Sherpas are Tibetan ethnic group native to Nepal and China's Tibetan Autonomous Region. Majority live in eastern Nepal, with some in Bhutan and India. 2011 Nepal census recorded 512,946 Sherpas (1.1% of population)
Located in Ngari Prefecture, Tibet, at 6,638 m elevation. Situated near western border between China, India and Nepal. Situated near Manasarovar and Rakshastal lakes. Four major rivers originate within 60 km stretch
Tibetan Buddhism is practiced in Tibet, Bhutan, Mongolia and surrounding Himalayan regions. Buddhism began spreading in Tibet during 3rd century CE. First Buddhist monastery Samye built in Tibet (775-779). Buddhism spread through Mongol Yuan dynasty (1271-1368). Tibetan Buddhism gained international recognition after Dalai Lama's exile in 1959
Tibet lies between Central, East and South Asia. Most of Tibet sits on Tibetan Plateau with peaks up to 7,500m. Bounded by Central China Plain to north and east, Indian subcontinent to west and south
Tibetic languages descend from Old Tibetan (7th-9th centuries). Nicolas Tournadre identified 50 languages with over 200 dialects. Tournadre classified languages into eight dialect continua
Title given by Altan Khan in 1578 to Sonam Gyatso, leader of Gelug school. Name combines Mongolian 'dalai' (ocean) with Tibetan 'bla-ma' (master). All tulkus considered manifestations of Buddha Avalokiteshvara