers in Asia including | | | | The brief spring and summer months bring an |
| the Indus, Brahmaputra, Ganges, Salween and | | | | explosion of colour. Greenery is rife as efflorescence |
| Mekong. The Yangtze twists and turns through the | | | | emerge almost overnight to complement the vivid |
| broad green valleys flowing eastwards across China | | | | territory. 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 entire | | | | white, as snow and ice mask the landscape. |
| families around the country. Skin tents are popular | | | | Uncompromising winter months bring much Tibetan |
| living domains allowing easy departure should | | | | activity to a pause, as the elements seize a grip of |
| circumstances dictate. Rural life reigns in Tibet and | | | | the 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 young | | | | must 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 | | | | |