Climbing to the Roof of the World

More video from the Asia Study Abroad Trip. Some of the group decided to climb a mountain while we were in Tibet. Our first hike began at Sera Monastery. After watching the monks debating, we began the three hour trek up the mountain behind the monastery. All went well except our encounter halfway up the mountain with a ferocious dog that looked similar to a small black bear and our lack of adequate water reserves. I couldn't tell you the number of times we exclaimed the view to be the most beautiful we had seen in our lives. We came across a small building on the side of the mountain that monks retreat to for periods of two weeks or more to study meditation. Once we made it to the top of the mountain we could see endless Himalayan mountains paired with a spectacular view of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. The Potala Palace towered over the city in all its glory. On the way back down we came across the owners of the black bear of a dog, a father and his son. They were both happy to see us as they greeted us with big smiles. As mentioned before we didn't bring enough water with us so by now we were parched. The locals at the foot of the mountain were quick to offer us water from their pumps but we had to respectively decline as our stomachs surely would not approve.

The other mountain we conquered was in Shigatse, the second city of Tibet. Our Tibetan guide, Tenzing, led a group of us on switch-backs up the side of the mountain. Although he was incredibly fleet footed, cruising along with very little effort, he stayed at the back of our group to ensure nobody slipped too far back. I was not as patient and went ahead of the group on a quicker pace. Much to my delight I came across a Tibetan shepherd towards the top of the mountain who was grazing his herd on the slopes below. We smiled at each other and nodded as our only form of communication. After looking over his flock together, I motioned with my camera to make sure it was okay to snap one. He agreed and very somberly posed for a picture. Afterwards we sat together at the top of the mountain sharing a small snack. I gave him crackers and in return received some bread. We shared a moment there alone, at the top of the world, that I will remember forever. After a very peaceful 15 minutes, I motioned to him that I was going to the top of the mountain. He smiled, nodded, and waved goodbye, turning to tend to his flock. After hiking for another 10 minutes, I turned and looked back. I watched in amusement as the shepherd withdrew a slingshot from his pocket and very accurately flung stones towards the perimeter of his flock. By doing so he effectively maintained control of where the sheep grazed. After making it to the top of mountain, I rested and waited for the half of the group the decided to make it to the top. Here Chris McCrory marked his presence with a rock pile and then we headed back down. We had done it, we had climbed to the roof of the world.