Lowe

The group came alive in a big way today. Not that this group is anything but wired, but our first alpine start of the trip was invigorating for all. A brisk walk at dawn to a wonderful vantage point 2000 feet above Nyalam from which we could see the snowy giants surrounding Shishapangma got the entire team worked into a lathered frenzy.

The afternoon was spent in the decidedly more tranquil surroundings of the Milrepa Monastery, taking in the ancient calm of this pastoral place. Tashi, the proprietor of our hotel gave us an elucidating tour and arranged a puja ceremony to be performed the day after tomorrow by the head monk. This ceremony is typically performed at Base Camp if a Lama is part of the Sherpa staff, but as we are lacking a Lama we have gleaned the blessings and good fortune incurred through the prayers recited by the ebullient monk who posed with us for a team photo on the steps of this ancient bastion of Buddhism.

I think the entire group felt a strong sense of where we are - Tibet - a harsh land harboring a benevolent culture, a proud, self-reliant and patient population, perched on the roof of the world. Absolutely magic.

— Alex Lowe, MountainZone.com Correspondent

EXPEDITION DISPATCHES