Jeep trip to Nepal Day Three

Trip Start Jun 11, 2005
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Trip End Dec 22, 2005


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Friday, September 2, 2005

We visited Sakya monastery after breakfast but it was extremely dingy and run down. The chapels were dark and dusty with one being especially spooky with dead decaying animals, including 2 large wolf like dogs and an eagle, being hung above the entrance. Needless to say Maggi couldn't face going in, but inside it was equally gruesome with large scary statues covered by skulls - a surprising side of Tibetan buddhism to see.

We then set off along even worse roads to our next stop Shekar. Passam took us south to avoid delays on the Friendship Highway caused by landslides. The scenery was even more stunning as we crossed massive valleys past big sand dunes and over high passes. 4 wheel drive landcruisers were born to drive in this country (rather than on the school run in leafy suburbia) and we splashed through rivers and skidded through the mud and desert.
Beautiful plateau scenery
Beautiful plateau scenery
We finally arrived in Shekar to find a one street town were we struggled to find anyway decent to stay. The best hotel was extremely over prices so we settled for a very basic room and enjoyed a great sichuan chinese meal before our customary cards and Lhasa beer.

We also played a few games of pool outside on sloping delapidated tables in front of crowds of fascinated children. We managed to redeem British honour in beating the Canadian/Italian combo.

The Tibetan people are very friendly but so dirty - allegedly only taking baths twice in their lifetimes (weddings and funerals) as it is so cold. There is certainly a lack of shower facilities in the hotels and we were beginning to blend in nicely to the environment!!
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