Realm of the Monks
Lhasa is the religious heart of Tibet and in its center is the most important temple from the entire country, Jokhang Temple. Around it, is the famous Barkhor where pilgrims come to do circumambulations around the temple to cleanse their karma. Leaving the border with Nepal we drove over 5000 meter mountain passes to Shigatse. Its famous Tashilhunpo monastery is the seat of the Panchen Lama, the second most important religious leader of Tibet. His influence plays a critical role even today that may influence the spiritual future of the country. Gyantse is known as the last Tibetan town because the Han colonization somehow skirted the city. It used to be the third-largest town in the country and its famous Kumbum are proofs of this glorious past. Kumbum, means "100000 images" and its numerous chapels are packed with painted and sculpted deities.
