Tibetan people's life at Nagchu prefecture of Tibet

July,28 2016 BY Master Catherine Jigme 0 COMMENTS

Nagchu is a prefecture in the north of Tibet, with sparse population. The Tibetan people's life at Nagchu prefecture of Tibet is very simple. Their only companions are the rolling meadows and yak flocks spread like black pearls on the endless prairie - average elevation, 4,500 meters - complete with snowcapped mountains shimmering in the far distance. But there is a place in their dream, that is, Lhasa, the holy city at the top of the world. Most Tibetan people would make a lifetime journey to Lhasa. Herding lasts from June to October. Then it is their pilgrimage time.

Exhausted and coated with dust, the Tibetan pilgrims move at a crawl and have a serene, determined look on their suntanned faces. Their solitude is rarely disturbed, except for the occasional passing vehicle and the fluttering of prayer flags.

Lhasa, the pilgrims' destination, is 326 km away as they undertake their once-in-a-lifetime journey. They clasp their hands and point in turn at the sky, their foreheads and chests, then stride forward, kneeling at every step before prostrating their bodies on the ground. Even their tough yak-skin clothes wear out quickly as they repeat the motions over and over.

Their handclaps follow a distinct rhythm, emphasized by wooden hand coverings that occasionally boast metal strips on the exterior. From October onward, the number of pilgrims rises as herding stops during winter, a long season dominated by severe cold, dry air and the rarified atmosphere. The harsh conditions also deter many visitors who fear altitude sickness with its severe headaches, nausea, loss of appetite and inability to sleep. In fact, it is not as harsh as you imagined. Winter is quite a good season to enjoy a budget tour to Tibet.

About the Author - Master Catherine Jigme

With exceptional passion and outstanding leadership, Mrs. Catherine has dedicated herself to Tibet inbound tourism and China tour for 15 years. As one of the handful females who see great potential of Chinese inbound tourism, Catherine has made great contribution to promoting Tibet tourism and enhancing the employment of Tibetans and prosperity of local Tibetan community.

Over the years, she travelled overseas with Tibet Tourism Bureau many times to promote Tibet tourism. Currently, Catherine works as the marketing director of Tibet Vista, an opinion leader behind the whole team of Tibet Vista.

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