<P> Starting in the 1980s, Tibetans have begun to restore those monasteries that survived . This has become an international effort . Experts are teaching the Tibetans how to restore the building and save the remaining monasteries on the eastern plateau . </P> <P> Monasteries such as the Kumbum Monastery continue to be affected by Chinese politics . Simbiling Monastery was completely flattened in 1967, although it has to some degree been restored . </P> <P> Tashi Lhunpo Monastery shows the influence of Mongol architecture . Changzhug Monastery is one of the oldest in Tibet, said to have been first built in the 7th century during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo (605? - 650 CE). Jokhang was also originally built under Songsten Gampo . Tsurphu Monastery was founded by the first Karmapa, Düsum Khyenpa (1110--1193) in 1159, after he visited the site and laid the foundation for an establishment of a seat there by making offerings to the local protectors, dharmapala and genius loci . In 1189 he revisited the site and founded his main seat there . The monastery grew to hold 1000 monks . Tsozong Gongba Monastery is a small shrine built around the 14th century A.D. Palcho Monastery was founded in 1418 and known for its kumbum which has 108 chapels on its four floors . Chokorgyel Monastery, founded in 1509 by Gendun Gyatso, 2nd Dalai Lama once housed 500 monks but was completely destroyed during the Cultural Revolution . </P> <P> Ramoche Temple is an important temple in Lhasa . The original building complex was strongly influenced by Tang dynasty architectural style as it was first built by Han Chinese architects in the middle of the 7th century . Princess Wencheng took charge of this project and ordered the temple be erected facing east to show her homesickness . </P>

How has the geography and natural environment of tibet helped shape tibetan culture