The Nyenchen Tanglha mountain range is a massive glacier-clad stretch of peaks that crosses roughly the middle of Tibet. Its centerpiece is its eponymous peak, reaching over 7,000  meters above Lake Tam-tso, which in clear weather proves itself a lovely mirror for the mountain. Nyenchen Tanglha is one of the holiest mountains in Tibet, referred to as "Holy Mountain" with its "Sacred Lake" spouse, Tam-tso. They really make a striking couple--one of Tibet's finest visual spectacles. There are great views of the peak from all around the plateau, particularly around the lake. Trekking up into the range is also possible for the adventurous visitor. Nearby is the world's highest railway station: Tanglha Station at 5,067 meters is worth visiting and photographing if you are a collector of superlative... more >>

The Xiangxiong Kingdom was an important early civilization in Tibet (their kingdom actually extended into what is now much of Western China to the east and into Kashmir to the west). The Xiangxiong flourished on the high plateau, where they not only herded animals but also developed their own written language and the Bon religion. They disappeared sometime in the eighth century after hundreds of years of regional rule. History has them defeated by the Tubo Kingdom, but the culture and bloodline of the Xiangxiong are unaccounted for in Tibet's history, shrouding their disappearance in mystery. Their Bon religion was partly replaced and partly integrated into Buddhism when it was introduced to Tibet in the 7th century. They left a few clues, however. In fact there seems to be a trail of artifacts across the Tibetan Plateau from the Xiangxion... more >>