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Name: Mirjam Letsch
Home country: The Netherlands

For Mirjam, travelling is a constant source of inspiration. Ethnic portraits is one of her favourite specialisations and she firmly holds the belief that knowing the people she wishes to portray on a more or less intimate basis, is an invaluable prerequisite for the personal photography she wishes to present. More of her work can be seen on her website: www.mirjamletsch.com


PHOTO LOCATION: Ganden Monastery, Wangbur Mountain, Tibet

Ganden Monastery

 
ABOUT THE LOCATION
Ganden Monastery is one of the ‘great three’ monasteries of Tibet. Founded by Tsongkhapa in 1409 and situated 4500 metres high on Wangbur Mountain in Tagtse County, it is a day-trip (47 km) from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. After the Chinese invasion, the monastery was largely destroyed. The three main sights of Ganden Monastery are the Serdung, with the golden tomb of Tsongkhapa, the Tsokchen Assembly Hall and the Ngam Cho Khang Chapel where Tsongkhapa taught his students. An absolute must is walking the Ganden kora, the pilgrimage route with breathtaking views over the Lhasa River Valley. The friendly Tibetan pilgrims on the way, the colourful payer flags and small shrines with yak butter offerings are but a few photogenic scenes that make this location a true 'beauty'.
TIPS FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHER

What to photograph: The stunning views from Wangbur Mountain, the Tibetan pilgrims, the colourful prayer flags and the Buddhist monks at the Ganden Monastery are but a few of the highlights.
When to photograph: The light early and later in the day produces side-lighting, emphasizing the shape of the surrounding mountains. Daytime is also good, especially focussing on people and shrines.
Photography tips: Try to ask permission when photographing people and remember that a kora is an important and private ritual during which sky burial sites are worshipped and the dead remembered. Don't impose yourself.
 

Ganden Kora Pilgrimage Route

  FACTS & INFO

Resting on Wangbur Mountain

 
Where it is: The Ganden Monastery is 47 kilometres east of Lhasa, the capital of Tibet and can be visited on a day-trip.
How to get there: There are (mini) buses from Lhasa that take about 2 and a half hours to reach Ganden. They leave for the return journey at about 2 p.m. With a small group, hiring a car may be a good option.
Accommodation: There is very basic accommodation at the Ganden Monastery as well as a small restaurant. Most travellers will prefer staying in Lhasa, however, with many hotels and guesthouses.
What to take/
Other info:		 Be aware that both Lhasa at an altitude of 3600 metres and Ganden Monastery at 4500 metres may cause altitude sickness. Take your time in Lhasa to adjust before visiting Ganden.

 
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