Habitat in Tibet

The Lhobas mainly inhabit the Lhoyu area in southeastern Tibet, with an investigated population of 2,300. They have their own language, which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman group. They don't have a written form, and their dialects vary greatly from tribe to tribe. Some people can speak and write in Tibetan. Their main occupation is farming, but hunting and gathering provide a considerable portion of their livelihood. They traditionally believe in primitive religion and Tibetan Buddhism.

Lhoyu, a fabulous land of 70,000 square kilometers, is the ancient home of the Lhobas. It is located at the southern foot of the Himalayas eastern end, stretching south from the mysterious high Nanjiabawa Mountain to the Assam Plain in India.

Lhoba is what Tibetans call the people living in Lhoyu. It means "southerners" and includes many different tribes such as Bogaer, Ningbo, Adi, Tajin.

The Lhobas living in the rural district of Nayu, Milin County, along the northern slope of the Himalayas belong to the Bogaer tribe. They moved from Manigan district dozens of years ago, and they still lead a traditional life here. They customarily live in blockhouses made of stone and wood which are solid, durable and protective. They often paint various auspicious patterns on their doors and walls in the house. Animal heads hanging on the walls are not only a symbol of wealth but also a display of their hunting skill.