Tibet, known as the roof of the world, not only boasts the tallest mountain but also some of the most unique geographical and ecological conditions rarely seen anywhere else, all of which have contributed greatly to Tibet's unparalleled natural and cultural landscapes. The following are some of the region's most celebrated wonders.

Banner-shaped Cloud above Everest



Ten of the 14 mountains, with an altitude over 8,000 meters, are located in the Himalayan Mountains in Tibet. Located 8,848 meters above sea level, Mount Everest is the tallest in the world. It is not only its height, but also its magical landscapes that have ignited enormous interest among adventurers around the world.

One of its most attractive and unique phenomena is the banner-shaped cloud that floats above Everest. From a distance, the cloud looks like a flag or banner fluttering on top - hence its name qi yun ("flag cloud") in Chinese.

But the cloud's shape varies a great deal: It can be as violent as surging waves or as gentle as smoke from a chimney. Such elements add glamour to Everest's spectacular landscape.

The special banner-shaped cloud is generated from the surrounding geological and climactic conditions that are unique to Everest. The banner shape usually appears in the daytime and disappears in the evening.

For the experienced alpinist, the banner-shaped cloud is also a very good indicator of weather conditions. The position and height of the cloud can help predict wind power at the top of the mountain for climbers. When the cloud rises, this indicates that the winds are not very strong, and vice versa.

The transformation of the cloud usually reflects a change in the air current at higher altitudes. Therefore, the banner-shaped cloud above Everest is also reputed as the "highest vane" in the world.

Red Snow



Chinese mountaineers and experts found some red spots sprinkled over the boundless ice and snowy lands 5,000 meters above sea level in the Himalayan Mountains. Many have wondered what exactly produces such a picturesque landscape.

As a matter of fact, the so-called "red snow" is not real snow, but a kind of algae that grows on high mountains. The algae contain some pigments and are able to conduct photosynthesis. Their color varies with the ratio of pigments accordingly. These algae are concentrated on the high mountains in areas with strong resistance to the cold.

The algae have survived in extreme conditions in the Himalayas, decorating the mysterious snow-covered land.

Holy Kangrinboqe Peak



At 6,714 meters above sea level, the holy Kangrinboqe Peak in Ngari, Tibet, attracts flocks of pilgrims from other parts of China, India and Nepal to pay their respects to the Buddha. Also, it is one of the pilgrimage centers of Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism and Bon, the indigenous faith of the Tibetan people.

While Kangrinboqe Peak, the summit of Gangdise Mountain, lags far behind Mount Everest in terms of altitude, height has little value in the spiritual realm. The Tibetans call the peak "Kangri", which means "treasure of the snowy mountains". In Buddhism, this peak occupies a position as important as the Mandala, or the center of the universe.

The peak is said to "be like an olive towering to the sky, with a seven-colored round crown and surrounded by an eight-petal lotus." The whole mountain is like a crystal ice carving inlaid with jade. The image of Kangrinboqe Peak is placed together with the figure of the Buddha on Buddhists shrines in Tibet. Kangrinboqe is not only a symbol of natural beauty but also faith.

The Mysterious Nanjiabawa Mountain



Nanjiabawa Mountain, located in southeast Tibet at 7,782 meters above sea level, is also the only mountain that has not yet been conquered by humans. It is among the highest peaks in the world with an altitude above 7,700 meters. The mountain is known for its incredible steepness and high level of difficulty to climb.

The famous Brahmaputra River circles the mountain and drops steeply through the world's deepest valley (5,075 meters) into northeast India where it eventually merges with the Ganges and Meghna rivers to form the world's largest river delta. The river's huge altitude has also constituted a complete set of vertical natural climatic landscapes and contributed to the mountain's unique natural resources, attracting much interest from scientists around the world.

Since 1982 the Chinese Academy of Sciences has conducted three comprehensive scientific studies on the mountain that have promoted a deeper understanding of the mystery.

Batura Glacier



The Batura Glacier, located in the northwest part of Kunlun Mountain, is one of the eight famous glaciers with a low- or mid-level altitude. The glacier stretches over 59.2 kilometers and occupies an area of 285 square kilometers. Its altitude is between 2,540 and 5,300 meters, with an average height of 309.9 meters -- the thickest point measuring 431.7 meters. Its overall ice reserves total 9,134 million square meters.

The Magical Lazi Fountain



The development and prosperity of Lazi County in the Rikaze region, Tibet, is greatly owed to the county's famous fountain.

The fountain, located 15 kilometers northeast of the county seat, has been dubbed by locals as the "Golden West Fountain". The Lazi Fountain is very limpid and bathers feel a strong sense of buoyancy in its waters. The fountain is also known for having medicinal effects in treating a number of diseases that affect the stomach, kidney, skin, and arthritis. Some say that people suffering from ailments that cannot be cured in a hospital have benefited from Lazi Fountain.

Drinking the spring water while bathing is also believed to help cure disease.

Source: Chinaculture.org