When we arrived at the Tashilhunpo monastery we were disappointed to find it closed because the Penchan Lama was making his annual visit. Much to our surprise we were able to attend the show right on stage level. We sat on the opposite side of the stage from the lineup of monks shown here.
The Stage
To get to our seats we had to walk across the stage. We were a bit apprehensive about walking across in front of all the monks and the crowd. We finally did so but only after much reassurance from our guide that was ok!
Penchan Lama
The Penchan Lama was up on the balcony watching the religious dancing that was being performed for the occasion of his visit. This is the Penchan Lama chosen by the Chinese government. The one chose by Tibetan religious leaders is under house arrest in Beijing. The Penchan Lama is second only to the Dali Lama in the Tibetan power
hierarchy. Controling him is desireable to the Chinese since he chooses the next Dali Lama after the current one dies.
Dancing Rhythm
The huge horns and drums create the music and rhythm for the religious dancing.
Religious Dancing
Religious Dancing
Striking a Pose
This dancer looked right at me for this picture when he completed his dance.
Tashilhunpo Monastery
This huge monastery complex backs up the mountain on the edge of Shigatse. Unfortunately most of the monastery was closed due to the religious dancing for the Penchan Lama..
Ornate Door
Dangerous Game
These two boys were playing a dangerous game of swinging things around. The one in the background is now swinging a shovel!
Confrontation at the Market
This delivery man
stirred up a hornets nest when the top of his load clipped the overhang of a market stall. The woman who owned the stall argues with him and eventually starts hitting him! The entertainment only lasted a couple of minutes.
City Market & Combat Shopping!
Be careful about what you touch or express interest in. Paul, one my fellow travelers, found out first hand when he expressed interest in a knife with a nice bone handle. They wanted an outrageous 700 Yuan. He offered 200 which the woman wouldn’t take. He stuck to his price and then realized we were about to leave. When I got to the edge of the market I realized Paul wasn’t following. He had been detained (grabbed) by the stall owner and two other women! They wouldn’t let him get away until he bought the knife. He eventually did for 200 Yuan. Unfortunately my brother and I were too busy laughing at the scene to get a picture.
Market Goods
Suggested Tibet Travel Guides
(Order Through Amazon Books - Click on the book name)
As with most Lonely Planet guides, this Tibet edition are invaluable resources for planning your journey. They offer you the most up-to-date information about where to go and where to aviod, how to get there and get around, where to stay at a reasonable rate. The guides provide everything you'll need to know for a rewarding visit.
Mapping the Tibetan World
The strength of this guide is the comprehensive maps it has covering most of Tibet. It also gives summary information about each locale.
Fromers China
A comprehensive guide for China as a whole. It includes a section on Tibet.
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