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Caption: TIBET
A JOURNEY TO THE ROOF OF THE WORLD
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Caption: Back in 2006 I went on the adventure of my life. I flew from Perth, Australia, through Bangkok, to Kathmandu, Nepal before flying to Lhasa Tibet. From there I spent four incredible weeks driving and trekking across the Himalayas back to Kathmandu.
I fell deeply in love with Tibet, it's beautiful people, inspiring culture and imposingly impressive landscape. The joy I got recreating this trip was an unexpected gift.
🙏🏼
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Caption: THE JUMPING OFF POINT KATHMANDU
NEPAL
Picture of Boudha Stupa
Picture of Boudha Stupa
Picture of Boudha Stupa
Picture of Boudha Stupa
Picture of Kathmandu
Picture of Kathmandu
Picture of Potala Palace
Caption: LHASA, TIBET THE FORBIDDEN CITY
Picture of Potala Palace
Caption: Lhasa is a city steeped in history. Until the 1950’s it was almost impossible for foreigners to get inside its walls to witness and experience its cultural and religious happenings. In 1950 it was invaded by China which ultimately led to Tibet’s religious and political leader, the Dalai Lama being forced into exile. Despite that, and the ensuring Chinese communist rule which arguably could be accused of attempted genocide, the people remain extremely religious and dedicated to their exiled leader and Buddhism.
I witnessed bullet holes in the monasteries where peaceful monks were murdered in their thousands. The beauty of the surrounding mountains, the peaceful people and the beautiful culture of this place is counterbalanced by the realities of the brutalities that continue to occur here. It is extremely hard not to be profoundly affected in this place.
Picture of Potala Palace
Picture of Norbulingka
Picture of Norbulingka
Picture of Sera Monastery
Picture of Sera Monastery
Caption: The debating monks of the Sera Monastery are famous for their seemingly aggressive form of debating which happens six days a week around 3pm in the afternoon.
One monk, the questioner, stands while the answerer or group of answerers, sit. When questioning, the standing monk will slap his palms together and stomp, actions that have spiritual meaning, such as activating wisdom, and are actually not meant to be aggressive.
The questions being asked and answered are deep, philosophical questions related to the Buddha Dharma. It is a fascinating spectacle and unlike anything I have seen anywhere in the world.
Picture of Jokhang Temple
Picture of Anitsangkung Nunnery
Picture of Anitsangkung Nunnery
Picture of Anitsangkung Nunnery
Picture of Drepung Monastery
Picture of Drepung Monastery
Caption: ON THE ROAD 4WD ADVENTURING ACROSS TIBET
Picture of Drepung Monastery
Caption: We left Lhasa to spend 5 bumpy days in a Toyota Landcruiser on roads that I’d often actually not describe as roads at all but instead a collection of rocks positioned into the shape of a road. It was tough going but we visited some incredible places along the way and witnessed some of the best views I’ve ever seen.
From high mountain passes, to crossing rivers, blue skies to snow, monasteries to late night drinking in local bars we experienced it all!
Picture of Gyantse
Picture of Baiju Temple
Picture of Baiju Temple
Picture of Baiju Temple
Picture of Baiju Temple
Picture of Baiju Temple
Caption: THE HIMALAYAS 15 DAYS TREKKING TO EVEREST
Picture of Baiju Temple
Caption: We had no idea what we were in for physically but this was the best 14 nights and 15 days I’ve spent in nature in my life. The scale of the Himalayas is beyond intimidating. You just have to give into the reality that it is all about simply taking one step after another.
Trekking 8-15 miles a day at that altitude and in that terrain is a challenge in itself but of course you also have to manage the predictable lack of sleep, limited food options and the unpredictable like how hard it is to sleep with 13 yaks around you wearing bells or racing through the mountains to save a friends life who has cerebral edema.
It’s all for real up there, there’s no one coming to save you if you can’t get yourself out of trouble.
Picture of Baiju Temple
Picture of Baiju Temple
Picture of Baiju Temple
Picture of Baiju Temple
Picture of Baiju Temple
Picture of Baiju Temple
Picture of Baiju Temple
Picture of Baiju Temple
Picture of Baiju Temple
Picture of Baiju Temple
Caption: THE ROOF OF THE WORLD MT EVEREST
Picture of Mount Everest
Caption: She is the mother of all mountains. No matter how much time you spend with her, you never feel any bigger. Her ability to silently and effortlessly remind you of how small you really are is unchallenged. That ability to humble is her superpower,and for that she demands your undying respect.
Picture of Rongbuk Monastery
Picture of Mount Everest
Caption: "IT IS NOT THE MOUNTAIN WE CONQUER, BUT OURSELVES." -EDMUND HILLARY
Picture of Mount Everest
Picture of Mount Everest
Caption: #travel #nature #adventure #Tibet #Nepal #stellerstories #travelphotography #outdoors #kathmandu #Himalayas #photography #goexplore #wanderlust #roadtrip #mountains This was not only a journey through Tibet, but a journey into myself that changed the course of my life. That is why it is most definitely at the top of #myfavoritetrips list.
Thank you for letting me share it with you.
Please visit www.ryanintheus.com for more travel stories and thoughts.
