You can find Tibetan religion and culture outside Tibet… From Lanzhou I took a bus (3,5 hours, 76 yuans one way) to the remote town of Xiahe.
The route itself is very picturesque and the road not so bad since recently they built freeway going partly in this direction…
From the bus station in Xiahe I was walking half an hour up the main street to get to the Labrang Tibetan Monastery. In fact it is a separated town with the maze of the narrow streets, temples and walls. 3 kms long wall with prayer wheels encompasses the monk’s town. You will see many of them in their red clothes not only here, but also in Xiahe. Information is poor…
It is worth to start from climbingto the top terrace of the pagoda to have orientation view (20 yuan entry fee) or to climb the hill opposite the pagoda. Most of the temples are located under the north slope – only few are open during the day. If you need in depth study you have to pay for the guided tour in the kiosk on the main square. But even solo walk around with entering the courtyards will be unforgettable. It is the doorstep of Tibet and one of the biggest Tibetan monasteries… I had tiring but lovely day…
