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