Mi nyak
Identity
The Minyak are part of the Tibetan nationality. They have been described as a "peaceful, sedentary Tibetan tribe, a most inoffensive, obliging, happy-go-lucky people." Most of the members of this group call themselves Minyak, except for those living at Kangding and the Tanggu area of Jiulong County who call themselves Buoba.
History
The Minyak were once part of the now extinct Chiala Tibetan Kingdom in western Sichuan. Ancient tianlu, or stone defense towers, still stand in dilapidated condition at valley junctures. For centuries the Minyak were bullied by the violent Khampa. Rock reported, "The Minya Minyak Tibetan's homes have been burned several times by Khampa outlaws. On previous raids the Minya people could only flee into the hills and leave their homes to the robbers." The Minyak may be descended from survivors of the destruction of Minyak (in presentday Ningxia) by Genghis Khan in 1227.
Customs
The Minyak live quiet lives in nearly complete isolation from the rest of the world. Most of their villages are accessible only by foot. The Minyak have many cultural links to the Qiang that show a common ancestry, including a reverence for white stones. In the past the Minyak lived in small isolated communities, but because of attacks by Khampa bandits they have constructed "large fortress-like community houses built of rock, looking like prisons of the Middle Ages." Most Minyak spend their time raising livestock.
Religion
All Minyak adhere to Tibetan Buddhism. They observe Tibetan festivals and make pilgrimages to Tibetan holy sites.
Minyak is a region southwest of greater Kham. The Tibetans who live here have a local dialect different from the language of the Khampa (the people of Kham). The Minyak region is known for its famous mountains, including the holy mountain Minyak Gangkar. There are also many traditional monasteries, ancient murals, and historical sites--including 600-year-old watchtowers. The Minyak area receives few tourists and requires no special permits, making it an ideal location for cultural immersion and free exploration.
Tibet can be divided into three distinct cultural regions, all located in modern China: Central Tibet and Lhasa, which is now called the Tibet Autonomous Region; Amdo, in Qinghai and Sichuan provinces; and Kham, located primarily in Sichuan province. Each region has its own unique dialect of the Tibetan language. Cultural customs vary as well, and travel through the diverse regions of Tibet reveals a variety of architecture styles, food, clothing, craftwork, art, and music.\
