10 Fun Facts about Tibet: You May Never Know Before

Tibet, the holy land on the Roof of the World is a destination for many cultural enthusiasts and religious pilgrims from all over the world. Everything about Tibet seems mysterious and solemn. However, besides the long history and sacred religions, there are something interesting about Tibet, making your journey not only a learning of new culture but also a fresh life experience.

Here, we are going to share fun facts about the holy Tibet, covering its culture, nature, and interesting lifestyle of the local Tibetans. You could know more about Tibet from another side.

1. Lhasa is a dream destination for both tourists and Tibetans.

Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, is a holy city nestled in the heart of the Tibetan Plateau. With its unique culture and mysterious religions, Lhasa attracts visitors worldwide. The iconic landscapes, stunning views, and unique culture make it a must-visit for tourists seeking cultural enrichment.

Tourists and local Tibetan pilgrims walk together along the Barkhor Street.

In fact, the holy city of Lhasa is not only the dream destination for tourists but also the final fantasy for Tibetans from other regions outside Lhasa. Lhasa is the home of some of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism, such as the Jokhang Temple, which is considered the spiritual heart of Tibet. The Potala Palace also holds a central place in Tibetan spiritual life. For many Tibetan pilgrims, a pilgrimage to Lhasa at least once in their lifetime is a profound religious journey, reflecting their devotion and connection to their faith and culture.

As you visit Lhasa, the devoted pilgrims you meet in the Barkhor Street may have journeyed thousands of miles from remote Tibetan villages. They come to this sacred city to fulfill a lifelong dream, making their way through challenging terrain and long distances, all in pursuit of spiritual fulfillment and connection.

4 Days Lhasa Impression Small Group Tour: Explore the Heart of Tibet and Mingle with the Locals

Tour Route: Lhasa

Price from USD509 p.p

2. The altitude difference is over 1,000 meters within Tibet

Tibet, the Roof of the World, is at an average altitude of 4,5000 meters above sea level. It is located on the world’s highest plateau, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and is famous for its high-altitude landscapes.

However, not all regions of Tibet are at the same altitude. The elevation of Tibet increases gradually from east to west, and the altitude difference between the east and west is more than 1,000 meters.

In eastern Tibet, the Nyingchi area has the lowest altitude in Tibet averaging 3,100 meters above sea level, while in Ngari area in western Tibet, also known as the Roof of the Roof of the World, averages 4,500 meters above sea level.

If you’re concerned about high altitude sickness in Tibet, it’s recommended to enter Tibet from the eastern part and travel westwards gradually to adapt to the increasing altitude.

10 Days Private Tour from Nyingchi to Lhasa and Namtso Lake

Tour Route: Nyingtri - Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Damxung - Lhasa

Price from USD p.p

3. Everest Base Camp in Tibet offers the closest view of the Top of the World for tourists.

There are two Everest Base Camps in the world, one is in the southern side of Mt.Everest in Nepal, and the other is in the northern side in Tibet, China. Located at 5,000 meters above sea level, the Everest Base Camp in Tibet offers breathtaking views of the towering summit of Mount Everest. From the Everest Base Camp in Tibet, you could see the top of the world is just in front of you. Also, on the way from Tingri to Everest Base Camp, you could appreciate a panoramic view of the highest peaks of the Himalayas at Gawula Pass.

Unlike the Everest Base Camp in Nepal, the base camp in Tibet can be easily accessed to by car. No extra hiking or trekking is required to reach the Everest Base Camp in Tibet. It makes the travel to Everest Base Camp more convenient for almost all tourists.

8 Days Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour: Marvel at Mt.Everest Real Close from 4 Different Viewing Platforms

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyantse - Shigatse - Everest Base Camp - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD949 p.p

4. Tibet, known as the Roof of the World, has a tropical rainforest.

When you think of Tibet, you might picture the Roof of the World with snow-capped mountains, vast grassland, and stunning plateau lakes sparkling under the intense sunshine.

Surprisingly, on the Third Pole of the Earth, there is a tropical rainforest in Nyingchi, Tibet!

In the southeastern corner of Tibet, Motuo County stands out for its lowest altitude, mildest climate, and heaviest rainfall. This area is home to the impressive Mount Namjagbarwa and the dramatic Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, where Tibet's only tropical rainforest can be found, tucked away in the depths of the canyon.

Motuo Tropical Rainforest in Eastern Tibet

The terrain of Motuo County varies dramatically, with elevations ranging from 200 to 7,787 meters, creating a striking height difference of over 7,000 meters. The lush vegetation at the lowest altitudes includes the unique tropical rainforest.

Generally speaking, the tropics are located within the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, but Motuo is located at 29 degrees north latitude, making the tropical rainforest in Tibet the northernmost one in the world.

It’s a pity that for international tourists, Motuo is not available for travel. However, if you’re eager to experience forests in Tibet, you can visit the Lulang Forests in Bayi Township, Nyingchi. Situated at 3,700 meters above sea level, Lulang showcases a typical plateau mountain meadow, where green mountains are adorned with dense spruce and pine trees.

10 Days Ultimate Chengdu to Lhasa Overland Tour via Litang, Ranwu Lake, and Basum Tso Lake

Tour Route: Chengdu - Yajiang - Litang - Mangkang - Baxoi - Bome - Nyingchi - Lhasa

Price from USD1990 p.p

5. There are over 1,500 lakes in Tibet and each one has its unique name.

You may heard about the three holiest lakes in Tibet, namely Namtso Lake, Yamdrok Lake, and Manasarovar Lake. All feature stunning natural beauty with rich cultural and religious significance.

But did you know that there are actually about 1,500 lakes in Tibet in total?

