Tibet struggle, a China minority Environment. History, Custom and Tradition. The living style of Tibetan nomads hasn't changed a lot since the kingdom of Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. They always wear Tibetan leather robes and lead a nomadic life in the northern Tibet. Many herdsmen have never been to the towns until their death. Their tanned skin, strong physique and noble manner remind tourists of American Indians. Women in grazing area usually comb their hair into many small plaits, then bundle them into a larger braid hanging after necks and decorate with colored stones. Some of them also cover their hair with a big patch of cloth sewn on copper-coins and shells. Every step they take, all the decorations clink together. As winter sets in Tibet, they head down to the valley of Yarlung Zangbo River and exchange for daily necessities like tea, barley, etc. With the first ray of spring, all the families move back to the north again.