Travelin Tibet - an Afterword
Still Going in Circles
A lot has changed since my journey to Tibet in the late 1980's. Within a few weeks of my departure riots against Chinese control broke out in Lhasa and a number of unarmed Tibetans were killed in the Barkhor area. The Chinese responded by banning tourism for several years. When it was resumed there were a number of new rules specifically aimed at preventing low budget travel and contact with the Tibetan people. The overland route from Kathmandu now is reserved for tour groups only.
Back pack travelers see such things as a challenge and many do still visit Tibet, although hitchhiking from Kathmandu, as I did, would be difficult.
Chinese intrusion continues. Lhasa is fast becoming a Chinese city, even the Barkhor market is fading. A train line from China to Lhasa is under construction, which would likely end any real Tibetan presence in the city.
Away from the roads life goes on pretty much as it always has, but there are more and more roads.
The Panchen Lama died a few years after my visit, he has been reincarnated. Marpa, Milirepa's teacher, is back - I got to see him as a 5 year old kid, roaring around on his tricycle and peeking in on the women in the bathroom.
The big news recently has been the escape of the Karmupa, the third highest lama, and spiritual descendant of Milirepa. This young man is now seen by many as the Dali Lama's successor, and a good choice that may be.
Please feel welcome to have a look at our selection of Tibetan and Nepalese Jewelry and a few other items. There are two stores to choose from:
AccentNepal
is hosted by Ebay Stores and has a larger selection aimed at both the retail and wholesale markets.
Click Here for AccentNepal
JewelryTibet
is more directed to the wholesale market, but it is open to everyone.
Click here for JewelryTibet
Nylam
Milirepa
Shigatse
Panchen-Lama
Gyantze
Lhasa
Kala Pai!