A Year in Tibet

Watch A Year in Tibet

  • 2008
  • 1 Season
  • 7.7  (27)

A Year in Tibet is a mesmerizing documentary series that takes its viewers on an extraordinary journey through the scenic landscapes of Tibet. It was produced by BBC Earth in 2008, and since then, it has gained a lot of popularity, attracting viewers from all around the world who crave for an intimate insight into the ancient and mystical culture of Tibet.

In this series, viewers get a chance to experience the day-to-day lives of people living in Tibet, their traditions, spirituality, and the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds them. The documentary is narrated by two presenters, who provide an in-depth analysis of every situation and customize the viewer's understanding of unfamiliar concepts and beliefs held in Tibetan culture.

The journey begins in Lhasa, a bustling city, and the capital of Tibet. Lhasa is home to the world-famous Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama, which is now a designated World Heritage Site. The cameras follow the religious rituals and significance of pilgrimages at various temples and monasteries that exist only in the remotest areas of Tibet.

As the series progresses, viewers are treated to stunningly shot scenes of the stunning Tibetan landscape. From the Plateau of the Yellow River to the Namtso Lake, the show captures it all, offering an authentic view of the high-altitude terrain that is characteristic of Tibet.

Despite the serene landscapes of Tibet, life is tough and challenging here. One of the episodes in the series shows harsh winter in the remote areas of Tibet, where nomadic families' survival depends on their animals. The viewers will witness how these people preserve these animals, which help them endure the cruel winter conditions.

Another episode is dedicated to the vast yak butter sculpture festival, a significant religious festivity where locals from different regions in Tibet gather to present their giant and unique yak butter sculptures to the Buddha. The viewers will be awe-stricken by these intricate and complicated sculptures that take weeks or even months to complete.

The series shows the challenges Tibetans face in their daily life, such as illnesses and injuries, which are treated by traditional medicine. The show goes on to broadcast several traditional practices still in use in healing the wounded, proving how strong the belief system in the Tibetan community is.

Another aspect of the series focuses on the spiritual beliefs of the Tibetans, which form the core of their identity. The spiritual systems of Buddhism, Pilgrimage, and Trulkur ritual, which have been practiced in Tibet for centuries, are explored in detail in A Year in Tibet. As viewers follow the different spiritual beliefs that underpinned these practices, they will get a glimpse of the rich philosophical and cultural traditions that define Tibet.

A Year in Tibet is not just a documentary series about Tibet. It is an immersive experience of an elegant and brilliantly preserved culture, a culture the world has yet to explore. It looks beyond the mystic exterior and gets close to the people who call Tibet home, with a warm and empathetic portrayal of their daily lives, their celebrations, and their struggles.

In conclusion, the series is a must-watch for those who have an interest in culture and history, for travelers who want to explore new places, and for anyone who wants to appreciate the beauty of our planet. The visual storytelling and the detailed explanations of traditional practices give viewers a comprehensive understanding of the Tibetan phenomenon, making the show an enjoyable and educational masterpiece.

A Year in Tibet is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between August 7, 2008 and on BBC Earth

A Year in Tibet
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Seasons
A Tale of The Monks
5. A Tale of The Monks
September 4, 2008
Tibet is changing quickly and the last episode of the series follows three monks at the Pel Kor monastery whose stories highlight these changes.Tsultrim, the deputy head lama: Tsephun is the youngest monk at the Pel Kor monastery, and , Dondrup, a 77-year-old curmudgeonly lama. They share a single room in the monastery: it is a close relationship, but not an easy one.
Monks Behaving Badly
4. Monks Behaving Badly
August 28, 2008
It is now mid-winter in southern Tibet, where temperatures regularly fall 20 degrees below freezing. In the Pel Kor monastery in Gyantse, the director, Choephel, discovers that some irreplaceable statues have been stolen and suspects it is an inside job.
Faith, Hope, & Charity
3. Faith, Hope, & Charity
August 21, 2008
The monks in the Pel Kor monastery begin their elaborate preparations for New Year, one of Tibet's biggest festivals. In the town, meanwhile, Lhakpa, a local rickshaw driver, struggles to earn money as winter approaches. He embarks on a scheme to buy and sell puppies - but with disastrous consequences. Meanwhile, his five-year old nephew, Ozer, is rushed into hospital with a life-threatening heart condition, plunging the family further into debt.
Three Husbands and a Wedding
2. Three Husbands and a Wedding
August 14, 2008
It is autumn in southern Tibet and everyone is pulling together to get in the harvest. Like all farmers, Dundan is worried most about hailstones flattening his crops. In the past, his brother, Tseden, the local shaman, protected the fields with his spells. Now the local government has installed guns to disperse the clouds and this has put Tseden out of a job. In the nearby town of Gyantse, Rincheu, a local builder, struggles to find enough workers during the harvest to complete his all-important first government commission.
The Visit
1. The Visit
August 7, 2008
The Panchen Lama, the highest-ranking Buddhist living in Tibet today, pays a sudden visit to the local monastery and throws the monks into turmoil. For Tsephun, a novice monk, the visit proves to be the most exciting day of his life. In the town, Jianzang, a local hotel owner, is worried about the lack of business. Despite a last-minute panic with blocked pipes in his hotel rooms and an inspection by the local tourist chief, the Panchen's visit gives him a late-season windfall.
Description
Where to Watch A Year in Tibet
A Year in Tibet is available for streaming on the BBC Earth website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch A Year in Tibet on demand at Apple TV Channels.
  • Premiere Date
    August 7, 2008
  • IMDB Rating
    7.7  (27)
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