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Tibet Mystery: 10 Mysteries of Tibet Still Not Unlocked Today
Tucked away on the towering Tibetan Plateau, Tibet is steeped in mystery. With countless legends, myths, and ancient traditions that have baffled scientists for centuries, Tibet remains one of the most mystical destinations to explore on our planet.
In this post, we share with you the 10 unsolved mysteries of Tibet that have left explorers worldwide spellbound.
No. 1: Yeti Mystery in the Deep Himalayan Region
No. 2: Mystery of Terma, Hidden Treasures in Tibetan Buddhism
No. 3: Mystery of Mt. Everest Flag Clouds
No. 4: Mystery of Red Snow in Himalayan Mountains
No. 5: Shambhala Mystery, a Hidden Paradise of Tibet
No. 6: Mystery of Rainbow Body of Tibetan Lamas
No. 7: Mystery of the Shangshung Kingdom
No. 8: Mystery of the Lost Guge Kingdom
No. 9: Mystery of Storytellers of the Epic King Gesar
No. 1: Yeti Mystery in the Deep Himalayan Region
Yeti, also known as the Abominable Snowman, is believed to be a large, ape-like creature that roams the remote and high-altitude regions of the Himalayas.
For years, deep in the Everest region of Tibet, there have been reports of Yeti sightings. According to eyewitnesses, the Yeti is a large, broad-shouldered creature with a slightly hunched back and a fierce-looking face. Its entire body is covered in long white hair and It has a prominent forehead, unusually large ears and mouth, and a surprisingly small nose. Although it cannot speak, it is said to walk upright like a human.
In Tibetan folklore, some stories tell of Yetis attacking livestock or even female Yetis kidnapping local men for breeding, while others describe Yetis helping locals in need.
Besides, ancient Tibetan texts and Buddhist scriptures have also mentioned Yeti-like creatures, described as a "long-haired wild man. " Some Tibetan lamas believe the Yeti is a mountain deity or a spiritual guardian. A few Tibetan monasteries even claim to keep "Yeti scalps" or bones, though scientific tests often identify these remains as belonging to bears or antelopes.
The imaginary image of Yeti in the Himalayan Region in Tibet.No. 2: Mystery of Terma, Hidden Treasures in Tibetan Buddhism
In Tibetan Buddhism, there are special hidden treasures called Terma, which are used to ensure the spread of Buddhism when certain Buddhist teachings or sacred mantras are at risk of being lost, due to war, disaster, or plague.
Sometimes, Termas are secret Buddhist mantras or special religious items like relics, and ritual instruments that are hidden in caves or mountains. But the most amazing Termas are not hidden in the world around us—they’re hidden deep inside a person’s mind.
For example, when a very important Buddhist teaching is likely to be lost, a Buddhist deity might choose a person—who could be a farmer, a nomad, or even someone who can’t read—and hide that teaching in their mind to keep it safe. One day, the teaching just appeared in their mind suddenly, and later they would share it with others. What a divine revelation! Learn the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
The sacred Buddhist scriptures hold by Tibetan monks.
Explore the top Gelugpa monasteries from Lhasa to Shigatse, two of the biggest cities in Tibet.
No. 3: Mystery of Mt. Everest Flag Clouds
The iconic flag cloud over Mt. Everest is both a mysterious and beautiful sight to behold at Tibet Everest Base Camp.
On sunny days, you might see a soft, white cloud waving from the very top of the mountain like a flag. That’s the Everest flag cloud, and it’s something that amazes scientists and mountain climbers from all over the world.
This special cloud forms because of Everest’s one-of-a-kind weather. When warm air rises from the mountain and meets cold air up high, it creates puffy clouds—like cotton candy in the sky. That’s how the Mt. Everest flag cloud is made.
What’s even cooler is that this flag cloud can tell you how strong the wind is on the summit of Mt. Everest:
- If the cloud floats high and straight, the wind is gentle.
- If the cloud droops down, the wind is really strong.
- If the cloud sits right at the top, the wind can be as powerful as a big storm.
That’s why people call the Everest flag cloud “the highest weather flag in the world. ”
The amazing Mt. Everest flag cloud seen at Tibet Everest Base Camp.
Embark on the classic 8-day Lhasa to Tibet Everest Base Camp to admire the amazing flag clouds over Mt. Everest.
