May 12, 2009 - Sakya

A four hour drive southeast from Shigatse, accessed down a dirt road through a farming valley, saw us arrive at the small town of Sakya. ... There are only about 2000 people in and around this town and after walking its limits in about an hour, discovered it really doesn't have anything to offer! Although one distinctive characteristic of Sakya is that unlike the standard whitewashing of buildings that you see elsewhere in Tibet, Sakya's buildings are ash grey with white and red vertical stripes. ... And of course, the draw here is not one, but two monasteries! The hillside northern monastery is mostly reduced to picturesque ruin but the heavy, brooding fortress-like Sakya Monastery is still standing strong. ...

Oct 29, 2006 - Shigatse

The following morning after arriving in Shigatse, we walked over to the Tashilhunpo monastery, founded in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama.The following morning after arriving in Shigatse, we walked over to the Tashilhunpo monastery, founded in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama....

May 26, 2006 - Shekar - one horse town and ongoing sulking

After a further 270km drive (including multiple breakdowns) over a precarious ledge in the dark, Helen and Danny arrived in Shekar, about which there is nothing to comment other than this place had the most revolting toilets (which considering some of the bogs already seen on this trip is quite a statement) on earth (or so the couple thought before getting to the Rongbuk Monestry).After a further 270km drive (including multiple breakdowns) over a precarious ledge in the dark, Helen and Danny arrived in Shekar, about which there is nothing to comment other than this place had the most revolting toilets (which considering some of the bogs already seen on this trip is quite a statement) on earth (or so the couple thought before getting to the Rongbuk Monestry)....

Sep 26, 2005 - Shiagtse and Gyantse

Weather - cold and sunny, apart from torrentially night - had to abandon tent for the truck (my tent was pitched in the middle of a river.Weather - cold and sunny, apart from torrentially night - had to abandon tent for the truck (my tent was pitched in the middle of a river....

Aug 9, 2005 - Sakya

Last Monastery of the trip and I couldn't say that I was sad about that, there are only so many religious institutions I can take.Last Monastery of the trip and I couldn't say that I was sad about that, there are only so many religious institutions I can take....

Jun 17, 2005 - Shigatse - Sakye - Lhatse

After enjoying what would be our last hot shower for several days, we grab breakfast and head to a carpet factory.After enjoying what would be our last hot shower for several days, we grab breakfast and head to a carpet factory....

Nov 6, 2004 - High plains drifter

No more headaches, but I slept very badly, presumably because of the altitude. And then after lunch to Sakya, at 4,280 metres, another 1,000 feet up, to more than 14,000. ... With a brief stop to take photos and dodge beggars at this sign that marks 5,000 kms from Beijing, though I have easily travelleed twice that.No more headaches, but I slept very badly, presumably because of the altitude. And then after lunch to Sakya, at 4,280 metres, another 1,000 feet up, to more than 14,000. ... With a brief stop to take photos and dodge beggars at this sign that marks 5,000 kms from Beijing, though I have easily travelleed twice that....