Royal Mountain Travel Magazine Royal Mountain Travel Magazine Issue 3 | Page 51

Experiencing the
Tibetan Way of Life

by Marianne Heredge and
Thupten Gyatso

Old tibetan woman making Yam. Photo: Sudeep Singh.

In 1959, when Tibet was invaded by China, many Tibetans fled
to neighboring countries like India, Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal.
A sizeable number, about 20,000, took refuge in various parts
of Nepal, from Ilam and Taplejung in the east to Jumla and
Humla in the far west. Many settled down in Kathmandu and
Lalitpur. They brought with them a unique culture and diverse
skills such as carpet weaving, which went on to become one of
Nepal’s top exports. Tibetan carpets were much sought after
all over the world. The wool used was from sheep coming from
different parts of Tibet. Tibetan wool is known to get