Beijing To Tibet, Mt. Everest And Nepal All In 10 Days
May 31st, 2013, 09:41 AM
#61
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Drepung Monastery
Our day begins as usual but this time I skip breakfast and spend the extra time sleeping in. Around 10am we set off to tour a few more of the important monasteries in Tibet. About a twenty minute drive out of town and we pay another admission fee then clear another security checkpoint which is a little different.
Our destination is located on a hillside and the checkpoint is at the bottom of the hill. Loaded up back in our mini-van we continue our drive up a steep road that is littered with trash on both sides.
Arriving at Dreprung Monastery which is the biggest Tibetan Buddhism College there is another military official who gives us a watchful eye then nods an approval. Navigating some construction area we start our now traditional “Monastery Stairmaster Workout”.
We are greeted by smoke and money changers as we begin our climb then drawn to the voice of a small child singing. What is disappointing is to see a pool where monks once took baths almost covered in trash.
Along the path to the monastery are prayer wheels, a few of them unique because they are kept spinning with running water from the surrounding mountains. Looking skyward it is a gorgeous day as we take in the hillsides covered with prayer flags and important monuments.
Inside Dreprung we are allowed to take pictures but for a reasonable fee of RMB$15, about US$3. I find the yak butter candles interesting as I watch people feed them with offerings.
It is also very cool to see the stacks and stacks of ancient Tibetan scriptures that line part of the monastery walls. Near the scriptures there are also brass bowls of water that are used as a part of a Buddhist ceremony.
Along another wall a set of stern and discerning eyes are watching us but what I find interesting is another set of eyes that I am familiar with. From behind a glass case “Old George Washington” is looking back at me. I guess here any currency is acceptable for an offering.
Leaving Dreprung, the former winter residence of the Dali Lama, I get a glimpse of some real old fashioned manual labor. I stand and watch as men carry huge rocks on their backs to a construction site down the hill. I sure hope they have some Aleve or at least get a good back massage at the end of the day.
I don't know if you have to be Buddhist for it to work but I come across a stupa and circle it, I think in the right direction. Now I will just have to wait for my good luck, health and fortune to kick in.
Video:http://youtu.be/6jT2kmrAACg
Our day begins as usual but this time I skip breakfast and spend the extra time sleeping in. Around 10am we set off to tour a few more of the important monasteries in Tibet. About a twenty minute drive out of town and we pay another admission fee then clear another security checkpoint which is a little different.
Our destination is located on a hillside and the checkpoint is at the bottom of the hill. Loaded up back in our mini-van we continue our drive up a steep road that is littered with trash on both sides.
Arriving at Dreprung Monastery which is the biggest Tibetan Buddhism College there is another military official who gives us a watchful eye then nods an approval. Navigating some construction area we start our now traditional “Monastery Stairmaster Workout”.
We are greeted by smoke and money changers as we begin our climb then drawn to the voice of a small child singing. What is disappointing is to see a pool where monks once took baths almost covered in trash.
Along the path to the monastery are prayer wheels, a few of them unique because they are kept spinning with running water from the surrounding mountains. Looking skyward it is a gorgeous day as we take in the hillsides covered with prayer flags and important monuments.
Inside Dreprung we are allowed to take pictures but for a reasonable fee of RMB$15, about US$3. I find the yak butter candles interesting as I watch people feed them with offerings.
It is also very cool to see the stacks and stacks of ancient Tibetan scriptures that line part of the monastery walls. Near the scriptures there are also brass bowls of water that are used as a part of a Buddhist ceremony.
Along another wall a set of stern and discerning eyes are watching us but what I find interesting is another set of eyes that I am familiar with. From behind a glass case “Old George Washington” is looking back at me. I guess here any currency is acceptable for an offering.
Leaving Dreprung, the former winter residence of the Dali Lama, I get a glimpse of some real old fashioned manual labor. I stand and watch as men carry huge rocks on their backs to a construction site down the hill. I sure hope they have some Aleve or at least get a good back massage at the end of the day.
I don't know if you have to be Buddhist for it to work but I come across a stupa and circle it, I think in the right direction. Now I will just have to wait for my good luck, health and fortune to kick in.
Video:http://youtu.be/6jT2kmrAACg
Jun 2nd, 2013, 06:52 AM
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No Naan For You
I am excited as we leave Dreprung Monastery as this afternoon we are going to one of the more popular restaurants in Lhasa for lunch.
As we drive across town, I am still amazed how beautiful the weather is although the air is still dry and in some areas dusty. Kathy's tip with Chapstick has really helped with my dry nose situation.
