1987
Road to Tingri West
Landslide Outside Zhangmu
Just across the Nepalese border from Kodari lies Zhangmu where landslides were prevalent.
A long, cold dusk truck ride, but with amazing views.
Tingri West
At about 4,300 meters, there are great views of the Himalayan giants. The "band aid" on the woman on the right is a medicinal patch.
Shigatse
The Grand Monastery of Tashilunpo
Built in 1447, the Grand
Monastery of Tashilunpo is the traditional seat of the
Panchen Lama. The large structure on the right
was built in remembrance of Buddha
Sakyamuni, and on special occasions gigantic thangkas
would be unfurled from the tower.
The monks are part of the Yellow Hat Sect (Gelukpa, 14th Century), originated by Tsong Khapa. This is the sect of the Dalai Lama.
Wall Painting
A painting of Buddha Sakyamuni.
Gyantse
Main Street
Cushions being taken to Pango Chörten.
Pango Chörten
Pango Chörten was built by Rapten Kunsang Phapa (1389-1442).
Rainbow
Rainbow seen from the Tibetan hotel.
Lhasa
The Potala Palace
The official winter residence of the Dalai Lama (before he
fled to Dharamsala in India). The first Potala was
built in the 7th Century by King Songsten
Gampo; construction of the current
Potala was begun in 1645.
One of the Potala's ten thousand shrines.
The Jokhang Temple
Founded in 650 by Songsten Gampo, the Jokhang is the religious and geographic center of Lhasa.
The flagstones at the entrance have been polished smooth by many thousands of pilgrims.
Ganden Monastery Sky Burial Site
Sky burial is the commonest form of burial. The body is
blessed, tied up in a cloth in a sitting position, taken
to a site out in the open on a mountainside and systematically cut up as food
for the birds. The bones are pounded together
with tsampa and this mixture is also left for the birds. Whatever the
vultures leave uneaten is buried or burned.