2013

SUnknownGyantse/Kumbum

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

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.

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SUnknownLhasa/Drepung-Sera-Nechung

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

The most famous monasteries in Lhasa are Drepung, that used to be the seat of the Dalai Lama till the building of the Potala, and Sera Me, where religious debates take place every day. Close by is Nechung monastery that used to house the Tibet oracle who was predicting every beginning of the year the fate of the nation.

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SUnknownLhasa/Ganden-Sakia

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

Ganden monastery is the seat of the Gelugpa, the Yellow-Hat school of Tibetan Buddhism, the main player in the current development of the religion in Tibet. Sakia used to be all-powerful during the Mongolian Yuan dynasty, its abbots being able to spread Tibetan Buddhism at the court of Kublai Khan eventually converting the Mongols.

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SUnknownLhasa/Jokhang

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

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.

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SUnknownLhasa/Monasteries & People

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

Just a walk on the outskirts of Lhasa is Pabonka, a reclusive hermitage where the first alphabet of the country was crafted. Lhasa's Tibetan quarter is full of monasteries, temples, and nunneries and a walk through its side streets and alleys is probably one of the most charming experiences in Lhasa.

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SUnknownLhasa/Potala-Norbulingka

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

Potala palace started to be built in the 17 century and became the seat of the Tibetan government till 1959 when Lhasa was occupied during a revolt that drove Dalai Lama to leave the country. Norbulingka is the summer palace, a complex of gardens and palaces, that used to house the Tibetan government during the summer months.

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SUnknownShigatse/Tashilhunpo

Wed, Dec 31, 1969

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.

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