The most impressive stupa of Tibet
On the Tibetan city of Gyantse some capricious god one day due to launch a curse. His two great treasures, a monastery and a fortress (dzong), were destroyed without mercy. At first he died from the Cultural Revolution and the strong, British invasion 1904. But as the gods crowded but not drown, at least it is one of the most impressive stupas (funerary monuments) Tibet and stunning views of the valley of the Nyang-chu.
We struggled to get to Gyantse (3.950 meters) nearly seven hours, an average of less than estimable 40 km / h. The town welcomes us with a station full of tractors waiting to fill their fuel tanks (or the service station is the promotion or the day established by the Chinese government for the refueling of the guild). Gyantse is a mile long avenue with more car lanes flanked by rows of shops paths cut by the same pattern. Distributes a large roundabout with a nonexistent traffic lights that nobody respects, because pedestrians cross it with total disregard. Here there is little to do but dwell on the pale reflection of its lost splendor.
But Gyantse until the fifteenth century was an important trading center on the route to India. Still, here are made more precious carpets (and also the most expensive) Tibet. A tip if you are interested in buying a: the craftsmanship of the large Tibetan community in Kathmandu has nothing to envy the factory Gyantse and the price is more affordable.
Distributes a large roundabout with a nonexistent traffic lights that nobody respects, because pedestrians cross it with total disregard. Here there is little to do but dwell on the pale reflection of its lost splendor.
We are housed in the hotel Wutse (spacious and clean bathrooms, but old and rusty). From this, Accommodation future we will cherish for days the luxury of a toilet.
The benefits of the Cultural Revolution
Without even opening the luggage, we went to visit what remains of Chode Monastery Pelkor, in the northern part of the city (best approached by car). In the old 18 monasteries of the city-convent built in the fifteenth century, now only two survive (China's Cultural Revolution, as noted, was disastrous for the spiritual center of Tibet and this was no exception). Miraculously, the kumbum (stupa or memorial) survived for the pride of Gyantse and wonder of visitors. Its six floors and 77 chapels rise 35 meters above the ground by spreading his mystical Tibetan clear skyin. The sanctuary had to be restored where possible to amend the excesses of Beijing, it now charges for photographing ten yuan each chapel. In the last floor, the eyes of Buddha watch ubiquitous, from each of its four sides, and broad valley of the Nyang-chu.
The afternoon languishing in Gyantse between dust storms that herald the arrival of monsoon. Ready to break Llover. We dined at the restaurant Yak (recurrent Tibetan name for any business worth its salt). Chicken with mushrooms is tin and pizza, simply, allowed to eat. We are the only guests. In Gyantse are few tourists. As soon as we have come across a dozen on the streets of the city. Before bed must meet the daily ritual of aspirin to put it difficult to altitude sickness. It is colder than in Lhasa the wind shakes your doorstep, having the latch hole too wide, and that constant beating of doors and the occasional barking of dogs entertains the insomniac. Tomorrow we visit the dzong.
Comments (1)
Accidental Tourist
| #
I love this blog. I have not been to Tibet, but it makes me want to travel for these wonderful landscapes. As an enthusiast of the mountain is a pleasure to read. I look forward to your next post.
Answer