and then

It wasn't until mid-2009 that I seriously put some thought into planning this trip to Tibet.  I just wasn't sure how it could be done as I didn't really know anyone who had been there recently.  I have a couple of friends who were lucky enough to visit in the 1980's when the doors to Tibet flew open and you could travel unassisted and on your own if you wanted to.  One friend cycled around southern parts of Tibet and camped out at night time.  There's no way that could be done now.  These days to travel in Tibet you must go in a group with a guide.

As the Saga Dawa Festival is held on the full moon of the fourth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar, the festival date varies from year to year.  I began my research by tracking down the date the festival was being held in 2010, once that was determined I started researching travel companies specialising in trips to Mt  Kailash.  I eventually found a good one who not only take smaller groups but they are also firmly committed to responsible travel principles and environmental sustainability.  I liked the idea of a company who employ local people as guides, porters, cooks and group leaders and ensure a good working wage and conditions.  With that, I took the plunge and booked my trip and I had nine months to prepare.

Where it all began

I had been telling myself privately for years that I would never visit Tibet given the political situation there. That was it, a closed argument and it didn't seem like the situation in Tibet was going to change any time soon. Then one night about four years ago I happened upon a documentary showing on ABC1 which was all about the annual festival of Saga Dawa at Mt Kailash, western Tibet. The stunning imagery of vast sweeping plains, huge mountains and the incredible festival itself which culminates in the raising of a massive prayer-flag pole just captivated me. I made an immediate decision there and then that I had to go to the world's holiest mountain at Saga Dawa, the festival that commemorates the Buddha's birth, death and enlightenment. My last overseas trip had been in October 2001, not long after that fateful day in September; my sister and I were going to Pune in India to study Iyengar Yoga at the source, Mr Iyengar's school. Many friends and family were nervous about us going at such a tense time in world politics but we were determined. We ended up having an amazing, safe two months of yoga immersion, but that was my last time overseas and it was very much a time of intense focus upon yoga, I was now ready for something new, something to perhaps enhance my practice of yoga.  It would be four years later before I made it to Tibet.

Karmapa 900 in Delhi

Friday December 23 to Sunday December 25th an online webcast of the Karmapa 900 event will be shown, don't miss it.  https://www.facebook.com/#!/karmapa

Mt Kailash, north face

Tashidelek

This blog is all about Tibet and my time spent there.  Its just new so content is thin at the moment.  More to come soon.