Located in northwestern China, Northern Tibet has famously earned the title “The Roof of the World.” With an average temperature of −30℃ to −20℃ and an average elevation of 5,000 meters, Northern Tibet is nearly inhospitable for human beings. The civilization that calls this home has walled itself off from the world because of Tibet’s tough geographic conditions. It had no roads or motorized vehicles up until the late 40s and early 50s. Even today, it is still hard to get there. But why are more and more people trying to visit Northern Tibet? In addition to its breathtaking natural beauty, Northern Tibet’s mysteries attract travelers and scientists eager to uncover answers.

 

Unsolved Mysteries of Tibet

Northern Tibet has always been a mysterious land, topping the wishlist of travelers around the world. Although Tibet has been explored by many people, many Tibetan mysteries remain unsolved.

 

Mystery of Storytellers of King Gesar

King Gesar is a well-known heroic epic of ancient legends. The story of King Gesar has been passed down orally from generation to generation by storytellers for over 1,000 years. But what surprises people most is that these storytellers are divine artists, meaning they are inspired and taught the story by the gods. In other words, these orators never directly study the epic of King Gesar; instead, they learn it through divine realization. In fact, some illiterate teenagers have been able to dictate the million-word epic of King Gesar after illnesses or during uncontrolled dreams. While this has been confirmed by many visitors and the public, this incredible phenomenon is still a mystery.

 

Mystery of Shangri-La

Shangri-La, also translated as Shambhala, means “pure land” in Tibetan. In English novelist James Hilton’s book Lost Horizon, he depicts Shangri-La as a land “hidden from the rest of the world, it is a haven of peace and tranquility….” This book describes Shangri-La in detail with snowy mountains, thousands of flowers, herbs, lakes, animals and holy places. However, whether Shangri-La exists is still a mystery, and many people have tried to find it.

 

Mystery of Dzi Beads

Dzi beads (Tianzhu) are gemstones that provide positive spiritual benefits. Dzi is a Tibetan word which translates to “shine, brightness, clearness and splendor.” Apart from being a very rare and precious gemstone, dzi beads are also one of the top mysteries of Tibet. It is unclear where dzi beads come from, and no one knows why, when and how they were manufactured. Adding to the mystery, there are 14 different elements in dzi beads that are found nowhere on Earth but on Mars. In addition, there are different “eye” designs on authentic dzi beads, but where these “eyes” came from and what they mean are still a mystery.

 

Mystery of Tibet Abominable Snowman

The Tibetan snowman, also known as the Yeti, is always a hot topic among adventures and unsolved mystery enthusiasts. The Yeti is a hairy, ape-like, bipedal creature. Many local people have seen the Yeti, and it is said that a man was even forced into marriage by a female Yeti.  Also, the Yeti’s footprints have purportedly been found in the past. Although there is no firm evidence to support the existence of the Yeti, many witnesses say otherwise. In recent days, experts have gone to Tibet for further investigation, but the existence of the Yeti is still a mystery.

 

Besides the mysteries above, Tibet also has extraordinary landscape which continues to attract visitors.

 

These mysteries are but a glimpse into Tibet. The documentary film Hidden Land in Northern Tibet produced by Zose Media will be released next year.  Be sure to check it out for even more more fascinating miracles and mysteries of Tibet.