The Sun and Wind in Golok

Pilgrims at the Tashi Monastery

Sun (neema in Tibetan) blasts into the day as we wake to a reckless blue sky and a wind that hums. Snow capped peaks shimmer on the horizon and wind whips smoke and sand into mini-tornadoes.

All of Mother Nature’s elements are on display today in a show of force, and Michael and I both feel this bodes well for the journey. The city of Maqen (3700 metres) scatters for cover from winds that rip down the main street daring any to test it. Eyes burn from the suns rays and all of the goodies that the wind picks up and throws.

Wind horse flags (long da) billow at 3700 metres

Much of expeditions or indeed any travel, involves waiting. Waiting for weather, for the right guides, for the correct directions…in this case we are waiting for word of our team, one member in particular, who can add a rare perspective on our journey.

One of my great desires is finally confirmed beyond a doubt today as we are greeted with the welcome news that one of the last of the Salt Road traders will in fact travel with us as our unofficial guide. Up until now this has been a slight question mark because of his health and age, but his desire has and is strong to accompany us. In his seventies, he and he alone, it seems, knows the ancient Salt Road portion that passes through the nomadic lands and that which we seek to travel. There is only one condition to him joining us and that is that he has a horse to ride during the journey. In his almost apologetic words, “my body, though once strong, is no longer capable of walking the route”. We are delighted as much of the younger generation has no idea of the Tsalam (Salt Road), and sadly seem to care less, and with him we are sure to get tidbits, tales and that crucial must, an innate knowledge gained from actually travelling the route.

Pilgrims turn a giant prayer wheel at the Tashi Temple

Today I am also issued another warning about wolves. “They are out in great numbers in recent years, and they are far smarter than you”, a local tells me directly. I’ve no doubt about his information, as years back in this region I was to witness a site that remains in my memory bank still. Trekking through a remote portion near Golok, a friend and I watched a pack numbering almost two-dozen strong, rip into a flock of sheep with an efficient ferocity that was riveting. The act that unfolded was both brutal and impressive in both strategy and execution.

Michael and I are urged in the bright rays of the sun this morning to visit the local monastery, which sits as a tribute to another traveler: a monk who traipsed all over the Tibetan Plateau by foot with little more than a bag of tsampa (ground barley), some butter and a bit of tea (which of course set him high in my books).

We are told that to begin our journey through these stoic and staggering landscapes we should visit and appease the local deities and pay a gentle homage to the lands and beliefs that we now find ourselves. I’ve long felt that these little gestures set something in the mind at peace, a kind of genuflection of respect to local forces, however secular or otherworldly they might be.

Pilgrims within the Monastery

The monastery is more a series of small monasteries sitting at the north end of town, stupas, and flat-topped homes. All of this surrounds a huge mound of dirt hectares in size, which still now, is only now rediscovering life after a brutal winter. Prayer flags (loong da) cover the entire northwest face, flapping and billowing in winds that gain strength the higher we ascend.

Pilgrim's Path

Small pods of local Tibetan women slowly circumambulate the monastery and giant flag covered hill and we follow. Their pleated braids of hair run a metre down their backs. Features reveal a life living in concert and struggle with the earth’s forces. Their faith is something that requires a very physical effort. Their holy places must be ascended to, their bodies must find strength to visit and appease these places and spirits and all the while Mother Nature’s spectacular offerings are on display. Prayers and mantras are murmured in the full brunt of the winds and sun. Whether they are heard or not doesn’t seem the point, it is the fact that they are uttered at all which matters to the faithful.

Pilgrims making their daily rounds

Michael and I follow slowly, trudging along the reddish earth path. Our words, when spoken are ripped from our mouths by the wind. This isn’t a place for anything verbally obtuse. It is a place to move, to feel, to listen and sometimes it is a place to feel awe.View south

For traders along the ancient trade routes monasteries throughout the Himalayas provided sanctuary as well as (in locals minds at least) a modicum of protection on the long journeys. Before and after journeys, the lados (muleteers) of the caravans would visit to pray for safety and thanks.

We arrive back to a meal and that slightly pleasant feeling that the sun leaves on fresh skin.

Michael beside prayer wheels

Our dinner is composed of goat soup with spinach, noodles and enough garlic to lay any bacteria low. Vegetables will be scarce if at all in the coming days.