"This monastery, built between 763 and 775, was one of the oldest in Tibet. The main temple in the centre, that was said to be dedicated to Chenrezig, had three storeys each in a different style. This part of the building was in the process of being restored and so difficult to appreciate fully. Round this temple ran a two storey building forming an outer wall; on the inside rooms for the monks lead off a balcony on the first floor. Below, a line of prayer wheels ran all round the building. By the time we had got our accommodation sorted out it was midday and very hot. After a short walk round I was glad to sit in the shade of a tree and paint the picture above. Even though, at one point, I must have had most of the local population watching me. 
 
In the evening, after it had cooled down a little, I had a good walk round. The town which had a high wall on two sides, also had a number of other interesting buildings, but I was unable to find out what they were. Close to the centre there were two poorly stocked and most basic shops, and one very dirty cafe. The cafe was so full of flies, that though I was feeling hungry, I was glad to get out and make do with some tinned food I had brought with me. Next morning after another walk round, I reluctantly joined the others to return to Lhasa by the same way we had come." - MH