During your travel to Tibet, you will meet countless lakes. Along the G318 national highway from Sichuan to Lhasa is the Ranwu Lake, which is a typical glacial lake in Chamdo. On the way from Everest Base Camp to the Gyirong Border, you will pass by the Pelku Tso Lake beneath Mt. Shishabangma. Onboard the train to Tibet, before reaching Ngaqu, you would see the amazing Cuona Lake which is very close to the railway, with the closest point only about 20 meters away.

5 Days Travel to Sky Lake - Lhasa to Lake Namtso Small Group Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Namtso Lake - Lhasa

Price from USD689 p.p

In Tibetan culture, lakes are more than just bodies of water but hold significant importance. Each of the 1,500 lakes in Tibet carries its own name and legend. So, as you travel through Tibet, if you stumble upon a lake, don’t hesitate to ask the locals or your guide. You might get a fascinating tale or mystical legend about that lake.

6. Tibet is the Water Tower of Asia.

Tibet is the source of several major rivers that provide fresh water to the continent. Its high-altitude glaciers and snow-capped peaks feed rivers like the Yangtze River, the Yellow River, the Mekong River, and the Indus River, which are crucial for millions of people in Asia.

Nearly 47% of the global popular relies on the freshwater that originates from Tibet. The unique geography and climate of Tibet make it an essential source of water, underscoring its importance for both environmental balance and human survival across Asia.

The holy lake Manasarovar is the source of the Indus River, the Sutlej River, and the Brahmaputra River.

7. There are more than two New Years celebrated in Tibet.

Tibet has its own calendar. Therefore, in addition to the Gregorian New Year, Tibetans also celebrate their own Tibetan New Year according to the Tibetan Calendar.

Interestingly, even in Tibet, different regions have their own New Years. Along with the Gregorian New Year, there are other four New Years in Tibet throughout the year.

They are: Gongbu New Year in Nyingchi on the first day of the tenth month of the Tibetan Calendar, Purang New Year in Ngari on the first day of the eleventh month, Agricultural New Year in Shigatse on the first day of the twelfth month, and Losar New Year in Lhasa on the first day of the first month.

Since all these New Years in Tibet are in the winter months, a Tibet winter tour could be a unique chance to experience these vibrant celebrations. With winter being a low tourist season, you can also enjoy these festivities at great winter deals.

7 Days Tibet New Year Festival Tour

Tour Route: Lhasa - Gyangtse - Shigatse - Lhasa

Price from USD p.p

8. The tea of Tibetan butter tea is actually grown outside of Tibet.

The Tibetan butter tea and sweet tea are indispensable in the daily life of Tibetans. The most convenient way to experience local life in Tibet is to visit a Tibetan teahouse and have a pot of sweet tea or butter tea like the locals. If you come to Tibet and have not tasted Tibetan tea, then your trip is incomplete.

Surprisingly, although Tibetan tea culture has a history of thousands of years, Tibet itself does not produce tea. According to Tibetan historical records, the popularity of tea drinking on the Tibetan Plateau began with the tea-horse trade between Songtsen Gampo and the Tang Dynasty. Tea was introduced to Tibet from Sichuan and Yunnan, and integrated with the local nomads' culture to form Tibetan tea with a unique flavor.

Don't miss a chance to visit a local Tibetan teahouse during your days in Lhasa.

9. Even today, Tibetan nomads collect yak dung for their daily use.

When you visit a Tibetan village, you might notice walls adorned with unique pieces of brown round ‘earth cake’ or surfaces covered with varying sizes of these circular earth discs.

Don’t be surprised; these are yak dung collected by the house owner.

In the past, when oil and gas were scarce, dried yak dung was an essential fuel. The abundance of yak dung on the walls of the family house is not just a sign of warmth and self-sufficiency but also a mark of prosperity of the family.

Even today, despite improving living conditions, Tibetans in villages continue the tradition of collecting yak dung. This has become a unique folk custom in Tibet.

In a Tibetan village, it is common to see a house wall covered by yak dung.

10. The Tibetan Mastiff is a ultimate family buddy in Tibet.

The Tibetan Mastiff is a large and ancient breed of dog native to the Himalayas. It was originally bred by Tibetan nomads to protect livestock from predators like wolves and leopards.

The Tibetan Mastiff is known for its bravery and deep loyalty, often forming a strong bond with just one owner throughout its life. For Tibetans who raise them, they’re cherished family members and trusted allies. They’re dedicated protectors, standing guard over their owner’s land and keeping strangers at bay. In times of danger, these courageous dogs are always the first to step up and shield their owners.

Seeing this, can you imagine taking a set of pet photos with such a mighty Tibetan Mastiff?

Taking a photo with the gentle Tibetan Mastiffs while visiting Yamdrok Lake.

When you visit Yamdrok Lake, you might notice Tibetan Mastiffs adorned with colorful decorations, posing for photos with tourists. You can take a photo with these big dogs.

Don’t worry about their imposing size. These gentle giants are more like friendly, oversized stuffed animals when their owners are around. You can snap a memorable photo with these majestic dogs without any fear.

5 Days Lhasa to Yamdrok Lake Small Group Tour: Take a 360° Tour and Visit the Loneliest Temple in the World

Tour Route: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Lhasa

Price from USD689 p.p

Conclusion

Of course, Tibet is always a mysterious and holy destination for most tourists who have never been there. More than general facts about Tibet, what we’ve shared above are something more detailed about what you could see and experience during your visit in Tibet.

We hope these could add some excitement to your Tibet tour. If you want to know more about Tibet or share any interesting experiences from your Tibet trip, feel free to contact us.