Dropped off on a main street we navigate through alleys filled with construction and make our way to Lhasa Namaste highly rate because of its famous naan bread. It is the main reason we asked our tour guide to bring us here.
It is a Sunday afternoon and Lhasa Namaste is a little busy as we grab a table on its very cozy outdoor patio dining area. There seems to be a bit of confusion to the wait staff why we are here as we do not get what I consider the traditional restaurant welcome.
With the help of our guide we eventually get menus which have a very nice selection of main dishes which all offer the choice of rice or naan.
Drinks and food are ordered but with one big disappointment, today there is no naan bread. After attempting to get an explanation of how a restaurant known for its naan bread has none of it even though it is offered on the menu, we are left to figure it out on our own with no apologies.
Our food arrives and it is served with Western utensils. Our waitress seems taken back when we ask for chopsticks which takes her about 10 minutes to bring to us. I hope she now realizes that there are some non Asians that know how to eat with chopsticks.
All of our food is very good although Kathy's “Cashew Chicken” looks a little different than expected. Craig and Marciso salads are fresh and they say better than the ones they had at our last lunch stop restaurant although a bit more expensive.
Bill has no complaints about his “Pizza Margherita” which he offers to share with the rest of us. My “Mutton Bhuna Goast Set” is a good size portion and is deliciously full of flavor. I have no problem finishing my meal although some garlic naan sure would have been nice.
Video:http://youtu.be/bu6_BWPJY8U
I am excited as we leave Dreprung Monastery as this afternoon we are going to one of the more popular restaurants in Lhasa for lunch.
As we drive across town, I am still amazed how beautiful the weather is although the air is still dry and in some areas dusty. Kathy's tip with Chapstick has really helped with my dry nose situation.
Dropped off on a main street we navigate through alleys filled with construction and make our way to Lhasa Namaste highly rate because of its famous naan bread. It is the main reason we asked our tour guide to bring us here.
It is a Sunday afternoon and Lhasa Namaste is a little busy as we grab a table on its very cozy outdoor patio dining area. There seems to be a bit of confusion to the wait staff why we are here as we do not get what I consider the traditional restaurant welcome.
With the help of our guide we eventually get menus which have a very nice selection of main dishes which all offer the choice of rice or naan.
Drinks and food are ordered but with one big disappointment, today there is no naan bread. After attempting to get an explanation of how a restaurant known for its naan bread has none of it even though it is offered on the menu, we are left to figure it out on our own with no apologies.
Our food arrives and it is served with Western utensils. Our waitress seems taken back when we ask for chopsticks which takes her about 10 minutes to bring to us. I hope she now realizes that there are some non Asians that know how to eat with chopsticks.
All of our food is very good although Kathy's “Cashew Chicken” looks a little different than expected. Craig and Marciso salads are fresh and they say better than the ones they had at our last lunch stop restaurant although a bit more expensive.
Bill has no complaints about his “Pizza Margherita” which he offers to share with the rest of us. My “Mutton Bhuna Goast Set” is a good size portion and is deliciously full of flavor. I have no problem finishing my meal although some garlic naan sure would have been nice.
Video:http://youtu.be/bu6_BWPJY8U
Jun 11th, 2013, 09:01 PM
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Sera Monastery
After lunch, we are back on the road to a monastery that I am looking forward to visiting.
Arriving at Sera monastery I am already impressed as I learn about a mustard colored building standing alone on a nearby mountainside.
I am told the building I am looking at is a mediation place for monks who sometimes spend months there after what seems like a very difficult climb to get there.
Inside Sera monastery is a little different than the other monasteries we have visited so far. We are told it is primarily a teaching facility although since it is a Sunday afternoon we do not get we witness any of the teaching or debates I was looking forward to.
What is the same here is the restrictions on picture taking with all the cool stuff being stored in my brain which I am sure sooner or later will begin to crash like my Vic-20 floppy drive.
Outside, Craig points out something interesting that I have never noticed before. There are government firefighters sitting around. They are necessary because things around monasteries and monks have been known to go up in flames, unexpectedly.
Leaving Sera monastery disappointed, I do spot something I still find interesting here. Repairs are being done to an entrance area and most of the tough manual labor is being performed by women including mixing cement.
Video:http://youtu.be/NPXn_0aBlsg
After lunch, we are back on the road to a monastery that I am looking forward to visiting.
Arriving at Sera monastery I am already impressed as I learn about a mustard colored building standing alone on a nearby mountainside.
