Nepal and Tibet

Before we arrive in Nyalam, we visit Milarepa Cave and temple. Milarepa is the most famous mystic and composer of Tibet. He lived during the late 11th century. In his early adult life, he became involved in a family feud. In a fight, which broke out, he killed his uncle and he spent all his life repenting for this sin. He lived, totally isolated, in a cave right here in the mountains of Tibet, much of the time in meditation. As we get out of the vehicle, I can see that to reach this cave and temple, quite a lot of steps are involved. I have seen enough temples, I decide and a cave is a cave. The view from the top is spectacular so, I, along with some of the others, decide just to sit on the low wall and drink in the view. We have noticed that for some kilometres, there is some wild vegetation in this region, unlike the rest of Tibet. We have actually traversed the mountains and are now closer to the southern side, which comes under the influence of more rain bearing winds so this is why we are now beginning to see a change of scenery.

From where I am sitting, I can look down on a beautiful valley, a patchwork quilt of green and yellow. Directly down below is a quaint, whitewashed village, neatly set out. Growing just near me are a profusion of wild, white roses. It does not get much prettier. The hikers finally return and we set off again.