Tsering Nyima was a Tibetan farmer and electrician from Derong County in Kardze. In his first attempt to escape to India before 1990, he was arrested by Chinese border police in Tingri County, briefly detained at the Shigatse Public Security Bureau, and then returned to Lhasa.

In a later escape attempt, he was arrested by Nepalese police at the Tibet–Nepal border, who confiscated 1,800 yuan and handed him over to Chinese authorities. He was detained for more than a month at the Shigatse Public Security Bureau, while others arrested with him were released earlier. During his detention, he faced harsh treatment. His escape journey was extremely difficult, involving a 210-kilometre trek on foot, begging for survival, and helping others cross the border safely despite severe hardship.