Tibet exudes an aura of an austere land and mystical traditions. Throughout history, Tibet has drawn adventurers, pilgrims, scholars and traders with its mind-boggling landscapes and rich Buddhist culture.

 It has also retained its reputation as a center of commerce, a legacy of the Silk Route era. The high plateau of Tibet stretches north of the Himalayan massif and rises more than three kilometers into the skies. Travelers encounter Buddhist monks, yak caravans and sheepherders on its immense windswept plains that extend as far as the eye can see.