I am told the building I am looking at is a mediation place for monks who sometimes spend months there after what seems like a very difficult climb to get there.
Inside Sera monastery is a little different than the other monasteries we have visited so far. We are told it is primarily a teaching facility although since it is a Sunday afternoon we do not get we witness any of the teaching or debates I was looking forward to.
What is the same here is the restrictions on picture taking with all the cool stuff being stored in my brain which I am sure sooner or later will begin to crash like my Vic-20 floppy drive.
Outside, Craig points out something interesting that I have never noticed before. There are government firefighters sitting around. They are necessary because things around monasteries and monks have been known to go up in flames, unexpectedly.
Leaving Sera monastery disappointed, I do spot something I still find interesting here. Repairs are being done to an entrance area and most of the tough manual labor is being performed by women including mixing cement.
Video:http://youtu.be/NPXn_0aBlsg
Jun 20th, 2013, 09:07 PM
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Leaving Lhasa
I am excited as I check out of The “noisy” Yak Hotel as I am looking forward to seeing more of Tibet. Today, our journey involves about 6-7 hours of driving that will have us spending the night in Shigaste.
As I get comfortable in the back seat of our mini-van it is interesting to see a few items added on board. We now have “oxygen pillows” which hopefully none of us will be needing anytime soon.
Just outside of Lhasa we make a brief stop at what will become just one of many checkpoints.
Looking out my window I am amazed at the stunning scenery and beautiful weather. Clear blue skies contrast nicely with a landscape that in some areas seem so arid and in others so lush. To me, the surrounding forbidden mountains are amazing.
Soon we are climbing a mountain pass that to me is an “E-Ticket” ride but has some of my fellow travel companions a bit nervous. At some points only small barriers of what we hope is solid concrete separates us from a certain death plunge.
Even as others are nervous at times, I do appreciate our drivers skills as he passes large trucks on the curving and blind spot road. We did have one or two close calls all of which were skilfully handled like I think I would have done so myself.
At one point we make a stop to look back and take in the landscape where we have just defied death a time or two. A bit out of breath I climb a small hill and peer down a vast valley below. The views are magnificent as I stand near prayer flags whipping in the wind.
Some of these prayer flags have writing on them and if I were to take a guess I imagine a few of them say “Thank you for helping us make it this far, whew!”
Video:http://youtu.be/Zt-X_yyIJXk
I am excited as I check out of The “noisy” Yak Hotel as I am looking forward to seeing more of Tibet. Today, our journey involves about 6-7 hours of driving that will have us spending the night in Shigaste.
As I get comfortable in the back seat of our mini-van it is interesting to see a few items added on board. We now have “oxygen pillows” which hopefully none of us will be needing anytime soon.
Just outside of Lhasa we make a brief stop at what will become just one of many checkpoints.
Looking out my window I am amazed at the stunning scenery and beautiful weather. Clear blue skies contrast nicely with a landscape that in some areas seem so arid and in others so lush. To me, the surrounding forbidden mountains are amazing.
Soon we are climbing a mountain pass that to me is an “E-Ticket” ride but has some of my fellow travel companions a bit nervous. At some points only small barriers of what we hope is solid concrete separates us from a certain death plunge.
Even as others are nervous at times, I do appreciate our drivers skills as he passes large trucks on the curving and blind spot road. We did have one or two close calls all of which were skilfully handled like I think I would have done so myself.
At one point we make a stop to look back and take in the landscape where we have just defied death a time or two. A bit out of breath I climb a small hill and peer down a vast valley below. The views are magnificent as I stand near prayer flags whipping in the wind.
Some of these prayer flags have writing on them and if I were to take a guess I imagine a few of them say “Thank you for helping us make it this far, whew!”
Video:http://youtu.be/Zt-X_yyIJXk
Jun 21st, 2013, 08:15 AM
#72
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Another nice video DMVTraveler and I'm sorry to hear about your guide. What was the name of the travel agency you hired? We've decided on Road to Tibet, which gets good reviews online and our email exchanges have been courteous. I'm looking forward to the rest of your videos, especially Nepal - one of my favorite places on earth!
Jun 22nd, 2013, 09:53 PM
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Yamdrok Lake To Shigaste
One of the interesting stops on the way to Shigaste is at Yamdrok Lake, the third largest lake in Tibet. This is definitely a tourist stop but the views and scenery are still worthwhile. For a few bucks you can have your picture taken on a yak or next to a Tibetan Mastiff.
