The Tibetan Plateau and its surroundings are home to a significant number of rock glaciers. These formations, due to their unique characteristics of water storage and response to climate, not only impact the solid water resources in the region but also contribute to an increased risk of corresponding disasters, garnering growing attention. However, there remains a notable gap in research concerning the identification of rock glaciers, estimation of ice volume, and simulation of dynamic processes. This gap hinders the accurate assessment of changes in rock glaciers and their climate response characteristics in areas lacking data. This review systematically analyzes the distribution characteristics of rock glaciers in the Tibetan Plateau and its surroundings while comprehensively investigating the research progress on the identification of rock glaciers, estimation of ice volume, and understanding of dynamic processes. Due to the scarcity of observational data and methodological uncertainties, numerous challenges persist in the identification of rock glaciers, estimation of ice volume, and simulation of dynamic processes in the Tibetan Plateau and its surroundings. In the future, efforts will focus on deepening our understanding of the interaction mechanisms between climate and the dynamic processes of rock glaciers. This will involve strengthening monitoring efforts using Space-Air-Ground-based multi-level, multi-angle, and multi-method approaches. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence and new observation technologies into methods for identifying rock glaciers and estimating ice volume will be pursued. These advancements will enable the accurate evaluation of changes, future trends, and impacts of rock glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau and its surroundings under climate change conditions, ultimately supporting the sustainable social and economic development of the region.