No. 4: Mystery of Red Snow in Himalayan Mountains
The Tibetan villagers living below the Himalayas often talk about a strange sight. It happens on the snow above 5,000 meters in the Himalayan mountains, where large patches of red snow appear. From a distance, it looks like the snow on the mountain is covered in blood, creating a frightening scene.
To solve the mystery of the red snow, some scientists came to the Himalayas to study it. They climbed up to over 5,000 meters, collected samples of the red snow, and brought them back to their labs for testing.
Under the microscope, they discovered that the red snow wasn’t blood. It was caused by a special type of algae. These algae have a special color that turns bright red when exposed to sunlight. Especially snow algae, which not only protects itself from strong sunlight but also absorbs the sun’s energy in the snow to stay alive in such extreme conditions.
The large area of red snow on the Himalayan Mountains.
Seamlessly blend the Tibet Everest Base Camp tour with visits to top two holy lakes in Tibet.
No. 5: Shambhala Mystery, a Hidden Paradise of Tibet
The story of Shambhala has captivated global explorers for years. Shambhala, which literally means ‘a land of happiness’, is a hidden paradise in Tibetan Buddhism. It’s like a spiritual utopia.
According to ancient Tibetan texts, the Kingdom of Shambhala is hidden deep in the snowy mountains north of Tibet. The kingdom is surrounded by two rings of snowy mountains. Inside, there are eight areas shaped like a lotus flower, where wise and pure-hearted people live in harmony and never age.
On the other hand, many Tibetan Buddhist masters believe that somewhere near the sacred Mount Kailash, in the Gangdise Mountain range, is where the real Shambhala might exist. That’s why the holy Mt. Kailash is believed to be the center of the universe and the holiest mountain in Tibet revered by Tibetans, Hindus, and Jains for pilgrimage.
Join our local experts and devoted local Tibetans to circumambulate holy Mt. Kailash in three days.
In Tibetan monasteries, you’ll often see murals, Thangka paintings, and mandalas showing Shambhala. Tibetans believe that this world is full of suffering—like a vast ocean of pain. Because of karma from past and present lives, we are stuck in the endless cycle of rebirth. To escape this suffering, one must practice the Buddha’s teachings and live with kindness, patience, wisdom, and mindfulness. Through these six practices, one can finally reach a bright and peaceful place—Shambhala, the paradise in their hearts, where the soul can rest in peace.
The Shambhala in the form of a mandala in Tibetan monasteries.
Travel overland from Lhasa to Kathmandu with thrilling excursions to visit Mt. Everest and sacred Mt. Kailash in one trip.
No. 6: Mystery of Rainbow Body of Tibetan Lamas
In Tibet, there’s a very special story that many people believe. It’s about some wise monks who have practiced Buddhism for their whole lives with a pure and peaceful heart. When these monks pass away, something magical happens— their bodies won’t turn cold and perish like normal people do. Instead, their body slowly disappears and turns into rainbow-colored light, sometimes even into a rainbow in the sky!
Tibetans believe it’s a great achievement—a sign that the monk reached a very high level of wisdom and kindness. These monks spend many years meditating quietly, with no anger or selfish thoughts, until their whole body becomes so full of light that it can shine and fade away at the end of their lives.
Some say when the rainbow body happens, the room smells sweet like flowers, and soft lights appear like the monk is joining the sky. There are stories documenting monks who slowly became rainbow light after passing away.
When this happens, the monk’s students stay quietly by their side. They see the body slowly get smaller until it becomes tiny specks of colorful light that float up and disappear. This doesn’t happen all at once—it can take days or even weeks. The students gently pray the whole time, waiting for the rainbow body to finish.
The meditating Tibetan monks in Tibetan monasteries.
Explore the off-the-beaten Buddhist meditation retreats around Lhasa.
No. 7: Mystery of the Shangshung Kingdom
There was once an ancient Tibetan kingdom called Shangshung (also known as Zhangzhung), which existed in western Tibet from around 500 BCE to 625 CE. It was the first great civilization on the Tibetan Plateau—older than the Tibetan Empire and even predating China’s Tang Dynasty.
Shangshung had smart people who created their own writing, built cities, and practiced Tibet’s native religion called Bon, which is the root of many Tibetan beliefs today. People there raised animals and also grew food. Learn the top 10 reasons to explore Ngari, in western Tibet.
