After the 10th Panchen Lama - who was quite friendly to Beijing - passed away in 1989, the monks went searching and found the next incarnation. Beijing didn't like that process and in 1995, that 6yr old kid "disappeared". Then Beijing got their own 11th Panchen instated. Nobody know if the real Panchen is still alive or not or where he is.

When we visited Shigatse two years ago, out very devoted Tibetan guide also didn't go to Tashilunpo with us either. I didn't realize or understand at that time, but he probably resisted going with us coz he felt the current lamas of Tashilunpo has sold out to Bejing.

rkkwan,

Very interesting stuff. Which hotel did you stay at in Shigaste? I am trying to recall the name of the one we stayed at but can only remember the property description :(

We stayed at Shandong Mansion on our way out, at that time the tallest building in the city. On our way back from Ali, we stayed at the cheaper, but still decent Jipei Hotel.

DMB, Enjoying your report. A quick correction though: it is Potala Palace, not Polata!

<i>"As before, I see no reason for a tour guide to purposefully be less than truthful."</i>
I don't think it is on purpose, but I have often heard some pretty wild "facts"stated by guide all over the world. They may have had poor training, may be embellishing to make a dull story mare fanciful, or repeating local fiction. The tourists are rarely that well informed either, so the info never gets challenged or changed.

Looking forward to base camp.

A comfortable bed is a pretty good recommendation - Shigatse Hotel? I'll keep that in mind. I love your short films, especially Tashilumpo. It's not what I expected and I can guarantee you that I'll wonder what's up if our guide bows out too.

Icuy,

"Polata", The problem with not having an editor :(

I was wondering what was that "Polata" - haha. Thanks to Icuy!