Monks’ Conference – Tibet

The Annual conference of Buddhist monks was held in Chutung Monastery, not far from Dzamthang.  It was seen as a photo opportunity too good to miss. On arrival we were greeted by the sight of a thousand burgundy robed monks spread out across the fields, debating, listening, chatting, learning, eating and networking.  Delegates badges, bags… Continue reading Monks’ Conference – Tibet

Dzamthang Monastery – Tibet

AMAZING – what else can one say, simply glorious. We were afforded a private tour and free access for photography and video.  We started in the main prayer area – SO beautiful!!! Under restoration and being carefully repainted and repaired, we explored the 5 levels around the gorgeous central Buddha. Then we were escorted to… Continue reading Dzamthang Monastery – Tibet

Dzamthang Village – Tibet

We arrived in Dzamthang Village (may have another name, but is the village attached to Dzamthang Monastery) late in the day. The annual Buddhist Monks Conference was occurring in the region and there was a heightened police presence and wariness about how our presence might be received.  In order to be low profile we spent… Continue reading Dzamthang Village – Tibet

Thuchen to Dzamthang – Tibet

Another amazing journey – Thuchen to Dzamthang – as we headed approximately westerly, deeper in the TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region). The road was incredible.  Paved generally, but subjected to extremes of weather and broken up in sections. Vivid in my memory are the overhanging rock faces, towering across the road and sheer drops on other… Continue reading Thuchen to Dzamthang – Tibet

Monastery by Thuchen

Wow! Wow! Wow! This monastery sat at the top of a huge mountain and was splendid!  Stunning views (all the way up!!), beautiful colours … speechless!! Sitting on the mountain top, 1800m above the town (already at 4,500m altitude).  Needless to say it was a spectacular drive up!! We zigzagged up through incredible hairpin turns, keeping… Continue reading Monastery by Thuchen

Into Tibet – Barkam

We travelled the Diwen Expressway to Barkam.  Known as the ‘Tunnel region’, there were 27 tunnels under mountains.  Not all tunnels were labelled with their length, but we estimate that there was about 60km of tunnel.  Amazing engineering feat!  Between the tunnels were bridges over lakes, raging rivers and hydroelectric power generation. 2km bridge between tunnels 5… Continue reading Into Tibet – Barkam