Snowy Mountains in Tibet (I)
As the roof of the world, Tibet is home to innumerable snowy mountains, which attracts many travelers wishing to behold their beauty. For your benefit, our editor has compiled a list of all the mountains we know of.
Mt. Qomolangma: the highest mountain in the world
The meaning of Mt. Qomolangma is "the third goddess" in Tibetan language. With an altitude of 8,844.43 meters, it is the highest peak in the world. Located on the border of China and Nepal, the peak is subject to permanent snow cover. The mountain takes the shape of an enormous pyramid, hosting a number of immense glaciers, some as large as 26 kilometers. The mountain is home to Rongpo Monastery, the highest Buddhist temple in the world.
Mt. Shishabangma: the 14th highest mountain in the world
In Tibetan, Shishabangma means "bitter cold climate, fickle and nasty weather". At 8,012 meters above sea level, Mt. Shishabangma stands in the middle of the Himalayas, part of Tibet's Nyalam County. The mountain exists as the only mountain above 8,000 meters completely within the borders of China. It belongs to a collection of three sister mountains, all with similar altitudes. On the northwest of the main peak, the other two sisters stand 200 and 400 meters away, standing at 8,008 and 7,966 meters respectively.
This spot serves as one of the contemporary glaciations centers of the Himalayas. The ice structures sprawl between 5,000 and 5,800 meters above sea level, extending for several thousand meters laterally. The astonishing sight brings wonder to the eyes of the beholder and one beholds the criss-crossed cracks that adorn the ice. Occasionally, one can witness ice collapsing.
Naimona'nyi Peak
Naimona'nyi Peak, the highest in Ngari Prefecture, stands as the fifth highest of the Himalayas. In Tibetan language the name means "Holy Mother's mountain" or "goddess's peak". The highest elevation is 7,694 meters above sea level. The holy lake Mapham Yutso Lake surrounds her.
From a westerly view, one can see the way the mountains progress from north to south in a fan-like array, while the only ridge on the east has eroded into a rugged, steep, and blade-like ridge, differing from the nearest peak by 2,000 meters. Comparatively, the western side of the mountain makes a gentler slope, the ice pouring down into five immense glaciers, which possess a number of cracks and cliffs.
Namjagbarwa
Namjagbarwa stands at 7,782 meters above sea level, Nyingchi's highest peak. The enormous triangular peak experiences snow cover year round, while swirling clouds and mist never reveal its true colors. Thus, some refer to it as "shy woman mountain". In the Tibetan language, "Namjagbarwa" has many different possible meanings, including "flaming thunder and lightning" "spear in the sky" and "a stone fallen from the sky".