At its strongest, the Shangshung Kingdom was powerful and big. It ruled most of Tibet and parts of what we now call Qinghai, Sichuan, Kashmir, and Ladakh. But in the 8th century, the rising Tibetan Empire (called Tubo) conquered Shangshung.
And then, something strange happened. Shangshung disappeared without a trace. The kingdom, the people, the writing, the buildings, all seemed to vanish. Even today, no one knows exactly where it went or what happened. It remains one of Tibet’s greatest mysteries.
The barren and mystical land in western Tibet.No. 8: Mystery of the Lost Guge Kingdom
A long time ago, after the powerful Tibetan Empire (called Tubo) came to an end, a new kingdom rose up in western Tibet. It was called the Guge Kingdom, and it lasted for over 700 years—from the 9th century to the 17th century. At its strongest, it ruled over all of the Ngari region in Tibet and existed during the time of the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties in Chinese history.
Guge was a strong and peaceful kingdom and the residents of Guge Kingdom believed in Tibetan Buddhism, were good at farming, and built beautiful temples and palaces. Their culture was rich, and they left behind amazing murals and artifacts.
But then, something strange happened. Over 300 years ago, the entire Guge Kingdom suddenly disappeared—almost overnight. Around 100,000 people vanished without a trace as if the whole kingdom had never existed. No one knows exactly why or how.
In 1624, a Portugal missionary named António de Andrade and his brother first found the ruins of Guge Kingdom along the river in Ngari. It was not until the 1980s that Chinese archaeologists began digging and discovered many ancient treasures—temples, murals, skeletons, and even mysterious silver objects. But the biggest mystery remains: why did the Guge Kingdom suddenly vanish? Even today, no one knows for sure.
The stunning ruins of Gege Kingdom in western Tibet.
Explore the mysterious Guge Kingdom and its lost civilization in remote western Tibet.
No.9: Mystery of Storytellers of the Epic King Gesar
The Epic of King Gesar is a famous and very long heroic story in Tibet. It has over 100 parts and has been told for hundreds of years.
People mostly passed it down in two ways: by singing and telling the story out loud, or by writing it down in books. The singing and storytelling (called “oral chanting”) is the most important way it was shared, passed from one storyteller to the next.
In Tibet, some oral storytellers claim to have received their knowledge by ‘divine inspiration.’ These special people are called ‘divinely inspired storytellers. ’ Some young children, after surviving a serious illness or waking from a deep sleep, have been known to fluently recite huge parts of the Epic of King Gesar, with millions of words, which astonished those around them.
These miraculous cases are closely linked to the mystical concept of Terma mentioned above. No one knows exactly how or why this happens—it’s still a big mystery. Today, you can still enjoy oral King Gesar storytellers’ performances during a horse-racing festival in Damxung or Nagqu in northern Tibet.
The divinely inspired storytellers reciting the epic of King Gesar in Tibet.No. 10: Mystery of Tibetan Shaman
Before the spread of Buddhism into Tibet from India and inland China, Tibet already had its native religion—Bon, an animist or shamanistic faith that believes that everything in nature has a spirit.
In the early times of Tibet, witch-like shamans played a very important role. They acted as a bridge connecting humans to nature and the invisible spirits. By performing sacred rituals and ceremonies, they helped keep the balance between heaven and earth and prayed for good weather and protection from good spirits. These ceremonies were essential in daily Tibetan life, from planting crops to healing the sick, the shaman’s presence was considered vital. Learn the top 9 Tibetan Buddhist demons and deities.
Today, some remote villages in Tibet still follow old practices of Shaman traditions. Every year, shamans conduct special ceremonies to pray for good crops. On the other hand, villagers will bring gifts like butter, tsampa (roasted barley flour), clean water, and fresh livestock as offerings, hoping these gifts will gain the favor of the spirits.
The Tibetan Shamans perform sacred ceremonies to pray for good weather and harvest in Tibet.Conclusion
Tibet, with its untouched Himalayan landscapes and rich Buddhist culture in myths, legends, and ancient traditions, has tons of mysteries waiting for you to explore yourself. If you have more questions about Tibet mysteries and Tibet tours, please feel free to email us for free and expert travel solutions. Looking forward to sharing with you the authentic Tibetan experience across Tibet, Tashi Delek!
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