We all refused to shell out the yuans for the photo opportunity as I think we were all worn out from the constant pay for a picture routine.
Back on the road what amazes me is seeing homes where yak dung is used for decorations as well as for building walls and steps.
Soon we leave the paved road and we are on an E-ticket ride for what I think is a shortcut. However, it turns out to lead to another sort of checkpoint out in the middle of nowhere. This time it cost us about RMB40 per person to continue, an admission fee of sorts for the area we are about to enter.
Again, the scenery although barren is awesome with multiple layers of mountains, some brown and void of vegetation, others covered with bright white glistening snow. One of the mountains is so beautiful that at a scenic spot we are told it is RMB50 to take a picture.
Fortunately after we all refused to pay our driver takes us to a spot where we could capture pictures for free.
In Gyanste, from the highway we get a glimpse of the largest stupa in Tibet, Kumpa Stupa. Although a close up visit to this and Pelchor Monastery which is nearby is on our itinerary, we are all so exhauted from being on the road so long that we just want to get to our hotel in Shigaste.
Our 6-7 hour planned drive is turning into 11-12 hours on the road. Part of the reason for this is our official time control between various checkpoints. Numerous times we pull to the side of the road and wait for 10 to 40 minutes because we are ahead of schedule to be at the next checkpoint. These stops turn out to be bathroom breaks for us along open and almost desolate highways with everyone claiming a different portion of the landscape.
Soon we are crossing active farmlands where yaks or other farm animals are hard at work toiling the land. Farming done the old fashioned way.
Approaching a small community we pass an interesting caravan of sorts. A group of men seem to be returning home, all riding horse drawn carts with lots of bells ringing.
Video:http://youtu.be/uRbjefIrb50
One of the interesting stops on the way to Shigaste is at Yamdrok Lake, the third largest lake in Tibet. This is definitely a tourist stop but the views and scenery are still worthwhile. For a few bucks you can have your picture taken on a yak or next to a Tibetan Mastiff.
We all refused to shell out the yuans for the photo opportunity as I think we were all worn out from the constant pay for a picture routine.
Back on the road what amazes me is seeing homes where yak dung is used for decorations as well as for building walls and steps.
Soon we leave the paved road and we are on an E-ticket ride for what I think is a shortcut. However, it turns out to lead to another sort of checkpoint out in the middle of nowhere. This time it cost us about RMB40 per person to continue, an admission fee of sorts for the area we are about to enter.
Again, the scenery although barren is awesome with multiple layers of mountains, some brown and void of vegetation, others covered with bright white glistening snow. One of the mountains is so beautiful that at a scenic spot we are told it is RMB50 to take a picture.
Fortunately after we all refused to pay our driver takes us to a spot where we could capture pictures for free.
In Gyanste, from the highway we get a glimpse of the largest stupa in Tibet, Kumpa Stupa. Although a close up visit to this and Pelchor Monastery which is nearby is on our itinerary, we are all so exhauted from being on the road so long that we just want to get to our hotel in Shigaste.
Our 6-7 hour planned drive is turning into 11-12 hours on the road. Part of the reason for this is our official time control between various checkpoints. Numerous times we pull to the side of the road and wait for 10 to 40 minutes because we are ahead of schedule to be at the next checkpoint. These stops turn out to be bathroom breaks for us along open and almost desolate highways with everyone claiming a different portion of the landscape.
Soon we are crossing active farmlands where yaks or other farm animals are hard at work toiling the land. Farming done the old fashioned way.
Approaching a small community we pass an interesting caravan of sorts. A group of men seem to be returning home, all riding horse drawn carts with lots of bells ringing.
Video:http://youtu.be/uRbjefIrb50
Jul 13th, 2013, 05:52 PM
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Finally A Good Night Sleep
After a longer than expected time on the road, we finally arrive at a hotel were I could get a nice hot shower and a quiet night sleep.
Our next day starts off as normal with a plan to meet for breakfast around 8:30am. Although our stay is at a “4 Star”, I am not thrilled with the breakfast except for the fresh fruits (which quickly run out) but something else impresses me.
All packed and ready to hit the road, we are met by a hotel staff member and individually presented with a “Khadah”. This is a ceremonial silk scarf used to welcome or bid farewell to travelers.
For me, this is a lot more meaningful and done with more thought than the ones we were casually given when we first arrived at the Lhasa train station. Maybe, this is a sign that the trip for me will turn the corner and become more of what I was expecting it to be.
Video:http://youtu.be/-1cGwcsM1Dw
After a longer than expected time on the road, we finally arrive at a hotel were I could get a nice hot shower and a quiet night sleep.
