Tibetan culture developed under the influence of a number of factors. Tibet's specific geographic and climactic conditions - its altitude, short growing season, and cold weather- have encouraged reliance on pastoralsm, as well as the development of a different cuisine from surrounding regions. Contact with neighboring countries and cultures- including India, China, and Mongolia-have influenced the development of Tibetan culture, but the Himalayan region's remoteness and inaccessibility have preserved distinctive local influences. Buddhism has exerted a particularly strong influence on Tibetan culture since its introduction in the 7th Century. Art, literature, and music all contain elements of Buddhist religion, and Buddhism itself has adopted a unique form in Tibet, influenced by the Bon tradition and other local beliefs.

Tibetan Art is the synonym of the art of Tibet and the Himalayan kingdoms which is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. One might say that Tibetan art is as brightly hued as the five-colored flags that represent blue sky, white clouds, red fire, green grass and yellow earth. Visitors to Tibet are invariably impressed by the local people's power of imagination and boldness of expression in their artistic forms. Religious doctrines have not stifled their creativity. Rather, they have given wings to their imagination. Talent, gifted by Heaven and Earth, shines forth in all their works of art, from architecture to clothing and decorations, from furniture to articles of daily use.