Hiddin in the Himalayas

Dominating the landscape of Southeast China, the Himalayan mountain range soars above the high Tibetan Plateau.  This range contains nine of the world’s ten tallest peaks as a result of the convergence of the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate.  Plate tectonics led to the collision of these two plates 40- 50 million years ago.  This collision of two continental plates drove the development of the Himalayan range as well as the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau.  The uplift of the region has had a dramatic effect on the lifestyle and culture of those living in this isolated territory. 

Among the Himalayan peaks, the most universally recognized is Chomolungma, more commonly referred to as Mount Everest.  This peak towers above the rest at 8,848 m above sea level, making it the tallest mountain in the world.  This peak and the Tibetan Plateau are among the highest areas of the world, giving in the nickname “roof of the world”. 

Due to the incredible elevation of the Himalayas and the plateau, Tibet remained relatively untouched well into the mid 1700’s.  This isolation allowed Tibetan Culture to develop unique traditions and practices particularly with their political and cultural system.  Aspects of Buddhism are found in almost all aspects of life due to the religion’s historical presence in the region. 

 The Himalayas and Mount Everest have caught the eye of people worldwide. However, the isolation of Tibet, created by its unique geography, allows the Chinese government to tightly control the region. The image of isolation and natural wonder surrounding the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau draws over 1.45 million tourists, particularly from other parts of China.  The exploitation of Tibetan Culture by tourism is slowly causing assimilation within the unique practices, rituals, and lifestyle that defines the region.