Our next day starts off as normal with a plan to meet for breakfast around 8:30am. Although our stay is at a “4 Star”, I am not thrilled with the breakfast except for the fresh fruits (which quickly run out) but something else impresses me.
All packed and ready to hit the road, we are met by a hotel staff member and individually presented with a “Khadah”. This is a ceremonial silk scarf used to welcome or bid farewell to travelers.
For me, this is a lot more meaningful and done with more thought than the ones we were casually given when we first arrived at the Lhasa train station. Maybe, this is a sign that the trip for me will turn the corner and become more of what I was expecting it to be.
Video:http://youtu.be/-1cGwcsM1Dw
Jul 21st, 2013, 07:53 AM
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jahlie,
I think it was the Shigatse Hotel but I am not sure. I do remember driving into a courtyard entrance with the hotel lobby at the back of the building.
Hotel was nice and popular with a lot of other tour companies and had a restaurant on property.
I was exhausted getting there and was a bit too tired to pay much attention to details except a comfortable bed
I think it was the Shigatse Hotel but I am not sure. I do remember driving into a courtyard entrance with the hotel lobby at the back of the building.
Hotel was nice and popular with a lot of other tour companies and had a restaurant on property.
I was exhausted getting there and was a bit too tired to pay much attention to details except a comfortable bed
Jul 21st, 2013, 07:55 AM
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Tashilumpo Monastery
Our day starts out as usual but with one exception. After having breakfast we leave the hotel without our tour guide.
A short drive and we are dropped off at Tashilumpo Monastery with about an hour to tour around on our own. We are told our tour guide has gone off to get our permits to visit Mt Everest.
After paying the now common entrance fee and going through security, we begin a steady climb into the courtyard area of Tashilumpo which was built in 1447.
Tashilumpo Monastery is the seat of the Panchen Lamas, the lineage of religious officials next to the Dalai Lama. Interestingly, the current Panchen Lama is a twenty something year old appointed by the Chinese.
Located at about 12,000 feet, some of the walking around is a bit of a challenge especially having to climb an occasional steep set of stairs. However, in my opinion this becomes the best monastery that we have visited, so far.
Two things I find amazing here. One, walking into a large open room and seeing a group of monks sitting on a table counting and stacking piles and piles of yuans.
Secondly, seeing about a 90 foot tall Buddha statue that I am told is made from about 600 pounds of gold. To take a photography of this statue is officially about US$50, I sneak one for free. Feeling a bit guilty, I make a donation to the chanting monks nearby.
Bill and I become exhausted from the walking around and wait in a courtyard area as the rest of our group sets off for more exploration. Being on our own we have such a good time exploring that we exceed our anointed one hour time.
For a change our driver and tour guide are waiting for us instead of us waiting for them to move on. A few fruit and snacks from the street vendors at the entrance of the monastery and we are again ready to hit the road.
Video:http://youtu.be/t2v6ny9ucNQ
Our day starts out as usual but with one exception. After having breakfast we leave the hotel without our tour guide.
A short drive and we are dropped off at Tashilumpo Monastery with about an hour to tour around on our own. We are told our tour guide has gone off to get our permits to visit Mt Everest.
After paying the now common entrance fee and going through security, we begin a steady climb into the courtyard area of Tashilumpo which was built in 1447.
Tashilumpo Monastery is the seat of the Panchen Lamas, the lineage of religious officials next to the Dalai Lama. Interestingly, the current Panchen Lama is a twenty something year old appointed by the Chinese.
Located at about 12,000 feet, some of the walking around is a bit of a challenge especially having to climb an occasional steep set of stairs. However, in my opinion this becomes the best monastery that we have visited, so far.
Two things I find amazing here. One, walking into a large open room and seeing a group of monks sitting on a table counting and stacking piles and piles of yuans.
Secondly, seeing about a 90 foot tall Buddha statue that I am told is made from about 600 pounds of gold. To take a photography of this statue is officially about US$50, I sneak one for free. Feeling a bit guilty, I make a donation to the chanting monks nearby.
Bill and I become exhausted from the walking around and wait in a courtyard area as the rest of our group sets off for more exploration. Being on our own we have such a good time exploring that we exceed our anointed one hour time.
For a change our driver and tour guide are waiting for us instead of us waiting for them to move on. A few fruit and snacks from the street vendors at the entrance of the monastery and we are again ready to hit the road.
Video:http://youtu.be/t2v6ny9ucNQ
