Our guides had a brilliant plan for today. A nice, leisurely walk on the grasslands, high (and far) above Xiahe town. However, the weather turned sour. Not only that it was very cold, it started to snow. Instead of walking and a nice sunset, our plans were changed. So… look around a small village of Baishiya, which has also one small monastery. Village is located below a larger mountain and bears its name – white cliff.

When we arrive to the village, the prospects of seeing anything were slim. It snowed quite hard and monastery is not always open. However, something was happening in the village and locals were all heading towards the monastery. Our timing was perfect – there was a ceremony and our guides to the permission to attend it. We were the only foreigners, there was even not a single Chinese 😉 And that is why we were a complete attraction and it wasn’t difficult to communicate (we didn’t speak any common language) with locals.

After around 20-25 minutes of waiting at freezing temperatures, the monks finally come out of the monastery where they have been praying. They carry several offerings which they plan to burn in the nearby field. With the sound of Tibetan instruments the procession moves to the nearby field – again, horns, drums are playing, monks are chanting and praying. The ceremony ends with the burning of the offerings and fireworks. Crowds quickly disperse, even yaks run away when the fireworks start.

But I have to admit… this was a really humble and enchanting experience. Far far away from civilizations.